bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying Deep Learning to Specific Learning Disorder Screening
Authors: Mor Nuriel S. , Dardeck Kathryn L.
Published: September 2020

Early detection is key for treating those diagnosed with specific learning disorder, which includes problems with spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity and organization of written expression. Intervening early can prevent potential negative consequences from this disorder. Deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) perform better than human beings in many visual tasks such as making a medical diagnosis from visual data. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of a deep CNN to detect students with a diagnosis of specific learning disorder from their handwriting. The MobileNetV2 deep CNN architecture was used by applying transfer learning. The model was trained using a data set of 497 images of handwriting samples from students with a diagnosis of specific learning disorder, as well as those without this diagnosis. The detection of a specific learning disorder yielded on the validation set a mean area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.89. This is a novel attempt to detect students with the diagnosis of specific learning disorder using deep learning. Such a system as was built for this study, may potentially provide fast initial screening of students who may meet the criteria for a diagnosis of specific learning disorder.

We wish to thank teaching assistant Karin Volovik for her assistance in gathering and processing data for this study.
Chlorido(4′-chloro-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine-κ3
N,N′,N′′)(trifluoromethanesulfonato-κO)zinc(II) acetonitrile monosolvate
Authors: Adrian Rafael A. , Arman Hadi D.
Published: September 2020

In the title complex, [Zn(CF3O3S)Cl(C15H10ClN3)]·CH3CN, the zinc(II) core is fivefold coordinated by one chloride, one trifluoromethanesulfonate O atom and three terpyridine N atoms in a slightly distorted square-pyramidal geometry. The structure provides a distinct example amongst other zinc(II) 4-chloroterpyridine complexes because of the unusual planarity of the coordinated chloride, the short length of the Zn—N bond opposite to the chloride ligand [1.9572 (15) Å], and the presence of an elongated Zn—O bond [2.3911 (14) Å] in the coordinated trifluoromethanesulfonate ion. A molecule of acetonitrile is also found in the asymmetric unit of the title complex.
Exploring urban facilities management approaches to increase connectivity in smart cities
Authors: Lindkvist Carmel , Temeljotov Salaj Alenka , Collins Dave , Bjørberg Svein , Haugen Tore Brandstveit
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how the discipline facilities management (FM) can be developed in a smart city perspective through considering the current and new FM services under the role of Urban FM, as well as governance structures that limit and enable it.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is primarily theoretical by examining current literature around the ideas of Urban FM and Smart Cities linking them to observations in one city aiming to be a Smart City. This specific paper focusses on maintenance management, workspace management and energy management services in a Smart City perspective.

Findings

The results outline how Urban FM can fill the gaps that are apparent in city planning through connectivity to communities and neighbourhoods using the Smart City not only approaches of optimising data but also considers prominent governance structures of FM, Urban FM, City Planning and Smart Cities. The study addresses the limitations of what can be done when cities are not organisations, which make identifying the “core business” obscure and intangible but attempts to overcome this limitation by considering social value in communities and wider linkages to the city environment.

Research limitations/implications

The paper sets out the potential of Urban FM in Smart Cities, but the findings are limited to primarily theoretical research and need further empirical examination.

Practical implications

The results indicate how facilities management can improve services in cities through the digitalisation of cities and the role of Urban FM. The study will be useful for municipalities in examining how to improve facilities, particularly in cities that aspire to be a Smart City and it is also important for policymakers in considering governance structures to meet sustainable development goals.

Originality/value

The study positions the discipline of facilities management in Smart Cities which has the potential to improve facilities in cities and the development of Urban FM.
Organised crime in Western Balkans Six at the onset of coronavirus
Authors: Djordjević Saša , Dobovšek Bojan
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the consequences of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) into crime-fighting and present new criminal landscapes in the Western Balkans Six (WB6) (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia) at the beginning of the pandemic crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds on the content analysis of legal acts, strategic documents, academic articles, media reporting, official documents, four semi-structured interviews with civil society organisations, two consultations with police officers and two consultations with civil society organisations.

Findings

In the first nine weeks of the spread of COVID-19, the WB6 experienced a small rise in the price of marijuana. The same applied to stimulant drugs like ecstasy and amphetamines. However, very little heroin was available. Prices of protective face masks, disinfectants and medicinal alcohol skyrocketed due to attempts at price gouging. There were cases of scams using mobile and digital technologies, as well as burglaries of newspaper or cigarette kiosks, shops, pharmacies and exchange offices. It was difficult to determine whether the smuggling of and trafficking in human beings experienced a decline or increase. No cases of sexual exploitation for providing online services were noted, although the number of calls made to organisations that assist in the area of human trafficking increased. People with drug and alcohol problems, persons living with HIV, those susceptible to stress, citizens with mental health problems, pensioners, the poor, the homeless and recently released prisoners were the biggest potential victims of crime at the onset of the crisis brought by the pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings are limited to specific forms of crime (illicit drug trade, economic crime, fraud, scams, theft, smuggling of and trafficking in human beings) in the WB6 and based on findings from four interviews and four consultations, together with available secondary data.

