bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological and evolutionary patterns in the enigmatic protist genus Percolomonas (Heterolobosea; Discoba) from diverse habitats
Authors: Tikhonenkov Denis V. , Jhin Soo Hwan , Eglit Yana , Miller Kai , Plotnikov Andrey , Simpson Alastair G.B. , Park Jong Soo
Published: April 2019

The heterotrophic flagellate Percolomonas cosmopolitus (Heterolobosea) is often observed in saline habitats worldwide that range from coastal waters to saturated brines. However, only two cultures assigned to this morphospecies have been examined using molecular methods, and their 18S rRNA gene sequences are extremely different. Further the salinity tolerances of individual strains are unknown. Thus, our knowledge on the autecology and diversity in this morphospecies is deficient. Here, we report 18S rRNA gene data on seven strains similar to P. cosmopolitus from seven geographically remote locations (New Zealand, Kenya, Korea, Poland, Russia, Spain, and the USA) with sample salinities ranging from 4‰ to 280‰, and compare morphology and salinity tolerance of the nine available strains. Percolomonas cosmopolitus-like strains show few-to-no consistent morphological differences, and form six clades separated by often extremely large 18S rDNA divergences (up to 42.4%). Some strains grew best at salinities from 75 to 125‰ and represent halophiles. All but one of these belonged to two geographically heterogeneous clusters that formed a robust monophyletic group in phylogenetic trees; this likely represents an ecologically specialized subclade of halophiles. Our results suggest that P. cosmopolitus is a cluster of several cryptic species (at least), which are unlikely to be distinguished by geography. Interestingly, the 9 Percolomonas strains formed a clade in 18S rDNA phylogenies, unlike most previous analyses based on two sequences.
The first Miocene fossils of Lacerta cf.trilineata(Squamata, Lacertidae) with a comparative study of the main cranial osteological differences in green lizards and their relatives
Authors: Čerňanský Andrej , Syromyatnikova Elena V.
Published: April 2019

We here describe the first fossil remains of a green lizardof theLacertagroup from the late Miocene (MN 13) of the Solnechnodolsk locality in southern European Russia. This region of Europe is crucial for our understanding of the paleobiogeography and evolution of these middle-sized lizards. Although this clade has a broad geographical distribution across the continent today, its presence in the fossil record has only rarely been reported. In contrast to that, the material described here is abundant, consists of a premaxilla, maxillae, frontals, parietals, jugals, quadrate, pterygoids, dentaries and vertebrae. The comparison of these elements to all extant green lizard species shows that these fossils are indistinguishable fromLacerta trilineata. Thus, they form the first potential evidence of the occurrence of this species in the Miocene. This may be also used as a potential calibration point for further studies. Together with other lizard fossils, Solnechnodolsk shows an interesting combination of survivors and the dawn of modern species. This locality provides important evidence for the transition of an archaic Miocene world to the modern diversity of lizards in Europe. In addition, this article represents a contribution to the knowledge of the comparative osteological anatomy of the selected cranial elements in lacertid. This study gives special emphasis to the green lizards, but new data are also presented for related taxa, e.g.,Timon lepidus, Podarcis muralisorZootoca vivipara. Although the green lizards include several cryptic species for which determination based on isolated osteological material would be expected to be difficult, our comparisons show several important morphological differences.
DefiningEscherichia colias a health-promoting microbe against intestinalPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Christofi Theodoulakis , Panayidou Stavria , Dieronitou Irini , Michael Christina , Apidianakis Yiorgos
Published: April 2019

Gut microbiota acts as a barrier against intestinal pathogens, but species-specific protection of the host from infection remains relatively unexplored. Taking a Koch’s postulates approach in reverse to define health-promoting microbes we find thatEscherichia colinaturally colonizes the gut of healthy mice, but it is depleted from the gut of antibiotic-treated mice, which become susceptible to intestinal colonization byPseudomonas aeruginosaand concomitant mortality. Reintroduction of fecal bacteria andE. coliestablishes a high titer ofE. coliin the host intestine and increases defence againstP. aeruginosacolonization and mortality. Moreover, diet is relevant in this process because high sugars or dietary fat favoursE. colifermentation to lactic acid andP. aeruginosagrowth inhibition. To the contrary, low sugars allowP. aeruginosato produce the oxidative agent pyocyanin that inhibitsE. coligrowth. Our results provide an explanation as to whyP. aeruginosadoesn’t commonly infect the human gut, despite being a formidable microbe in lung and wound infections.

