bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability analysis of underground rock bolters using the renewal process, the non-homogeneous Poisson process and the Bayesian approach
Authors: La Roche-Carrier Nicolas , Dituba Ngoma Guyh , Kocaefe Yasar , Erchiqui Fouad
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Reliability plays an important role in the execution of the maintenance improvement and the understanding of its concepts is essential to predict the type of maintenance according to the equipment state. Thereby, a computational tool was developed and programming with VBA in Excel® for reliability and failure analysis in a mining context. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The developed approach use the modeling of stochastic processes, such as the renewal process, the non-homogeneous Poisson process and less conventional method as the Bayesian approach, by considering Jeffreys non-informative prior. The resolution gives the best associated model, the parameters estimation, the mean time between failure and the reliability estimate. This approach is validated with the reliability analysis of inter-failure times from underground rock bolters subsystems, over a two-year period.

Findings

Results show that Weibull and lognormal probability distribution fit to the most subsystems inter-failure times. The study revealed that the bolting head, the rock drill, the screen handler, the electric/electronic system, the hydraulic system, the drilling feeder and the structural consume the most repair frequency. The hydraulic and electric/electronic subsystems represent the lowest reliability after 50 operation hours.

Originality/value

For the first time, this case study defines practical failures and reliability information for rock bolter subsystems based on real operation data. This paper is useful to the comparative evaluation of rock bolter by detecting the weakest elements and understanding failure patterns in the individual observation subsystems on the overall machine performance.
Markets for rules: the promise and peril of blockchain distributed governance
Authors: Cowen Nick
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the possible contributions of blockchain technology to creating new governance structures that facilitate social cooperation.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual analysis with key ideas in new institutional economics and political theory is used in this paper.

Findings

Blockchain technology provides a new tool through which political entrepreneurs can credibly alienate some of their power within a system of rules that they have established.

Originality/value

This paper links discussion of blockchain entrepreneurship in commercial markets to research into private governance.
Forecasting product returns and reverse logistics performance: structural equation modelling
Authors: Agrawal Saurabh , Singh Rajesh Kumar
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Forecasting product returns plays an important role in the operations of reverse logistics (RL). However, their contribution to sustainability performance is yet to be explored. The purpose of this paper is to explore the product returns in Indian electronics industry and examine the relationship of forecasting product returns with triple bottom line performance of RL.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, based on past literature review, four hypotheses, relating to forecasting of product returns and its association with performance, were developed. A questionnaire was sent to 700 respondents from the Indian electronics industry. Overall, 208 received responses were found suitable for the research. The necessary statistical analysis was carried out to ensure the reliability and validity of the questionnaire. In order to test different hypotheses, partial least square path modelling (PLSPM) technique of structural equation modeling was utilized.

Findings

Measurement model had shown sufficient data fit for the modeling. PLSPM results reveal that the accuracy in forecasting product returns is positively associated with operational performance of RL. It also plays an important role in the sustainability efforts of an organization.

Research limitations/implications

Managers can utilize results of study for exploring and emphasizing issues of product returns for improving RL performance. One of the limitations is that data are collected only from Indian electronics industry. Another limitation is that only product returns are considered for the operational and TBL performance of RL. In future, study may be carried out considering different factors in other sectors and countries.

Originality/value

The intent of forecasting product returns is considered to be operational efficiency. It can make significant contributions to the sustainability efforts of an organization. Review of the past literature indicates that research in the field of RL is in developing stage, and issues related to forecasting product returns are under-represented. The paper adds value to the few available articles on product returns.
Accelerated engaged tacit knowledge acquisition during executive succession
Authors: Elias Rida , Farah Bassam
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a model that can explain how organizations may retain their executives’ tacit knowledge in the organization especially during the succession period. The proposed model takes into consideration three critical contexts that may assist in improving the knowledge flow during the transition period, namely, motivation context, transition context and ability context.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a conceptual framework that emphasizes the importance of the will and skill of two parties involved in succession, i.e. the predecessor and successor, as well as the context of the succession. To this end, the paper advances a set of propositions that explain how these different contexts affect the quantity and quality of the knowledge acquired by the successor at the end of the succession period.

Findings

This paper advances a theoretical model that describes the antecedents and moderator of job-specific knowledge acquired during executive succession.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents a theoretical model that explains knowledge flow during the transitory period of succession. It emphasizes the importance of the motivation and ability of the partners involved while taking into consideration the context of succession.

Practical implications

This paper contributes considerably and in a practical manner to managers in general and to human resource managers in particular. It draws the attention of concerned managers to check the motivation of both successor and predecessor in experiencing the transition, explain to the successors the job description of the position to direct their attention to learn specific knowledge and equip both parties involved in the succession with the needed skills.

