bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is known about modified insects for disease prevention?: a systematic review
Authors: Nazareth Teresa , Craveiro Isabel , Moutinho Alanny , Gonçalves Cátia , Gonçalves Luzia , Teodósio Rosa , Sousa Carla A
Published: December 2018

The modification and release of insects to suppress or replace natural insect vectors constitutes a promising tool for vector control and disease prevention, facing the unprecedented global emergence of vector-borne diseases. Little is known regarding these innovative modification strategies and available evidence is not standardized turning it difficult to reflect on their actual efficacy and eventual effects.
This work conducted a systematic review, gathering and analyzing research articles from PubMed and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde databases whose results directly report efficacy and effects of the use of modified insects for disease prevention until 2016. Within more than 1500 publications that were screened a total of 349 where analyzed.
A total of 12/3.4% reported field-based evidence, and 41/11.7% covered modification stretagies’ efficacy after insects’ release, their epidemiology impact or its long-term efficacy. Examples of successful results were the replacement of natural field populations by wolbachia-infected mosquitoes in 5 weeks, and the elimination of a population in laboratory cages after transgenic mosquitoes release over 10–20 weeks. Variability in the effective results were described (90/25.7%) questioning its reproducibility in different settings. We also found 38/10.9% publications reporting reversal outcomes, such as an increase of vector population after release. Ecological effects such as horizontal transfer events to non-target species (54/15.5%), and wolbachia-induced worsening pathogenesis on mammal filarial diseases (10/2.9%) were also reported.
Present work revealed promising outcomes of both suppressing and replacing approaches. However, it also revealed a need of field-based evidence mainly regarding epidemiologic and long-term impact of insect modification strategies. It pointed out some eventual irreversible and important effects that must not be ignored when considering open-field releases, and that may constitute constraints to generate the missing field evidence. Moreover, the level of variability of existing evidence suggests the need of local/specific evidence in each setting of an eventual release.
Frost resistance of roller compacted concrete in airport runway subjected to ethylene glycol solution
Authors: Zhang Wuman , Zhang Jingsong , Chen Shuhang
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Ethylene glycol (EG) solution is a common deicing fluid of the aircrafts. Roller compacted concrete (RCC) used in the runway and the parking apron will be subjected to freeze-thaw cycles in EG solution. The purpose of this study is to find whether RCC can be damaged by the action of freeze-thaw cycles or long-term immersion in EG solution.

Design/methodology/approach

Freeze-thaw cycles test and immersion test in EG solution by weight were used to accelerate the degradation of RCC. A compression test and a three-point bending test were carried out in the laboratory to evaluate mechanical properties of RCC. The changes of microstructure were monitored by using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis.

Findings

The results show that RCC specimens have little weight change in both freeze-thaw cycles test and immersion test. The dynamic modulus of elasticity, the compressive strength and the flexural strength of RCC with 250 freeze-thaw cycles in EG solution are decreased by 4.2, 15 and 39 per cent, respectively. The compressive strength is decreased by 35 per cent after 12 months of immersion in EG solution. Micro-cracks occur and increase with the increase in freeze-thaw cycles and immersion test.

Originality/value

The mass ratio of the elements in the crystal is very close to the proportion of elements in CaC2O4 (C:O:Ca = 1:1.26:1.6). More attention should be paid to using EG in practical engineering because both the freeze-thaw cycles and the complete immersion in EG solution damage the mechanical properties of RCC.
Arts and humanities for executives’ development: aphorisms as a new tool in the management toolbox
Authors: Brunetti Federico , Rossato Chiara , Castellani Paola , Giaretta Elena
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to answer the call for greater humanization of the corporation, introducing aphorisms as a new tool for developing management awareness, creativity, and multiple-perspective mind-set.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper elaborates on a theoretical base to suggest a new tool for management development.

Findings

A firm is not only a technical system but rather a community of people, and due to increasing environmental complexity, humanities can provide managers with great help. In this line of thought, aphorisms are an under-considered literary genre that can prove helpful in humanizing the corporation.

Practical implications

Aphorisms can assist management in several ways: they help to understand what the organization stands for and to focus organizational values; they contribute to define corporate identity to people inside and outside the organization; they favor open-minded examination of problems from multiple perspectives, giving way to unexpected possibilities; and they generate critical dialogue within the management team about strategic decisions.

Originality/value

Although several arts and disciplines have already been considered in management literature, as far as the authors know, this is the first paper attempting to introduce aphorisms in the management toolbox.
Learning from another SBU: strategizing growth at SEE-Tech
Authors: Chittawar Milind , Gunta Srinivas
Published: December 2018

Supplementary materials

Teaching Note includes case synopsis, assignment/discussion questions, suggested readings, teaching plan, methodology, case analysis, what happened, references and data in exhibits.