Author Summary

Here we interrogate the conundrum as to whyPseudomonas aeruginosais not a clinical problem in the intestine as opposed to other tissues.P. aeruginosainteracts with Neisseria, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and Actinomyces species found in the human lung. These are predominantly gram-positive bacteria that induceP. aeruginosavirulence. Moreover, peptidoglycan, which is abundant in gram-positive bacteria, can directly trigger the virulence ofP. aeriginosa. We reasoned thatP. aeruginosamight be benign in the human gut due to the inhibitory action of benign gram-negative intestinal bacteria, such asEscherichia coli. Therefore, we dissected the antagonism betweenE. coliandP. aeruginosaand the effect of a conventional, a fat-, a carbohydrate-and a protein-based diet in intestinal dysbiosis. Our findings support the notion that an unbalanced diet or antibiotics induces gut dysbiosis by the elimination of commensalE. coli, in addition to lactic acid bacteria, imposing a gut environment conducive toP. aeruginosainfection. Moreover, commensalE. coliprovides an explanation as to whyP. aeruginosadoesn’t commonly infect the human gut, despite being a formidable microbe in lung and wound infections.
An epistemological assessment of learning nutritional information with augmented reality
Authors: ChanLin Lih-Juan , Chan Kung-Chi , Wang Chiao-Ru
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether epistemological assessment is a suitable approach to evaluate students’ learning of dietary knowledge via the use of an augmented reality (AR) information system. Students’ perceived dietary knowledge was compared before and after learning with the AR system. Two major questions were addressed: Did students improve their understanding of dietary knowledge after the use of AR information system? Did students gain more appropriate understanding of dietary knowledge after the use of AR information system?

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach was used in the study. The mobile AR system was used among 65 volunteered non-nutrition-major college students recruited in campus. For promoting epistemological development of personal dietary knowledge, students practiced with life experiences to access daily dietary information. Pre- and post-tests of students’ understanding of dietary knowledge were compared. Interviews with 20 students were used for gathering in-depth research data to analyse students’ epistemological understanding of dietary knowledge.

Findings

The epistemological assessment indicated an improvement in learning after the use of the AR system. Students gradually gained awareness of dietary knowledge and changed their perceptions of their dietary behaviours. Epistemological approaches to the analysis of students’ conceptual change in dietary knowledge revealed a significant increase in the mean nutritional concepts (p< 0.01) and a decrease in their mean misconceptions (p< 0.001) after learning via the mobile nutrition monitoring system. Learning assessment of 65 students also indicated a significant increase from the post-test after learning with the system (p< 0.0001).

Research limitations/implications

This study might have its limitations, as it only assessed learning using a pretest-posttest design for a specific learning context over a short period of learning time. The use of interviews based on the epistemological approach might have its limitations in the interpretations of the phenomenon. Future implementations can also be extended to different populations to promote self-monitoring dietary behaviours.

Originality/value

The findings of this study will contribute to the application of AR in learning about dietary knowledge. The research involving in-depth observation of students’ learning relevant to personal nutritional information needs via mobile AR might provide potential contributions to dietitian professionals and health education.
The impact of affective orientation on bank preference as moderated by cognitive load and brand story style
Authors: Kao Danny Tengti , Wu Pei-Hsun
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The competition among banks in Taiwan is fierce. The financial services offered by banks are highly similar and banks attempt to devise a variety of marketing campaigns to gain brand preferences of bank clients. However, little research regarding bank marketing has applied the segmentation strategy to precisely target bank clients. The purpose of this paper is to explore the moderating roles of cognitive load and brand story style in the impact of bank clients’ affective orientation on brand preference of bank clients.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 216 participants who have bank accounts in Taiwan were randomly assigned to a 2 (brand story style: underdog vs top dog) × 2 (cognitive load: low vs high) factorial design. An ANOVA was conducted to examine the interaction effects of affective orientation, cognitive load and brand story style on the brand preference of bank clients. Affective orientation of participants was measured by Affective Orientation Scale.

Findings

Results demonstrate that for bank clients with low and high affective orientation, advertisements characterized by cognitive load (low vs high) and brand story style (underdog vs top dog) will elicit differential brand preferences of bank clients.

Originality/value

This is the first research to examine the moderating effects of bank clients’ affective orientation, cognitive load and brand story style on brand preferences of bank clients. Specifically, this research takes up the call to apply bank clients’ personality traits to examine the impact of bank marketing on brand preferences of banks.
Outsourced supply chains as a complex adaptive system
Authors: Rooney Jim , Cao Yiyuan
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Firms in the early stage of their organisational lifecycle (ESFs) are subject to concerns founded on a requirement for strategic flexibility, prompting engagement in inter-organisational relationships such as outsourcing. However, studies of the management control dynamics of these relationships are rare. This paper aims to respond by empirically examining the influence of ESF managers on the ongoing management control of such relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A single outsourcing case study is utilised to provide evidence in examining a multi-theoretical framework that adopts a complex adaptive system (CAS) perspective as a qualitative analytical framework, along with the existing accounting theory on control adoption.

Findings

Focused on management concerns with tensions between inter-organisational control and strategic flexibility, this paper identifies reasons for the adoption of management controls by an ESF. The inter-organisational system explored in this paper emphasises the importance of adopting a holistic epistemology in understanding changes in control adoption.

