bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remittance inflows and starting a business
Authors: Gautam Durga Prasad
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Political economy research recognizes that the inflows of external financial resources help the governments enact market-oriented reforms. Since remittances have outpaced other types of financial inflows in many countries, they can potentially increase the government’s incentive to implement regulatory reform that can contribute to business-friendly environment. This issue has long been overlooked by the literature on remittances. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether remittances promote business regulatory reform in the recipient countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses balance of payments data on remittances for 114 countries during 2004-2012 period. Since remittances could be endogenous to business regulation, the identification strategy follows an instrumental variable approach. The author assesses the general stability of linear model estimates by fitting the beta regression model.

Findings

The results show that, while the increase in remittance inflows is associated with lower regulatory requirements for starting a business in the recipient economy, this association is stronger in developing countries than in high-income nations. Various sensitivity tests reinforce the robustness of these findings.

Originality/value

One of the most important yet overlooked aspects of remittances is that they can potentially shape the political will to enact regulatory reform for businesses. The incentives for the government to relax burdensome entry regulations tend to stem from potential gains associated with the formalization of remittances. This paper makes a first attempt at studying the link between remittances and the quality of entry regulation.
Using predictive decisionmaking to implement technology prizes
Authors: Youngberg David
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a system for regularly offered government-sponsored technology prizes. Such prizes would preserve the incentive to invent without the barriers to entry that come with the patent system. This is of particular interest to entrepreneurs as they lack the patent portfolio that incumbent firms can leverage into derivative technology.

Design/methodology/approach

After reviewing various efficiency concerns with the patent system, the author describes how technology prizes could work alongside the patent system. Such prizes are best when the sponsor can capture as much of the technology spillover as possible – i.e. through a government agency. This paper provides a framework for a practical prize structure while paying special attention to combating the logistical and public choice concerns of creating a prize.

Findings

This paper focuses on two methods to prevent inefficiency in government-sponsored prize: truth-bonding and information markets. Each mechanism helps combat different kinds of problems. Various complications to this system are explored and addressed.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that an efficient prize system is a possible policy and, if implemented, would embolden technology-focused entrepreneurship and other subsequent technological development.

Originality/value

While previous work has noted the benefits of technology prizes over patents, few attempts have been made to outline an incentive-compatible system for doing so. This paper is the first of its kind to propose a practical and efficient government-sponsored prize system.
The entrepreneurship-unemployment nexus in Croatia
Authors: Payne James E. , Mervar Andrea
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the literature on the entrepreneurship-unemployment nexus to the case of Croatia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the Toda-Yamamoto causality test within a vector autoregressive model to determine the causal dynamics between the self-employment rate (SER), unemployment rate (UR), industrial production, and credit in the case of Croatia from March 1998 to December 2016.

Findings

The results reveal support for the recession-push hypothesis. Specifically, the authors find that an increase in the UR Granger causes an increase in the SER.

Research limitations/implications

Due to data availability, a more detailed analysis of self-employment by industry was prohibitive.

Practical implications

The results emphasize the importance of recognizing business cycle dynamics and the availability of credit when evaluating the causal relationship between entrepreneurship and unemployment.

Social implications

As policy makers view entrepreneurship as a potential remedy for unemployment, particular attention needs to be given to both the phases of the business cycle and credit availability to support entrepreneurial ventures in the design of policy.

Originality/value

Previous studies on the causal dynamics between entrepreneurship and unemployment pertain to OECD countries. This is the first study to examine a transition economy recently admitted to the European Union.
The impact of labor freedom on geographic cost of living differentials
Authors: Cebula Richard , Payne James E. , Horner Donnie , Boylan Robert
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of labor market freedom on state-level cost of living differentials in the USA using cross-sectional data for 2016 after allowing for the impacts of economic and quality of life factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses two-stage least squares estimation controlling for factors contributing to cost of living differences across states.

Findings

The results reveal that an increase in labor market freedom reduces the overall cost of living.

Research limitations/implications

The study can be extended using panel data and alternative measures of labor market freedom.

Practical implications

In general, the finding that less intrusive government and greater labor freedom are associated with a reduced cost of living should not be surprising. This is because less government intrusion and greater labor freedom both inherently allow markets to be more efficient in the rationalization of and interplay with forces of supply and demand.

Social implications

The findings of this and future related studies could prove very useful to policy makers and entrepreneurs, as well as small business owners and public corporations of all sizes – particularly those considering either location in, relocation to, or expansion into other markets within the USA. Furthermore, the potential benefits of the National Right-to-Work Law currently under consideration in Congress could add cost of living reductions to the debate.

