bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pollination by bats enhances both quality and yield of a major cash crop in Mexico
Authors: Tremlett Constance J. , Moore Mandy , Chapman Mark A. , Zamora‐Gutierrez Veronica , Peh Kelvin S.‐H.
Published: November 2019

Bats pollinate many plants of high socio‐economic value, including the majority of columnar cacti (Cactaceae) in Mexico, which have been used by humans for food and materials for thousands of years. However, the importance of bats as pollinators has been overlooked, with a consequent lack of knowledge of the reliance of crops on bats for harvest yield and quality.

We used exclusion experiments to determine the effect of different pollinator taxa on the yield and quality of pitayas (fruit of Stenocereus queretaroensis (F.A.C. Weber) Buxbaum), a major crop in central Mexico. We studied the three most economically important cultivars and wild individuals in the principal region for pitaya production. For each pollinator taxon we recorded fruit set and measured three key parameters of fruit quality: weight, sucrose concentration and seed set. We placed camera traps to determine pollinator identity and the effect of visitation rate on fruit quality.

We found the primary pollinators of pitayas to be nectarivorous bats in the genus Leptonycteris. When bats were excluded from flowers and flowers were pollinated by other taxa (i.e. diurnal birds and insects), pitaya yield decreased by 35%, though pollination dependence varied between cultivars. Fruit quality decreased significantly in the absence of bat pollination across all cultivars, with fruits 46% lighter and 13% less sweet when pollinated by other taxa; reducing economic value, as size determines market price. Additionally, seed set (an indicator of effective pollination) was significantly lower in the absence of bat pollinators. Visitation rate had no effect on fruit quality.

Synthesis and applications. Our study shows that bats provide a vital ecosystem service by pollinating a crop of major socio‐economic importance, and that consideration of both crop quality and yield are essential to fully understanding the benefits of bat pollination. A reduction of this service would result in a decrease in both the size and quality of the harvest, causing substantial loss of income for rural communities. Bats world‐wide face many threats, and management efforts targeted to the enhancement of wild bat pollinator populations would preserve the sustainability of both bat‐pollinated crops and wild plants.
Multiple Copularization in Sogdian and Yaghnobi
Authors: Benkato Adam
Published: November 2019

The aim of this paper is to analyse the copula systems of Sogdian, an extinct Middle Iranian language, and Yaghnobi, a modern eastern Iranian language. It argues that Sogdian has one copula for the relations of existence, location, and possession, and develops three new, distinct copulas for identification and attribution. It also argues that the Yaghnobi system is similar, with a copula for existence and possession and two copulas for identification, attribution, and location. This paper suggests that the innovated Sogdian forms resulted from the combination of pronouns with the existential verb, with a possible distinction in their syntax based on the deixis of the copularizing pronouns. Finally, it shows that the large number of copula forms in Sogdian result from the re‐analysis of the copulas as verbal stems.
Lex: A Study on Medieval Terminology for Religion
Authors: Ristuccia Nathan J.
Published: November 2019

Medieval Christian authors frequently employed the Latin word lex (“law”) and its vernacular cognates to mean something akin to the modern notion of “religion.” Like a religion, a lex was the collection of observances that marked a particular people‐group, such as Christians or Muslims. This article examines the category of lex in its historical context revealing both its similarities and differences from modern “religion.” It argues that the category of lex borrowed on Roman ethnography and Patristic exegesis and was inseparable from larger Christian ideas about society, human nature, and political order.
Perinatal outcomes following bariatric surgery between a first and second pregnancy: a population data linkage study
Authors: Ibiebele I , Gallimore F , Schnitzler M , Torvaldsen S , Ford JB
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To describe the population of women having bariatric surgery and compare the pregnancy outcomes for women having bariatric surgery with a non‐bariatric surgery population having a first and second pregnancy.

Design

Population‐based record linkage study.

Setting

New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Population

All women aged 15–45 years with a hospital record in NSW (2002–2014) and all women giving birth in NSW (1994–2015; n = 1 606 737 women).

Methods

Pregnancy and birth outcomes were compared between first and second pregnancies using repeated‐measures logistic regression and paired Student’s t‐tests. Bariatric and non‐bariatric groups were also compared.

Main outcome measures

Maternal diabetes, preterm birth (<37 weeks of gestation) and large for gestational age.

Results

There was a 13‐fold increase in hospitalisations for primary bariatric surgery during 2002–2014. Compared with the general birthing population, women who had bariatric surgery experienced higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and preterm birth. Among women who had bariatric surgery between a first and second pregnancy, there were reduced rates of hypertension (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.29–0.53), spontaneous preterm birth (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.16–0.86), infants that were large for gestational age (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.44–0.88), and the admission of infants to a special care nursery or neonatal intensive care (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.46–0.90) in the second pregnancy. Rates for small‐for‐gestational age and gestational diabetes following surgery were 8.3 and 11.4%, respectively

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery between a first and second pregnancy was associated with reductions in obesity‐related adverse pregnancy outcomes. Bariatric surgery performed for the management of obesity in accordance with current clinical criteria is associated with improved pregnancy outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy.