Research limitations/implications

This paper extends current theoretical perspectives on control adoption to consider the inter-organisational control concerns of ESF managers.

Practical implications

The insights identified in this paper provide a systemic framework to identify potential organisational and environmental influences on control problems, emphasising environmental co-evolution rather than achievement of ideal equilibrium states.

Originality/value

The intended contribution is to extend the management control literature to consider the effect of organisational lifecycle on the adoption of new inter-organisational management controls in the wake of ongoing trade-off between competing inter-organisational requirements.
Social responsibility disclosure determinants by philanthropic higher education institutions
Authors: Seibert Rosane Maria , Macagnan Clea Beatriz
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explain the extent of social responsibility disclosure by Brazilian philanthropic higher education institutions (PHEIs). This paper assumes that there is information asymmetry between these organizations and their stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The presence of indicators on the organizations’ webpage generated a disclosure index for each PHEI of the sample. Afterwards, this paper performed regression tests, which identified the determinants of PHEIs social responsibility disclosure extent.

Findings

The results support the legitimacy theory as a theoretical basis for social responsibility disclosure extent. The evidenced indicators and the non-rejected hypotheses, related to complexity, diversification, regional factor, specific event and quality, confirm the concern with transparency and accountability of commitments assumed by the social contract.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to social responsibility disclosure related to the legitimacy theory and the interests of some stakeholders and to Brazilian PHEIs and their webpages. These limitations mean opportunities for future research studies addressing different information disclosure, foundations of other theories, interests of each specific stakeholder or other stakeholders in other communication channels and other countries, which enable comparisons of results.

Practical implications

The disclosure of extent determinants serve as the basis for the establishment of disclosure and accountability policies for PHEIs.

Originality/value

The originality of this research consists of analyzing the determinants of disclosure from the information of the stakeholders’ interest. They are able to legitimize organizations, allowing them to remain in the community where they operate.
Internet Adoption and Financial Development in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Evidence from Nigeria and Kenya
Authors: Edo Samson , Okodua Henry , Odebiyi John
Published: April 2019

Financial development is influenced by the dynamics of multiple factors which have remained insufficiently explored up to date. In view of this, an attempt is made in this paper to investigate the impact of internet adoption on financial development in sub‐Saharan Africa, using Nigeria and Kenya as case studies. The dynamic ordinary least squares and vector error correction mechanism methods were employed in the study which revealed that the internet, complemented by financial openness, exerted a significant positive impact on financial development in the period 2000–16. The null hypothesis which states that the internet does not encourage financial development is therefore rejected. It follows that the level of financial development in both countries, and indeed most countries in sub‐Saharan Africa, could be enhanced by adopting appropriate policies that encourage more inclusive use of the internet. The policy recommendations of this study therefore include (i) relaxing the stringent requirements for licensing internet operators in order to make more services available for financial transactions, (ii) integrating internet technology into the national infrastructure framework in order to sustain its application, (iii) fostering local skills and expertise that will be maintaining internet infrastructure and (iv) providing a legal framework that protects personal information and ensures responsible usage of internet.
Making Violence Public: Spatializing (Counter)publicness through the 1993 Sivas Arson Attack, Turkey
Authors: Çaylı Eray
Published: April 2019

This article discusses the relationship between violence and public space in light of a collectively perpetrated and widely televised arson attack that took place in 1993 in Sivas, Turkey, and its recent on‐site commemorations. It draws on critical theoretical perspectives developed since the 1990s to consider conventional models of public space as entangled in violence, while also aiming to contribute to contemporary scholarship on contrarian responses to this entanglement. The tendency in this scholarship is to identify these responses as bottom‐up, unscripted, performative and direct and, therefore, as diametrically opposed to those identified as top‐down, scripted, rational and legislation‐facing. The multifarious initiatives and interventions involving contextually shifting priorities, positions and strategies that mark the case discussed in this article call this tendency into question. Unassimilable under such binary oppositions, these initiatives and interventions have not refrained from engaging conventional models of public space while also developing and mobilizing contrarian ones. This article ultimately argues that public space is not just where violence occurs but also where its semantic disambiguation is pursued; this pursuit, which involves various forms of socio‐political work, in turn defines and continually redefines the very distinction between conventional and contrarian imaginaries of public space.
A hierarchical Bayesian Beta regression approach to study the effects of geographical genetic structure and spatial autocorrelation on species distribution range shifts
Authors: Martínez‐Minaya Joaquín , Conesa David , Fortin Marie‐Josée , Alonso‐Blanco Carlos , Picó F. Xavier , Marcer Arnald
Published: April 2019