Learning outcomes

Appreciating the role of process innovation in enabling growth; Understanding why replication is time consuming and not straight-forward; distinguishing formal and informal dimensions of coordination-mechanisms; Analyzing the differences in replication using template and principles.

Case overview/synopsis

Entrepreneurs desire to grow their businesses. They look for opportunities, in this case, when an opportunity came in year 2006, the entrepreneur successfully en-cashed. This lead to formation of a strategic business unit (SBU) that grew faster and also became role model. However the main SBU, for which the firm is known, continued past legacy. It is only when they found it difficult to grow, they decided to emulate. However, transition was not easy, it took much higher efforts. In the transformation, the older-SBU found that it is only inspiration, direction and fundamental principles that they can take from the newer-SBU. They have to fight their own battle and evolve solutions themselves. The older-SBU finally did succeed in the replication. The case experiences decision-making on template versus principle route to replication giving the participants enough exposure and thinking on the subject.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Complexity academic level

For MBAs and working professional’s training.

Subject Code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship
Numerical investigation of aspect ratio influences on Rayleigh–Bénard convection of Bingham fluids in vertical cylindrical annuli
Authors: Yigit Sahin , Chakraborty Nilanjan
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to conduct numerical simulations to investigate steady-state laminar Rayleigh–Bénard convection of yield stress fluids obeying Bingham model in rectangular cross-sectional cylindrical annular enclosures. In this investigation, axisymmetric simulations have been carried out for nominal Rayleigh number range Ra = 103 to 105, aspect ratio range AR = 0.25 to 4 (i.e. AR = H/L where H is the enclosure height and L is the difference between outer and inner radii) and normalised inner radius range ri/L = 0 to 16 (where ri is internal cylinder radius) for a nominal representative Prandtl number Pr = 500. Both constant wall temperature (CWT) and constant wall heat flux (CWHF) boundary conditions have been considered for differentially heated horizontal walls to analyse the effects of wall boundary condition.

Design/methodology/approach

The bi-viscosity Bingham model is used to mimic Bingham fluids for Rayleigh–Bénard convection of Bingham fluids in vertical cylindrical annuli. The conservation equations of mass, momentum and energy have been solved in a coupled manner using the finite volume method where a second-order central differencing scheme is used for the diffusive terms and a second-order up-wind scheme is used for the convective terms. The well-known semi-implicit method for pressure-linked equations algorithm is used for the coupling of the pressure and velocity.

Findings

It is found that the convective transport strengthens (weakens) with an increase in Ra (AR) for both Newtonian (i.e. Bn = 0) and Bingham fluids, regardless of the boundary conditions. Moreover, the strength of convection is stronger in the CWT configuration than that is for CWHF boundary condition due to higher temperature difference between horizontal walls for both Newtonian (i.e. Bn = 0) and Bingham fluids. The mean Nusselt number

Nūcy does not show a monotonic increase with increasing Ra for AR = 1 and ri/L = 4 because of the change in flow pattern (i.e. number of convection rolls/cells) in the CWT boundary condition, whereas a monotonic increase of

Nūcy with increasing Ra is obtained for the CWHF configuration. In addition,

Nūcy increases with increasing ri/L and asymptotically approaches the corresponding value obtained for rectangular enclosures (ri/L → ∞) for both CWT and CWHF boundary conditions for large values of ri/L. It is also found that both the flow pattern and the mean Nusselt number

Nūcy are dependent on the initial conditions for Bingham fluid cases, as hysteresis is evident for AR = 1 for both CWT and CWHF boundary conditions.

Originality value

Finally, the numerical findings have been used to propose a correlation for

Nūcy in the range of 0.25 ≤ ri/L ≤ 16, 0.25 ≤ AR ≤ 2 and 5 × 104 ≤ Ra ≤ 105 for the CWHF configuration.
First response emergency care – experiences described by firefighters
Authors: Abelsson Anna
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe firefighters’ experiences of first response emergency care.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses an explorative descriptive design with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through group interviews of 35 firefighters and subjected to qualitative content analysis.

Findings

The results showed that the professional role and the firemen’s uniform serve as a protection against psychologically strenuous situations. To protect the dignity of the injured or dead is important as well as protecting and safeguarding each other from the experience of the tragedy of an accident. Having a solid, sterling medical education provides a sense of security in the emergency care, as well as when caring for the relatives. Debriefing brings thoughts and feelings to the surface for processing and closure. The feeling of sadness lingers for the people not being saveable, that had been dead on arrival or the ones forgotten.

