bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Legitimacy Crises and the Resources of Global Governance Institutions: A Surprisingly Weak Relationship?
Authors: Bes Bart Joachim , Sommerer Thomas , Agné Hans
Published: June 2019

While scholars commonly assume that Global Governance Institutions (GGIs) need legitimacy to perform effectively, there are few systematic empirical studies assessing the consequences of legitimacy (or the lack thereof) for the functioning of GGIs. Inspired by the new institutionalism in organization theory, which predicts that more legitimate organizations will get more resources than illegitimate ones, we look into how legitimacy affects the resourcing of GGIs. We assess how crises of legitimacy affect the staff and financial resources of 21 GGIs from 1985 to 2015. Multivariate statistical analysis suggests that the effects of legitimacy crises on GGI resourcefulness are interesting but surprisingly weak, often GGI specific, and dependent on time and the source of the challenge. Specifically, we find that elite criticisms of GGIs lead to deep resource cuts in the short and medium term, while the effect of mass protests takes longer. The paper concludes by setting an agenda for further theorizing and empirical testing of the consequences of legitimacy in global governance.
Standard errors of two‐level scalability coefficients
Authors: Koopman Letty , Zijlstra Bonne J. H. , van der Ark L. Andries
Published: June 2019

For the construction of tests and questionnaires that require multiple raters (e.g., a child behaviour checklist completed by both parents) a novel ordinal scaling technique is currently being further developed, called two‐level Mokken scale analysis. The technique uses within‐rater and between‐rater coefficients to assess the scalability of the test. These coefficients are generalizations of Mokken's scalability coefficients. In this paper we derived standard errors for the two‐level coefficients and for their ratios. The coefficients, the estimates, the estimated standard errors and the software implementation are discussed and illustrated using a real‐data example, and a small‐scale simulation study demonstrates the accuracy of the estimates.
The chloride anion as a signalling effector
Authors: Valdivieso Ángel G. , Santa‐Coloma Tomás A.
Published: June 2019

The specific role of the chloride anion (Cl−) as a signalling effector or second messenger has been increasingly recognized in recent years. It could represent a key factor in the regulation of cellular homeostasis. Changes in intracellular Cl− concentration affect diverse cellular functions such as gene and protein expression and activities, post‐translational modifications of proteins, cellular volume, cell cycle, cell proliferation and differentiation, membrane potential, reactive oxygen species levels, and intracellular/extracellular pH. Cl− also modulates functions in different organelles, including endosomes, phagosomes, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. A better knowledge of Cl− signalling could help in understanding the molecular and metabolic changes seen in pathologies with altered Cl− transport or under physiological conditions. Here we review relevant evidence supporting the role of Cl− as a signalling effector.
The Effect of Teacher–Child Race/Ethnicity Matching and Classroom Diversity on Children's Socioemotional and Academic Skills
Authors: Rasheed Damira S. , Brown Joshua L. , Doyle Sebrina L. , Jennings Patricia A.
Published: June 2019

Mounting evidence suggests teacher–child race/ethnicity matching and classroom diversity benefit Black and Latinx children's academic and socioemotional development. However, less is known about whether the effects of teacher–child matching differ across levels of classroom diversity. This study examined effects of matching on teacher‐reported child outcomes in a racially/ethnically diverse sample of teachers and children, and classroom diversity moderation using multilevel models. Data were drawn from a professional learning study involving 224 teachers (Mage = 41.5) and 5,200 children (Mage = 7.7) in 36 New York City elementary schools. Teacher–child race/ethnicity matching was associated with higher child engagement in learning, motivation, social skills, and fewer absences. Classroom diversity moderated matching such that teacher–child mismatch was related to lower engagement, motivation, social skills, math and reading scores in low‐diversity classrooms, but not in high‐diversity classrooms. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.
Advances in the gene therapy of monogenic blood cell diseases
Authors: Bueren Juan A. , Quintana‐Bustamante Oscar , Almarza Elena , Navarro Susana , Río Paula , Segovia José C. , Guenechea Guillermo
Published: June 2019

Hematopoietic gene therapy has markedly progressed during the last 15 years both in terms of safety and efficacy. While a number of serious adverse events (SAE) were initially generated as a consequence of genotoxic insertions of gamma‐retroviral vectors in the cell genome, no SAEs and excellent outcomes have been reported in patients infused with autologous hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) transduced with self‐inactivated lentiviral and gammaretroviral vectors. Advances in the field of HSC gene therapy have extended the number of monogenic diseases that can be treated with these approaches. Nowadays, evidence of clinical efficacy has been shown not only in primary immunodeficiencies, but also in other hematopoietic diseases, including beta‐thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. In addition to the rapid progression of non‐targeted gene therapies in the clinic, new approaches based on gene editing have been developed thanks to the discovery of designed nucleases and improved non‐integrative vectors, which have markedly increased the efficacy and specificity of gene targeting to levels compatible with its clinical application. Based on advances achieved in the field of gene therapy, it can be envisaged that these therapies will soon be part of the therapeutic approaches used to treat life‐threatening diseases of the hematopoietic system.
The effect of supportive care in preventing peri‐implant diseases and implant loss: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Cho‐Ying , Chen Zhaozhao , Pan Whei‐Lin , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: June 2019

Objective

To evaluate the influence of supportive treatment (SPT) during a maintenance period after implant placement on implant survival rate (SR) and incidence of peri‐implant diseases.