Tweetable abstract

Bariatric surgery for obesity may improve pregnancy and birth outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy.
Nutrition information in pregnancy: Where do women seek advice and has this changed over time?
Authors: Lobo Shannen , Lucas Catherine J. , Herbert Jane S. , Townsend Michelle L. , Smith Melissa , Kunkler Elise , Charlton Karen E.
Published: November 2019

Aim

Nutrition during pregnancy is fundamental to both the health of the mother and her baby. Sources of nutrition‐related information are available via many sources but their accuracy is unknown. The present study aimed to (a) identify where women source their nutrition information during pregnancy and (2) assess the accuracy of nutrition information for pregnancy that is available on the internet.

Methods

A survey instrument that identified the main sources of nutrition information was administered to 68 pregnant women recruited online. Data from this survey were compared to previous similar surveys conducted with pregnant mothers across years 2008, 2011 and 2014. A content analysis of websites was simultaneously conducted to assess the accuracy of available information.

Results

The main source of nutrition information for a variety of topics was verbal communication from health professionals (% responses affirmative for that source ranged from 6.6% to 69% across survey years). There was an increasing trend in internet sourced information for most nutrition topics, but this source remained low for iodine across all years (range: 7.3%‐15.9%). The internet was the main source of information for listeria/food safety (15.3%‐32.4%) and healthy eating (25%‐42%). Of the n = 165 websites identified by the content analysis, 82.4% (n = 136) were rated as accurate, with government (96.9%) and business/company (100%) sites having the highest accuracy.

Conclusion

Verbal communication from health professionals remains the most important source of nutrition information for pregnancy. The high credibility of websites indicates this to be an additional resource. Further study into health literacy levels among women visiting these sites is needed to assess impact on dietary behaviour.
Quality Evaluation of Green and Dark Tea Grade Using Electronic Nose and Multivariate Statistical Analysis
Authors: Yuan Haibo , Chen Xiaoqiang , Shao Yundong , Cheng Yong , Yang Yanqin , Zhang Mingming , Hua Jinjie , Li Jia , Deng Yuliang , Wang Jinjin , Dong Chunwang , Jiang Yongwen , Xie Zhongwen , Wu Zhengqi
Published: November 2019

Aroma assessment remains difficult and uncertain in the present sensory assessment system. It is highly desirable to develop a new assessment method to discriminate the quality of various teas in the tea market. In the present work, based on linear discriminant analysis and principal component analysis, the aroma of dry and wet samples of different Xi‐hu Longjing and Pu‐erh teas were tested and differentiated by electronic noses (e‐nose). The results confirm that e‐nose can discriminate different priced Xi‐hu Longjing tea samples in the range of 80‐800 RMB/500 g and varying storage years of Pu‐erh tea samples. Furthermore, for the detection of both dry and wet samples of Longjing and Pu‐erh teas, the results reveal that all samples have specific aroma characteristics that e‐nose can recognize. More importantly, contribution analysis in sensors indicates that nitrogen oxides, methane and alcohols are the characteristic components that contribute to the fragrances of different priced Xi‐hu Longjing teas, while nitrogen oxides, aromatic benzene and amines make the fragrances of Pu‐erh teas with different storage years disparate.

Practical Application

This work demonstrates that e‐nose can rapidly distinguish tea products with different price levels and varying storage years. With the advantages of ease of use, high portability and flexibility, e‐nose will be widely expanded and applied in refined processing and the development of flavored foods.
Effect of Calcium Salts Concentration on the Viscoelastic Properties of Sintered Tablets from Flours and Tortillas Evaluated by Stress‐Relaxation Tests
Authors: Ponce‐García Néstor , Santiago‐Ramos David , Figueroa‐Cárdenas Juan de Dios , Véles‐Medina José Juan , Escalante‐Aburto Anayansi
Published: November 2019

This research aimed to evaluate the effect of different calcium compounds and their concentration on the viscoelastic parameters of flours and tortillas obtained with traditional and ecological nixtamalization. Specimens (tablets) of nixtamalized flours and tortillas (14% moisture) prepared with three different calcium sources and four concentrations were sintered using a die and a hydraulic press and were evaluated by stress‐relaxation tests with a texturometer. Data collected from the stress‐relaxation curve were fitted into a three‐element generalized Maxwell model (r2 = 0.9999), allowing the detection of significant differences in the estimated viscoelastic parameters. When flours are processed into tortillas, the most notable change was the increase of +88.44% and +73.44%, respectively, in the summation of the elastic modulus, and the compressional viscosity in samples produced with CaCO3. On the contrary, tablets from samples with Ca(OH)2 presented a sharp diminishing (loss) in both of the evaluated viscoelastic parameters, accounting a decrease of −39.82% and −46.28% for the elastic modulus and compressional viscosity summations, respectively. Highly significant correlations were found among viscoelastic parameters when a slight proportional increase was observed in the specific elastic moduli, meaning that the energy was stored by each elastic element in the tablets, while the compressional viscosity coefficients varied as a function of time. Finally, it was found that the residual spring due to the pure elastic component (E0) stored energy during the entire test.