Originality/value

A firefighter’s work situation is exposed and stressful. The firemen’s uniform as a mental barrier, colleagues, time to mentally prepare and to be allowed to show feelings are all needed to cope. It is, therefore, important to encourage, promote and strengthen the protective role of camaraderie for the firefighter, which probably can be emphasized in other uniform-wearing professions such as police, military and ambulance. Being acknowledged for their contribution to other peoples’ lives and well-being can acknowledge the firefighters’ importance.
Asymmetric targeting of corporate cash holdings and financial constraints in Pakistani firms
Authors: Siddiqua Ghulam Ayehsa , ur Rehman Ajid , Hussain Shahzad
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the asymmetric adjustment of cash holdings in Pakistani firms for above and below target firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs generalized method of moments (GMM) to investigate the adjustment of cash holdings.

Findings

The study found that the firms which hold cash above the optimal level of cash holdings have higher speed of adjustment than the firms which hold cash below the optimal level. Financially constrained (FC) firms also adjust their cash holdings faster than financially unconstrained (FUC) firms but high speed of downward adjustment does not remain persistent after financial constraints are controlled. Findings of this study reveal this asymmetric adjustment in above and below target firms and extend these results in FC and FUC Pakistani listed firms, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The conclusion of this study has been derived under certain limitations. There is a vast space to extend this study in different dimensions. Firms operating in capital-intensive industries may provide different results for financial constraints because their policy designing would be quite different from other firms.

Originality/value

This study contributes to cash holdings research in Pakistan by exploring the adjustment behavior of cash holdings across Pakistani non-financial firms using econometric modeling. Downward adjustment rate is supposed to be higher than upward adjustment rate and this rate is tested using dynamic panel data model. Similarly, it is inferred that this relationship holds for above target firms even after including the financial constraints in the presented model.
Integrated cost, quality, risk and schedule control through earned value management (EVM)
Authors: Khesal Tahereh , Saghaei Abbas , Khalilzadeh Mohammad , Rahiminezhad Galankashi Masoud , Soltani Roya
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated earned value management (EVM) approach to control quality, cost, schedule and risk of projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study represents a new EVM framework by considering a quality control index. Particularly, some control indices and cumulative buffers are defined by two proposed, methods, namely the linear- and Taguchi-based methods. These methods are implemented in three different projects in different industries.

Findings

According to the results, integration of the quality index creates a better control situation by providing more accurate information. Hence, project managers could comprehensively monitor the status of important factors to make more precise decisions while maintaining the simplicity of their analysis.

Originality/value

From the methodological and theoretical features, this paper offers new visions because, to the best of authors’ knowledge, no comparable study has been conducted before.
A preliminary mechanical design evaluation of the Wikispeed car: for light-weighting implications
Authors: Kulkarni Siddharth , Edwards David John , Chapman Craig , Hosseini M. Reza , Owusu-Manu De-Graft
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Road passenger transportation faces a global challenge of reducing environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions because of the vehicle weight increases needed to enhance passenger safety and comfort. This paper aims to present a preliminary mechanical design evaluation of the Wikispeed Car (with a focus on body bending, body torsion and body crash) to assess light-weighting implications and improve the vehicle’s environmental performance without compromising safety.

Design/methodology/approach

For this research, finite element analysis (FEA) was performed to examine the Wikispeed chassis for light-weighting opportunities in three key aspects of the vehicle’s design, namely, for body bending the rockers (or longitudinal tubes), for body torsion (again on the rockers but also the chassis as a whole) and for crash safety – on the frontal crash structure. A two-phase approach was adopted, namely, in phase one, a 3D CAD geometry was generated and in phase, two FEA was generated. The combination of analysis results was used to develop the virtual model using FEA tools, and the model was updated based on the correlation process.

Findings

The research revealed that changing the specified material Aluminium Alloy 6061-T651 to Magnesium EN-MB10020 allows vehicle mass to be reduced by an estimated 110 kg, thus producing a concomitant 10 per cent improvement in fuel economy. The initial results imply that the current beam design made from magnesium would perform worst during a crash as the force required to buckle the beam is the lowest (between 95.2 kN and 134 kN). Steel has the largest bandwidth of force required for buckling and also requires the largest force for buckling (between 317 kN and 540 kN).

Originality/value

This is the first study of its kind to compare and contrast between material substitution and its impact upon Wikispeed car safety and performance.
Latino entrepreneurs and social media adoption: personal and business social network platforms
Authors: Gavino Monica C. , Williams Denise E. , Jacobson David , Smith Iris
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine both the Latino/Hispanic entrepreneurs’ social media adoption (SMA) for business purposes and the influence of culture on personal versus business social network platform (SNP) selection.