Material and methods

A systemic literature search for studies published up to June 2018 was conducted by two independent reviewers using Pubmed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central databases. Clinical controlled trials (CCT) involved in SPT protocol with more than 1‐year follow‐up were included. Quantitative meta‐analyses were carried out to analyze the risk ratio (RR) of SR, the incidence of peri‐implantitis, and peri‐implant mucositis between SPT and non‐SPT groups. Any potential confounding factors were investigated using meta‐regression.

Results

Nine CCTs fulfilled the criteria. To evaluate the influence of SPT on SR, peri‐implantitis, and peri‐implant mucositis, six of nine, three of nine, and three of nine articles were included in further meta‐analysis, respectively. SPT group significantly showed higher SR (RR: 1.10; p < 0.001), lower prevalence of peri‐implantitis (RR: 0.25; p < 0.001) and peri‐implant mucositis (RR: 0.57; p < 0.001) than the non‐SPT group. Meta‐regression of the selected studies failed to find an association between SR, peri‐implantitis, and peri‐implant mucositis and confounding factors: application of chemical agents and the frequency of SPT.

Conclusion

SPT can potentially improve peri‐implant health in terms of SR, peri‐implantitis, and peri‐implant mucositis. Additionally, the correlation in recall interval and adjunctive use of chemical agents during SPT to peri‐implant diseases and implant loss could not be found.
Cytopathological spectrum of peripheral neuroblastic tumours in fine needle aspiration cytology and categorisation as per International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification
Authors: Koshy Abin , Jain Richa , Srinivasan Radhika , Bhatia Prateek , Kakkar Nandita , Rajwanshi Arvind , Gupta Nalini , Dey Pranab , Trehan Amita , Bansal Deepak
Published: June 2019

Objective

The aim of this analysis was to describe the cytopathology spectrum of peripheral neuroblastic tumours (NTs) including neuroblastoma (NB), ganglioneuroblastoma (GNB) and ganglioneuroma (GN). Feasibility of applying the International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification (INPC) to further subtype NTs in cytology was evaluated.

Methods

All peripheral NTs reported on fine needle aspiration during 2011‐2015 were retrieved and detailed cytomorphological evaluation was performed. Based on INPC criteria, NBs were further categorised as undifferentiated, poorly differentiated and differentiating subtypes. Mitotic‐karyorrhectic index was evaluated. Immunocytochemistry on cell blocks was reviewed wherever available. MYCN amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridisation was performed in 11 cases on smears.

Results

A total of 90 cases including 83 NBs, six GNB and one GN were evaluated. The age range was 12 days‐12 years, with 55 males and 45 females. Both the primary and metastatic locations were aspirated. Applying the INPC criteria, there were 61 poorly differentiated, 14 undifferentiated, eight differentiating NB and six GNB. Immunocytochemistry on cell blocks showed positivity for at least two neuronal markers in NB. Mitotic‐karyorrhectic index was high in 63, low in 22 and intermediate in two cases, respectively. MYCN amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridisation was feasible on smears and was amplified in 6 out of 11 cases tested.

Conclusion

Peripheral NT types including NB, GNB and GN have distinctive cytomorphology. NBs can be further subtyped as undifferentiated, poorly differentiated and differentiating subtypes as per INPC criteria.
Women's experiences across disasters: a study of two towns in Texas, United States
Authors: Villarreal Melissa , Meyer Michelle A.
Published: June 2019

Gender, although gaining attention, remains under‐researched in disaster risk reduction protocols and response and recovery efforts. This study examines women's experiences of two disasters in small towns in the United States, utilising qualitative interviews with residents of Granbury and West, Texas, during the first year of disaster recovery. Granbury was struck by an EF‐4 tornado on 15 May 2013, whereas an explosion occurred at a local fertiliser facility in West on 17 April 2013. The paper explores how women's experiences of inter‐gender power dynamics in decision‐making, the prioritisation of childcare, and women's participation in the community affect their post‐disaster recovery. Previous research highlights different forms of human response and recovery vis‐à‐vis ‘natural’ and technological disasters, with less attention paid to gender differences. The results point to the persistent, and similar, effect of gender stratification on women's experiences across different types of disasters in the US and the continued importance of gender‐sensitive disaster policies and programmes.
The Arctic/Swedish APP mutation alters the impact of chronic stress on cognition in mice
Authors: Cortese Aurelio , Delgado‐Morales Raul , Almeida Osborne F. X. , Romberg Carola
Published: June 2019