Originality/value

The authors extend the literature on cost of living differentials by investigating whether higher amounts of state-level labor market freedom act to reduce the states’ cost of living using the most recent annual data available (2016). That labor freedom has a systemic efficiency impact on the state-level cost of living is a significant finding. In our opinion, it is likely that labor market freedom is increasing the efficiency of labor market transactions in the production and distribution of goods and services, and acts to reduce the cost of living in states. In addition, unlike previous related studies, the authors investigate the impact of not only overall labor market freedom on the state-level cost of living, but also how the three sub-indices of labor market freedom, as identified and measured by Stanselet al.(2014, 2015), impact the cost of living state by state.
Proxy advisory voting recommendations in India – an exploratory study
Authors: Subramanian S.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the voting recommendations made by proxy advisory firms in India by descriptively analyzing the “Vote Against” recommendations made by two proxy advisory firms for shareholder resolutions for the listed Indian firms. It also empirically tests the relationship between proportion of “Vote Against” recommendations and the parameters which are proved to be influencing corporate governance practices of a firm.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical analysis of proxy voting recommendations for a sample of 77 listed non-financial Indian firms across four financial years.

Findings

The paper finds that two categories of shareholders proposals, “reappointment of non-executive directors” and “remuneration of statutory auditors”, account for 83.5 per cent of “Vote Against” recommendations. Further, there are significant differences in the proportion of “Vote Against” recommendations based on the type of “controlling ownership” of the firms. The regression analysis indicates that the relationships between proportion of “Vote Against” recommendations and determinants of corporate governance practices are mostly in line with the a priori expectations, as far as ownership is concerned but requires further analysis for other parameters.

Research limitations/implications

Exploratory nature of this paper opens up new research issues in the upcoming Indian Proxy advisory industry. It suggests that the future research should consider the controlling ownership as an important parameter while analyzing the proxy firm recommendations.

Practical implications

Indian proxy advisory industry requires lots of nurturing from the regulators, and this exploratory study provides the basic insights in this regard. It also highlights potential corporate governance issues where the regulators need to tighten the corporate governance norms, like reappointment of independent directors and appointment of statutory auditors.

Originality/value

Pioneering Study in understanding the proxy advisory voting recommendations in an emerging market.
Incompatibilities and seclusion of patients with an autism spectrum disorder detained in high-secure psychiatric care
Authors: Murphy David , Bush Emma-Louise , Puzzo Ignazio
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Whilst individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represent a relatively small proportion of patients detained in high-secure psychiatric care (HSPC), previous research suggests that such individuals present with difficulties and needs significantly different from non-ASD patient groups. However, to date, there has not been any formal examination of how individuals with an ASD are represented in records of key risk management actions (i.e. seclusions and incompatibilities with other patients). The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

An observation of hospital data examining two key risk management actions for a group of individuals with an ASD is detained in one HSPC hospital. These include the number of formal incompatibilities with other patients and the number of, and hours in, seclusion. Both actions require extra staff and security provisions and can decelerate the rehabilitation and recovery process.

Findings

In addition to suggesting an overall increase in the general prevalence of ASD within the hospital compared to previous estimates, individuals with an ASD appear to have a disproportionately higher number of incompatibilities with other patients compared to those patients without an ASD and experience more and longer periods of seclusions.

Originality/value

Although the methodological limitations of the study are acknowledged, explanations for the findings are discussed along with future research and recommendations as to how ASD patients might be best managed in the hospital. It is argued that the findings add further support for a specialist ASD service within HSPC.
Football teams for people with intellectual disabilities living in the community: “it helps your self-esteem and that, don’t it?”
Authors: White Rose , Lister Katherine , Northend Kristian , Moore Stephen , Rayner Kelly
Published: October 2017

Purpose

People with intellectual disabilities (ID) can be vulnerable to developing mental health problems. It has been found that participating in regular exercise can help to improve emotional well-being, both in typically developing people and those with ID. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the experiences of community clients with ID who have engaged in a football training programme, and the perceived impacts on attitudes, mood and behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews with seven patients from generic or forensic community ID services were conducted. The transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Findings

Two master themes were identified from the interviews, “Striving” and “Togetherness”.

Originality/value

The most important factors related to taking part in the football programme were the social, emotional and personal growth associated with being part of a team and general enjoyment of being part of something. Although aspects of football knowledge and physical fitness were still evident, their impact seemed to be less significant. The experience of football was overwhelmingly positive.
A review of the pharmacological management of sexually offending behaviour in learning disabled offenders
Authors: Sloan Stephanie , Brewster Eleanor
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The management of sexual offending is a major challenge, particularly in men who have an intellectual disability. Psychological therapies have been shown beneficial, and programmes designed for use in the general population have been adapted for use in offenders who have an intellectual disability. There is also a role for pharmacological management, although the quality of evidence for this is noticeably lacking, most likely associated with the ethical and legal issues encountered in conducting well designed and controlled trials in this area. The purpose of this paper is to look at the pharmacological management options available.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature search of electronic databases was undertaken. Additionally, the references lists for identified papers were examined for any further relevant publications.