Originality/value

This paper advances a new concept termed as accelerated engaged tacit knowledge acquisition. This concept complements other perspectives of knowledge flow and learning and takes into consideration the specific context of executive succession.
Changes in gut microflora due to alcohol and NaCl consumption and diet restriction
Authors: Kim Sejeong , Lee Soomin , Oh Hyemin , Ha Jimyeong , Lee Jeeyeon , Choi Yukyung , Lee Yewon , Kim Yujin , Seo Yeong-Eun , Yoon Yohan
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Gut microbial changes are associated with diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes and may be influenced by diet patterns. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the effects of alcohol, sodium chloride (NaCl) and dietary restriction on the composition of the gut microflora.

Design/methodology/approach

Five-week-old male C57BL/6N mice were orally administered by gavage with ethanol (ET; 4 g/kg), 200 µL of 6% NaCl (NC), or equivalent volumes of phosphate-buffered saline (ET-control and NC-control) every two days for 10 weeks. The mice were also orally administered by gavage with the recommended diet (RD-control; 3 g per mouse per day), or with 40% (RD-40) or 60% restricted level (RD-60). DNA samples obtained from mice ceca were sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq Sequencing system; raw data were analyzed using BIOiPLUG software.

Findings

This study shows that high ethanol and NaCl consumption, and diet restriction can change the composition of the intestinal microflora, especially Akkermansia muciniphila in ET (p = 0.0050) and NT (p = 0.0366) groups. In addition, the ratio of Bacteriodetes/Firmicutes and the diversity of microflora were generally reduced (p = 0.0487-0.4929).

Originality/value

These results raise the possibility of a relationship between diet patterns, change of intestinal microbiome and disease, which must be further evaluated.
Local, global and glocal consumer brand relationships
Authors: Lopez-Lomelí Miguel Ángel , Llonch-Andreu Joan , Rialp-Criado Josep
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper fills a gap in the literature on branding, as local and glocal brands have not received as much attention as global brands from academics and practitioners and the scarce amount of relevant research done on glocal branding strategies is mainly theoretical or conceptual.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper therefore defines a model relating brand beliefs (brand quality, brand image, brand familiarity and brand as a social signalling value), brand attitudes and brand purchase intentions. The model is then tested with a sample of different categories/types of consumer brands (local, global and glocal). The influence of the type of brand on these relationships is then analysed.

Findings

The findings suggest that brand quality is the most important driver of brand attitude for any type of brand, and that the relationship between brand quality and brand attitude, as well as between brand attitude and brand purchase intention, is weaker for a glocal brand than for a local or global brand.

Originality/value

This paper provides new empirical evidence of the influence of brand type on brand associations and attitude configurations and the effects these attitudes have on buying intentions. This work is also relevant for the managers’ efforts to develop more effective global, glocal and local marketing strategies for brand positioning.
Eurosceptic Challenger Parties and Political Opposition in European Union Politics: Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution?
Authors: Persson Thomas , Mårtensson Moa , Karlsson Christer
Published: October 2019

Despite extensive research on Eurosceptic challenger parties, our knowledge of their influence on political opposition has so far been sparse. In this article we make an in‐depth assessment of parliamentary EU opposition, based on 4,264 statements made by national parliamentarians in the European Affairs Committees (EACs) of Denmark and Sweden. Our analysis shows that the presence of Eurosceptic challenger parties in the national parliamentary arena impacts patterns and practices of EU opposition significantly. A greater presence of ‘hard’ Eurosceptic parties in parliament is associated with more opposition in EU politics. These parties deliver a vast majority of the polity‐oriented opposition towards the EU and present more policy alternatives than mainstream parties. The findings presented have implications for our understanding of national parliamentary EU opposition as well as for the assessment of the impact of Eurosceptic challenger parties on the process of European integration.
From ignorance to commitment: how periurban municipalities deal with agriculture?
Authors: Scheromm Pascale , Perrin Coline , Jarrige Françoise , Laurens Lucette , Nougaredes Brigitte , Ruault Claire
Published: October 2019

Key insights

Agriculture is given consideration in most periurban municipal policies.

Municipal agricultural projects depend on the political will of the elected representatives.

The location of municipalities does not impact upon how agriculture is integrated in municipal policies.

Urban planning documents provide a sound proxy to identify interesting municipal agricultural policies.
Beyond false positives
Authors: Taylor Paul L.
Published: October 2019

Research Summary

Daniel Kahneman (2011) wrote, “There are distinctive patterns in the errors people make. Systemic errors are known as biases, and they recur predictability in particular circumstances. … The availability of diagnostic labels for [these] biases make [them] easier to anticipate, recognize, and understand.” In this article, we examine the systemic nature of human error in the context of officer‐involved shootings—one of the most visible and controversial aspects of the U.S. criminal justice system—and we seek to provide a common language for discussing, recognizing, and understanding these tragic outcomes.