Design/methodology/approach

The Technology Acceptance Model’s (TAM) factors of perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEU) as drivers of Latino/Hispanic entrepreneurs’ social network platform selection are examined as well as the effect of SMA on revenue. Data was collected from 633 small business owners across the United States via an online survey administered in English and Spanish.

Findings

Results indicate that Latino/Hispanic business owners use personal SNP more than business SNP for business purposes. PU and PEU were not found to predict personal SNP for Latino/Hispanic entrepreneurs. However, for Non-Latino/Hispanics, PU was significant while PEU was marginally significant. Findings for PU and PEU as predictors of business SNP indicate similar results for both Latino/Hispanic and non-Latino/Hispanic entrepreneurs, where only PEU was significant. Finally, there was no relationship between either business or personal SNP and revenue for either Latino/Hispanic or non-Latino/Hispanic entrepreneurs.

Practical implications

This research provides more insight into Latino/Hispanic entrepreneurs’ self-directed engagement in personal SNP (Facebook) and business SNP (LinkedIn) for business purposes and invites future research in this population to further examine cultural influence and business performance. The findings support the need for Latino/Hispanic entrepreneurs’ strengthening their competency in social media usage to remain competitive, as doing so will enhance their capability for building customer relationships, brand development, and equity financing.

Originality/value

This investigation 1) examines SMA’s role in Latino/Hispanic small and medium enterprises (SMEs); 2) distinguishes between personal and business social network platforms; 3) investigates TAM’s relevance for Latino/Hispanic entrepreneurs’ use of social media for business; and 4) explores SME social media usage as a predictor of revenue. We seek to provide practitioners with a greater understanding of how they may influence business success and sustainability through better competency development and usage of social media platforms.
The protective effect of milk consumption on milk allergy in children and adults in Fez-Meknes region of Morocco
Authors: Azdad Ouarda , Mejrhit Najlae , Chda Alae , El Kabbaoui Mohamed , Bencheikh Rachid , Tazi Abdelali , Aarab Lotfi
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare the evolution of self-reported milk allergy in children and adults within the population of Fez-Meknes region, as well as to investigate the consumption of milk and its correlation to milk allergy.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a cross-sectional study conducted in Fez-Meknes region between April 2014 and March 2015 basing on a questionnaire completed by 3,068 children and 1,281 adults.

Findings

The results showed that food allergy was more reported among children (29.4 per cent) than adults (16.9 per cent). Milk allergy was reported by 5.3 per cent of children and 4.2 per cent of adults. Children reported mostly cutaneous manifestations (64.8 per cent) while adults reported mostly gastrointestinal manifestations (68.5 per cent). The consumption of milk showed a protective effect against the development of milk allergy (p< 0.001).

Originality/value

The consumption of milk was associated significantly with a low rate of milk allergy, especially in adults. However, the pasteurization of milk seemed to be correlated to increase milk sensitivity.
Corporate social irresponsibility: humans vs artificial intelligence
Authors: Krkač Kristijan
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The supposedly radical development of artificial intelligence (AI) has raised questions regarding the moral responsibility of it. In the sphere of business, they are translated into questions about AI and business ethics (BE) and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The purpos of this study is to conceptually reformulate these questions from the point of view of two possible aspect-changes, namely, starting from corporate social irresponsibility (CSI) and starting not from AIs incapability for responsibility but from its ability to imitate human CSR without performing typical human CSI.

Design/methodology/approach

The author draws upon the literature and his previous works on the relationship between AI and human CSI. This comparison aims to remodel the understanding of human CSI and AIs inability to be CSI. The conceptual remodelling is offered by taking a negative view on the relation. If AI can be made not to perform human-like CSI, then AI is at least less CSI than humans. For this task, it is necessary to remodel human and AI CSR, but AI does not have to be CSR. It is sufficient that it can be less CSI than humans to be more CSR.

Findings

The previously suggested remodelling of basic concepts in question leads to the conclusion that it is not impossible for AI to act or operate more CSI then humans simply by not making typical human CSIs. Strictly speaking, AI is not CSR because it cannot be responsible as humans can. If it can perform actions with a significantly lesser amount of CSI in comparison to humans, it is certainly less CSI.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is only a conceptual remodelling and a suggestion of a research hypothesis. As such, it implies particular morality, ethics and the concepts of CSI and AI.

Practical implications

How this remodelling could be done in practice is an issue of future research.

Originality/value

The author delivers the paper on comparison between human and AI CSI which is not much discussed in literature.
Heat dissipation rate constrains reproductive investment in a wild bird
Authors: Nord Andreas , Nilsson Jan‐Åke
Published: December 2018

The “heat dissipation limit” theory (HDL) posits that animals with higher capacity to dissipate metabolic heat can increase reproductive investment. This theory remains untested in the wild.