Originality/value

This is the first overview of criminal activities occurring in the WB6 during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
Analysing impulse purchasing in cross-border electronic commerce
Authors: Zhu Wenlong , Yan Ruzhen , Ding Zhihui
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of product information on impulse purchases in a cross-border electronic commerce (CBEC) setting from the perspective of cue stimulation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a research model of impulse purchases in CBEC based on the cue utilization theory and Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model. The research model was tested using covariance-based structural equation modelling. Data were collected from the consumers of a popular CBEC platform in China.

Findings

A high-quality product description has a significant positive effect on concentration but not on curiosity and autotelic experience. A high-quality product display has a significant positive effect on concentration, curiosity and autotelic experience. High-quality product content has a significant positive effect on curiosity and autotelic experience but not on concentration. Curiosity and autotelic experience both have a significant positive effect on impulse purchases; however, concentration has no such effect on an impulse purchase. Curiosity and autotelic experience have a full mediation effect between product display and impulse purchases and between product content and impulse purchases, respectively.

Originality/value

This study integrates the S-O-R model and cue utilization theory to construct a theoretical model of product information-flow experience-impulse purchases. According to the model, we can understand how product information influences consumers' impulse purchases in CBEC.
“The gift that starts a home”: marketing of the hope chest in the USA
Authors: Neilson Leighann , Barkel Erin
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present a history of the marketing of hope chests in the USA, focusing in particular on one very successful sales promotion, the Lane Company’s Girl Graduate Plan. The Girl Graduate Plan is placed within its historical context to better understand the socioeconomic forces that contributed to its success for a considerable period but ultimately led to decreased demand for the product.

Design/methodology/approach

The history of the marketing of hope or marriage chests draws upon primary sources located in the Lane Company Collection at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. Secondary sources and images of advertising culled from Google image searches provided additional insight into the operation of the company’s Girl Graduate Plan.

Findings

While the Lane Company benefitted in the form of increased sales, profit and brand awareness and loyalty from prevailing socio-economic trends, which supported the success of its Girl Graduate Plan, including targeting the youth market, this promotion ultimately fell victim to the company’s failure to stay abreast of social changes related to the role of women in society.

Research limitations/implications

Like all historical research, this research is dependent upon the historical sources that are accessible. The authors combined documents available from the Virginia Historical Society archives with online searches, but other data sources may well exist.

Practical implications

This history investigates how one manufacturer, a leader in the North American industry, collaborated with furniture dealers to promote their products to young women who were about to become the primary decision makers for the purchase of home furnishings. As such, it provides an historical example of the power of successful collaboration with channel partners. It also provides an example of innovation within an already crowded market.

Social implications

The hope chest as an object of material culture can be found in many cultures worldwide. It has variously represented a woman’s coming of age, the love relationship between a couple and a family’s social status. It has also served as a woman’s store of wealth. This history details how changing social values influenced the popularity of the hope chest tradition in the USA.

Originality/value

The history of the marketing of hope chests is an area that has not been seriously considered in consumption histories or in histories of marketing practices to date, in spite of the continuing sentimental appeal for many consumers.
Adherence to healthy eating index-2015 and metabolic syndrome in a large sample of Iranian adults
Authors: Hassani Zadeh Shirin , Nadjarzadeh Azadeh , Mirzaei Masoud , Salehi-Abargouei Amin , Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Dietary intake is a modifiable risk factor for metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the association between the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) and MetS.

Design/methodology/approach

MetS was diagnosed among 2,326 adults. Dietary intake was assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire. The HEI-2015 was administered to assess the diet qualities. Multivariate logistic regression was also used to evaluate the relationship of HEI-2015 with MetS and its components.

Findings

The odds of MetS was lower in women who were in the third quintile of HEI-2015 compared with those in the first quintile after adjusting for age and energy intake (OR: 0.62, CI: 0.41 to 0.93). In addition, moderate adherence to HEI-2015 reduced the odds of high fasting blood glucose levels in both men and women (OR men: 0.30, CI: 0.11 to 0.85 OR women: 0.34, CI: 0.14 to 0.79). However, these relations were not linear. Adherence to HEI-2015 had no significant relationship with the prevalence of MetS and its components in the whole population.