Findings

The two main categories of drugs used in the management of inappropriate sexual behaviour are the testosterone-lowering drugs and the psychotropic drugs. Most trials were open and utilised self-report measures of drug effectiveness, limiting their usefulness. Most trials noted beneficial effect. Side effect profiles and patient adherence can limit the effectiveness of anti-libidinal medication in practice.

Originality/value

There is very limited evidence available for the use of pharmacological agents in the management of inappropriate sexual behaviour, owing to the lack of adequately controlled clinical trials. New studies are therefore required, particularly of larger sample sizes, longer durations, and examining characteristics of those who benefit from pharmacological treatment, although the ethical issues of conducting such studies is duly acknowledged.
Investigating occupational disidentification: a resource loss perspective
Authors: Bentein Kathleen , Guerrero Sylvie , Jourdain Geneviève , Chênevert Denis
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of occupational disidentification through the lens of conservation of resources (COR) theory (Hobfoll, 1989, 1998). Occupational disidentification is conceptualized as a coping strategy, or an investment of resources to cope with poor perceived prestige of the occupation, which represents a threat to an individual’s resource: one’s self-esteem. However, occupational disidentification, as an avoidance coping strategy, generates a loss of cognitive and emotional resources leading to emotional exhaustion and, in turn, departure from the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The research hypotheses are tested among two samples of employees working in health and social services (Study 1, N=544), and in home care services (Study 2, N=113). Measures of employees’ attitudes were collected at the same time, and turnover was collected 18 months (Study 1) and 12 months (Study 2) later.

Findings

Research hypotheses are all supported. Occupational disidentification partially mediates the occupational prestige-emotional exhaustion relationship, and emotional exhaustion partially mediates the occupational disidentification-turnover intention relationship. Perceived organizational support moderates the negative relationship between perceived occupational prestige and occupational disidentification.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is the conceptualization of occupational disidentification within the theoretical framework of COR. In that vein, the study provides: a deeper understanding of the mechanisms explaining and buffering occupational disidentification, and empirical evidence of the key role of emotional exhaustion to explain the consequences of occupational disidentification.
The long tail of search and topical queries in public libraries
Authors: Oliphant Tami , Shiri Ali
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elaborate the long tail of topical search queries, including the influence of current events, posed to a large, urban public library discovery system.

Design/methodology/approach

Search queries from the months of June, July, August and September 2014 (1,488,339 total queries) were collected from the Edmonton Public Library’s BiblioCommons database using Google Analytics and exported to Excel. The data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency counts and textual analysis to explicate the long tail of search, (including the most popular searches) and to explore the relationship between topical search queries and current events.

Findings

The findings support the long tail theory, as the aggregate tail of topical search queries comprised the vast majority of the total searches and current events exert some influence on the nature and frequency of topical searches.

Research limitations/implications

Data collection was limited to four months of the year; thus, comparisons across the year cannot be made. There are practical implications for public libraries in terms of marketing and collections, as well as for improving catalogue functionality, to support user search behaviour.

Originality/value

Not much research attention has been focused on the nature of topical search queries in public libraries compared to academic libraries and the Web. The findings contribute to developing insight into the divergent interests of intergenerational public library users and the topics of materials they are searching for.
Intersectionality, mental health and Chinese people in the UK: a qualitative exploration
Authors: Tang Lynn , Pilgrim David
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide qualitative evidence from the experience of Chinese service users in the UK to expand the literature on the use of intersectionality analysis in research on the mental health of ethnic minority groups.

Design/methodology/approach

Repeated in-depth life-history interviews were carried out with 22 participants. Interviews were analysed using the constant comparative method.

Findings

Four areas of life are identified for their possible negative impact on mental health for this minority group: labour market and work conditions, marriage and family, education, and ageing. The findings illustrate how these intersecting variables may shape the social conditions this ethnic minority group face. For this ethnic minority group in the UK, inequalities can intersect at national as well as transnational level.

Originality/value

This paper highlights how power relations and structural inequalities including class, gender, age and ethnicity could be drawn upon to understand the interplay of determinants of mental health for ethnic minority groups. As the multi-factorial social forces are closely related to the emergence of poor mental health, it is suggested that interventions to reduce mental health problems in ethnic minority communities should be multi-level and not limited to individualised service responses.
Optimal design of a cylindrical composite panel of piecewise constant thickness
Authors: Belybekyan Ernest , Poghosyan Arevshat , Sharkhatunyan Hayk
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the problem of optimizing geometrical and physical parameters of a stepped shell that maximize its rigidity and strength for given overall shell dimensions and fixed weight equal to the weight of a shell of constant thickness.