Policy Implications

The resulting typology offers a framework for a systems‐based approach to researching and investigating police shooting errors that, in turn, could provide a powerful vehicle for reform, improved officer decision‐making, and ultimately better outcomes.
Peers and offender decision‐making
Authors: Hoeben E. M. , Thomas K. J.
Published: October 2019

Research Summary

Offender decision‐making generally occurs in social context. In this article, we discuss the potential for integrating insights on peer processes and decision‐making processes to advance our understanding on the decision to engage in crime. In particular, we address the developmental and situational influence of peers on perceptions, preferences, and dual‐systems processing. We contribute to this literature by elaborating on situational peer processes and discuss the ways in which peers can affect decision‐making through their mere presence as well as through their active involvement as instigators, conversational partners, and co‐offenders.

Policy Implications

Programs to effectively reduce crime and delinquency require a holistic approach that takes into account the interdependency between internal and external factors that impact behavior. The purpose of this article was to detail how our understanding of two prominent explanations of crime —peer influence and rational choice—can mutually benefit from such integration.
Nudging and the choice architecture of offending decisions
Authors: Pogarsky Greg , Herman Shaina
Published: October 2019

Research Summary

Deterring crime is often considered to be a process of information transmission (e.g., Geerken & Gove, 1975). Economic notions on incentives and choice have meshed well with this perspective (Becker, 1968; Matsueda, 2013). Behavioral economics, however, represents a source of further insights on offender decision‐making, particularly regarding information transmission to promote conformity. Pogarsky, Roche, and Pickett (2018) reviewed behavioral economic studies of offender decision‐making in criminology. In their review, they focused on prospect theory (Kahneman & Tversky, 1979), a behavioral economic model of decision‐making. More recently, Kahneman (2003, 2011) highlighted the dual‐process nature of behavioral economics, and Thaler and Sunstein (2009) elaborated some principles of nudging. These notions underscore dimensions of offending decisions beyond the perceived costs, risks, and benefits of crime.

Policy Implications

From a behavioral economic standpoint, there is a choice architecture to offending decisions that permits various prosocial nudges. We analyze these ideas for possible theoretical innovations and alternative perspectives on crime policy.
Chronic ill health in a regional Victoria setting: A 13‐year comparison
Authors: Glenister Kristen , Bourke Lisa , Terry Daniel , Simmons David
Published: October 2019

Objective

High‐quality data regarding the prevalence of chronic disease in rural areas are essential in understanding the challenges faced by rural populations and for informing strategies to address health care needs. This study compared the prevalence of a range of self‐reported chronic conditions and utilisation of GP services and emergency department in a regional Victorian setting between two studies conducted in the same region in 2001‐2003 and 2014.

Design

Repeat cross‐sectional studies conducted over a decade apart.

Setting

The projects were conducted in the Goulburn Valley in regional Victoria.

Participants

The earlier study randomly selected households from local government lists. The later study randomly selected householders from the telephone directory.

Main outcome measures

Participants were asked whether they had been diagnosed with a range of chronic health conditions and how often they had visited a general practitioner or emergency department in the past 12 months.

Results

The age‐standardised prevalence of depression was higher in the 2014 study than the 2001‐2003 study in men (increased by 8.0% (95% CI 4.5, 11.5%)) and women (increased by 13.7% (95% CI 8.4, 19.0%)). Similarly, the prevalence of age‐standardised diabetes and hypertension was higher in 2014 than 2001‐2003 (men increased by 3.6% (95% CI 0.7, 6.5% (diabetes)) and 13.6% (95% CI 8.6, 18.6% (hypertension)), women increased by 3.1% (95% CI 0.3, 6.5% (diabetes)) and 8.4% (95% CI 2.3, 14.5% (hypertension))).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that the prevalence of self‐reported depression, diabetes and hypertension has increased in this regional Victorian area over the past 13 years. The reasons for these observed increases and the subsequent impact on the health care needs of regional communities warrants further investigation.
HLADQA1*05 genotype predicts anti‐drug antibody formation and loss of response during infliximab therapy for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Wilson Aze , Peel Celeste , Wang Qian , Pananos Athanasios Demetri , Kim Richard B.
Published: October 2019

Background

Anti‐drug antibodies (ADAs) are a leading contributor to infliximab loss of response and adverse drug events. It is not feasible to identify patients at risk of antibody formation before initiating infliximab. The genetic variation HLADQA1*05 (rs2097432) has been linked to infliximab antibody formation in Crohn's disease (CD).

Aims

To evaluate the association between HLADQA1*05 and infliximab antibody formation, infliximab loss of response, treatment discontinuation and adverse drug events in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study, infliximab‐exposed patients with IBD (n = 262) were screened for the genetic variation, HLADQA1*05A>G (rs2097432). Risk of infliximab ADA formation, infliximab loss of response, adverse events and discontinuation were assessed in wild‐type (GG) and variant‐carrying (AG or AA) individuals.