Originality/value

A significant relationship was observed between moderate adherence to HEI-2015 and fasting blood glucose in both men and women. Moreover, moderate adherence to this dietary pattern decreased the prevalence of MetS in women.
An investigation of factors influencing maturity levels of property market in southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Abere Oluwaseun Chioma , Ogunba Olusegun Adebayo , Dugeri Terzengwe Timothy
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The study investigated the factors influencing maturity levels in the Nigerian property market particularly southwestern Nigeria in sub-Saharan Africa. There is a need to identify the factors responsible for the less notable progress in the market in order to proffer measures that will enhance the property market or attract both local and international real estate investors.

Design/methodology/approach

The method of data analysis adopted is weighted mean scores. The study sampled estate surveyors, public land administrators and financier, which are represented by the commercial bank. The respondents were presented a list of 40 factors and asked to rank them on a seven-point Likert scale. In order to reduce the variables responsible for the maturity levels into a few factors, factor analysis was employed.

Findings

The factors identified by respondents as the most responsible for the maturity levels observed (those with the highest weighted mean score of 6.52, 6.35 and 6.31) include government policy on interest rate, safety of property right/titles and insufficient property market information. Using factor analysis, the variables were further grouped into six factors namely monetary policy, property right registration, property professionalism, investor friendliness, property data and economic factors.

Practical implications

On the basis of findings, the study recommends that the government should create an enabling environment for prospective investors/or property owners by taking measures that will improve the ease of doing business at same time enhance the foreign real estate investment. The government should pass enabling legislation that will make real estate financing a feature of the capital market. The Central Bank of Nigeria can help in managing the rate of inflation in order to reduce the cost of the construction materials so that average Nigerian can be able to own property asset. Prominent real estate firms should in conjunction with The Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers develop property data bank on market fundamentals, e.g. rental/capital values, yields, construction cost indices, etc.

Originality/value

The paper provided the information on the factors that will enhance property maturity levels in southwestern Nigeria.
Real-time parking slot availability for Bhavnagar, using statistical block matching approach
Authors: D. Trivedi Janak , Mandalapu Sarada Devi , Dave Dhara H.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find a real-time parking location for a four-wheeler.

Design/methodology/approach

Real-time parking availability using specific infrastructure requires a high cost of installation and maintenance cost, which is not affordable to all urban cities. The authors present statistical block matching algorithm (SBMA) for real-time parking management in small-town cities such as Bhavnagar using an in-built surveillance CCTV system, which is not installed for parking application. In particular, data from a camera situated in a mall was used to detect the parking status of some specific parking places using a region of interest (ROI). The method proposed computes the mean value of the pixels inside the ROI using blocks of different sizes (8 × 10 and 20 × 35), and the values were compared among different frames. When the difference between frames is more significant than a threshold, the process generates “no parking space for that place.” Otherwise, the method yields “parking place available.” Then, this information is used to print a bounding box on the parking places with the color green/red to show the availability of the parking place.

Findings

The real-time feedback loop (car parking positions) helps the presented model and dynamically refines the parking strategy and parking position to the users. A whole-day experiment/validation is shown in this paper, where the evaluation of the method is performed using pattern recognition metrics for classification: precision, recall and F1 score.

Originality/value

The authors found real-time parking availability for Himalaya Mall situated in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, for 18th June 2018 video using the SBMA method with accountable computational time for finding parking slots. The limitations of the presented method with future implementation are discussed at the end of this paper.
Causes and consequences of an unusually male‐biased adult sex ratio in an unmanaged feral horse population
Authors: Regan Charlotte E. , Medill Sarah A. , Poissant Jocelyn , McLoughlin Philip D.
Published: September 2020

The adult sex ratio (ASR) is important within ecology due to its predicted effects on behaviour, demography and evolution, but research examining the causes and consequences of ASR bias have lagged behind the studies of sex ratios at earlier life stages. Although ungulate ASR is relatively well‐studied, exceptions to the usual female‐biased ASR challenge our understanding of the underlying drivers of biased ASR and provide an opportunity to better understand its consequences.

Some feral ungulate populations, including multiple horse populations, exhibit unusually male‐biased ASR. For example, research suggests that the feral horse Equus ferus caballus population on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada may exhibit a male‐biased ASR. Such exceptions to the rule provide a valuable opportunity to reveal the contributions of environmental context and trait differences to ASR bias.

We aimed to test for bias in Sable Island horse ASR, identify the demographic drivers of bias, and explore its demographic and social consequences. To do this, we used life history, movement and group membership information for hundreds of horses followed through a long‐term individual‐based study between 2007 and 2018.

Sable Island horse ASR is male biased and this skew has increased over time, reaching 62% male in 2018. Our life table response experiment suggested that ASR skew was driven predominantly by male‐biased adult survival. Further analyses pointed to sex‐biased survival being driven by reduced female survival post‐reproduction. Male‐biased ASR was associated with reduced harem sizes, an increase in the number of social groups on the island, and reduced reproduction in young females.