Practical Application

There is no published information about a simple methodology for the evaluation of the viscoelastic properties of dry nixtamalized flours (powder) with a texturometer. The method proposed was sensitive and accurate, since it was capable of detecting differences among samples processed under distinct processing factors conditions. The study of viscoelastic properties of grain foods contributes to the construction of molecular theories occurring in their chemical compounds, which is strongly related to food texture. Those theories are handy to improve nutritional and textural properties of grain foods and are essential to powder handling, processing, and transportation, which allows the processing factors optimization.
Peer effects and the choice of adaptation strategies
Authors: Di Falco Salvatore , Doku Angela , Mahajan Avichal
Published: November 2019

This paper analyzes the impact of peer choices on the decision to adapt to climate change in rural Ethiopia. Two IVs are employed (peer‐of‐peer choices and peer‐of‐peer information sources) in order to tackle the issue of endogeneity. Through the use of a 3‐year panel of farmers in the Nile Basin region, we find that peer choices positively affect the uptake of different adaptation strategies. A 10 percentage point increase in the share of peers using a specific strategy translates to an increase in the likelihood of adaptation between approximately 7% and 14%. This emphasizes the importance of social networks to achieve adaptation to climate change in sub‐Saharan Africa.
TGFβ1 mimetic peptide modulates immune response to grass pollen allergens in mice
Authors: Araujo Galber R. , Aglas Lorenz , Vaz Emília R. , Machado Yoan , Huber Sara , Himly Martin , Duschl Albert , Goulart Luiz R. , Ferreira Fatima
Published: November 2019

Background

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) is a cytokine that exerts immunosuppressive functions, as reflected by its ability to induce regulatory T (Treg) cell differentiation and inhibit Th1 and Th2 responses. Hence, peptides that mimic the active core domain of TGFβ1 may be promising candidates for modulation of the allergic response. This study aimed to investigate a synthetic TGFβ1 mimetic peptide (TGFβ1‐mim) for its ability to modulate the immune response during allergic sensitization to grass pollen allergens.

Methods

The in vitro action of TGFβ1‐mim was evaluated in human lung epithelial cells, Jurkat cells, and rat basophilic leukemia cells. The in vivo action was evaluated in a murine model of Phl p 5 allergic sensitization. Additionally, the Th2 modulatory response was evaluated in IL‐4 reporter mice.

Results

In vitro, TGFβ1‐mim downregulated TNF‐α production, IL‐8 gene expression, and cytokine secretion, upregulated IL‐10 secretion, and inhibited Phl p 5‐induced basophil degranulation. During Phl p 5 sensitization in mice, TGFβ1‐mim downregulated IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, and IFN‐γ, upregulated IL‐10, and induced Treg cell production. Furthermore, mice treated with TGFβ1‐mim had lower levels of IgE, IgG1, IgG2a and higher levels of IgA antibodies than control mice. In a reporter mouse, the mimetic inhibited Th2 polarization.

Conclusion

The TGFβ1‐mim efficiently modulated various important events that exacerbate the allergic microenvironment, including the production of main cytokines that promote Th1 and Th2 differentiation, and the induction of allergen‐specific regulatory T cells, highlighting its potential use in therapeutic approaches to modulate the immune response toward environmental allergens.
Understanding the UK Psychoactive Substances Act
Authors: Hill Raymond G.
Published: November 2019

This review paper is based on a talk given at the British Pharmaceutical Society Winter Meeting in 2018 derived from the Home Office Report on the workings of the UK Psychoactive Substances Act (PSA) published in November 2018. The review deals with the context in which the PSA 2016 arose and how this piece of legislation differs from other UK drug regulations. It attempts to put the PSA in context with other control schemes being instituted around the world and to assess the success of the Act in its first 2 years of implementation. For more details the reader is referred to Review of the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, Home Office, November 2018.
Shifts in the demographics and behavior of bearded pigs (Sus barbatus) across a land‐use gradient
Authors: Davison Charles W. , Chapman Philip M. , Wearn Oliver R. , Bernard Henry , Ewers Robert M.
Published: November 2019