Chronic stress is a major risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and promotes the processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) to β‐amyloid (Aβ). However, the precise relationship of stress and disease‐typical cognitive decline is presently not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate how early life stress may affect cognition in adult mice with and without soluble Aβ pathology typical for the early stages of the disease. We focussed on sustained attention and response control, aspects of cognition mediated by the prefrontal cortex that are consistently impaired both in early AD and after chronic stress exposure. Young wild‐type mice as well as transgenic arcAβ mice overexpressing the hAPParc/swe transgene were exposed to a chronic unpredictable stress paradigm (age 3–8 weeks). At 15 weeks, these mice were tested on the 5‐choice serial reaction time task, a test of sustained attention and executive control. We found that, expectedly, chronic stress increased impulsive choices and impaired sustained attention in wild‐type mice. However, the same treatment reduced impulsivity and did not interfere with sustained attention in arcAβ mice. These findings suggest an unexpected interaction between chronic stress and Aβ whereby Aβ‐pathology caused by the hAPParc/swe mutation prevented and/or reversed stress‐induced cognitive changes through mechanisms that deserve further investigation. They also indicate that Aβ, in modest amounts, may have a beneficial role for cognitive stability, for example by protecting neural networks from the impact of further physiological or behavioural stress.
Surgical treatment of a mandibular ameloblastic carcinoma with metastases to the mandibular lymph nodes in a pony
Authors: Derham A. M. , Kushnir A. , Hoey S. , Jahns H. , Hollis A. R. , Kearney C. M.
Published: June 2019

A 4‐year‐old Connemara filly was presented with a rapidly growing oral mass on the right rostrolateral mandible and a right mandibular lymphadenopathy. Radiographs of the rostral mandible revealed a lytic, infiltrative mass consistent with soft tissue and mineralised material, and displacement of tooth 403. A biopsy showed characteristic histopathological features of an ameloblastic carcinoma. Subsequent FNA of the right abnormally firm and enlarged mandibular lymph node confirmed the metastatic spread. Computed tomography of the head was performed for surgical planning, including sentinel lymph node mapping to rule out other lymph node involvement. An aggressive lesion, consistent with soft tissue of the rostral right mandible was identified with intralesional contrast injection showing drainage of contrast within the right mandibular lymph nodes (Sentinel node). Based on the infiltrative and destructive nature reported in ameloblastic carcinoma in humans, a rostral mandibulectomy was performed, along with complete mandibular lymphadenectomy. The horse recovered uneventfully from surgery. In the early post‐operative period marked lymphoedema of the ventral mandibular region was observed, which resolved 4–5 days post‐operatively. Optimal cosmesis was maintained post‐operatively, and no recurrence has been observed to date – 12 months post‐surgery.
An stochastic multiattribute acceptability analysis‐based method for the multiattribute project portfolio selection problem with rank‐level information
Authors: Song Shiling , Ang Sheng , Yang Feng , Xia Qiong
Published: June 2019

In many cases of practical multiattribute project portfolio selection problems, it is hard to obtain accurate measurements of attributes and precise preference information. Even after a long and costly information gathering, the attribute measurements and the preference information can still be uncertain or inaccurate. Considerable cost saving will be obtained if the selection of an optimal project portfolio can be done using rank‐level information based on some or all the attributes, without knowing the preference information. In this paper, we propose a stochastic multiattribute acceptability analysis‐based method that can deal with mixed rank and cardinal attribute measurements and uses little or no weight information. In the proposed stochastic multiattribute acceptability analysis‐based method, the decision makers need not to express their preferences explicitly or implicitly, so it is particularly useful when no weight information is available at all. A numerical example involving selection of photovoltaic plants in an industrial province in Eastern China is provided to demonstrate the proposed method.
Transverse fatigue behaviour and residual stress analyses of double sided FSW aluminium alloy joints
Authors: Salvati Enrico , Everaerts Joris , Kageyama Koji , Korsunsky Alexander M.
Published: June 2019

Friction stir welding (FSW) since its invention has been attracting relevant interest for joining aluminium alloys. Due to the nature of this process, the materials can be joint without melting. Thanks to this peculiar characteristic, the issues associated with the cooling from liquid phase are avoided or considerably reduced, such as cracking, porosity, and defects.

However, as well as other well‐established welding techniques, the FSW process gives rise to formation of residual stress in the welding region and surrounding volume: heat and thermo‐mechanical affected zones. Presence of residual stress in a mechanical component is well‐known to affect its performance, particularly regarding fatigue at high number of cycles. Another aspect that influences the fatigue life is the underlying microstructure.

In this work, we firstly study the residual stress field and the underlying microstructural features arising in FSW butt joints and their effect on the fatigue performance of this type of weldments. The evaluation of residual stress field is carried out by means of modern experimental techniques. In the first instance, synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction was employed for two‐dimensional full field maps of residual stress. Corroboration of these measurements was done by exploiting the capability of focused ion beam and digital image correlation (FIB‐DIC), which is able to deliver pointwise absolute measurement of residual stress. A set of FSW samples were then tested under uniaxial fatigue loading at several loading ranges, in the high cycle fatigue regime, in order to understand whether the severity of loads affects the crack path and life endurance. Fractographic and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis then revealed crack nucleation site and propagation mechanisms with the respect of the underlying microstructure. Outcome of these experimental studies is then thoroughly discussed.
Global community breaks at 60 m on mesophotic coral reefs
Authors: Lesser Michael P. , Slattery Marc , Laverick Jack H. , Macartney Keir J. , Bridge Tom C.
Published: June 2019

Aim

Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) are unique communities that support a high proportion of depth‐endemic species distinct from shallow‐water coral reefs. However, there is currently little consensus on the boundaries between shallow and mesophotic coral reefs and between upper versus lower MCEs because studies of these communities are often site specific. Here, we examine the ecological evidence for community breaks, defined here as species loss, in fish and benthic taxa between shallow reefs and MCEs globally.