Results

Forty per cent of all participants were HLADQA1*05A>G variant carriers, with 79% of participants with infliximab antibodies carrying at least one variant allele. The risk of infliximab antibody formation was higher in HLADQA1*05A>G variant carriers (adjusted HR = 7.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.97‐17.191, P = 1.46 × 10−5) independent of age, sex, weight, dose and co‐immunosuppression with an immunomodulator. Variant carrier status was associated with an increased risk of infliximab loss of response (adjusted HR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.41‐3.88, P = .001) and discontinuation (adjusted HR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.46‐3.43, P = 2.53 × 10−4) although not with infliximab‐associated adverse drug events.

Conclusions

HLADQA1*05 is independently associated with a high risk of infliximab antibody formation in addition to infliximab loss of response and treatment discontinuation. There may be a role for genotype‐guided application of combination therapy in IBD.
Bystanders, risks, and consent
Authors: Frowe Helen
Published: October 2019

This paper considers the moral status of bystanders affected by medical research trials. Recent proposals advocate a very low threshold of permissible risk imposition upon bystanders that is insensitive to the prospective benefits of the trial, in part because we typically lack bystanders' consent. I argue that the correct threshold of permissible risk will be sensitive to the prospective gains of the trial. I further argue that one does not always need a person's consent to expose her to significant risks of even serious harm for the sake of others. That we typically need the consent of participants is explained by the fact that trials risk harmfully using participants, which is very hard to justify without consent. Bystanders, in contrast, are harmed as a side‐effect, which is easier to justify. I then consider whether the degree of risk that a trial may impose on a bystander is sensitive to whether she is a prospective beneficiary of that trial.
Role of phytochemicals as nutraceuticals for cognitive functions affected in ageing
Authors: Howes Melanie‐Jayne R. , Perry Nicolette S.L. , Vásquez‐Londoño Carlos , Perry Elaine K.
Published: October 2019

Cognitive decline can occur with normal ageing and in age‐related brain disorders, such as mild cognitive impairment and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, with limited pharmacological therapies available. Other approaches to reduce cognitive decline are urgently needed, and so, the role of dietary interventions or nutraceuticals has received much attention in this respect. In this review, we examine the evidence for dietary plants and their chemical constituents as nutraceuticals, relevant to both cognitive decline in normal ageing and in dementia. Pharmacological (in vitro and in vivo), clinical and epidemiological evidence is assessed for both frequently consumed plants and their dietary forms, including tea, coffee, cocoa (chocolate), red wine, grapes, citrus and other fruits; in addition to plants used less frequently in certain diets and those that cross the blurred boundaries between foods, nutraceuticals and medicinal plants. For the latter, turmeric, saffron, sage, rosemary and lemon balm are examples of those discussed.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on The Pharmacology of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.6/issuetoc
Oral cancer-associated tertiary lymphoid structures: gene expression profile and prognostic value
Authors: Li K , Guo Q , Zhang X , Dong X , Liu W , Zhang A , Li Y , Yan J , Jia G , Zheng Z , Tang W , Pan L , An M , Zhang B , Liu S , Fu B
Published: October 2019

Tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) provides a local and critical microenvironment for both cellular and humoral immunity and supports effective antigen presentation and lymphocyte activation. However, the gene expression profile and prognostic significance of TLS in oral cancer remain largely unrevealed. In this study, we found the presence of both intratumoral and peritumoral TLSs in a series of 65 patients with oral cancer treated by surgical resection, with positive detection rates of 33.8 and 75.4%, respectively. The presence of intratumoral TLSs, but not peritumoral TLSs, was significantly associated with decreased P53 and Ki67 scores (P = 0·027 and 0·047, respectively). The survival analyses revealed that oral cancer patients with higher grades of TLSs was associated with improved disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) (P = 0·037 and 0·031, respectively). Gene expression profiling analysis of the cytokines and chemokines responsible for lymph-node neogenesis identified a three-up-regulated-gene set, i.e. IL7, LTB and CXCL13, which was shown to be correlated with human oral cancer-associated TLSs. This study provides a framework for better understanding of oral cancer-associated TLSs and for delineating future innovative prognostic biomarkers and immune therapeutic strategies for oral cancer.
Clinical and genetic spectrum in 33 Egyptian families with suspected primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Fassad Mahmoud R. , Shoman Walaa I. , Morsy Heba , Patel Mitali P. , Radwan Nesrine , Jenkins Lucy , Cullup Thomas , Fouda Eman , Mitchison Hannah M. , Fasseeh Nader
Published: October 2019