Our results support the idea that male‐biased ASR in feral ungulate populations may be caused by a combination of high population density and high reproductive output. We suggest that female‐biased mortality may be caused by females continuing to reproduce at high density, and thus being more susceptible to resource shortages. Thus, our results highlight the strong context dependence of ASR. Furthermore, our work indicates the potential for ASR to substantially alter a population's social organisation. Such changes in social structure could have knock‐on consequences for demography by altering the formation/stability of social relationships, or competition for matings.
Rare taxa maintain the stability of crop mycobiomes and ecosystem functions
Authors: Xiong Chao , He Ji‐Zheng , Singh Brajesh K. , Zhu Yong‐Guan , Wang Jun‐Tao , Li Pei‐Pei , Zhang Qin‐Bing , Han Li‐Li , Shen Ju‐Pei , Ge An‐Hui , Wu Chuan‐Fa , Zhang Li‐Mei
Published: September 2020

Plants harbour highly diverse mycobiomes which sustain essential functions for host health and productivity. However, ecological processes that govern the plant–mycobiome assembly, interactions and their impact on ecosystem functions remain poorly known. Here we characterized the ecological role and community assembly of both abundant and rare fungal taxa along the soil–plant continuums (rhizosphere, phyllosphere and endosphere) in the maize–wheat/barley rotation system under different fertilization practices at two contrasting sites. Our results indicate that mycobiome assembly is shaped predominantly by compartment niche and host species rather than by environmental factors. Moreover, crop‐associated fungal communities are dominated by few abundant taxa mainly belonging to Sordariomycetes and Dothideomycetes, while the majority of diversity within mycobiomes are represented by rare taxa. For plant compartments, the abundant sub‐community is mainly determined by stochastic processes. In contrast, the rare sub‐community is more sensitive to host selection and mainly governed by deterministic processes. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that rare taxa play an important role in fungal co‐occurrence network and ecosystem functioning like crop yield and soil enzyme activities. These results significantly advance our understanding of crop mycobiome assembly and highlight the key role of rare taxa in sustaining the stability of crop mycobiomes and ecosystem functions.
Growing without changing: A tale of Egypt's weak productivity growth
Authors: Morsy Hanan , Levy Antoine
Published: September 2020

Despite fast growth during 2000–2010, Egypt saw limited productivity gains from sectoral labor reallocation over the past three decades. Using a novel data set and updated measures of productivity growth induced by structural change in employment patterns across a large set of countries, we explain why Egypt failed to significantly reduce unemployment, lower poverty, or raise productivity. We use cross‐country comparisons, counterfactual scenarios, and regression analysis to demonstrate that limited openness to trade, weak export diversification, and low access to finance prevented Egypt from tapping the growth potential of a structural shift in labor towards skilled manufacturing and private services, locking Egypt instead into a “low value trap.” The paper suggests policy implications on how to overcome impediments to efficient sectoral reallocation of workers.
Monuments after Empire? The Educational Value of Imperial Statues
Authors: Enslin Penny
Published: September 2020

The Black Lives Matter campaign has forced a reassessment of monuments that commemorate historical figures in public spaces. One of these, a statue of General Lord Roberts, stands in Glasgow, once the Second City of the Empire. A critical reading of this monument as a memorial text in a landscape of power contrasts the intended heroic depiction of Roberts with the excluded histories of those who were on the receiving end of his actions. I consider possible courses of action in determining what should be done with this memorial, recommending against its removal. Keeping the monument in its privileged public space without further action will not do. Arguing that the Roberts memorial is educationally valuable, despite and because of its celebration of Roberts as a hero of Empire, I defend its potential role in postcolonial and postimperial education.
A report on the impact of rapid prenatal exome sequencing on the clinical management of 52 ongoing pregnancies: a retrospective review
Authors: Dempsey E , Haworth A , Ive L , Dubis R , Savage H , Serra E , Kenny J , Elmslie F , Greco E , Thilaganathan B , Mansour S , Homfray T , Drury S
Published: September 2020

Objective

Studies have shown that prenatal exome sequencing (PES) improves diagnostic yield in cases of fetal structural malformation. We have retrospectively analysed PES cases from two of the largest fetal medicine centres in the UK to determine the impact of results on management of a pregnancy.

Design

A retrospective review of clinical case notes.

Setting

Two tertiary fetal medicine centres.

Population

Pregnancies with fetal structural abnormalities referred to clinical genetics via a multidisciplinary team.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the notes of all patients who had undergone PES. DNA samples were obtained via chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis. Variants were filtered using patient‐specific panels and interpreted using American College of Medical Genetics guidelines.