Beyond broad‐scale investigations of species diversity and abundance, there is little information on how land conversion in the tropics is affecting the behavior and demographics of surviving species. To fill these knowledge gaps, we explored the effects of land‐use change on the ecologically important and threatened bearded pig (Sus barbatus) over seven years in Borneo. Random placement of camera traps across a land‐use gradient of primary forest, logged forest, and oil palm plantations (32,542 trap nights) resulted in 2,303 independent capture events. Land‐use was associated with changes in the age structure and activity patterns of photographed individuals, alongside large changes in abundance shown previously. The proportion of adults recorded declined from 92% in primary forests to 76% in logged forests, and 67% in plantations, likely indicating increased fecundity in secondary forests. Activity level (capture rate) did not vary, but activity patterns changed markedly, from diurnal in primary forests, crepuscular in logged forests, to nocturnal in plantations. These changes corresponded with avoidance of diurnal human activity and may also protect bearded pigs from increased thermal stress in warmer degraded forests. The percentage of adult captures that were groups rather than individuals increased five‐fold from primary forests (4%) to logged forests (20%), possibly due to increased mating or in response to perceived threats from indirect human disturbance. We recommend further investigation of the demographic and behavioral effects of land‐use change on keystone species as altered population structure, activity patterns, and social behavior may have knock‐on effects for entire ecosystems.
Acquiring social and cognitive skills in an intervention for Arab parents of children with intellectual developmental disability accompanied by behavioral conditions
Authors: Agbaria Qutaiba
Published: November 2019

Objective

The current study examined the efficacy of acquiring social and cognitive skills in an intervention for Arab parents of children with intellectual developmental disability (IDD) accompanied by behavioral conditions

Method

The research sample included 50 Arab parents with a child aged 8–12 who has a minor IDD and attends a special education school within the Haifa district in Israel. Upon providing written consent, parents completed the Bloomquist questionnaire and self‐reported on their own and their child's behaviors across the 10 domains. Parents were then randomized to either the experimental or control group.

Results

The cognitive‐behavioral intervention, which focused on fostering social and cognitive skills within the parent‐child dyad, yielded improvements in eight domains: parental stress, positive parental thinking, parental involvement/positive reinforcement, child's obedience to rules, child's social skills, child's ability to manage anger, and child's demonstration of independent learning. In contrast, no improvements were observed for control participants who engaged in an art therapy intervention, suggesting the unique efficacy of the intervention developed in the current study.

Conclusions

In line with prior studies in samples from Western cultures, the current work represents the first systematic examination of an intervention for parents of children with IDD in Arab society.
Do Interest Rate Liberalization and Fintech Mix? Impact on Shadow Deposits in China
Authors: Chan Stephanie , Ji Yang
Published: November 2019

In this paper we attempt to characterize the stability of shadow deposits in China with interest rate liberalization and fintech developments. We emphasize that shadow banks provide higher but riskier returns and such characteristics affect the stability of shadow deposits. In our setting, the stability of shadow deposits is influenced by two offsetting effects, namely: the patience effect, which makes investors more willing to wait because of the potentially higher returns; and the uncertainty effect, which makes investors more likely to withdraw as a result of higher risk. Under liberalized interest rates, the patience effect will erode and the uncertainty effect will be heightened because the post‐liberalization higher return of traditional banks undermines the importance of the extra return of shadow deposits to depositors, while preserving the importance of the risk aspect. Fintech development is modeled as a reduction in the withdrawal cost that facilitates runs. This affects the stability of shadow deposits because of their wider fintech reliance. Regulators should be cautious in pushing interest rate liberalization and fintech application alongside building a safety net for shadow banking.
FREE PRODUCT TRIALS: DISCLOSING QUALITY AND MATCH VALUE
Authors: Lubensky Dmitry , Schmidbauer Eric
Published: November 2019

A prepurchase trial allows a consumer to learn both a product's quality and how well it matches her idiosyncratic taste. By offering a trial, the marginal seller thus shifts up demand by increasing perceived quality and rotates demand by revealing match. In contrast to classic results,a trial is offered only when quality is sufficiently high, and sometimes not at all. Fewer trials are offered when match is more important and when there are fewer gains from trade. “Cooling off” rules allowing free returns are effectively mandatory trials, benefiting consumers but decreasing welfare when there are sufficient gains from trade. (JEL D18, L15, L5)
Transitional psychiatry in the Netherlands: Experiences and views of mental health professionals
Authors: Gerritsen Suzanne E. , Dieleman Gwendolyn C. , Beltman Marieke A. C. , Tangenbergh Afke A. M. , Maras Athanasios , van Amelsvoort Therese A. M. J. , van Staa AnneLoes
Published: November 2019

Background

The majority of psychopathology emerges in late adolescence and continues into adulthood. Continuity of care must be guaranteed in this life phase. The current service configuration, with a distinction between child/adolescent and adult mental health services (CAMHS and AMHS), impedes continuity of care.

AIm

To map professionals' experiences with and attitudes towards young people's transition from CAMHS to AMHS and the problems they encounter.

Methods

An online questionnaire distributed among professionals providing mental health care to young people (15‐25 years old) with psychiatric disorders.

Results

Five hundred and eighteen professionals completed the questionnaire. Decision‐making regarding transition is generally based on the professional's own deliberations. The preparation was limited to discussing changes with the adolescent and parents. Most transition‐related problems are experienced in CAMHS, primarily with regard to collaboration with AMHS. Respondents report that the developmental age should be leading in the transition‐decision making process and that developmentally appropriate services are important in bridging the gap.