Design/methodology/approach

A mathematical model of the construction’s stress-strain state is described by solving a system of differential equations for each of the constituent parts of the shell, conjugation conditions on the division lines and boundary conditions. The stated optimization problem is reduced to a nonlinear programming problem, which is solved by the deformable polyhedron method in combination with the method of direct search and using the parallel computing package in the Wolfram Mathematica software application.

Findings

As follows from the results of the calculation, optimizing the shell parameters allows for a substantial increase in rigidity (decrease of the greatest deflection) and strength (increase of the load-carrying capacity) of the shell of constant stepwise thickness, as opposed to a shell of constant thickness, with constant weight and dimensions.

Originality/value

A problem of optimal design of a cylindrical composite panel of piecewise constant thickness is solved in the presented work. Numerical examples demonstrate that a substantial increase in rigidity and strength of a stepped composite shell can be achieved by the optimal choice of its geometrical and physical parameters.
Despair and hope: cinematic identity in Hong Kong of the 2000s
Authors: Lee Joseph Tse-Hei
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The goal of this article is to examine the current trends of political cinema in postcolonial Hong Kong. Many leaders of the Hong Kong mainstream cinema have accepted the Chinese authoritarian rule as a precondition for expanding into the ever-expanding Mainland film market, but a handful of conscientious filmmakers choose to make political cinema under the shadow of a wealthy and descendant industry, expressing their desire for democracy and justice and critiquing the unequal power relations between Hong Kong and China.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper consults relevant documentary materials and cinematic texts to contextualize the latest development of political cinema in Hong Kong. It presents an in-depth analysis of the works of two local independent filmmakers Herman Yau and Vincent Chui.

Findings

This study reveals a glimpse of hope in the current films of Herman Yau and Vincent Chui, which suggests that a reconfiguration of local identity and communal relationship may turn around the collective despair caused by the oppressive measures of the Chinese authoritarian state and the end of the Umbrella Movement in late 2014.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the small sample size, this paper highlights the rise of cinematic localism through a closer look at the works of Hong Kong independent filmmakers.

Practical implications

This study reveals an ambivalent mentality in the Hong Kong film industry where critical filmmakers strive to assert their creativity and agency against the externally imposed Chinese hegemonic power.

Originality/value

This investigation is an original scholarly study of film and politics in postcolonial Hong Kong.
Mi Casa es Su Casa: how an intracellular symbiont manipulates host biology
Authors: Bhattacharya Tamanash , Newton Irene L.G.
Published: October 2017

Wolbachia pipientis, the most common intracellular infection on the planet, infects 40% of insects as well as nematodes, isopods and arachnids. Wolbachia are obligately intracellular and challenging to study; there are no genetic tools for manipulating Wolbachia nor can they be cultured outside of host cells. Despite these roadblocks, the research community has defined a set of Wolbachia loci involved in host interaction: Wolbachia effectors. Through the use of Drosophila genetics, surrogate systems and biochemistry, the field has begun to define the toolkit Wolbachia use for host manipulation. Below we review recent findings identifying these Wolbachia effectors and point to potential, as yet uncharacterized, links between known phenotypes induced by Wolbachia infection and predicted effectors.
UV‐B induced biosynthesis of a novel sunscreen compound in solar radiation and desiccation tolerant cyanobacteria
Authors: Shang Jin‐Long , Zhang Zhong‐Chun , Yin Xiao‐Yue , Chen Min , Hao Fu‐Hua , Wang Kai , Feng Jun‐Li , Xu Hai‐Feng , Yin Yan‐Chao , Tang Hui‐Ru , Qiu Bao‐Sheng
Published: October 2017

The small‐molecule sunscreen compounds, mycosporine‐like amino acids (MAAs), have strong ultraviolet (UV) absorption and can protect cyanobacteria against UV‐B damage. However, the molecular mechanism underlying UV‐B signaling and MAA chemical diversity remain largely unclear. Here, we identified a five‐gene cluster for MAA biosynthesis in the solar radiation and desiccation tolerant cyanobacterium Nostoc flagelliforme. A LuxR family protein OrrA was identified as a positive UV‐B responsive regulator binding to the promoter region of this gene cluster. OrrA functions as an activator mediating the UV‐B induced MAA biosynthesis. Overexpression of orrA strengthened its UV‐B tolerance during desiccation, and enhanced the photosynthetic recovery upon rehydration. Heterologous expression of this gene cluster in Anabaena PCC 7120 produces the same MAA as that in field samples of N. flagelliforme. The MAA structure is assigned as mycosporine‐2‐(4‐deoxygadusolyl‐ornithine) with a molecular weight of 756 Da, the structurally unique MAA compound reported to date. This MAA was catalyzed by mysD‐mysC2‐mysC1 encoding proteins from 4‐deoxygadusol, which was synthesized through the catalysis of mysA‐mysB products. Thus, we elucidated the transcriptional mechanism for a novel type MAA biosynthesis in solar radiation and desiccation tolerant cyanobacteria, which shed light on the identification of other components for UV‐B signaling in cyanobacteria.
Oceanic Barriers: The British–American Divide among Revolutionary Black Atlantic Writers
Authors: BULTHUIS KYLE T.
Published: October 2017