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disorder of motile cilia dysfunction generally inherited as an autosomal recessive disease. Genetic testing is increasingly considered an early step in the PCD diagnostic workflow. We used targeted panel next‐generation sequencing (NGS) for genetic screening of 33 Egyptian families with clinically highly suspected PCD. All variants prioritized were Sanger confirmed in the affected individuals and correctly segregated within the family. Targeted NGS yielded a high diagnostic output (70%) with biallelic mutations identified in known PCD genes. Mutations were identified in 13 genes overall, with CCDC40 and CCDC39 the most frequently mutated genes among Egyptian patients. Most identified mutations were predicted null effect variants (79%) and not reported before (85%). This study reveals that the genetic landscape of PCD among Egyptians is highly heterogeneous, indicating that a targeted NGS approach covering multiple genes will provide a superior diagnostic yield compared to Sanger sequencing for genetic diagnosis. The high diagnostic output achieved here highlights the potential of placing genetic testing early within the diagnostic workflow for PCD, in particular in developing countries where other diagnostic tests can be less available.
Can reducing cosmetic substances help prevent chromate contact allergy?
Authors: Lejding Tina , Engfeldt Malin , Bruze Magnus , Isaksson Marléne , Svedman Lena Persson, Cecilia , Zimerson Erik , Mowitz Martin
Published: October 2019

Background

Allergic contact dermatitis caused by Cr(VI) is often severe and difficult to treat. Therefore, primary prevention is a main goal but, secondary prevention can be valuable to ease the symptoms or prevent relapse of Cr(VI) dermatitis when sensitization has occurred. Barrier creams have been tried for many chemical substances, but until now there is no successful barrier cream against Cr(VI).

Objectives

To investigate the ability of reducing agents to transform Cr(VI) into Cr(III) in an experimental situation, in order to find suitable chemicals to investigate for possible use in a barrier cream.

Methods

The capacity to reduce the amount of Cr(VI) was analyzed in water solutions of acetylcysteine, cysteine, dihydroxyacetone, glutathione, and iron sulfate heptahydrate. Thereafter the reducing capacity of acetylcysteine, dihydroxyacetone, glutathione, and iron sulfate on the amount of Cr(VI) in cement extracts was investigated. The content of Cr(VI) in the test solutions and in the cement extracts was estimated by the diphenyl carbazide spot test.

Results

All of the chosen chemicals reduced the amount of Cr(VI) in the test solutions and in the cement extracts to some extent. The reducing capacity was most prominent for iron sulfate.

Conclusion

A reducing capacity was found for all chosen chemicals.
A new technique of completely diverted tube ileostomy for the protection of colorectal anastomosis: a pilot study
Authors: Attaallah W. , Bulut A. , Uprak T. K. , Yegen C.
Published: October 2019

Aim

This study was designed to evaluate a new technique for a completely diverting tube ileostomy achieved through temporary occlusion of the distal ileum using a flexible rubber strip.

Methods

This prospective interventional study was conducted in one centre. Patients who underwent colorectal resections with a primary anastomosis and who were deemed as requiring a defunctioning stoma were included in the study. After completion of resection and anastomosis, the tube ileostomy was fashioned by inserting a reinforced (spiral) endotracheal tube with an inner diameter of 7.5 mm into the ileum. To provide complete faecal diversion, temporary occlusion of the distal ileum was performed using a flexible rubber strip. The primary outcome of this study was the incidence of complete diversion achieved using this method.

Results

Fifty consecutive patients underwent a diverted tube ileostomy using the technique described above. Defaecation before removal of the strip did not occur in any of the patients inferring that complete diversion was observed in all patients (100%). The tube was removed at postoperative week 3. After tube removal, the resulting enterocutaneous fistulas closed spontaneously in a median of 6 (2–30) days.

Conclusion

The diverting tube ileostomy technique using an easily removable rubber strip to defunction the colorectal anastomosis is a safe and effective method that precludes the need to fashion a stoma.
Bone and hormonal status 10 years post‐allogeneic bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Gubrianska Danica , Machaczka Maciej , Hassan Moustapha , Hägglund Hans , Ljungman Per , Palmér Mats
Published: October 2019

Bone loss and endocrine dysfunction are potential late complications of allogeneic stem cell transplant (allo‐SCT); however, scant information concerning the long‐term effects in SCT adult patients is available. In the present study, we evaluated bone status, expressed as bone mineral density (BMD), and endocrine functions including PTH, TSH, free T4, testosterone, SHBG, FSH, LH, and IGF‐1, in 20 adult leukemia patients >10 years after allo‐SCT. A low BMD (Z score <−2.0) was observed in two patients; two patients had osteoporotic fractures, and two had a unilateral avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Elevated PTH was observed in 30% of patients, and 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) was low (<50 nmol/L) in 45% of the patients. The majority of the patients had thyroid tests within the reference range, while elevated FSH values were present in 8 of 12 males. We conclude that adult leukemia patients have relatively well‐preserved BMD >10 years post–allo‐SCT. Prophylactic treatment of osteoporosis should be individualized, but control of BMD is necessary for long‐term follow‐up. Control of PTH and vitamin D levels before and after allo‐SCT is recommended, and vitamin D supplementation should be considered if indicated. Estrogen replacement therapy is a routine treatment in females, whereas gonadal function in males requires further investigation.
Inferring wildlife poaching in southeast Asia with multispecies dynamic occupancy models
Authors: Marescot Lucile , Lyet Arnaud , Singh Rohit , Carter Neil , Gimenez Olivier
Published: October 2019