Conclusion

Professionals in CAMHS and AMHS experience problems in the preparation of, and the collaboration during transition. The problems are related to coordination, communication and rules and regulations. Professionals attach importance to improvement through an increase in flexibility and more specialist services for youth.
Concentration, characterization and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorine pesticides in soils from the Corn Belt of northeast China
Authors: Wang Zucheng , Liu Shasha , Lu Kaijun , Xu Xiaoyun , Zhang Tianyu
Published: November 2019

Organic contaminants in agricultural soils are widely reported; however, their accumulation patterns are quite different among regions. This study reports the distribution, accumulation and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) in soils from the Corn Belt of northeast China at a regional scale. Concentrations of PAHs, DDT and HCH were 306‐5300, 6.00–82.0 and 4.07–15.6 ng g−1, respectively. Source analysis suggests PAHs were derived from regional combustion of biomass and coal, except where sites are strongly affected by local sources. The DDT and HCH residues in soils are likely to be derived from previous agricultural applications that have persisted due to slow microbiological degradation under low mean temperatures. Precipitation was only significantly correlated with PAH concentrations, suggesting that precipitation affected PAH but not DDT and HCH distributions at a regional scale. Positive correlations between DDT concentrations and total organic carbon (TOC) contents of soils suggest hydrophobic organic contaminants were associated with organic matter. In contrast, TOC contents were correlated with PAHs in alfisols but not in pedocals. Pedocals contained mainly high molecular weight PAHs, indicating that eluviation affected the accumulation of less hydrophobic organic contaminants. Different correlations between low‐molecular‐weight PAH and HCH concentrations with TOC contents were found in alfisols, suggesting that contaminant structure may also affect the accumulation of less hydrophobic organic contaminants in these soils. Risk analysis suggested that potential ecological risks related to soils in the Corn Belt may lead to reduced maize production and the potential for human health risks in the future.

Highlights

Few studies focus on regional‐scale factors that affect organic contaminant accumulation in soils.

Environmental process affects less hydrophobic organic contaminant distribution at regional scale.

Precipitation and eluviation affected accumulation of less hydrophobic contaminants in soils.

PAH and OCP residues in the soil of maize fields may pose ecological risks affecting future crop production and human health.
Preparation and characteristics of porous anorthite ceramics with high porosity and high‐temperature strength
Authors: Wu Linghao , Li Cuiwei , Li Hao , Wang Han , Yu Wenbo , Chen Kepi , Zhang Xiaowen
Published: November 2019

High‐temperature properties including compressive strength, thermal shock behavior, and thermal conductivity of porous anorthite ceramics with high specific strength were tested and analyzed. The results showed that the prepared materials merit high‐temperature compressive strength, thermal stability, and conductivity. With the appropriate fabrication parameters, even though containing 0.33 g/cm3 bulk density and 88.2% porosity, its compressive strength could reach 2.03 MPa at 1000°C, 147% of that at room temperature; the residual strength ratio kept as 114.7% after a thermal shock at 1200°C. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed that anorthite grains refinement and intergranular voids filling by liquid phase were main factors for the high strength. From room temperature to 1200°C, its thermal conductivity only varied from 0.085 to 0.258 W·(m·K)−1. High porosity, a large number of nanoregions in anorthite grains and amorphous phase in grain boundary were main reasons for low thermal conductivity.
Popular over‐the‐counter cosmeceutical ingredients and their clinical efficacy
Authors: Tetali Bhavana , Fahs Fatima M. , Mehregan Darius
Published: November 2019

The cosmeceutical market is a vast and rapidly growing global industry with hundreds of new products introduced each year. Patients often turn to cosmeceuticals to address their skin problems since these products are more accessible and affordable than prescription products. Unlike most drugs, cosmeceuticals do not undergo strict safety or efficacy testing by the FDA since they are classified as cosmetics. While the marketed properties of some ingredients are thoroughly researched and supported by clinical studies, not all ingredients have been tested to this standard, with some having only molecular or in vitro evidence and hardly any clinical authentication to support their use. Given these characteristics of the industry, dermatologists need to be familiar with cosmeceuticals in order to provide appropriate recommendations to their patients. The goal of this review was to explain the mechanism of action and evaluate the efficacy of popular cosmeceutical ingredients.
Berry fruits‐enriched pasta: effect of processing and in vitro digestion on phenolics and its antioxidant activity, bioaccessibility and potential bioavailability
Authors: Bustos Mariela C. , Vignola Maria B. , Paesani Candela , León Alberto E.
Published: November 2019

Pasta samples were made by substituting wheat flour (2.5% and 7.5%) for lyophilised raspberry, boysenberry, and redcurrant and blackcurrant. Total polyphenol content showed minimum variation during processing while anthocyanins presented high degradation. In general, the first minutes of cooking showed the major detrimental effect on antioxidant activity. In vitro starch hydrolysis showed the lowest value with the addition of raspberries and boysenberries. During simulated digestion, polyphenols were released from pasta matrix reaching a 2.3‐ to 4.3‐fold increase in bioaccessible polyphenols. Likewise, values observed for reducing power and free radical scavenging activity ranged from a 0.7‐ to 2.0‐fold and 1.6‐ to 6.8‐fold increase in relation to cooked pasta, respectively. In addition, ≈40% of dialysability was observed for scavenging activity. In conclusion, enrichment of pasta with fine fruits is an effective tool to obtain a product with enhanced antioxidant potential.
Production of flavonoid and lignan aglycones from flaxseed and soy extracts by Bifidobacterium strains
Authors: Peirotén Ángela , Álvarez Inmaculada , Landete José Mª
Published: November 2019