As a distinct generation, the first authors of the British black Atlantic – writers of African descent writing in English in the last half of the eighteenth century – bridged differing worlds. The authors shared common experiences, with most having suffered in the slave trade and having celebrated evangelical religious conversions. While scholars have tended to focus on the transoceanic connections of these authors, the political schism between Britain and the United States in the 1780s divided those authors who lived in what became the United States and those who remained within the British Empire. This article explores that division, first by separating the authors into two groups, those labelled American for remaining in the United States, and those called British for residing in the British Isles or imperial possessions at their lives' end. Second, the article explores the different experiences of each group, and the themes or approaches both groups took in their works. Black American writers generally de‐emphasised political issues, forged local patronage connections, and offered a personal piety that minimised the issue of slavery. Black British writers, by contrast, would stress their African or international identity, embraced a piety that was more socially active, and focused more on issues of political rights and antislavery. The contrasts reflect different life experiences of the two groups, in part because they adapted to being governed under different polities. The larger global context of the American Revolution helps account for differences in narrative and experience among this literary generation.
‘Of Paramount Importance to Our Race’: H. O. Arnold‐Forster and South African Soldier‐Settlement
Authors: MELBY CHRISTIAN K.
Published: October 2017

In the aftermath of the opening months of the South African War, British imperialists considered the settling of retired soldiers in South Africa as an efficient way of creating a loyal colony. This article explores the 1900 South African Lands Settlement Commission, and specifically the role of its chairman, the Liberal Unionist politician Hugh Oakeley Arnold‐Forster. It shows how the findings and recommendations of Arnold‐Forster's commission were presented as a way of keeping the British empire together through government involvement rather than private initiative. While often ignored because of its failure, the commission and the ideas behind it illustrates the link between imperialism, military planning and nationalism in British politics. Proponents of soldier‐settlement in South Africa argued that only by creating a majority population of British veterans, combining the roles of farmers and military reservists, could the colony be secure. The article examines the commission and the settler plan in conjunction with Arnold‐Forster's background and imperial ideology, arguing that the commission's failure does not mean that such ideas were unimportant. The opposition to the settler scheme could utilise the language of anti‐imperialism alongside criticism of Arnold‐Forster's views on Ireland, showing how the soldier‐settlement idea could be larger than the sum of its conclusions. Rather than seeing the soldier‐settlement scheme in isolation, the article argues that the case of Arnold‐Forster and the Lands Settlement Commission provides a valuable insight into wider British political debates at the turn of the century.
The Hidden Origins of Intelligence History: Rehabilitating the ‘Airport Bookstall’
Authors: GASPARD JULES
Published: October 2017

This article is a clarion call for the rehabilitation of works on intelligence in what Christopher Andrew once referred to as the ‘airport bookstall’ genre. It argues that a more fitting epitaph for the literature from intelligence history's earliest days is better designated as the ‘Muckraker Era’, rather than the ‘airport bookstall’. My argument proceeds on three fronts. First, these writers from the latter half of the twentieth century – rather than being cast out as pariahs – should be thought of as trailblazers, as many of the techniques they pioneered have formed the methodological backbone of historical research into intelligence. Second, the literature from this period, triangulated with recent scholarship, should be re‐examined, as precious practical contributions can be identified. Lastly, throughout the article I will attempt to recast the literature from this period, offering a new more constructive perspective that is in keeping with the ethos of today's professional historian. My argument focuses on the works of three authors – Rebecca West, Gordon Brook‐Shepherd and John Bulloch – as emblematic authors of the Muckraker Era, in methods, contribution and the indifference of subsequent intelligence scholars to their work.
Processing and sensory characteristics of a fermented low‐fat skim milk drink containing bioactive antihypertensive peptides, a functional milk product
Authors: Ahtesh Fatah B , Stojanovska Lily , Apostolopoulos Vasso
Published: October 2017

Sensory evaluation is an important task for manufacturers to improve the product quality of new functional fermented milk drinks (FFMD) containing angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitory (ACE‐I) bioactive peptides produced during milk processing by enzymatic/mechanical hydrolysis. Herein, a fermented reconstituted skim milk (RSM) was made with Lactobacillus helveticus supplemented with Flavourzyme® using a bioreactor to improve cell viability and levels of ACE‐I bioactive peptides. Sensory evaluations of three different fermented RSM drink samples were conducted by 20 trained panellists. There were no significant differences in flavour, bitterns, appearance and acceptance of FFMD compared to the commercial product Yakult®. Addition of sucrose and flavour provided positive changes in terms of acceptability by consumers.
Retracted: Cervical mucus removal prior to intrauterine insemination: a randomized trial
Authors: Maher MA , Sayyed TM , Elkhouly N
Published: October 2017

Objective

To detect if removing the cervical mucus before performing intrauterine insemination (IUI) could improve pregnancy outcomes in patients with unexplained infertility.