Results

A molecular diagnosis was made in 42% (18/43) ongoing pregnancies; of this group, there was a significant management implication in 44% (8/18). A positive result contributed to the decision to terminate a pregnancy in 16% (7/43) of cases. A negative result had a significant impact on management in two cases by affirming the decision to continue pregnancy.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that the results of PES can inform pregnancy management. Challenges include variant interpretation with limited phenotype information. These results emphasise the importance of the MDT and collecting phenotype and variant data. As this testing is soon to be widely available, we should look to move beyond diagnostic yield as a measure of the value of PES.

Tweetable abstract

Prenatal exome sequencing can aid decision‐making in pregnancy management; review ahead of routine implementation in NHS.
Comparison of three different surgical treatment methods, semi‐open closure, primary repair, and rotational flap for pilonidal sinus
Authors: Enshaei Ali , Amestejani Morteza , Yousefiazar Awat , Rouhani Ramin , Sayyadi Hojjat , Rezaei Seyfollah , Vafaeiardeh Simin , Ghanizadeh Leila
Published: September 2020

Background

Pilonidal sinus disease is a common infectious process that occurs on the natal cleft and sacrococcygeal part. The treatment of pilonidal sinus disease remains challenging and despite the existence of many non‐surgical and surgical methods, there is no consensus for the best treatment for this disease.

Objective

The goal of this study is to investigate the outcomes of pilonidal sinus surgery by three methods of semi‐open, primary repair, and elliptical rotational flap.

Methodology

This prospective randomized study was conducted on patients suffering from primary pilonidal sinus. The patients were randomly assigned to one of the three groups based on surgical technique, were followed according to a checklist within the first, second and fourth weeks, as well as third and sixth months after surgery. Follow up was done in terms of recurrence, surgical complications, post‐operative pain, and duration of hospitalization.

Results

One hundred forty‐six patients completed the study, including 21 women and 125 men. The mean age of patients was 26.56 ± 5 years. There was only one case of recurrence and the rate of post‐operative haematoma and infection were not significant between groups, while the rate of itching problem was significantly different (P‐value = .001). The highest degree of itching, haematoma and infection were in the semi‐open, rotational flap and primary repair group, respectively. The mean duration of pain relief and time of hospitalization were 25.73 ± 11.36 hours and 4.41 ± 1.56 days, respectively, which were significantly different between groups. The longest mean duration of pain relief and hospitalization were in primary repair and semi‐open group, respectively.

Conclusions

Elliptical rotational flap is preferred to the other two methods due to less pain, lower recurrence rate after surgery and early return of patients to the economic cycle.
Lower free thyroid hormone levels are associated with high blood glucose and insulin resistance; these normalize with metabolic improvement of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Gu Liping , Yang Jiaying , Gong Yujia , Ma Yuhang , Yan Shuai , Huang Yunhong , Wang Yufan , Peng Yongde
Published: September 2020

Objective

This study aimed to explore the relationship of thyroid function and glucose metabolism and to investigate the changes in thyroid function after National Metabolic Management Center (MMC) management in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

A total of 2000 euthyroid participants from MMC in Shanghai General Hospital and a community physical examination were recruited. They were categorized into four groups: normal glucose tolerance (NGT, n = 132), prediabetes (N = 147), DM well‐controlled (T2DM with glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c] ≤ 7%, n = 505), and DM uncontrolled (T2DM with HbA1c > 7%, n = 1216). The parameters were compared among the groups and their changes before and after MMC follow‐up in DM uncontrolled group were observed.

Results

Free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels varied significantly among groups. FT3 and FT4 levels negatively correlated with HbA1c level (P < 0.05), and positively correlated with the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) (P < 0.05). Following MMC management, blood glucose and insulin resistance in the DM uncontrolled group were dramatically improved (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, FT3 was elevated compared to the baseline (from 4.51 ± 0.78 pmol/L to 4.68 ± 0.87 pmol/L, P < 0.05), and reverse triiodothyronine (r‐T3) decreased from 1.03 ± 0.24 nmol/L to 0.92 ± 0.25 nmol/L (P < 0.001). Thyroid‐stimulating hormone significantly decreased as well (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Decreased free thyroid hormone levels in normal range were associated with high glucose and insulin resistance. After MMC management, improvement of blood glucose and insulin resistance were accompanied by the restoration of low‐normal thyroid function.
High‐throughput sequencing of 5S‐IGS in oaks: Exploring intragenomic variation and algorithms to recognize target species in pure and mixed samples
Authors: Piredda Roberta , Grimm Guido W. , Schulze Ernst‐Detlef , Denk Thomas , Simeone Marco Cosimo
Published: September 2020