Global climate change (GCC) may be causing distribution range shifts in many organisms worldwide. Multiple efforts are currently focused on the development of models to better predict distribution range shifts due to GCC. We addressed this issue by including intraspecific genetic structure and spatial autocorrelation (SAC) of data in distribution range models. Both factors reflect the joint effect of ecoevolutionary processes on the geographical heterogeneity of populations. We used a collection of 301 georeferenced accessions of the annual plant Arabidopsis thaliana in its Iberian Peninsula range, where the species shows strong geographical genetic structure. We developed spatial and nonspatial hierarchical Bayesian models (HBMs) to depict current and future distribution ranges for the four genetic clusters detected. We also compared the performance of HBMs with Maxent (a presence‐only model). Maxent and nonspatial HBMs presented some shortcomings, such as the loss of accessions with high genetic admixture in the case of Maxent and the presence of residual SAC for both. As spatial HBMs removed residual SAC, these models showed higher accuracy than nonspatial HBMs and handled the spatial effect on model outcomes. The ease of modelling and the consistency among model outputs for each genetic cluster was conditioned by the sparseness of the populations across the distribution range. Our HBMs enrich the toolbox of software available to evaluate GCC‐induced distribution range shifts by considering both genetic heterogeneity and SAC, two inherent properties of any organism that should not be overlooked.
Clinical features and outcomes ofALKrearranged non‐small cell lung cancer with primary resistance to crizotinib
Authors: Ma Di , Zhang Yan , Xing Puyuan , Hao Xuezhi , Wang Mengzhao , Wang Yan , Shan Li , Xin Tao , Liang Hongge , Du Yang , Zhang Zhaohui , Liang Li , Li Junling
Published: April 2019

Background

Crizotinib is associated with a favorable survival benefit in patients withALK‐positive non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, a subset of patients harboringALKrearrangement shows a poor response.

Methods

We collected the clinical features and survival outcomes of 28 primary‐resistant responders (PRR) with progression‐free survival (PFS) of < 3 months on crizotinib and compared these with 78 long‐term responders (LTR) that achieved > 24 months PFS (control).

Results

Primary resistance was observed in 6.5% of the patients. The median PFS of the PRR and LTR groups was 1.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70–1.73) and 47.0 months (95% CI 34.39–59.64), respectively. A better Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score was significantly associated with longer PFS (odds ratio 0.06, 95% CI 0.01–0.33;P = 0.001). The median overall survival (OS) of the PRR group was 8.4 months (95% CI 3.47–13.42) and crizotinib as first‐line treatment was an independent predictive factor for survival outcome (P = 0.005). Patients administered ALK‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors after crizotinib progression had significantly longer survival than the PRR group treated with best supportive care (P = 0.007), but no significant difference was found between ALK‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment and single chemotherapy (P = 0.944).

Conclusion

Patients with primary resistance to crizotinib displayed unfavorable survival outcomes and the underlying mechanism cannot be identified in clinical features. Nevertheless, next‐generation ALK inhibitors and chemotherapy after crizotinib progression could confer a therapeutic and survival benefit in this population.
Influence of male human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on the reproductive outcomes in serodiscordant couples: a case–control study
Authors: Cito G. , Coccia M. E. , Fucci R. , Picone R. , Cocci A. , Russo G. I. , Rizzello F. , Trotta M. , Badolato L. , Basile V. , Criscuoli L. , Serni S. , Carini M. , Natali A.
Published: April 2019

Background

Nowadays, serodiscordant couples (SDCs) with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected men have the chance to conceive safely, giving birth with a minimum risk of cross‐infection.

Objective

To assess the impact of male HIV and HCV infection on the assisted reproductive technologies (ART) outcomes in SDCs, with HIV or HCV seropositive men and negative partners.

Materials and methods

Of 153 couples: 24 in Group 1 (HIV‐seropositive men), 60 in Group 2 (HCV‐seropositive men) and 69 in Group 3 (controls). Sperm‐washing procedure was performed using a three‐step system. Fresh ICSI cycles were carried out in HIV SDCs, HCV SDCs and controls. Seminal parameters, fertilization rate (FR), cleavage rate (CR), pregnancy rate per cycle (PR/C), miscarriage rate, implantation rate (IR) and live birth rate were evaluated.

Results

All the seropositive men have undetectable viral loads at the time of insemination, and both partners were free from co‐morbid infections. The median number of embryos transferred was 2.0 (IQR 1.0–3.0), with no differences among groups. FR was significantly reduced in HIV and HCV SDCs compared to the controls (66%, 61% and 75%, respectively; p < 0.01). CR was similar between groups (p = 0.3). IR was 12.1%, 11.1% and 14.1%, respectively, in the three groups (p = 0.30). PR/C was 21.7%, 17.6% and 20.2% in HIV, HCV and controls, respectively. Live birth rate per cycle was 17.4%, 15.7% and 15.9%, respectively. There were no significant differences in clinical pregnancies per cycle, as well as miscarriages and live births (p = 0.30; 0.30; 0.60, respectively).