Design

Prospective randomized study.

Setting

An Egyptian University Hospital.

Population

Seven hundred and fourteen couples with unexplained infertility who underwent intrauterine insemination (IUI) with or without cervical mucus removal.

Methods

Using computer‐generated numbers, patients were randomly allocated to cervical‐mucus‐removal (removed from both internal and external os) or non‐mucus‐removal groups. Only participants were blinded as to group assignment.

Main outcome measures

The clinical pregnancy rate.

Results

Of 714 IUI patients between November 2014 and March 2017, 361 were in the mucus removal group, and 353 in the non‐mucus‐removal group. Difficult catheterization was encountered in 17 cases out of 666 (2.6%) 12 in the cervical‐mucus‐removal group and five in the non‐mucus‐removal group). A total of 666 IUI cycles were completed while 48 were either cancelled or lost in their follow‐up. The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the mucus‐removal group [31.0% (n = 112)] than in the non‐mucus‐removal group [21.8% (n = 77); P = 0.005]. Ovarian hyperstimulation developed in 33 (4.6%) cases: 18 cervical mucus‐removal and 15 non‐mucus‐removal. All except one were mild and managed with outpatient care.

Conclusions

Cervical mucus removal before IUI could improve pregnancy outcomes in women with unexplained infertility.

Tweetable abstract

Cervical mucus removal before IUI can improve pregnancy outcomes.
Invasive oaks escape pre‐dispersal insect seed predation and trap enemies in their seeds
Authors: BOGDZIEWICZ Michał , BONAL Raul , ESPELTA Josep M. , KALEMBA Ewa M. , STEELE Michael A. , ZWOLAK Rafał
Published: October 2017

Species introduced to habitats outside their native range often escape control by their natural enemies. Besides competing with native species, an alien species might also affect the native herbivores by introducing a new source of different quality food. Here, we describe the case of northern red oak (Quercus rubra) invasion in Europe. We collected data on insect (moth Cydia spp. and weevil Curculio spp.) seed predation of northern red oak in its native (USA, North America) and invasive (Poland, Europe) range, as well as for sessile oaks (Quercus petrea) in Europe. We also evaluated the quality of acorns as hosts for weevil larvae by collecting infested acorns and measuring weevil developmental success, and quantifying acorn traits such as seed mass, tannins, lipids and protein concentration. We used DNA barcoding to identify insects to the species level. The predation by moths was similar and very low in both species and in both ranges. However, red oaks escape pre‐dispersal seed predation by weevils in Europe. Weevil infestation rates of northern red oak acorns in their invasive range were 10 times lower than that of sessile oaks, and also 10 times lower than that of red oaks in North America. Furthermore, even when weevils oviposited into northern red oaks, the larvae failed to develop, suggesting that the exotic host created a trap for the insect. This phenomenon might gradually decrease the local abundance of the seed predator, and further aid the invasion.
Acorn size and tolerance to seed predators: the multiple roles of acorns as food for seed predators, fruit for dispersal and fuel for growth
Authors: BARTLOW Andrew W. , AGOSTA Salvatore J. , CURTIS Rachel , YI Xianfeng , STEELE Michael A.
Published: October 2017

Fitness of parents and offspring is affected by offspring size. In oaks (Quercus spp.), acorns vary considerably in size across, and within, species. Seed size influences dispersal and establishment of oaks, but it is not known whether size imparts tolerance to seed predators. Here, we examine the relative extent to which cotyledon size serves as both a means for sustaining partial consumption and energy reserves for developing seedlings during early stages of establishment. Acorns of 6 oak species were damaged to simulate acorn predation by vertebrate and invertebrate seed predators. Seedling germination/emergence and growth rates were used to assess seedling performance. We predicted that if cotyledons are important for dispersal, acorns should show tolerance to partial seed consumption. Alternatively, if the cotyledon functions primarily as an energy reserve, damage should significantly influence seedling performance. Acorns of each species germinated and produced seedlings even after removing >50% of the cotyledon. Seed mass explained only some of the variation in performance. Within species, larger acorns performed better than smaller acorns when damaged. Undamaged acorns performed as well or better than damaged acorns. There was no pattern among individual species with increasing amounts of damage. In some species, simulated invertebrate damage resulted in the poorest performance, suggesting alternative strategies of oaks to sustain damage. Large cotyledons in acorns may be important for attracting seed dispersers and sustaining partial damage, while also providing energy to young seedlings. Success of oak establishment may follow from the resilience of acorns to sustain damage at an early stage.
Promoter mutagenesis for fine‐tuning expression of essential genes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Boldrin Francesca , Degiacomi Giulia , Serafini Agnese , Kolly Gaëlle S. , Ventura Marcello , Sala Claudia , Provvedi Roberta , Palù Giorgio , Cole Stewart T. , Manganelli Riccardo
Published: October 2017