Measuring biological diversity is a crucial but difficult undertaking, as exemplified in oaks where complex patterns of morphological, ecological, biogeographical and genetic differentiation collide with traditional taxonomy, which measures biodiversity in number of species (or higher taxa). In this pilot study, we generated high‐throughput sequencing amplicon data of the intergenic spacer of the 5S nuclear ribosomal DNA cistron (5S‐IGS) in oaks, using six mock samples that differ in geographical origin, species composition and pool complexity. The potential of the marker for automated genotaxonomy applications was assessed using a reference data set of 1,770 5S‐IGS cloned sequences, covering the entire taxonomic breadth and distribution range of western Eurasian Quercus, and applying similarity (blast) and evolutionary approaches (maximum‐likelihood trees and Evolutionary Placement Algorithm). Both methods performed equally well, allowing correct identification of species in sections Ilex and Cerris in the pure and mixed samples, and main lineages shared by species of sect. Quercus. Application of different cut‐off thresholds revealed that medium‐ to high‐abundance (>10 or 25) sequences suffice for a net species identification of samples containing one or a few individuals. Lower thresholds identify phylogenetic correspondence with all target species in highly mixed samples (analogous to environmental bulk samples) and include rare variants pointing towards reticulation, incomplete lineage sorting, pseudogenic 5S units and in situ (natural) contamination. Our pipeline is highly promising for future assessments of intraspecific and interpopulation diversity, and of the genetic resources of natural ecosystems, which are fundamental to empower fast and solid biodiversity conservation programmes worldwide.
Predictors of glucocorticoid‐free remission in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica treated with prednisolone
Authors: Hattori Kyosuke , Hirano Yuji , Kojima Toshihisa
Published: September 2020

Aim

This study aimed to identify predictive factors of glucocorticoid (GC)‐free remission in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) treated with prednisolone (PSL).

Method

Among 75 PMR patients in our single‐center registry, this retrospective study targeted 20 patients who achieved GC‐free remission (Remission group) and 30 patients who continued treatment with PSL (PSL group) at 30 months from the initiation of PSL treatment (baseline).

Results

There was no significant difference between Remission and PSL groups in baseline demographics. C‐reactive protein (CRP) decreased more rapidly at 1 and 3 months from baseline in the Remission group than in the PSL group (P = .013 and .046, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the normalization of CRP at 1 month was associated with the achievement of GC‐free remission (odds ratio = 5.83, 95% CI = 1.28‐26.51, P = .023). In addition, when CRP at 1 month was ≤ 0.17 mg/dL, as determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, both the daily PSL dose and cumulative PSL dose were lower, and the rate of GC‐free remission higher, at 30 months compared to when CRP at 1 month was > 0.17 mg/dL (P = .010, .049 and .004, respectively).

Conclusion

The normalization of CRP within 1 month from baseline predicted GC‐free remission in PMR patients treated with PSL, and resulted in a lower cumulative PSL dose.
Identification of a large dataset of SNPs in Larimichthys polyactis using high‐throughput 2b‐RAD sequencing
Authors: Chen Y. , Mao J. , Senanan W. , Wang W.
Published: September 2020

The small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) is one of the most commercially exploited marine fishes along the coast of the Yellow‐Bohai Sea and the East China Sea. In this study, we used next‐generation high‐throughput 2b‐RAD‐seq technology to identify novel SNPs in L. polyactis. We scored a total of 1 374 008 putative SNPs genome‐wide. Further filtration yielded a final dataset of 6457 high‐quality SNPs. These SNP markers presented sufficient power in detecting genetic distinction between two wild samples from the Yellow‐Bohai Sea and one captive sample from the East China Sea, and inbreeding reflected by strong heterozygote deficiency within the samples; some of the genetic polymorphisms are diagnostic among the samples and related to biological functions. The panel of SNPs could be used as powerful tools in further population genetic and stock assessment research in L. polyactis as it has relatively scarce genomic resources. The findings from this study will advance our understanding of population and functional genomics for facilitating fishery resource management and developing desirable characteristics for the benefit of culture and farming of L. polyactis.
Protection influence on grassland structure in Widou Thiengoly's grazing areas at Ferlo
Authors: Badji Eric Sylvain , Diallo Aly , Sagna Moustapha Bassimbé , Sarr Oumar , Diallo Mariama Dalanda , Ngom Daouda , Guissé Aliou
Published: September 2020

This work consisted of analysing the impact of protection on the Widou Thiengoly's grasslands structure. Data were collected from three selected sites by the quadrat point methodology, consisting of reading the herbaceous on a 10 m line. These sites were the 2013 defended plot (site A), the 2009 semi‐protected plot (site B) and the unprotected grazing areas or off plot (site C). The results revealed a floristic composition of 45 species, belonging to 34 genera and 17 botanical families. The number of species identified was 28 in site A, 31 in site B and 29 in site C. Despite a certain similarity noted in the number of species, the herbaceous vegetation was more balanced in 2013 plot than in 2009 plot and in off plot where it tended to be homogeneous. The herbaceous cover in October 2015 was 99.8% in the 2013 plot; 98.8% in the 2009 plot; and 96.8% in the unprotected sites. The vertical stratification of herbaceous cover showed a better development at the intermediate strata (between 20 cm and 50 cm) in all the sites except in off plot where small grasses dominated. In this study, protection improved the specific balance, while semi‐protection had a positive effect on the specific richness and growth of the grasses.
The Importance of Ritual Discourse in Framing Ayahuasca Experiences in the Context of Shamanic Tourism
Authors: Fotiou Evgenia
Published: September 2020