We recently showed that increased workload in a small bird causally relates to maximum body temperature.

Here, we have expanded this approach by experimentally facilitating sensible heat transfer rate in nestling‐feeding blue tits—a small bird with high resting‐ and work‐induced body temperatures—through removal of ventral plumage.

Feather‐clipped parents did not increase work rate but sired larger, and sometimes heavier, nestlings while maintaining lower body temperature and losing less body mass than controls. Thus, when relieved of the demands to dissipate metabolic heat, parents could invest more into both current (nestling condition) and future (self‐maintenance) reproduction.

In accordance with the HDL theory, we conclude that constraints on heat dissipation rate could be a potent mediator of life‐history trade‐offs in wild animals.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
From democratic participation to civic resistance: the loss of institutional trust as an outcome of activism in the refugee solidarity movement
Authors: Toubøl Jonas
Published: December 2018

Adding to the literature on non‐institutional political action and trust, this article argues that the loss of institutional trust is not only a cause but also an outcome of political activism. Studying the Danish refugee solidarity movement in a mixed‐methods research design including survey and qualitative interview data, the article shows that three kinds of activism – political activism, humanitarian activity, and civil disobedience – relate differently to the loss of trust in the institutions of the Parliament, the legal system, and the police. Political activism primarily affects a loss of trust in the Parliament due to low external efficacy and a closed political opportunity structure. Civil disobedience affects a loss of trust in the legal system and the police due to a perceived lack of procedural justice. Humanitarian activity does not affect a loss of institutional trust because it does not imply interaction with the institutions to the same extent as the other kinds of activism. The consequence of losing trust in the political institutions is not an abandonment of democratic values, nor political apathy, but rather a change in civic engagement from a mode of democratically legitimizing participation in the institutions to a mode of contending and questioning the legitimacy of the political institutions. This finding indicates that in turn loss of institutional trust may cause an increase in extra‐institutional political action which is consistent with the commonly assumed causality in the literature. This leads to a final integrating argument for conceptualizing activism and loss of institutional trust as reinforcing factors in a process where, in line with the main finding of this study, activism may cause a loss of institutional trust which, in turn, may cause additional activism, as argued in the existing literature.
In vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection beyond 2020
Authors: Crawford GE , Ledger WL
Published: December 2018

Over 8 million babies have been born following IVF (in vitro fertilisation) and other artificial reproductive technology (ART) procedures since Louise Brown's birth 40 years ago. New innovations have added much complexity to both clinical and laboratory procedures over the last four decades. Translation of novel approaches from basic science into clinical practice continues unabated, widening the applicability of ART to new groups of people and helping improve both chances of healthy live birth and patient acceptability. However, the impact of ART on the health of both patients and their offspring continues to cause concern, and many ethical challenges created by new scientific developments in this field attract widely differing opinions. What is undeniable is that there will be a sustained global growth in utilisation of ART and that reproductive tourism will allow many people to access the treatment they desire notwithstanding national regulations that may forbid some approaches. The greatest challenge is to expand access to ART to those living in the less wealthy nations who are equally deserving of its benefits.
Significance of progesterone receptors (PR‐A and PR‐B) expression as predictors for relapse after successful therapy of endometrial hyperplasia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sletten ET , Arnes M , Lyså LM , Larsen M , Ørbo A
Published: December 2018

Objective

After successful progestin therapy for endometrial hyperplasia (EH), the risk of relapse remains. We aimed to assess if immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of progesterone receptor isoforms, PR‐A and PR‐B, in endometrial glands and stroma in pre‐treatment endometrial biopsies was related to relapse of EH.

Design and setting

Biopsy material originated from women with low‐risk and medium‐risk EH recruited to a recent Norwegian multicentre randomised trial. Participants (n = 153) had been treated for 6 months with three different progestin regimens.

Population

One hundred and thirty‐five of the 153 women achieved therapy response and underwent follow up for 24 months after therapy withdrawal. Fifty‐five women relapsed during follow up. Pre‐treatment endometrial biopsies from 94 of the 135 responding women were available for IHC staining.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining was performed separately for PR‐A and PR‐B and IHC expression was evaluated in endometrial glands and stroma by a histological score (H‐score) using light microscopy.

Main outcome measure

Immunohistochemical expression of PR‐A and PR‐B in endometrial glands and stroma in women with or without relapse of EH.

Results

Low PR‐A in endometrial glands (P = 0.013) and stroma (P < 0.001), and high PR‐B in endometrial glands (P = 0.001) in pre‐treatment endometrial biopsy have a statistically significant association with relapse of EH. Women with a pre‐treatment ratio of PR‐A:PR‐B ≤ 1 have a higher risk of relapse (71%) compared with women with a ratio of PR‐A:PR‐B > 1 (19%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Immunohistochemical expression of PR‐A and PR‐B in pre‐treatment endometrial biopsy proves valuable as a predictor of relapse in EH.