Determining the ‘space race’ between co‐occurring species is crucial to understand the effects of interspecific interactions on the extinction risk of species threatened by poachers and predators. Dynamic two‐species occupancy models provide a flexible framework to decompose complex species interaction patterns, while accounting for imperfect detection. These models can describe poachers–wildlife interactions, as they allow estimating occupancy, extinction and colonisation probabilities of wildlife conditional on the occurrence of poachers and vice versa. We applied our model to a case study on wildlife poaching in the eastern plains of Cambodia. We used co‐occurrence data extracted from the database of the SMART partnership to study the distribution dynamics between poachers and six ungulate species pooled together into the tiger prey guild. We used four years of survey data reporting the locations of snares and of presence signs of the ungulates recorded by rangers during their monthly multi‐patrolling sessions. Our results showed that a substantial proportion of the sites occupied by ungulate species went extinct over the years of the study while the proportion of sites colonised by poachers increased. We also showed, for the first time, that spatio‐temporal heterogeneity in the patrolling effort explains a great deal of the variation in the detection of poachers and ungulates. Our approach provides practitioners with a flexible and robust tool to assess conservation status of species and extinction risk of wildlife populations. It can assist managers in better evaluating, learning and adapting the patrolling strategies of rangers.
Efficacy of intervention to relieve nest box competition for Orange‐bellied Parrot Neophema chrysogaster
Authors: Stojanovic Dejan , Young Catherine M. , Troy Shannon
Published: October 2019

We use an experimental approach to evaluate the effectiveness of removing nests of a dominant competitor to create vacant nest boxes for a critically endangered parrot. We compared the number of times that Tree Martin (Petrochelidon nigricans – the dominant competitor at nest boxes) perched at or entered nest boxes intended for Orange‐bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster – the subordinate nest competitor) over three time periods (before, immediately after and one week after experimental nest destruction). In the before period, rates of nest attendance by martins in treatment and control nests were not explained by treatment group. After experimental nest destruction, total attendance at boxes by martins rose to a mean of 6.1 visits over three five‐minute surveys in the treatment group, compared with 3.3 visits at control boxes. Within individual surveys, martins visited treatment boxes 4.4 times per survey one week after nest destruction, compared with only 1.6 visits in the control group. Martins in the treatment group rapidly rebuilt their nests and laid replacement clutches, and within a week, all boxes were reoccupied. Nest destruction did not increase nesting opportunities for the parrot, and increased vigilance of the dominant competitor may in fact reduce nesting opportunities in nearby boxes. Our study suggests that removing martin nests is an ineffective management action for alleviating nest competition for this parrot.
“Super U” technique for ingrown nails: a tertiary hospital experience between 2011 and 2018
Authors: Miquelão Canuto Verussa Maria Júlia , Biselli Boarini Larissa Magoga , Gabbi Tatiana
Published: October 2019

Background

An ingrown nail is a common dermatological complaint observed in clinical practice. This condition (also referred to as onychocryptosis) causes pain and disability and commonly affects young adults. Treatment depends upon the stage of nail involvement in that stage 1 may often be successfully treated conservatively, whereas stages 2 and 3 usually require surgical management. The “Super U” technique is a good option to treat selected patients with severe onychocryptosis.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated 19 patients with stage 3 onychocryptosis who underwent 20 surgical procedures using the “Super U” technique.

Results

The mean age was 33.5 years, and male predominance (78.9%) was observed. All patients presented with hypertrophic nail folds. Three patients developed infection attributed to poor hygiene and refusal to use antibiotics. Recurrence occurred in two of these three patients, perhaps secondary to infection and improper nail trimming after surgery.

Conclusions

A proper surgical technique in addition to patient compliance guidelines for postoperative care and medications are important for prompt recovery and successful outcomes.
Resilience among stroke survivors: A cohort study of the first 6 months
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Zhihui , Zhou Xuan , Zhou Lanshu
Published: October 2019

Aims

To explore (a) resilience among patients over the first 6 months following a first ischaemic stroke; (b) factors associated with resilience at hospitalization, 1, 3, and 6 months postdischarge; (c) baseline predictors of resilience at 6 months postdischarge.

Design

a cohort study.

Methods

From February 2017–January 2018, 217 patients presenting at two hospitals with a first ischaemic stroke were recruited. Their resilience, medical coping styles, general self‐efficacy, functional independency, socio‐demographic, and clinical data were assessed while they were still in hospital (baseline) and at 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge.