In this article, I discuss how ritual is framed in the context of ayahuasca tourism, using ethnographic data collected in and around Iquitos, Peru. Alluding to a lack of socially sanctioned spaces for altered states of consciousness (ASCs) in western cultures, contemporary seekers flock to the Amazon to participate in ayahuasca ceremonies for an array of reasons, including healing and personal transformation. Taking Gregory Bateson's concept of “framing” as a point of departure, and applying Erving Goffman's frame analysis, I will show that contemporary ayahuasca ceremonies attended by westerners are designed to be liminal, transformative, and meaningful experiences that aim to heal the body through emotional modulation. I will demonstrate how this is achieved through specific discourse that takes place before or during rituals in the form of long speeches delivered by the shamans. This framing not only separates the ritual space as liminal but also frames the way that the experience is conceptualized by the participants, ultimately increasing its meaningfulness.
Regular antenatal exercise including pelvic floor muscle training reduces urinary incontinence 3 months postpartum—Follow up of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Johannessen Hege H. , Frøshaug Betina E. , Lysåker Pernille J. G. , Salvesen Kjell Å. , Lukasse Mirjam , Mørkved Siv , Stafne Signe N.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Urinary incontinence is a frequently reported condition among women with pregnancy and delivery as established risk factors. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of an antenatal exercise program including pelvic floor muscle training on postpartum urinary incontinence, and to explore factors associated with urinary incontinence three months postpartum.

Material and methods

This is a short‐term follow‐up and secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial conducted at two Norwegian University Hospitals including healthy, pregnant women aged >18 years with a singleton live fetus. Women in the exercise group received a 12‐week standardized exercise program including pelvic floor muscle training, with once weekly group exercise classes led by a physiotherapist and twice weekly home exercise sessions. The controls received standard antenatal care. Data were obtained from questionnaires answered in pregnancy weeks 18–22, and three months postpartum. Urinary incontinence prevalence in the exercise and control groups was compared, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied. Urinary incontinence prevalence three months postpartum was assessed by the Sandvik severity index.

Results

Among the 722 (84%) women who responded three months postpartum, significantly fewer women in the exercise group (29%) reported urinary incontinence compared with the standard antenatal care group (38%, P = .01). Among women who were incontinent at baseline, 44% and 59% (P = .014) were incontinent at three months postpartum in the exercise and control groups, respectively. Urinary incontinence three months postpartum was associated with age (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0‐1.1), experiencing urinary incontinence in late pregnancy (OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.3‐5.9), birthweight ≥4000 g (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2‐2.8), and obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1‐6.1). Cesarean section significantly reduced the risk of urinary incontinence three months postpartum compared with spontaneous vaginal delivery (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1‐0.5).

Conclusions

A moderate‐intensity exercise program including pelvic floor muscle training reduced prevalence of urinary incontinence 3 months postpartum in women who were incontinent at baseline.
A traffic perimetry test that adheres to the European visual field requirements
Authors: Jørstad Øystein Kalsnes , Jonsdottir Thora Elisabet , Zysset Stefan , Rowe Fiona
Published: September 2020

Purpose

European visual requirements for driving generally follow the standards of the European Union (EU), but the lack of a uniform perimetry algorithm leads to differing practices in enforcing visual field regulations. The purpose of this study was to develop a perimetry algorithm for group 1 driving licenses (car and motorcycle) that adheres to the European requirements.

Methods

We determined the features of a traffic perimetry algorithm complying with the EU directive 2009/113/EC and the underlying scientific report by the Eyesight Working Group. The final algorithm was a binocular, supra‐threshold test with 37 central and 86 peripheral test points within 140º x 40º. It was created as a custom test for an Octopus 900 perimeter and tested on participants with known visual field defects. Findings were compared with the Esterman program in reference to British and Norwegian regulations, which both recommend the Esterman program for assessing fitness to drive but differ in definition of negative and positive results.

Results

Twenty‐five participants were examined. In comparison with the traffic perimetry algorithm, sensitivity and specificity of the British regulations were 0.78 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40‐0.97) and 1.00 (95% CI 0.79‐1.00). Similarly, sensitivity and specificity of the Norwegian regulations were 0.89 (95% CI 0.52‐1.00) and 0.81 (95% CI 0.54‐0.96).