Conclusions

The sperm‐washing technique with ICSI may generate a promising way to improve pregnancy outcomes and to reduce the risk of viral transmission in these couples. In this setting, we can correctly counsel HIV‐ and HCV‐infected men of SDCs with regard to the likelihood of father their own biological child.
The Peer Supervision Group as Clinical Research Device: Analysis of a Group Experience
Authors: Yasky Jaime , King Robert , O'brien Tom
Published: April 2019

This paper reports on the work of a peer supervision group engaged in simultaneous research and clinical supervision. During an 18‐month period, the group met to discuss 22 individual treatments of people diagnosed with psychosomatic disorders to identify common patterns of resistance and to assist therapists to effectively manage resistance. The aim of the present study was to identify and better understand psychological challenges the group experienced during this research process and its impact on their capacity to work effectively in their tasks. Supervision meetings were recorded and two types of qualitative analyses, derived from the work of Pichon‐Rivière and Bion, were performed to study the group work and processes. Analysis showed fluctuations and compromise formations between the tendency to work objectively and to regress during critical periods of the research process. Factors that pulled the group in both directions are identified and discussed. We believe many of the processes observed in this study are applicable to other peer supervision groups. An understanding of such group processes is likely to enhance group work.
‘How Can Anyone Live Like That?’ Exploring the Conscious and Unconscious Implications for Disabled People of any Change in Assisted Suicide Law
Authors: Kane Anne
Published: April 2019

This paper explores the issue of assisted suicide in relation to disabled people from a psychosocial perspective. The implications, particularly the unconscious implications, for disabled people and for the psychosocial dynamics around disability if assisted suicide was made lawful in the UK are explored. Assisted suicide is the subject of persistent attempts at legal change and while not, in theory, specific to disabled people, the issue brings some of the psychosocial dynamics around impairment and disability into focus, illuminating the attitudes and emotions with which disabled people must try to live. Psychoanalytic ideas in relation to trauma, loss, mourning and containment are drawn upon with particular reference to the work of Freud, Klein, Bion and more contemporary thinkers such as Garland, Sinason and Rustin. The paper draws on three texts by disabled people in order to explore emotional responses to profound impairment. Attachment theory helps in considering varying narrative styles. Disability studies literature and legal, social and political contextual issues inform the psychosocial perspective applied in the paper.
Attachment and Trauma in Groups and Organizations
Authors: Sarra Nicholas
Published: April 2019

Attachment processes develop across the life cycle and also express themselves in group and organizational situations where they can be conceived as a ‘politics of affect’ through which identities are constructed. I use the concept of ‘reciprocating selves’ to draw attention to these attachment‐seeking and relational processes. I argue that trauma can ossify the reciprocal movement and responsiveness necessary to human relating, the back and forth between people through which differences are negotiated and resilience created. I draw on Volkan's concept of ‘time collapse’ to characterize situations in which the embodied experience of affect overwhelms. This can render the past unrevisable and undifferentiated in the present. An idea of reciprocating selves helps us to understand how formative attachment experience continues to develop through the life of groups and organizations and the difficulties which occur if this process becomes frozen or where an ersatz reciprocation in the form of a narcissistic defence may result.
Randomized controlled clinical investigation on the association between personality profiles and the impacts of two types of maxillary anterior implant‐supported crown restorations on daily living and dental satisfaction
Authors: AlZarea Bader K.
Published: April 2019

Background

Personality factors might influence participants' satisfaction and the effects of dental management on daily living.

Purpose

This randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to assess the impacts of two types of implant‐supported maxillary anterior crown restorations on daily living and participants' satisfaction, and its correlations with personality profiles.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and seventy participants (84 males and 86 females; mean age = 35 ± 9 years) obtained maxillary anterior implant‐supported crowns. They were allocated into two treatment groups (85 participants each: 43 females and 42 males). Group 1 was treated with titanium abutment‐supported porcelain fused to metal (PFM) restorations. Group 2 was treated with zirconium abutment‐supported ceramic restorations. A control group (85 participants each: 43 females and 42 males) that matched the treatment groups in gender and age was recruited. Precise clinical standards were followed to judge the clinical success of treatment. The NEO Five‐Factor Inventory was used to evaluate participants' personality profiles. The dental impact on daily living questionnaire (DIDL) was used to evaluate restoration impacts on daily living and participants' satisfaction. Statistical analysis was carried out with probability of α = .05.

Results

Higher DIDL scores were reported after crown treatments (P < .001). Group 2 participants reported highest levels of satisfaction with appearance (P = .007). DIDL scores were significantly associated with neuroticism, extraversion, and openness scores (P < .05) before restoration, and, with neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, openness, and conscientiousness scores (P < .05) after restoration.