Location

Global MCEs.

Time period

1973–2017.

Major taxa studied

Macrophytes, Porifera, Scleractinia, Hydrozoa, Octocorallia, Antipatharia and teleost fishes.

Methods

We used random‐effects models and breakpoint analyses on presence/absence data to identify regions of higher than expected species loss along a depth gradient of 1–69 m, based on a meta‐analysis of 26 studies spanning diverse photoautotrophic and heterotrophic taxa. We then investigated the extent to which points of high faunal turnover can be explained by environmental factors, including light, temperature and nutrient availability.

Results

We found evidence for a community break, indicated by a significant loss of shallow‐water taxa, at ~ 60 m across several taxonomically and functionally diverse benthic groups and geographical regions. The breakpoint in benthic composition is best explained by decreasing light, which is correlated with the optical depths between 10 and 1% of surface irradiance. A concurrent shift in the availability of nutrients, both dissolved and particulate organic matter, and a shift from photoautotroph to heterotroph‐dominated assemblages also occurs at ~ 60 m depth.

Main conclusions

We found evidence for global community breaks across multiple benthic taxa at ~ 60 m depth, indicative of distinct community transitions between shallow and mesophotic coral ecosystems. Changes in the underwater light environment and the availability of trophic resources along the depth gradient are the most parsimonious explanations for the observed patterns.
Modified basic and specific (BASP) classification for pattern hair loss
Authors: Kim Beom Jun , Choi Jaewoong , Choe Sung Jay , Lee Solam , Lee Won‐Soo
Published: June 2019

Background

In 2007, Lee et al. introduced a basic and specific (BASP) classification for pattern hair loss that was comprehensive and applicable regardless of race or gender. However, this BASP classification has several limitations. Frontal type hair loss classification is relatively crude, and a specific hair loss pattern cannot be ascertained when hair loss is associated with the temporal and occipital areas.

Methods

In our modified BASP classification, frontal type classification was subdivided into five instead of three grades. Basic type classification remained the same as in the previous method. In addition, information regarding the involvement of the temporal or occipital scalp was recorded. Accuracy and ease of use were evaluated and compared with the existing BASP classification in 138 patients with pattern hair loss.

Results

Temporal or occipital involvement was observed in 14 patients, accounting for 11.1% of subjects. Final type accuracy was 82.5% in the existing BASP classification and 71.4% in the modified classification. Ease of use for two practitioners was 70.2 and 72.1% for the existing BASP classification, and 48.9 and 52.2% for the modified method.

Conclusion

We expect that the modified BASP classification will overcome the limitations of the existing BASP classification. We believe this modified classification will be a valuable tool for pattern hair loss classification because of its classification of previously unclassified types.
Relationships of maternal body mass index and plasma biomarkers with childhood body mass index and adiposity at 6 years: The Children of SCOPE study
Authors: Dalrymple Kathryn V. , Thompson John M.D. , Begum Shahina , Godfrey Keith M. , Poston Lucilla , Seed Paul T. , McCowan Lesley M.E. , Wall Clare , Shelling Andrew , North Robyn , Cutfield Wayne S. , Mitchell Edwin A. ,   on behalf of the SCOPE Consortium
Published: June 2019

Background

Maternal obesity has been implicated in the origins of childhood obesity through a suboptimal environment in‐utero.

Objective

We examined relationships of maternal early pregnancy body mass index (BMI), overweight/obesity, and plasma biomarkers of obesity, inflammation, insulin resistance, and placental function with measures of childhood BMI and adiposity.

Methods

BMIz‐score, sum of skinfold thicknesses (SST), body fat percentage (BFP, by bioelectrical impedance), and waist, arm, and hip circumferences were measured in 1173 6‐year‐old children of nulliparous pregnant women in the Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints (SCOPE) study, New Zealand. Relationships of maternal early pregnancy (15 weeks' gestation) BMI and biomarkers with these childhood anthropometric measures were assessed by linear regression, with appropriate adjustment.

Results

28.1% of mothers were classified as overweight and 10.1% with obesity; compared with normal weight mothers, the BFP of their children were 5.3% higher (0.16 SD [95% CI, 0.04‐0.29]p = .01) and 7.8% higher (0.27 [0.08‐0.47]p = .006) with comparable values for BMI z‐score and arm, waist, and hip circumferences. Early pregnancy maternal BMI and plasma placental growth factor (PlGF) were associated with higher child's SST, BMI z‐score, hip circumference, and BFP. None of the metabolic or inflammatory maternal biomarkers were associated with childhood obesity.