Conclusion

The lack of a perimetry algorithm that conforms to the scientific recommendations challenges the fundamental right of European drivers for legal equality. This study demonstrates a binocular supra‐threshold test that adheres to the European visual field requirements for group 1 driving licenses.
Secular trend and social variation in height of Polish schoolchildren between 1966 and 2012
Authors: Gomula Aleksandra , Nowak‐Szczepanska Natalia , Koziel Slawomir
Published: September 2020

Aim

To assess secular trend and changes in social inequalities of children's height across nearly 50 years, when vast socio‐political changes took place in Poland.

Methods

Data on schoolchildren aged 7‐18 years were collected in 1966, 1978, 1988 and 2012 in Poland. Height was standardised for age using the LMS method. Socio‐economic status (SES) was based on 4 factors: urbanisation level, mother's and father's education, and family size (number of children). Statistics included 2‐way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey's test and effect size calculations.

Results

Positive secular trend in height was observed across all years. All analysed SES factors had significant effect on height which differed depending on SES category and year of Survey. Differences in height between extreme categories of SES factors decreased gradually, starting from 1978. However, only general SES in girls and urbanisation level in both sexes became insignificant in 2012.

Conclusion

Improvement of living conditions across nearly 50 years was reflected in the secular trend in children's height. Despite this improvement, however, the biological effects of social inequalities, visible in differences in height, to some extent, are still present in Poland.
Social Psychological Correlates of Protective Behaviours in the COVID‐19 Outbreak: Evidence and Recommendations from a Nationally Representative Sample
Authors: Moussaoui Lisa S. , Ofosu Nana D. , Desrichard Olivier
Published: September 2020

Background

A clear picture of people’s adoption of protective behaviours, and a thorough understanding of psychosocial correlates in the context of contagious diseases such as COVID‐19, is essential for the development of communication strategies, and can contribute to the fight against epidemics.

Methods

In this paper, we report a survey on the adoption of the recommended protective behaviours before and during the epidemic. We also assessed demographic correlates, and beliefs (towards COVID‐19 and protective behaviours, towards SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission, social dilemma variables, and perceived external cues) of a representative sample of British residents. Data were collected during the early stage of the COVID‐19 epidemic that spread worldwide in 2020.

Results

Results showed a marked increase in the adoption of protective behaviour. We also identified targets for intervention in variables related to transmission of the virus and social dilemma‐related beliefs. Sex differences in the adoption of protective measures, as well as differences associated with the frequency of social contacts, were associated with differences in beliefs.

Conclusions

These findings suggest changeable determinants, which could be targeted in global communication about COVID‐19, or in interventions targeting specific sub‐groups not following the protective measures.
Geochemical evidence for the manufacture, logistics and supply‐chain management of Emperor Qin Shihuang's Terracotta Army, China
Authors: Quinn P. , Yang Y. , Xia Y. , Li X. , Ma S. , Zhang S. , Wilke D.
Published: September 2020

Non‐invasive materials characterisation of reconstructed statues of Emperor Qin Shihuang's Terracotta Army has revealed distinct micro‐geochemical patterning within the clay paste used in their manufacture. The significance of this is explored in terms of the production sequence, logistics and supply‐chain management involved in the construction of this enormous funerary assemblage. Of particular interest is a compositional distinction between figures marked with the names ‘Gong’ (宫) and ‘Xianyang’ (咸阳). These seem to represent the products of two workshops involved in the supply of ceramic objects for this ambitious, large‐scale building project undertaken by the Qin Empire during the third centurybce.
Pig feedstuff effect on the physicochemical and sensory properties of low‐salt, dry‐fermented sausages
Authors: Panea Begoña , Ripoll Guillermo
Published: September 2020

This study investigates the effect of the addition of plant‐derived extracts (control, garlic extract or a combination of carvacrol, thymol, cinnamic aldehyde and eugenol oils extracts) to pig feedstuff and the reduction in salt content (NaCl or a mixture 60:40 sodium chloride:potassium lactate) on some physicochemical characteristics and consumer acceptability of dry‐fermented sausages. Six different batches were formulated. The pH, color, lipid oxidation, and microbial counts were measured, and a consumer home test was performed. Both the use of a plant‐derived extract and salt type affected the dry‐fermented sausage characteristics. The low‐salt batches presented a lower pH and higher microbial counts than the control. The salt reduction affected the color but only in the oil batches, resulting in higher L* and lower a* values. The oil batches presented the highest TBAR values (>1 mg/kg), suggesting that antioxidant compounds present into the meat were not bioavailable on the sausages or were missed during the curing process. The use of plant‐derived extracts affected to consumer acceptability, whereas salt replacement did not. Oil batches scored lower than the other. From the current results, the oil extract would not be a recommended additive in pig feedstuff, especially when a low‐salt strategy will be employed.