Tweetable abstract

Pre‐treatment endometrial expression of PR‐A and PR‐B is a valuable predictor of relapse in endometrial hyperplasia.
Co‐Encapsulation of EGCG and Quercetin in Liposomes for Optimum Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Chen Weijun , Zou Mingming , Ma Xiaobin , Lv Ruiling , Ding Tian , Liu Donghong
Published: December 2018

Although different delivery systems have been developed to overcome the limits of Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and quercetin in food application, none have referred to their simultaneous encapsulation. In this study, these two polyphenols were successfully co‐loaded into liposomes. Under the optimal conditions (lecithin‐total polyphenols ratio 25:1, lecithin‐cholesterol ratio 6:1, lecithin‐Tween 80 ratio 8:1 and ultrasonic time 2 min), the mean size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential of liposomes were 111.10 ± 0.52 nm, 0.259 ± 0.006 and –19.83 ± 0.45 mV, with an encapsulation efficiency of 64.05 ± 1.56% and 61.73 ± 2.55% for EGCG and quercetin, respectively. After 30‐day storage, an increase of 4.05% was observed in the mean size with no significant change (P ≥ 0.05) in the PDI and zeta potential. Moreover, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay revealed a synergistic antioxidant effect of the two compounds in liposomal system. These results demonstrated that co‐encapsulation of EGCG and quercetin enhances their effectiveness.

Practical Application

EGCG and quercetin are natural polyphenols abound in the human diet with diverse biological activities. These two polyphenols were successfully co‐encapsulated into a homogeneous and stable liposomal system. Interestingly, a synergistic antioxidant effect of the two polyphenols was observed due to co‐encapsulation. This indicated that the simultaneous delivery of EGCG and quercetin was an attractive approach to improve their functionality for expanding their application in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2018
Authors: Kurian Martin J. , Rentzepis Peter J. , Carracher Ann M. , Close Kelly L.
Published: December 2018

Martin J. Kurian, Peter J. Rentzepis, Ann M. Carracher, and Kelly L. Close are of Close Concerns (http://www.closeconcerns.com), a healthcare information company focused exclusively on diabetes and obesity care. Close Concerns publishes Closer Look, a periodical that brings together news and insights in these areas. Each month, the Journal of Diabetes includes this News feature, in which Kurian, Rentzepis, Carracher, and Close review the latest developments relevant to researchers and clinicians.
Reversal of mivacurium‐induced neuromuscular blockade with a cholinesterase inhibitor: A systematic review
Authors: Brinch Joakim Holger Waage , Söderström Carl Martin , Gätke Mona Ring , Madsen Matias Vested
Published: December 2018

Background

Mivacurium is a short‐acting non‐depolarizing muscle relaxant, which is hydrolyzed by butyrylcholinesterase. The neuromuscular block (NMB) can be antagonized with cholinesterase inhibitors (CHEI), but the short duration of action of mivacurium questions the need. This systematic review evaluated if the use of CHEIs (neostigmine, pyridostigmine or edrophonium) facilitates reversal of mivacurium‐induced NMB.

Method

Randomized controlled trials and crossover‐studies comparing spontaneous recovery with CHEI reversal in patients with mivacurium‐induced NMB, assessed with quantitative neuromuscular monitoring, were included. Mean time from injection of the CHEI or allowing of spontaneous recovery to an endpoint representing full recovery was used as outcome. First response to train‐of‐four nerve stimulation (T1) described the level of NMB for administration of the CHEI. Moderate NMB refers to T1 ≥ 5% and deeper NMB refers to T1 < 5%. Systematic critical appraisal was performed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidelines. Overall quality assessment was done using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Results

Sixteen studies with data from 546 patients were included. Low quality of evidence was found that neostigmine and edrophonium administered at moderate NMB accelerated recovery with up to approximately 5.5‐6.5 and 6.5‐9.0 minutes, respectively. At deeper NMB only edrophonium accelerated recovery. The effect of neostigmine was not clarified at deeper mivacurium‐induced NMB. No studies with reversal by pyridostigmine were identified.