Conclusion

In this contemporary large prospective cohort study with extensive maternal/childhood phenotyping and a high prevalence of maternal overweight/obesity, we found independent relationships of maternal early pregnancy BMI with childhood BMI and adiposity; similar associations were observed with PlGF, which may imply a role for placenta function in the developmental programming of childhood obesity risk.
Morphology and Phylogenetic Position of Two New Gregarine Species (Apicomplexa: Eugregarinorida) Parasitizing the Lubber Grasshopper Taeniopoda centurio (Drury, 1770) (Insecta: Orthoptera: Romaleidae) in Mexico
Authors: Medina‐Durán Jorge Humberto , Mayén‐Estrada Rosaura , Mariño‐Pérez Ricardo , Song Hojun
Published: June 2019

Eugregarines are understudied apicomplexan parasites of invertebrates inhabiting marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments. Most currently known terrestrial eugregarines have been described parasitizing the gut from less than 1% of total insect diversity, with a high likelihood that the remaining insect species are infected. Eugregarine diversity in orthopterans (grasshoppers, locusts, katydids, and crickets) is still little known. We carried out a survey of the eugregarines parasitizing the Mexican lubber grasshopper, Taeniopoda centurio, an endemic species to the northwest of Mexico. We described two new eugregarine species from the gut of the host: Amoebogregarina taeniopoda n. sp. and Quadruspinospora mexicana n. sp. Both species are morphologically dissimilar in their life‐cycle stages. Our SSU rDNA phylogenetic analysis showed that both species are phylogenetically distant to each other, even though they parasitize the same host. Amoebogregarina taeniopoda n. sp. clustered within the clade Gregarinoidea, being closely related to Amoebogregarina nigra from the grasshopper Melanoplus differentialis. Quadruspinospora mexicana n. sp. clustered within the clade Actinocephaloidea and grouped with Prismatospora evansi, a parasite from dragonfly naiads. Amoebogregarina taeniopoda n. sp. and Q. mexicana n. sp. represent the first record of eugregarines found to infect a species of the family Romaleidae.
Lunar influences in the diet habits and selectivity of larval clingfish Gobiesox marmoratus
Authors: De Los Ríos‐Méndez Juanita , Kanamori Gabriela A. , Landaeta Mauricio F.
Published: June 2019

The influence of the lunar cycle on the feeding habits, feeding success and selectivity was tested in situ on larval stages of the clingfish Gobiesox marmoratus (Gobiesocidae). Gobiesox marmoratus larvae and their prey were collected in the water column during the lunar cycle in austral spring 2015 and 2016, in shallow waters (<30 m depth) of El Quisco, central Chile. Feeding incidence was high (80–100%) throughout the moon cycle. The diet was composed of 32 prey items, being gastropod larvae and invertebrate eggs the most important. Prey composition varied among lunar phases with the lowest prey richness during new moon. During 2016, G. marmoratus larvae ingested the lowest number, but the largest prey during new moon. In spring 2015, there were no significant changes in the abundance of each prey taxon in the water column among moon phases, but in spring 2016 there were significant differences in the abundance of cypris and copepod nauplii, particularly between full and new moon. Feeding selectivity index showed that gastropod larvae were positively selected throughout the lunar cycle during spring 2015. In spring 2016, invertebrate eggs were selectively ingested in full moon and third quarter, but at a new moon G. marmoratus larvae selected gastropod larvae. Mean temperature of the water column and its vertical gradient and nocturnal cloud cover influences the feeding success of larval G. marmoratus. Lunar illumination favoured only an increase of richness of prey items. Therefore, nocturnal cloud cover precludes a greater influence of lunar illumination in the larval trophic ecology of this crypto‐benthic fish.
Disaster cosmologies in comparative perspective: Islam, climate change and the 2010 floods in Pakistan's Southern Punjab
Authors: Ahmad Ali Nobil
Published: June 2019

As humanity enters a new era of climate‐induced unpredictability, research into the role of religion in shaping perceptions of, and responses to disaster will become increasingly important. This is particularly true of South Asia, which contains dense populations certain to be adversely affected by climate change. This contribution explores the way religion shapes and mediates responses to disaster in Pakistan. Where previous work in this field has focused on extremists and militants, mine considers currents of lived Islam that take explicit stances on questions of natural resource development. Drawing upon extensive primary data, I identify two distinct disaster cosmologies permeating state and society. First, I consider the official Islam of experts and policymakers, whose approach to development is derived from, but arguably surpasses the modernism of British and American colonial and Cold War paradigms in its dogmatic, faith‐based belief in the imperative of mastering and exploiting nature. The second is an altogether contrasting formation embedded in a political protest movement representing a marginalized constituency, the Siraiki speaking population of Southern Punjab, which mobilized flood affectees in the aftermath of the 2010 floods around issues of social and environmental justice.
Helping‐Hand Corruption, Bribery Contests and Private‐Side Caused Persistent Corruption
Authors: Meng Xiangyi , Zhong Hai
Published: June 2019