Results

Resilience among stroke patients decreased significantly 1 month after hospital discharge and remained stable. Predictors of resilience were as follows: self‐efficacy and resignation at baseline; number of children, functional independency, general self‐efficacy, and resignation at 1 month; and religion, resignation, self‐efficacy, confrontation at 3 months and 6 months. The baseline factors that predicted resilience at 6 months were income level, religion, stroke severity at discharge, self‐efficacy, and resignation.

Conclusion

Stroke survivors experienced a significant decrease in resilience from hospitalization until 1‐month postdischarge. Factors contributing to resilience after a stroke varied across time. Self‐efficacy and coping styles were particularly important and contributed to long‐term resilience.

Impact

Understanding resilience among stroke survivors is needed to inform the development of interventions to enhance the psychological recovery of survivors. The levels of resilience among stroke survivors were low compared with those in the normal older population. Nurses should provide greater psychological support during hospitalization to stroke survivors and especially to those with lower income, higher stroke severity at discharge, no religion, lower self‐efficacy, or who use resignation as a coping strategy as those survivors may have lower resilience 6 months later. Future studies are needed to test interventions designed to change or modify stroke survivors' coping styles and promote self‐efficacy, thereby enhancing higher resilience.
The effect of complex cognitive training on subsequent night sleep
Authors: Cerasuolo Mariangela , Conte Francesca , Cellini Nicola , Fusco Giuseppina , Giganti Fiorenza , Malloggi Serena , Ficca Gianluca
Published: October 2019

Using a nap design, we have recently shown that training at a complex cognitive task at bedtime improves objective sleep quality by reducing sleep fragmentation. In order to extend our findings to nighttime sleep, here we assess the impact of a multi‐componential cognitive task at bedtime on the subsequent sleep episode of subjects reporting habitual bad sleep, allegedly characterized by high sleep fragmentation. In a within‐subjects design, 20 subjective bad sleepers underwent polysomnographic recording in three conditions: (a) baseline sleep (BL); (b) post‐training sleep (TR), preceded by a complex ecological task, i.e. a modified version of the word game Ruzzle; (c) post‐active control sleep (AC), preceded by a control task. Sleep in TR was more organized (higher number of cycles and longer time spent in cycles) and showed lower microarousal frequency than in AC and BL. As for sleep continuity (total and brief awakening frequency) and other stability measures (state transition and functional uncertainty period frequency, time in functional uncertainty), both TR and AC showed significant improvements compared with BL. Arousal frequency was also reduced in TR relative to BL. Our results show a clear impact of cognitive training on subsequent night sleep, basically consisting of an increase in sleep continuity, stability and organization. In our sample of bad sleepers, these post‐training changes end up representing a notable sleep improvement, also consistently reflected in subjective sleep quality perception. Therefore, ecological pre‐sleep cognitive training should be further studied as an easily accessible complementary approach in standard therapies for sleep‐disordered populations.
There is no shortcut to de‐biasing biases
Authors: Rotgans Jerome I , Schmidt Henk G
Published: October 2019

Rotgans and Schmidt put forth an argument that knowledge gain is the only true antidote for problematic clinical biases. In doing so, they suggest that a case‐based curriculum is possibly the best way to create bias‐resistant heuristics.
The Problem of Other Minds
Authors: Tullmann Katherine
Published: October 2019

This paper reimagines the traditional problem of other minds. On a Cartesian view, the problem involves humans’ inability to perceive other persons’ minds. Similarly, Gilbert Ryle claims that we cannot directlyaccessanother’s mind. The paper’s rethinking of the problem of other minds moves beyond these questions of perceptibility and accessibility. It asks whether there are certaingroupsof people whose minds are systematically misinterpreted, or even denied mentality. It argues that there are. This claim builds off recent work in philosophy and social psychology on epistemic injustice and the role of social categories in mental state attribution. The paper proposes theProblem of the Other’s Mind: the phenomenon of a (relatively) socially privileged person’s inability or lack of desire to understand the mind of a (relatively) socially underprivileged person.
W. E. B. Du Bois’s “Conservation of Races”
Authors: Harris Kimberly Ann
Published: October 2019

Nothing was more important for W. E. B. Du Bois than to promote the upward mobility of African Americans. This essay revisits his “Conversation of Races” to demonstrate its general philosophical importance. Ultimately, Du Bois’s three motivations for giving the address reveal his view of the nature of philosophical inquiry: to critique earlier phenotypic conceptions of race, to show the essentiality of history, and to promote a reflexive practice. Commentators have been unduly invested in the hermeneutic readings and as a result have misunderstood its philosophical dimensions. Du Bois did more than introduce the concept of race into the purview of philosophy, he provided a method for philosophical inquiry into a concept that is notoriously difficult to approach with precision. The goal here is to show why no introduction to philosophy and no discussion about the nature of philosophical inquiry is complete without consideration of “Conservation.” Certainly, it is a text about race, but it is also an important philosophical text in general.
Glandular trichomes: micro‐organs with model status?
Authors: Schuurink Robert , Tissier Alain
Published: October 2019