Conclusion

Implant‐supported crown restorations in anterior maxillary region were associated with positive impacts on daily living and participants' satisfaction. Implant‐supported ceramic crowns and abutments were accompanied with higher levels of satisfaction with appearance than implant‐supported PFM crowns and titanium abutments. Certain personality and psychological features (neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, openness, and conscientiousness) might affect and predict dental satisfaction and impacts on daily living.
Cannabis derived medicinal products in child neurology
Authors: O'callaghan Finbar
Published: April 2019

This commentary is on the invited review by Nielsen et al. on pages 631–638 of this issue.
Diaspora and government welfare spending: Do migrant remittances increase public social protection?
Authors: Mina Wasseem
Published: April 2019

This paper contributes to the debate on the impact of migrant remittances on welfare spending. It empirically examines the influence that remittances have on public social protection (SP) expenditures using macrolevel panel data on a sample of 38 high‐ and middle‐income countries over the period 2005–2014. The paper finds that remittances have a negative influence on public SP expenditures, suggesting that they serve as a private substitute to public SP. The results highlight the importance of remittances to government welfare spending and sustainable development.
Microbial communities and their genetic repertoire mediate the decomposition of soil organic carbon pools in revegetation shrublands in a desert in northern China
Authors: Sun Yanfei , Liu Zhen , Zhang Yuqing , Lai Zongrui , She Weiwei , Bai Yuxuan , Feng Wei , Qin Shugao
Published: April 2019

Revegetation using xerophytic plants in drylands can alter soil microbial community diversity and composition; however, information about the microbial communities and their genetic repertoires that are involved in soil organic carbon (SOC) processes in drylands remain unclear. This study aimed to characterize soil microbial genes and their potential to mediate SOC decomposition in three revegetation shrublands (Artemisia ordosica, Salix psammophila and Caragana microphylla) in the Mu Us Desert of northern China using an SOC mineralization experiment and shotgun metagenome sequencing. Among the three shrublands, the S. psammophila shrubland had the highest cumulative CO2 emissions and highest rates of mineralization of the slow SOC pool. The mineralization rate of the slow SOC pool and the microbial taxonomic and functional composition displayed a significant correlation. Most C‐degradation genes were assigned to three bacterial phyla, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria. The relative abundance of microbial functional genes involved in degrading recalcitrant C‐complexes was significantly higher in the S. psammophila shrubland, resulting in the slow accumulation of recalcitrant SOC. These results suggest that the microbial functional genes that regulate the decomposition of the SOC pool in dryland shrubland soils may be influenced by shrub species selection. These findings highlight the importance of understanding how microbial catabolic potential mediates the potential for SOC sequestration in different revegetation shrublands in drylands.

Highlights

We studied SOC mineralization and soil microbial functional genes in three revegetation shrublands.

S. psammophila shrubland had the highest CO2 emissions and highest mineralization rates of the slow C pool.

Slow SOC pool mineralization rate was related to microbial taxonomic and functional composition.

Different dryland shrubs may mediate soil microbial functional genes that regulate SOC pool decomposition.
Efficacy and safety of prophylaxis with BAY 81‐8973 in Chinese patients with severe haemophilia A enrolled in the LEOPOLD II trial
Authors: Yang Renchi , Sun Jing , Zhao Yongqiang , Wang Xuefeng , Wu Depei , Tseneklidou‐Stoeter Despina , Wu Junde , Church Nikki
Published: April 2019

Introduction

BAY 81‐8973 (Kovaltry®) is a full‐length, unmodified recombinant human factor VIII approved in China for prophylaxis and on‐demand treatment in patients with haemophilia A. Limited access to FVIII prophylaxis in China has historically led to this population being undertreated. This subanalysis of LEOPOLD II investigated whether the efficacy and safety of BAY 81‐8973 varied between Chinese and non‐Chinese patients.

Aim

To evaluate BAY 81‐8973 efficacy and safety in Chinese patients.

Methods

LEOPOLD II enrolled males aged 12‒65 years with severe haemophilia A who were receiving on‐demand treatment. Patients were randomly assigned to receive BAY 81‐8973 as low‐dose prophylaxis (20‒30 IU/kg twice‐weekly), high‐dose prophylaxis (30‒40 IU/kg 3 times weekly) or on‐demand for 1 year.

Results

Data were available from 23 Chinese and 57 non‐Chinese patients; Chinese patients had a higher prestudy bleeding rate and were more likely to have target joints than non‐Chinese patients. 74% of patients were assigned to prophylaxis. Annualized bleeding rates (ABRs) in Chinese and non‐Chinese patients receiving prophylaxis were significantly lower compared to patients treated on‐demand. Median ABRs for all bleeds in the last 6 months of the study were 2.0 and 1.0 for Chinese and non‐Chinese patients, respectively, in the combined prophylaxis groups, and 61.3 and 58.5 in the on‐demand group. A treatment‐related adverse event occurred in 1 Chinese patient; no patients developed FVIII inhibitors.