This paper describes contests in which private agents bribe local government officials to give them a ‘helping hand’ through government policy. The model is similar to a rent‐seeking contest but bribes are transfers of income to government officials. The officials differ in ethics regarding their willingness to accept bribes. If the ethics of officials are known, the officials lose income from bribes because of their honesty. Other corrupt officials gain from the presence of honest officials. We show that bribery contests could generate long‐run equilibria where corruption is persistent. There are multiple long‐run equilibria and the specific one where the economy converges depends on the initial level of corruption. Furthermore, the equilibria that exist in the model can be Pareto ranked from the perspective of the bribers: the equilibrium without corruption is always Pareto efficient. We also show that for the government services/goods with the same value, a larger number of applicants leads to a higher equilibrium level of corruption.
The cost of improving nutritional outcomes through food‐assisted maternal and child health and nutrition programmes in Burundi and Guatemala
Authors: Heckert Jessica , Leroy Jef L. , Olney Deanna K. , Richter Susan , Iruhiriye Elyse , Ruel Marie T.
Published: June 2019

Evidence on the cost‐effectiveness of multisectoral maternal and child health and nutrition programmes is scarce. We conducted a prospective costing study of two food‐assisted maternal and child health and nutrition programmes targeted to pregnant women and children during the first 1,000 days (pregnancy to 2 years). Each was paired with a cluster‐randomized controlled trial to evaluate impact and compare the optimal quantity and composition of food rations (Guatemala, five treatment arms) and their optimal timing and duration (Burundi, three treatment arms). We calculated the total and per beneficiary cost, conducted cost consequence analyses, and estimated the cost savings from extending the programme for 2 years. In Guatemala, the programme model with the lowest cost per percentage point reduction in stunting provided the full‐size family ration with an individual ration of corn–soy blend or micronutrient powder. Reducing family ration size lowered costs but failed to reduce stunting. In Burundi, providing food assistance for the full 1,000 days led to the lowest cost per percentage point reduction in stunting. Reducing the duration of ration eligibility reduced per beneficiary costs but was less effective. A 2‐year extension could have saved 11% per beneficiary in Guatemala and 18% in Burundi. We found that investments in multisectoral nutrition programmes do not scale linearly. Programmes providing smaller rations or rations for shorter durations, although less expensive per beneficiary, may not provide the necessary dose to improve (biological) outcomes. Lastly, delivering effective programmes for longer periods can generate cost savings by dispersing start‐up costs and lengthening peak operating capacity.
Increased risk of hematoma with uninterrupted warfarin in patients undergoing implantation of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator
Authors: Evenson Christopher , Saour Basil , Afzal Muhammad R. , Knight Bradley , Okabe Toshimasa , Weiss Raul
Published: June 2019

Background

The perioperative management of anticoagulation with the use of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD) implantation is still evolving.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess whether it is safe to perform S‐ICD implantation with uninterrupted warfarin.

Methods

This is a multi‐center retrospective review of patients undergoing S‐ICD implantation between October 1, 2012 and June 30, 2017. Forty‐eight patients underwent successful S‐ICD implantation during the study period. The most common indication for implantation was primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. In 23 (47.9%) patients, warfarin was continued without any interruption. In 25 (52.1%) patients, warfarin was interrupted prior to implantation. The incidence of clinically significant lateral pocket hematoma was compared in the two groups.

Results

The mean international normalized ratio was 2.0 ± 0.4 in the uninterrupted group and 1.4 ± 0.4 for the interrupted group. A total of seven patients developed a hematoma at the lateral pocket. No patient developed a hematoma at the parasternal pockets. Six patients in the uninterrupted group (26.1%) and one patient in the interrupted group (0.04%) developed a significant lateral pocket hematoma (P = .04). The concomitant use of dual antiplatelet therapy did not increase the risk of hematoma. There was no significant difference between HASBLED and CHA2DS2VASc scores between the groups. None of the patients with a hematoma developed infection or required hematoma evacuation.

Conclusions

The uninterrupted use of warfarin in the perioperative period of S‐ICD implantation is associated with an increased risk of lateral pocket hematoma.
Setting the Regulatory Agenda: Statutory Deadlines, Delay, and Responsiveness
Authors: Bertelli Anthony M. , Doherty Kathleen M.
Published: June 2019

Congress imposes statutory deadlines in an attempt to influence agency regulatory agendas, but agencies regularly fail to meet them. What explains agency responsiveness to statutory deadlines? Taking a transaction cost politics approach, the authors develop a theory of responsiveness to deadlines centered on political feasibility to explain how agency managers map rulemaking onto calendar and political time. This theory is tested on all unique rules with statutory deadlines published in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions between 1995 and 2012. The argument and findings about the timing and ultimate promulgation of rules have implications that reorient the study of the regulatory agenda from legal and political into more managerial terms.
Early life exposure to coal mine fire smoke emissions and altered lung function in young children
Authors: Shao Jingyi , Zosky Graeme R. , Hall Graham L. , Wheeler Amanda J. , Dharmage Shyamali , Melody Shannon , Dalton Marita , Foong Rachel E. , O'Sullivan Tierney , Williamson Grant J. , Chappell Katherine , Abramson Michael J. , Johnston Fay H.
Published: June 2019