Flaxseed and soybean are an important source of phytochemical compounds, mainly lignans and isoflavones, but also of flavones, flavanones and flavonols. These compounds appear mainly glycosylated in plant food and are converted into aglycones by the intestinal microbiota, increasing their bioavailability. In this work, we analyse the ability of Bifidobacterium strains (n = 25) to produce lignan and flavonoids aglycones from flaxseed and soybean extracts. Most of the Bifidobacterium strains increased the concentrations of secoisolariciresinol, daidzein, genistein, naringenin, eriodyctiol, luteolin and apigenin. Moreover, Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum and Bifidobacterium breve strains showed high production of herbacetin, increased the kaempferol concentration and produced quercetin and quercetagetin. B. pseudocatenulatum INIA P815 and B. breve INIA P367 produced 32.37 ± 2.81 and 28.64 ± 3.36 mg respectively of herbacetin g−1 of lignan extract. Bifidobacterium strains transformed the glycosides of a wide range of flavonoids into their aglycones, increasing the antioxidant activity and improving their bioavailability.
Getting social in selection: How social networking website content is perceived and used in hiring
Authors: Hartwell Christopher J. , Campion Michael A.
Published: November 2019

The use of social networking websites (SNWs) during employee selection is gaining popularity in organizations. Using a foundation that integrates identity and situational strength theories, we develop a conceptual framework that differentiates SNW information from information gathered through traditional selection procedures, and distinguishes between SNW types. Research questions and hypotheses are tested using a survey of 291 hiring professionals. Results indicate that SNW content is considered useful and is regularly utilized during hiring. Some SNW content is viewed positively (e.g., information supporting qualifications), while other information leads to negative perceptions (e.g., discriminatory comments). Finally, results support a differentiation between personal and professional SNW, as the kind of information sought and the effectiveness of assessing various work‐related constructs differs between these SNW categories.
Education Trials and Tribulations
Authors: Tarran Brian
Published: November 2019

In education, randomised controlled trials have been used to evaluate interventions for 100 years (or thereabouts). But, though great in number, their influence is limited. Why is this? Brian Tarran listens in as experts debate
Pick of the Ice Cream Sticks
Authors: Hodge David
Published: November 2019

Robert Minott asks: If 30 ice cream sticks are numbered 1-30 and placed in a bowl, what are the odds that, when picking two at a time and then returning them to the bowl, any random pair will never be picked?
Charts and Minds
Authors: Langkjær-Bain Robert
Published: November 2019

Data visualisation can be illuminating, informative and beautiful. But also seductive, superficial and downright dishonest. Alberto Cairo's latest book explains why. Robert Langkjær-Bain spoke to him about How Charts Lie
Statistics and Politics Quick Counts in Mexico
Authors: Mendoza Manuel
Published: November 2019

Mexico's democracy has changed much over the past 20 years. But voters still have to wait up to a week for official results to be announced. Fortunately, statisticians came up with a solution to this problem: the conteo rápido. Manuel Mendoza explains what it is and how it works
“Thus Spake an Angel Who Forthwith Explained the RCT…”
Authors: Brown Celia
Published: November 2019

With the festive season upon us, Celia Brown serves up a clinical and statistical twist on a popular Christmas carol
Active Learning in Architectural Education: A Participatory Design Experience (PDE) in Colombia
Authors: Salazar Ferro Camilo , Artega Arredondo Isabel , Rodriguez Carolina M. , Nadal Daniel H.
Published: November 2019

Contemporary architecture teaching in Colombia still resembles the traditional master–apprentice model, which is also common in many parts of the world. The model of regular curricular focus on classroom‐based modules where theory and practice are predominantly disengaged, leaving the students to make their connections. Students that learnt with these models face greater difficulties to apply knowledge, compared with students taught with active learning formats. It is argued that participatory design processes could be catalytic for change in this area, by empowering participants in the co‐creation of their socio‐spatial context. This article aims to contribute by suggesting a methodology for a Participatory Design Experience (PDE), which could be applied to transform a conventional teaching module into a student‐centred learning environment. The methodology was tested and refined through a case study, demonstrating its effectiveness in architectural education. The article describes it in detail in order to be replicated by educators in comparable scenarios.
Hosts and environment overshadow spatial distance as drivers of bat fly species composition in the Neotropics
Authors: Eriksson Alan , Doherty Jean‐François , Fischer Erich , Graciolli Gustavo , Poulin Robert
Published: November 2019

Aim

Determine the relative influence of geographical distance, environmental differences, and host species composition on the similarity of bat fly species composition.