A range of regulated gene expression systems has been developed for mycobacteria in the last few years to facilitate the study of essential genes, validate novel drug targets and evaluate their vulnerability. Among these, the TetR/Pip‐OFF repressible promoter system was successfully used in several mycobacterial species both in vitro and in vivo. In the first version of the system, the repressible promoter was Pptr, a strong Pip‐repressible promoter of Streptomyces pristinaespiralis, which might hamper effective downregulation of genes with a low basal expression level. Here, we report an enhanced system that allows more effective control of genes expressed at low level. To this end, we subjected Pptr to targeted mutagenesis and produced 16 different promoters with different strength. Three of them, weaker than the wild‐type promoter, were selected and characterized showing that they can indeed improve the performances of TetR/Pip‐OFF repressible system both in vitro and in vivo increasing its stringency. Finally, we used these promoters to construct a series of bacterial biosensors with different sensitivity to DprE1 inhibitors and developed a whole‐cell screening assay to identify inhibitors of this enzyme.
Warfarin prescription in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and one non–gender‐related risk factor (CHA2DS2VASc 1 or 2): A treatment dilemma
Authors: Denas Gentian , Zoppellaro Giacomo , Padayattil Jose Seena , Antonucci Emilia , Marongiu Francesco , Poli Daniela , Testa Sophie , Tripodi Armando , Palareti Gualtiero , Pengo Vittorio
Published: October 2017

Introduction

The issue of anticoagulation in individuals with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and 1 non–gender‐related (NGR) risk factor is subject to debate. The reported risk of stroke in untreated individuals is not uniform, and the rate of hemorrhage associated with anticoagulation in this group of individuals is not well defined. To this end, we assessed the rate of stroke and major hemorrhage in individuals treated with warfarin.

Materials and Methods

individuals were extracted from the START register, an observational, multicenter, dynamic inception cohort study that collects data on NVAF individuals starting anticoagulation therapy. Risk of stroke is stratified using the CHA2DS2VASc score upon entry into the registry.

Results

Overall, 431 individuals with 1 NGR risk factor were followed up for 604 person‐years. One nonfatal ischemic stroke was recorded (0.17 per 100 person‐years) during follow‐up. On the other hand, there were 9 major bleeding events (1.49 per 100 person‐years), with 4 being intracranial hemorrhage (0.66 per 100 person‐years), 1 of which was fatal. No difference in patient characteristics, bleeding risk factors, and quality of treatment were found between individuals who bled versus those who did not. However, a trend toward more bleeding events was observed in individuals <65 years old.

Conclusion

We found an elevated risk of major bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage in NVAF individuals treated with warfarin with 1 NGR risk factor for stroke. These data call for caution when treating with warfarin these individuals.
Prevalence of rheumatic musculoskeletal symptoms in rural and urban areas : a cross‐sectional study in northern India
Authors: Alok Ragini , Srivastava Ragini , Kumar Puneet , Das Siddharth K. , Agarwal Girdhar G. , Dhaon Pooja
Published: October 2017

Objectives

To study the prevalence of rheumatic musculoskeletal symptoms in rural and urban areas of Lucknow.

Method

The survey was carried out in a cluster of rural (n = 5118) and urban (n = 5053) communities of Lucknow through a door‐to‐door survey. Demographic data were collected and subjects with musculoskeletal pain (MSK pain) were identified. A Hindi adapted version of the Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases questionnaire was used. Trained community volunteers completed the questionnaire.

Results

Present and past MSK pain was the most common self‐reported problem in urban areas (34.1%), while it was the third most common self‐reported problem in rural areas (15.1%), after abdominal pain and cough. Females (214.9 and 419.5 per 1000) were more affected than males (118.8 and 265.2 per 1000) in rural and urban areas, respectively. Point prevalence of MSK pain (pain in last week) was higher in urban areas (28.2%) compared to rural areas (14.1%). In rural as well as urban areas, knee (rural: 49.3%, urban: 50.6%) and spine (rural: 56%, urban: 43.6%) were highly reported pain sites. Fatigue ([n] rural: 328, urban: 368) weakness ([n] rural: 310, urban: 324) and anorexia ([n] rural: 84, urban: 142) were most common systemic symptoms reported by urban as well as rural people. Urethritis/balanitis and ulcers in the mouth were the most common other symptoms reported by people in both the areas.