Background and objective

Long‐term respiratory risks following exposure to relatively short periods of poor air quality early in life are unknown. We aimed to evaluate the association between exposure to a 6‐week episode of air pollution from a coal mine fire in children aged <2 years, and their lung function 3 years after the fire.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study. Individual exposure to 24‐h average and peak concentrations of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) during the fire were estimated using dispersion and chemical transport modelling. Lung function was measured using the forced oscillation technique (FOT), generating standardized Z‐scores for resistance and reactance at a frequency of 5 Hz (Rrs5 and Xrs5), and area under the reactance curve (AX). We used linear regression models to assess the associations between PM2.5 exposure and lung function, adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

Of the 203 infants originally recruited, 84 aged 4.3 ± 0.5 years completed FOT testing. Median (interquartile range, IQR) for average and peak PM2.5 were 7.9 (6.8–16.8) and 103.4 (60.6–150.7) μg/m3, respectively. The mean ± SD Z‐scores for Rrs5, Xrs5 and AX were 0.56 ± 0.80, –0.76 ± 0.88 and 0.72 ± 0.92, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders including maternal smoking during pregnancy, a 10 μg/m3 increase in average PM2.5 was significantly associated with worsening AX (β‐coefficient: 0.260; 95% CI: 0.019, 0.502), while the association between a 100‐μg/m3 increase in peak PM2.5 and AX was borderline (0.166; 95% CI: −0.002, 0.334).

Conclusion

Infant exposure to coal mine fire emissions could be associated with long‐term impairment of lung reactance.
E‐cigarettes for smoking cessation: Current state of play
Authors: McDonald Christine F.
Published: June 2019

See related Commentary
Beyond the big five as predictors of dispositions toward ridicule and being laughed at: The HEXACO model and the dark triad
Authors: Torres‐Marín Jorge , Proyer René T. , López‐Benítez Raúl , Brauer Kay , Carretero‐Dios Hugo
Published: June 2019

We aimed to extend research on dispositions toward ridicule and being laughed at by testing the localization of the fear of (gelotophobia) and the joy in (gelotophilia) being laughed at, and the joy in laughing at others (katagelasticism) in the HEXACO model and the Dark Triad traits (both have not been examined so far). Study 1 (HEXACO model: N = 216) showed that gelotophobia was related to low extraversion, high emotionality, and low honesty‐humility; gelotophilia to high extraversion and high openness to experience; and katagelasticism to low agreeableness and low honesty‐humility. These results were similar to prior findings based on the Five‐Factor model, and supported the notion that the honesty‐humility trait contributes to the prediction of individual differences in gelotophobia and katagelasticism. Study 2 (Dark Triad: N = 204) showed that gelotophobia was related to high Machiavellianism and low narcissism; gelotophilia to high narcissism; and katagelasticism to high psychopathy and high Machiavellianism. These data helped to clarify our findings on the honesty‐humility trait, showing that gelotophobes and katagelasticists differ in their socially aversive characteristics. Overall, this research provides empirical evidence that dark (but subclinical) traits can be seen as relevant personality predictors of how people deal with laughter and ridicule.
How Does a Portfolio Manager Balance the Relationship Between Money Management and Investment?
Authors: Deng Liurui , Yang Lan , Ma Bolin
Published: June 2019

A portfolio manager can obtain profits from charging management fees to individual investors for helping them to invest. Moreover, as an insider, the portfolio manager can obtain proportional brokerage charges on the return on investment by investing the individual investors’ money that he manages. How does the manager balance money management and investment to maximize his total profits? This is the problem that we study in this article. We model the relationship between money management fees and the amount invested. In addition, we investigate how to determine money management fees and the amount of investment needed to maximize the manager’s total profits, including from management fees and brokerage charges.
Millennials’ Reading Predicaments: How Are They Treated?
Authors: Larioque Ronaldo R.
Published: June 2019

The deteriorating performance of Filipino students in the national and international English proficiency tests for the last decades has become a major challenge to Philippine education. One major cause attributed to this problem was the students’ poor reading comprehension that even at tertiary level they cannot read effectively and understand fully the reading materials assigned to them. Millennials being depicted as interested in games and social networking apps more than reading, as entirely digitally focused call much attention to educators and policy makers to explore on such issues and upgrade reading as the groundwork for all study skills and avenue for good study habits.A total of 699 freshman students who belonged to general education courses were randomly taken as sample. A qualitative-quantitative research design was utilized in the study that involved reading comprehension test, survey questionnaire on the reading problems and difficulties met by students and teachers and crosschecking interviews with school administrators and program heads regarding the other factors in reading comprehension.The great majority of the respondents’ reading comprehension was found at the instructional level in literal taxonomy while the others’ were categorically described at frustration level in interpretive and applied taxonomies. They were considered limited users according to the IELTS Band Score. Drawn upon interviews with college reading teachers and a combination of individual and focused-group discussion, this study shed light on the significant influence of reading instruction, classroom-based interventions and students’ participation in reading instruction.
Joining General Relativity to Particles Physics through Complex Numbers and Autism
Authors: Cassella Antonio
Published: June 2019