Conclusion

BAY 81‐8973 prophylaxis was efficacious and well tolerated in Chinese patients with severe haemophilia A, with ABRs comparable to those in non‐Chinese patients receiving prophylaxis.
Finding home: Black queer historical scholarship in the United States Part II
Authors: Jones Jennifer Dominique
Published: April 2019

This essay surveys the extant historical and historically minded scholarship about the political, social, and cultural life of African American/black LGBT/queer. Characterizing this area of inquiry as “black queer historical studies,” this essay addresses scholars' diverse approaches to the challenge of archival research, current scholarship about the intersecting histories of blackness and queerness in the United States, and four key topical concerns: black “lesbian” histories, gender transgression, class, and community formation/politics.
Effects of breastfeeding and heel warming on pain levels during heel stick in neonates
Authors: Aydin Diler , İnal Sevil
Published: April 2019

Aim

To determine the effects of two different methods, breastfeeding and heel warming, during heel stick procedures on pain levels in healthy term neonates.

Methods

This study was a prospective, randomized controlled trial. The sample of the study consisted of 150 healthy newborns who matched the case selection criteria and were brought to the nursery for the heel stick procedure. Fifty neonates were randomly assigned to each group: breastfeeding (n = 50), heel warming (n = 50), and control (n = 50), using computer‐based randomization. The study data were obtained using an Information Form and the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS).

Results

The pre‐procedural pain scores of the breastfeeding group (mean 4.44 SD 1.21 seconds) were lower than in the heel warming (mean 6.10 SD 1.07 seconds) and the control group (mean 6.42 SD 0.91 seconds) (P < 0.01). Both the total crying time and the first calming time of the breastfeeding group were shorter than the heel warming and control group. The first calming time of the heel warming group was shorter than in the control group.

Conclusions

Both breastfeeding and heel warming are effective in reducing the calming time during heel stick procedures. However, breastfeeding is more effective than heel warming in reducing pain during heel stick and should be preferred as the first choice.
Foreign trade barriers and jobs in global supply chains
Authors: KÜHN Stefan , VIEGELAHN Christian
Published: April 2019

This article uses ILO global supply chain job estimates to study the impact on domestic jobs of foreign barriers to trade in goods and services. Empirical analysis largely confirms predictions derived from a theoretical model calibrated to WIOD data for 2000 and 2011. Barriers to trade in manufacturing and services are both found to have a cross‐border impact on jobs in their own sector and spill‐over effects in other sectors, the latter becoming stronger over time. This article shows the labour market consequences of the increased interconnectedness of countries and sectors through global supply chains, which suggests that trade policy can have significant external effects on foreign labour markets.
Volatilité des revenus salariaux et volatilité de l'emploi chez les jeunes en Europe
Authors: AYLLÓN Sara , RAMOS Xavier
Published: April 2019

Les auteurs fournissent de nouveaux éléments d'appréciation sur la volatilité des revenus salariaux et de l'emploi chez les jeunes Européens après la crise de 2008. L'analyse, qui repose sur des données de la base EU‐SILC (2004–2013), révèle des différences de niveaux et de tendances importantes entre les pays. Sans surprise, l'instabilité augmente après la crise, mettant fin au recul enregistré précédemment. Une analyse de variance montre que les jeunes des pays d'Europe méridionale sont particulièrement exposés à la volatilité de l'emploi. Une régression à effets fixes permet d'associer certaines institutions (prestations de chômage et législation protectrice de l'emploi) à une baisse de l'instabilité.
Libéralisation du commerce et emploi dans les services
Authors: SHINGAL Anirudh , SAUVÉ Pierre
Published: April 2019

Dans cette analyse novatrice consacrée à l'effet de la libéralisation du commerce et des investissements relatifs aux services sur la répartition des gains, les auteurs mettent l'accent sur le rôle de caractéristiques comme le mode de fourniture et la nature de la branche d'activité. Ils complètent les statistiques descriptives par une analyse économétrique effectuée à partir des données de l'OCDE sur les restrictions aux échanges de services pour 2014–2016. Les résultats ne font apparaître aucune association entre la libéralisation unilatérale des services et une éventuelle perte d'emplois nette. Cependant, des études empiriques reposant sur des données plus exhaustives seraient nécessaires pour en savoir plus.
Trabajo decente para los trabajadores domésticos en Côte d'Ivoire. Inspección y actuaciones judiciales innovadoras en el marco del código general del trabajo
Authors: BLACKETT Adelle , KONÉ‐SILUÉ Assata
Published: April 2019

Se presenta un análisis contextualizado de las resoluciones judiciales dictadas en Côte d'Ivoire entre 1971 y 2013 en el marco del código general del trabajo. La jurisprudencia y las entrevistas cualitativas con actores institucionales muestran que las prácticas innovadoras derivan de la aplicación del código por inspectores y jueces que equiparan el trabajo doméstico a cualquier otro, lo que impide abordar su especificidad. Tras reafirmar que la regulación del trabajo doméstico debe englobar su dualidad (trabajo como otro cualquiera, pero diferente de todos los demás), se aboga por la creación de una comunidad internacional de aprendizaje sobre trabajo decente para los trabajadores domésticos.
Comercio y empleo en Europa. El papel de las exportaciones de servicios en modo 5
Authors: RUEDA‐CANTUCHE José M. , CERNAT Lucian , SOUSA Nuno
Published: April 2019