Glandular trichomes are epidermal outgrowths that are the site of biosynthesis and storage of large quantities of specialized metabolites. Besides their role in the protection of plants against biotic and abiotic stresses, they have attracted interest owing to the importance of the compounds they produce for human use; for example, as pharmaceuticals, flavor and fragrance ingredients, or pesticides. Here, we review what novel concepts investigations on glandular trichomes have brought to the field of specialized metabolism, particularly with respect to chemical and enzymatic diversity. Furthermore, the next challenges in the field are understanding the metabolic network underlying the high productivity of glandular trichomes and the transport and storage of metabolites. Another emerging area is the development of glandular trichomes. Studies in some model species, essentially tomato, tobacco, and Artemisia, are now providing the first molecular clues, but many open questions remain: How is the distribution and density of different trichome types on the leaf surface controlled? When is the decision for an epidermal cell to differentiate into one type of trichome or another taken? Recent advances in gene editing make it now possible to address these questions and promise exciting discoveries in the near future.
Identification of quantitative trait loci underlying resistance of soybean to Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Zhang Chanjuan , Han Yingpeng , Qu Yingfan , Teng Weili , Zhao Xue
Published: October 2019

Fusarium graminearum could cause serious yield loss of soybean. Host resistance could offer an economical and effective way to control F. graminearum. The aims of this study were to identify and confirm quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlying resistance to F. graminearum, and to analyse the genetic effects of pyramid resistance QTL on resistance level. A total of 140 F2:14 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were constructed via the cross between 'Hefeng 25' (moderate resistance to F. graminearum) and 'Conrad' (resistance to F. graminearum). The molecular genetic linkage map was constructed based on 164 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total of seven QTLs underlying F. graminearum resistance, located on six chromosomes, were identified. Among these seven identified QTLs, beneficial allele of qFG‐1, qFG‐2 and qFG‐3 derived from 'Hefeng 25' and beneficial allele of qFG‐4, qFG‐5, qFG‐6, qFG‐7 derived from 'Conrad'. Of these seven identified QTLs, qFG‐1, qFG‐3, qFG‐4 and qFG‐5 were novel for F. graminearum resistance. Four pairs of QTLs with significant epistatic effects were found. The accumulation of resistance QTL was positively correlated with decreases in disease severity index, which was valuable for improving efficiency of marker‐assistant breeding in F. graminearum resistance.
Double dose efficiency of the yellow rust resistance gene Yr17 in bread wheat lines
Authors: Coriton Olivier , Jahier Joseph , Leconte Marc , Huteau Virginie , Trotoux Gwenn , Dedryver Françoise , de‐Vallavieille‐Pope Claude
Published: October 2019

Yellow rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is one of the most severe wheat disease worldwide. Crop losses have ranged from 10% to 70% and up to 100% in extreme conditions. Eighty‐two resistance genes, designated Yr, have been identified. Among them, Yr17 derived from Aegilops ventricosa and located on chromosome 2A has been widely used in wheat breeding. However, it had been overcome already. Through recombination of the Ae. ventricosa Yr17‐carrying 6Nv chromosome with 2D of wheat, we introduced Yr17 onto chromosome 2D. Then, lines carrying Yr17 on both 2A and 2D were generated. Seedlings of the latter, as well as those carrying a single dose of Yr17 either on 2A or on 2D, were inoculated with virulent or avirulent strains on wheat seedlings. The different genotypes were fully susceptible for the two pathotypes that are virulent on Yr17. In the case of avirulent pathotypes, the Yr17 double dose lines were fully resistant, while those with the Yr17 gene only on either 2A or 2D had intermediate resistance reactions towards one or the other or both pathotypes.
Mevalonic aciduria: Does stem cell transplant fully cure disease?
Authors: Szymanski Ann Marie , Dávila Saldaña Blachy , Ferreira Carlos R. , Loechelt Brett , Jung Lawrence
Published: October 2019

MA is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by episodes of inflammation and periodic fevers. In its most severe form, it can result in facial dysmorphism, growth inhibition, ataxia, liver dysfunction, intellectual disability, and at times can be fatal. A number of case reports exist stating that SCT is curative in these patients. We present the case of a patient diagnosed with MA at birth, who underwent SCT at the age of 14 months with intent to cure. She achieved complete engraftment and urine mevalonate became undetectable. However, 18 months following transplant, she developed frequent episodes of fevers, rashes, arthritis, and a rising urinary mevalonate. She was subsequently diagnosed with relapse. She now requires treatment with steroids and canakinumab to manage her disease. This case is the first report of disease relapse following transplant for MA. It runs contrary to prior reports that SCT is fully curative of MA and suggests that transplant may instead provide a means of decreasing disease severity without entirely eradicating the condition.