Conclusion

Low quality of evidence supports that neostigmine and edrophonium accelerate the recovery of mivacurium‐induced NMB with 5‐6.5 and 6‐9.0 minutes respectively, when administered at moderate NMB. At deeper NMB only edrophonium accelerated the recovery.
Drug use and hazardous drinking are associated with PTSD symptoms and symptom clusters in US Army Reserve/National Guard Soldiers
Authors: Homish Gregory G. , Hoopsick Rachel A. , Heavey Sarah Cercone , Homish D. Lynn , Cornelius Jack R.
Published: December 2018

Background and Objectives

There is strong evidence of the association between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms and substance use. Previous work has found sex differences in these associations. With revisions to the DSM, it is important to understand how overall PTSD symptoms and the new symptom clusters relate to substance use among Reserve/Guard soldiers—a high risk group.

Methods

Data are from the baseline assessment of Operation: SAFETY (Soldiers and Families Excelling Through the Years), a longitudinal study of US Army Reserve/National Guard (USAR/NG) soldiers (N = 389 males, N = 84 females). We examined associations between current substance use (drug use, hazardous drinking, and smoking) and overall PTSD symptoms, and symptom clusters. Additionally, we examined PTSD by sex interactions.

Results

Greater overall PTSD symptoms were associated with higher odds of drug use (OR = 1.08; 95%CI: 1.05, 1.12) and hazardous drinking (OR = 1.04; 95%CI: 1.02, 1.07). Greater individual symptom cluster scores were associated with higher odds of drug use (ps < .001) and hazardous drinking (ps < .01). Interaction models revealed no differences in these associations on the basis sex (ps > .05). There were no associations between PTSD symptoms or symptom clusters on smoking (ps > .05).

Discussion and Conclusion

Soldiers experiencing PTSD symptoms are reporting current drug and hazardous alcohol use, suggestive of self‐medication.

Scientific Significance

It is imperative to consider the impact of PTSD on substance use broadly, as this work shows that overall symptoms and symptom clusters have an impact on male and female USAR/NG soldiers. (Am J Addict 2019;28:22–28)
Vulval Crohn disease: A case series of 26 patients
Authors: Forward Emily , Reid Nianda , Fischer Gayle
Published: December 2018

Vulval Crohn disease is rare and likely under‐reported, leading to difficulty in diagnosis and delay in treatment. In this case series, we report the clinical features and discuss therapy in 26 consecutive patients with vulval Crohn disease, with or without documented gastrointestinal disease, presenting between January 2016 and July 2018. We highlight the need for treatment that is in some cases more aggressive than the requirement to manage the patient's gastrointestinal involvement.
Norms versus Action: Why Voters Fail to Sanction Malfeasance in Brazil
Authors: Boas Taylor C. , Hidalgo F. Daniel , Melo Marcus André
Published: December 2018

We show that Brazilian voters strongly sanction malfeasant mayors when presented with hypothetical scenarios but take no action when given the same information about their own mayor. Partnering with the State Accounts Court of Pernambuco, we conducted a field experiment during the 2016 municipal elections in which the treatment group received information about official wrongdoing by their mayor. The treatment has no effect on self‐reported voting behavior after the election, yet when informing about malfeasance in the context of a vignette experiment, we are able to replicate the strong negative effect found in prior studies. We argue that voters' behavior in the abstract reflects the comparatively strong norm against corruption in Brazil. Yet on Election Day, their behavior is constrained by factors such as attitudes toward local political dynasties and the greater salience of more pressing concerns like employment and health services.
Letter: the relationship between diet, mood and mucosal healing in coeliac disease remains to be verified
Authors: Zeng Jian , Gan Hua‐Tian
Published: December 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Ludvigsson et al and Ludvigsson and Emilsson papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14991 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15055.
Editorial: comorbidities, concomitant medications, and potential drug‐drug interactions with interferon‐free direct‐acting anti‐viral agents in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Kawabe Naoto , Hashimoto Senju , Yoshioka Kentaro
Published: December 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Liu et al and Kao and Liu papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15011 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15065.
Letter: the relationship between diet, mood and mucosal healing in coeliac disease remains to be verified—authors' reply
Authors: Ludvigsson Jonas F. , Emilsson Louise
Published: December 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Ludvigsson et al and Zeng et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14991 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15041.
Editorial: comorbidities, concomitant medications and potential drug‐drug interactions with interferon‐free direct‐acting anti‐viral agents in chronic hepatitis C – authors’ reply
Authors: Liu Chen‐Hua , Kao Jia‐Horng
Published: December 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Liu et al and Kawabe et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15011 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15051.
Making hidden spaces visible: Using drawing as a method to illuminate new geographies
Authors: Antona Laura
Published: December 2018