Location

Neotropics.

Taxon

Bats (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) and bat flies (Diptera: Streblidae).

Methods

Abundance data on bats and ectoparasites were obtained from published studies. The relative influences of environmental variation (annual precipitation, temperature seasonality, elevation, and NDVI), host species composition, and geographic distance on parasite community composition were analysed with Generalized Dissimilarity Modelling and variance partitioning. Additionally, we evaluated the influence of these environmental variables and geographic distance on host species composition.

Results

Our model explains 45.3% of the variance in the dissimilarity of bat fly species. Host species composition had the most significant influence on bat fly species composition across communities, followed by environmental effects. Variance partitioning showed that host species composition explained 14.9% and environmental characteristics explained 10.3% of the variance in bat fly species dissimilarity. Geographical distance alone had a negligible effect as it accounted for only 0.007% of the variance in bat fly species composition. Host species composition was mainly influenced by geographic distance (18.0%) and secondarily by environmental variables (9.8%). The most important environmental variables influencing parasite and host species composition were annual precipitation and temperature seasonality, respectively.

Main Conclusions

The lack of relationship between geographical distance and bat fly species composition may reflect either the high mobility or the high dispersal capacity of bat flies, or a combination of these. Alternatively, it could reflect a taxonomic artefact. Environmental differences seem to directly affect bat flies, as opposed to affecting them indirectly through their impact on the hosts. Our results support the fundamental role that host species composition plays in determining the species composition of highly host‐specific parasites. However, we argue that host specificity is not the only trait impacting ectoparasite species composition.
A Belgian consensus on the definition of a treat‐to‐target outcome set in psoriasis management
Authors: Grine L. , de la Brassinne M. , Ghislain P.‐D. , Hillary T. , Lambert J. , Segaert S. , Willaert F. ,   Belgian Psoriasis T2T Specialist Group, Lambert J.
Published: November 2019

Objective

Treat‐to‐target (T2T) is an algorithm to reach a predefined outcome. Here, we define a T2T outcome for moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis vulgaris.

Methods

Briefly, the study included a literature review, discussions with key opinion leaders, recruitment of additional dermatologists with experience in managing moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis, 3 eDelphi survey rounds and a patient focus group. Relevant topics were selected during discussions prior to the survey for the statements. Surveys were based on the eDelphi methodology for consensus‐building using a series of statements. Consensus was defined as at least 80% of participants agreeing. A psoriasis patient focus group provided feedback on topic selection and outcome.

Results

A total of 5 discussions were held, and 3 eDelphi rounds were conducted with an average of 19 participants per round. The T2T outcome was set assuming shared decision between patient and dermatologist, awareness and referral for comorbidities by the dermatologist and appropriate treatment adherence by the patient. We defined ‘ideal’ and ‘acceptable’ targets; the latter referring to conditions restricting certain drugs. The T2T outcome was multidimensional, including ≥ ΔPASI90/75 or PGA ≤ 1, itch VAS score ≤ 1, absence of disturbing lesions, DLQI ≤ 1/3, incapacity daily functioning VAS score ≤ 1, safety ≤ mild side‐effects and full/mild tolerability of treatment for the ideal and acceptable target, respectively. Finally, time to achieve the T2T outcome was set at 12 weeks after initiation for all treatments. At all times, safety should not exceed the presence of mild side‐effects.

Conclusion

With this novel T2T composite outcome for psoriasis, clinicians and patients can make shared decisions on the treatment goals they envisage, as a guidance for future treatment steps – leading to a tight control management of the disease.
Taxonomic revision ofHypostomus albopunctatus(Siluriformes: Loricariidae) reveals a new piece of theHypostomusjigsaw in the upper Rio Paraná basin
Authors: Zawadzki Cláudio H. , Tencatt Luiz F. C. , Britski Heraldo A.
Published: November 2019

Hypostomus albopunctatuswas described from the Rio Piracicaba, a tributary of the Rio Tietê, upper Rio Paraná basin. Nevertheless, specimens attributed to this species are commonly found throughout other river systems in the upper Rio Paraná basin and present varying degrees of morphological variation. A taxonomic review ofH. albopunctatusbased on large series of specimens from many localities throughout the upper Rio Paraná basin was carried out. Results supportH. lexi,H. nigerandH. scaphycepsas junior synonyms.Hypostomus albopunctatusdiffers from all congeners exceptH. heraldoiby having pectoral‐fin spine equal to or shorter than pelvic‐fin spine (v. longer); it differs fromH. heraldoiby having white or light yellow spots on the body and fins (v. dark brown or black spots). Despite conspicuous variation related to the shape and size of the spots and snout morphology, both spot and snout patterns overlapped among the examined populations, thus this variation was inferred to be intraspecific within a widely distributedH. albopunctatus.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is a potential risk factor for liver injury caused by immune checkpoint inhibitor
Authors: Sawada Koji , Hayashi Hidemi , Nakajima Shunsuke , Hasebe Takumu , Fujiya Mikihiro , Okumura Toshikatsu
Published: November 2019