Autistics and the plane of complex numbers suggest that if the accelerating expansion of our universe and the anti-universe succeeded a coasting expansion 8.8 billion years after the Big Bang, an accelerating contraction will start in 3.8 billion years. Mirroring the expansion phase, a coasting contraction of the two universes in cosmic space will come up in 12.6 billion years. The end of the fourth section of 8.8 billion years will host two Big Crunches, two White Holes, and a new Big Bounce. The reason for that paradox solves the “cosmological constant problem” and joins general relativity to particle physics. The z-plane and autism can also help us cross science with the arts and religion; retain the search for truth, beauty, and goodness by our descendants; and reach the message of progress buried in the Ark of the Covenant, the Great Pyramid, and Giza’s Sphinx: A selfish brain hides a selfless heart.
Multifaceted Otherness as a Source of Empowerment
Authors: Sharaby Rachel
Published: June 2019

This article examines the unique story of Miriam Bat Avraham. Born at the beginning of the 20th century, a period in which women were excluded from the pages of historiography, she left a rare treasury of documents describing her life, showing how she coped with her multifaceted “otherness” in a cooperative community. She was an orphan entering a community based on family networks, a Yemenite, ethnically and culturally different from a closed society of immigrants from Russia, and a woman in an organization characterized by conservative gender perspectives and exclusion of women from the public sphere.Qualitative content analysis of her archive, cross-referenced with official documents and other testimonies, shows that through acquiring education and knowledge, considered in feminist literature as change agents, Miriam succeeded in turning the community vegetable garden into a central economic branch and broke through ethnic and gender boundaries.
A Multidimensional and Multiscale Model for Pressure Analysis in a Reservoir-Pipe-Valve System
Authors: Zheng Feng Jie , Zong Chao Yong , Dempster William , Qu Fu Zheng , Song Xue Guan
Published: June 2019

Reservoir-pipe-valve (RPV) systems are widely used in many industrial processes. The pressure in an RPV system plays an important role in the safe operation of the system, especially during the sudden operations such as rapid valve opening or closing. To investigate the pressure response, with particular interest in the pressure fluctuations in an RPV system, a multidimensional and multiscale model combining the method of characteristics (MOC) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method is proposed. In the model, the reservoir is modeled as a zero-dimensional virtual point, the pipe is modeled as a one-dimensional system using the MOC, and the valve is modeled using a three-dimensional CFD model. An interface model is used to connect the multidimensional and multiscale model. Based on the model, a transient simulation of the turbulent flow in an RPV system is conducted in which not only the pressure fluctuation in the pipe but also the detailed pressure distribution in the valve is obtained. The results show that the proposed model is in good agreement when compared with a high fidelity CFD model used to represent both large-scale and small-scale spaces. As expected, the proposed model is significantly more computationally efficient than the CFD model. This demonstrates the feasibility of analyzing complex RPV systems within an affordable computational time.
Characteristics of Acoustic Resonance Excitation by Flow Around Inline Cylinders
Authors: Shaaban Mahmoud , Mohany Atef
Published: June 2019

Excitation of acoustic resonance by flow over tube bundles in heat exchangers can cause hazardous levels of acoustic pressure that may pose operational and environmental risks. The previous studies have indicated that inline arrangements of cylinders excite acoustic resonance of a nature different from that of a single cylinder. In this work, the excitation of acoustic resonance by cross-flow around inline arrangements of cylinders is experimentally investigated to identify the role of critical parameters on resonance characteristics. Results show that flow around inline tube bundles can excite acoustic resonance due to periodic flow oscillations over the cavity formed between successive cylinders rather than periodic wake phenomena. Based on precoincidence resonance characteristics, a criterion is introduced to predict the occurrence of acoustic resonance in inline arrangements of cylinders. The proposed parametric criterion does not only identify the potential for resonance excitation for inline arrangements of cylinders experimentally investigated in this work but it also provides a method to separate resonant from nonresonant cases for inline tube bundle data from the literature.
Development of a Thermal Autofrettage Setup to Generate Compressive Residual Stresses on the Surfaces of a Cylinder
Authors: Shufen Rajkumar , Mahanta Nilkamal , Dixit Uday S.
Published: June 2019

Recently, a heat treatment technique has been proposed to induce compressive residual stresses at the vicinity of the outer wall of a thermally autofrettaged cylinder. In the proposed technique, the outer wall of a thermally autofrettaged vessel is heated above the lower critical temperature while temperature of the inner wall is kept below it. The cylinder is then quenched, which induces compressive residual stresses both at the inner and outer walls. This article presents the construction and working of an experimental setup to carry out the proposed heat treatment coupled thermal autofrettage process. Experiments are carried out on AH36 mild steel cylinders to assess the presence of the compressive residual stresses. Measurement of microhardness and opening angle of cut in a thermally autofrettaged AH36 steel cylinder provided the evidence for compressive residual stresses at the outer wall of the cylinder. A finite element method (FEM) technique was used to predict the opening angle of cut. Predicted opening angle was fairly close to experimental observation.