En las dos últimas décadas, el empleo sostenido por las exportaciones extracomunitarias de bienes y servicios ha crecido considerablemente en la UE, con un giro hacia el empleo sostenido por los servicios exportados como parte de productos manufacturados. Para estudiar este fenómeno, los autores descomponen totalmente los flujos comerciales de 40 países y 35 sectores durante el periodo 1995–2011 utilizando un modelo input‐output multirregional y la base de datos mundial input‐output (WIOD). Los resultados indican que los cuatro modos de suministro de servicios tradicionales del Acuerdo General sobre el Comercio de Servicios deberían revisarse para adecuarlos a la nueva realidad del comercio mundial.
Una teoría económica favorable al derecho al trabajo
Authors: BRANCO Manuel C.
Published: April 2019

Se argumenta que la corriente económica dominante constituye uno de los principales factores por los que el derecho humano al trabajo, reconocido en 1966 por la comunidad internacional, parece no haberse tomado en serio. En el discurso dominante el trabajo es un costo; el empleo, un objetivo de segunda categoría; las personas, recursos con especificaciones productivas, y los derechos, rigideces. Una economía política basada en los derechos humanos que pretenda asegurar el derecho al trabajo debe interpretarlo más allá de la mera lucha contra el desempleo, entender el pleno empleo como un fin en sí mismo y situar al individuo en el centro de su razón de ser.
Defining the Black Aesthetic in African American Interior Decoration in the Home Environment through Art
Authors: Carmichael Jacqueline
Published: April 2019

This visual essay presents initial evidence for an on–going research study, which explores influences from American, African, and African Diaspora art that have shaped the development of African American domestic interior decoration and design. It examines the dominant stylistic traditions such as social practices, forms, colors, and beliefs to define the Black aesthetic in which African Americans create homemaking. Grounded Theory analyzes the role of memory, territoriality, displacement, and placemaking to create meaningful spaces—visual representation displayed in the form of photographic images of traditional and modern art obtained through historical archives that depict “African American” homemaking as a cultural repository.
Toward precision public health
Authors: Meyer Sarah L.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

The information in this article is based on a presentation given at the American Institute of Dental Public Health's 2018 Colloquium on Precision Public Health (PPH). A brief introduction to precision medicine provides context for PPH. Precision medicine tailors treatment and prevention strategies for individual patients based on variability of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. An overview of PPH with examples of pilot studies with different research approaches bridges a discussion on an initiative undertaken by the University of Florida to build infrastructure and expertise for PPH research.

Methods

PPH use better and more precise data to target disease prevention and control in the right population at the right time. To facilitate the identification of relevant open access data sources for PPH research a “one‐stop” shop was created and tested. Case studies were conducted to validate the data portal's usefulness in identifying at‐risk populations.

Results

Details of portal data types, research challenges, and university‐wide integrated programs are included. Case studies indicated that providing a “one‐stop shop” of relevant data sources is an effective tool to aid researchers in identifying at‐risk populations.

Conclusions

Research studies undertaken by University of Florida graduate students illustrate how PPH aligns with essential public health services including community engagement to reduce disparities in health care. Assurance of a competent workforce in PPH research approaches may be improved by training new researchers graduating from health science programs with knowledge of data and tools. The move toward PPH is in early stages and much work lies ahead.
Public involvement in designing a study on patient‐witnessed cardiopulmonary resuscitation in hospital
Authors: Fiori Martina , Endacott Ruth , Latour Jos M.
Published: April 2019

The aim of this paper is to report the findings of the consultation rounds with former patients and health care professionals to inform the design of a qualitative study. We aimed to understand stakeholders' views regarding the relevance of a proposed study looking at the impact of patients witnessing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on other patients in hospital, the appropriateness of the proposed methodology and ethical aspects. We conducted an online survey (n = 22) and telephone interviews (n = 4) with former patients linked to the British Heart Foundation charity and a focus group (n = 15) with hospital health care professionals involved in cardiopulmonary resuscitation activities. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The consultation rounds provided valuable advice on three major themes: conceptual aspects, methodological aspects and practical suggestions. The conceptual aspects were related to the relevance of the proposed study, the emotional impact for participating patients and how the social interaction among patients could influence the witnessing experience. Methodological advice included recruitment strategies and data collection methods such as the use of individual and focus group interviews, the timeframe of interviews with patients and the topics of the interview guides. In the third theme, practical suggestions were provided, such as strategies to advertise the study, improving the public's and participants' engagement throughout the study process and disseminating the findings. Overall, the study proposed in this consultation was considered relevant and worthy by patients and health care professionals to raise awareness and generate new evidence on an unconsidered aspect of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and of patients' hospital experience. These stakeholders' consultation rounds constituted a valuable exercise to design high‐quality research based on a shared vision among researchers, service users and clinicians. They also provided pragmatic advice to inform critical care practice to support patients witnessing cardiopulmonary resuscitation in hospital.