Background and Aim

Because of their survival benefits, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are widely administered to patients with various advanced‐stage malignancies. During ICI treatment, drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) occasionally occurs. In particular, hepatic immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) are rare but serious and fatal. In patients with hepatic irAEs, immediate steroid treatment is generally recommended; however, the risk factors for ICI‐associated DILI remain unknown. In the present study, we identified a risk factor for ICI‐associated DILI.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 135 patients treated with anti‐programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) antibodies, such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab, at Asahikawa Medical University Hospital. We investigated grade ≥ 2 hepatotoxic AEs during anti‐PD‐1 therapy, and PD‐1 inhibitor‐associated DILI was then diagnosed according to the Digestive Disease Week Japan (DDW‐J) 2004 scale. The risk factors for PD‐1 inhibitor‐associated DILI were identified by Cox hazard analysis.

Results

Thirty‐six patients developed grade ≥ 2 hepatic AEs during anti‐PD‐1 therapy. Among them, eight patients were diagnosed with PD‐1 inhibitor‐associated DILI based on the DDW‐J 2004 scale. Cox hazard analysis revealed that non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was a risk factor for PD‐1 inhibitor‐associated DILI. In addition, we revealed that the outcomes of patients with the DDW‐J 2004 score = 3 were improved without steroid treatment.

Conclusions

NAFLD is a potential risk factor for PD‐1 inhibitor‐associated DILI based on the DDW‐J 2004 scale. The DDW‐J 2004 scale might be useful for determining whether steroid treatment is required in patients with PD‐1 inhibitor‐associated DILI.
Psychological well‐being of fathers with and without a child with intellectual disability: a population‐based study.
Authors: Langley E. , Totsika V. , Hastings R. P.
Published: November 2019

Background

Few studies have explored the well‐being of fathers of children with intellectual disability (ID), despite the significant role that they play in their children's lives. The current study compared fathers of children with and without a child with ID on measures of psychological well‐being (life satisfaction, work–family balance and general health) and dimensions of parenting (parenting self‐efficacy and parent–child closeness) and then examined whether the presence of a child with ID in the family was a significant predictor of paternal well‐being when controlling for a number of father (age, education, employment and residency), child (ID status, gender, behavioural and emotional problems) and family (income poverty and number of children in the household) variables.

Methods

Data were drawn from the third wave of the Millennium Cohort Study, a UK population‐representative and cohort study, where the cohort child was 5 years of age; 256 fathers were identified as having a child with ID, with data available for 10 187 fathers without a child with ID. Fathers were compared on the four well‐being and parenting outcomes and then multiple regression models were conducted to explore associations between these outcomes and variables identified as potential correlates of well‐being.

Results

Initial group comparisons showed that there were differences in the well‐being of fathers, with fathers of children with ID reporting poorer life satisfaction and general health. However, these differences were small. Regression analyses showed that child behavioural and emotional problems, living in income poverty and paternal employment were more important than disability status in predicting fathers' well‐being.

Conclusions

These works add to the limited amount of research on fathers using population‐representative data. The current findings are consistent with rejecting a general simplistic and negative narrative that raising a child with ID puts fathers at risk of poorer outcomes. However, some fathers, such as those with children with behavioural problems and living in poverty, may require greater support. Future longitudinal research that explores the impact of paternal well‐being on the long‐term outcomes of children with and without ID is warranted.
Global Value Chains and Effective Exchange Rates at the Country‐Sector Level
Authors: PATEL NIKHIL , WANG ZHI , WEI SHANG‐JIN
Published: November 2019

The real effective exchange rate (REER) is one of the most cited statistics in open‐economy macroeconomics. We show that the models used to compute these numbers are not rich enough to allow for the rising importance of global value chains. Moreover, because different sectors within a country participate in international production sharing at different stages, sector‐level variations are also important for determining competitiveness. Incorporating these features, we develop a framework to compute REER at both the sector and country level and apply it on intercountry input‐output tables to study the properties of the new measures.
Steelmaking in India – new evidence from microscopic and archaeometallurgical analysis from middle Ganga plain, Balirajgarh
Authors: SINGH V. , SINGH M.R.
Published: November 2019

The present study deliberates on the archaeometallurgical examination of 2300 years old excavated iron nail from India's middle Ganga plain of Balirajgarh. The nail was subjected to multianalytical investigations in order to determine the raw materials used, manufacturing technology and preservation state. The combined analytical techniques optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (SEM‐EDX), Vickers hardness and X‐ray diffractometry shed light towards the characterisation and use of the iron artefact. Special attention was paid for qualitative and quantitative analysis of slag inclusions, metal matrix and corrosion products. The presence of heterogeneous microstructure and inclusion of impurities suggests that nail has been produced through the direct process and work hardened. The noncorroded nail is made of hypereutectoid steel and used for building purpose. The study is important to understand the role of technology in the evolution of cultural changes in India that also provides archaeometric data on the method used in the forging work.