In recent years there has been a growing body of scholarship on the use of alternative research methods in Geography, and the social sciences more broadly, as well as ongoing interest in the connections between Geography and art. There has been much less attention, however, given to how drawing might be used practically or productively as a method, and to how it might allow geographers to reach or see places they couldn't otherwise. Although many researchers advocate conducting interviews and research in situ, thinking about the importance of location, there are times when entering a specific space is not possible. This paper details how the practice of drawing enabled me to make spaces that I wasn't able to visit as an ethnographic researcher, spaces that I felt were largely invisible to me, visible. While conducting fieldwork in a shelter for migrant domestic workers who had fled from their employers in Singapore, I used drawing as a way to shed a new light on the homes in which they had been working and to understand their everyday lives and experiences within them. This method made visible the living and working environments of women who had experienced employment abuse, as well as physical and sexual violence, while maintaining their anonymity and confidentiality, from a space of (relative) safety.
The role of in‐group norms and group status in children's and adolescents’ decisions to rectify resource inequalities
Authors: McGuire Luke , Elenbaas Laura , Killen Melanie , Rutland Adam
Published: December 2018

Children's and adolescents’ resource allocation was examined in a context of inequality between schools and a peer group norm of either equality or equity. Participants (N = 257; children, 7–11 years old and adolescents, 13–16 years old) were inducted into groups with either a lot (advantaged) or few (disadvantaged) art resources, in the context of an art competition. Participants were prescribed an equality (equal distribution) or equity (more resources for disadvantaged groups) norm, before allocating resources between groups. Adolescents, but not children, allocated significantly more resources to their disadvantaged in‐group than they did to a disadvantaged out‐group, particularly when prescribed an in‐group norm of equity. Participants who rectified the inequality referred to the unfair nature of the initial disparity. The findings revealed an important developmental shift between middle childhood and early adolescence regarding the influence of group status and norms on intergroup resource allocation in a competitive context.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Children have the capacity to challenge intergroup resource allocation inequalities.

Peer group norms can guide resource allocation in situations where inequality is not made salient.

What does this study add?

A peer group equity norm can guide adolescents to rectify an intergroup inequality.

Relative peer group advantage plays an increasingly important role in adolescence.

For children, maintaining equality can supersede adherence to a peer group norm.
The nature of the association between number line and mathematical performance: An international twin study
Authors: Tosto Maria Grazia , Garon‐Carrier Gabrielle , Gross Susan , Petrill Stephen A. , Malykh Sergey , Malki Karim , Hart Sara A. , Thompson Lee , Karadaghi Rezhaw L. , Yakovlev Nikita , Tikhomirova Tatiana , Opfer John E. , Mazzocco Michèle M. M. , Dionne Ginette , Brendgen Mara , Vitaro Frank , Tremblay Richard E. , Boivin Michel , Kovas Yulia
Published: December 2018

Background

The number line task assesses the ability to estimate numerical magnitudes. People vary greatly in this ability, and this variability has been previously associated with mathematical skills. However, the sources of individual differences in number line estimation and its association with mathematics are not fully understood.

Aims

This large‐scale genetically sensitive study uses a twin design to estimate the magnitude of the effects of genes and environments on: (1) individual variation in number line estimation and (2) the covariation of number line estimation with mathematics.

Samples

We used over 3,000 8‐ to 16‐year‐old twins from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Russia, and a sample of 1,456 8‐ to 18‐year‐old singleton Russian students.

Methods

Twins were assessed on: (1) estimation of numerical magnitudes using a number line task and (2) two mathematics components: fluency and problem‐solving.

Results

Results suggest that environments largely drive individual differences in number line estimation. Both genes and environments contribute to different extents to the number line estimation and mathematics correlation, depending on the sample and mathematics component.

Conclusions

Taken together, the results suggest that in more heterogeneous school settings, environments may be more important in driving variation in number line estimation and its association with mathematics, whereas in more homogeneous school settings, genetic effects drive the covariation between number line estimation and mathematics. These results are discussed in the light of development and educational settings.
Poor understanding of evolutionary theory is a barrier to effective conservation management
Authors: Cook Carly N. , Sgrò Carla M.
Published: December 2018

Despite increasing recognition that integrating evolutionary theory into conservation decisions can achieve better long‐term outcomes, there has been little progress adapting management strategies. A commonly hypothesized barrier to better integration is poor understanding of evolutionary biology among conservation practitioners. To assess this claim, we surveyed conservation practitioners to determine their understanding of evolutionary concepts. We found that most practitioners had a good understanding of general concepts (evolution and genetic diversity), but a much poorer understanding of other relevant concepts. These findings suggest that knowledge is limiting the ability of conservation practitioners to effectively manage evolutionary processes. Encouragingly, practitioners educated in evolutionary biology and population genetics had a better understanding, suggesting focused training is important. However, better integration of evolutionary theory will require that evolutionary biologists develop a culture of knowledge exchange, actively engaging practitioners to improve management. Otherwise, our findings suggest it is unlikely practitioners will be able to adapt their practices.