Conclusion

MSK pain is a predominant health problem of both rural and urban areas. Sex‐adjusted prevalence is higher among females than males. Knee and back were highly prevalent pain sites in both rural and urban areas of Lucknow.
A systematic review of the epidemiology, disease characteristics and management of systemic sclerosis in Australian adults
Authors: Morrisroe Kathleen , Stevens Wendy , Proudman Susanna , Nikpour Mandana
Published: October 2017

Objective

Australia has one of the highest prevalence rates of systemic sclerosis (SSc) worldwide. In order to highlight management deficiencies and key areas for further research, it is essential to understand its local epidemiological patterns, natural history, prognosis and mortality trends over time.

Methods

To identify Australian SSc‐specific information through a systematic review focusing on areas of epidemiology, disease characteristics, treatment, functional ability, disease burden and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

Results

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched on 14 September, 2016. All original full text articles on SSc in Australia were included. Of the 54 articles included in this review, the majority of studies recruited from South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. The prevalence of SSc in Australia is increasing and is similar among the general population and the Aboriginal population. Despite improvements in care over the last three decades, morbidity and mortality remain high, with an overall standardized mortality ratio of 3.4 and a 10‐year survival of 84% in a newly diagnosed patient. Cardiorespiratory manifestations are the leading cause of SSc‐related death. Malignancy is the leading cause of non‐SSc‐related death. The role of autoantibodies in predicting disease subtype, visceral involvement and their use as a prognostic marker is becoming increasingly recognized.

Conclusion

Information on SSc in Australia, particularly unmet healthcare needs, HRQoL and economic burden, is limited. As a heterogenous condition, SSc requires a multi‐disciplinary approach to care. Research aimed at quantifying HRQoL and burden of disease in Australia is essential for advocacy and resource allocation.
Is the proportion of clonal species higher at higher latitudes in Australia?
Authors: Zhang Hongxiang , Bonser Stephen P. , Chen Si‐Chong , Hitchcock Timothy , Moles Angela T.
Published: October 2017

We provide a large‐scale quantification of the relationship between latitude and the proportion of species with clonal reproduction. Parasite pressure is thought to be higher at low latitudes, while abiotic stress is thought to be higher at high latitudes. We therefore predicted that there would be a higher proportion of clonal species at high latitudes than at low latitudes. We collected data of 4386 native seed plant species from 446 genera and 99 families present in ABRSFlora of Australia. Species' occurrence records were taken from the Atlas of Living Australia, including 817 450 species‐site combinations spanning 34.5° of latitude. Logistic regression showed that the proportion of clonal species significantly increased with latitude, rising from 3.3% clonal species at 9.25°S to 26.7% clonal species at 43.75°S. The overall average proportion of clonal species in Australian seed plants was 9.4%. This study adds to our growing understanding of dramatic latitudinal gradients in the way plants grow and reproduce. It also reveals that Australian vegetation contains a relatively low proportion of clonally reproducing species.
Feeling the pressure at home: Predator activity at the burrow entrance of an endangered arid‐zone skink
Authors: Moore Danae , Kearney Michael Ray , Paltridge Rachel , McAlpin Steve , Stow Adam
Published: October 2017

Habitat modification and invasive species are among the most important contemporary drivers of biodiversity loss. These two threatening processes are often studied independently and few studies have focused on how they interact to influence species declines. Here we assess the predation pressure placed on the threatened great desert skink (Liopholis kintorei) and how this interacts with fire‐induced habitat modifications. We collected daily track data of potential predators for 1 month at 30 great desert skink burrow‐systems where vegetation cover varied significantly after experimental burns. We used these data to evaluate potential predation pressure at the burrow‐system and assess whether fire influenced predator pressure. We supplemented this analysis by documenting predation via the inspection of large mammalian predator scats collected from great desert skink habitat. The level of feral cat activity at a burrow‐system entrance was significantly higher than that of any other potential predator, however fire had no effect on the visitation rates of feral cats, dingoes or large snakes to great desert skink burrow‐systems. The remains of great desert skink were found significantly more frequently in feral cat scats, compared to fox and dingo scats. We provide the first direct evidence that feral cats are a significant predator for great desert skink, thus supporting the hypothesis that feral cat predation is a key threatening process. Feral cat activity was not influenced by small‐scale experimental burns, however, this does not preclude an effect of larger scale fires and we recommend further research exploring this possible interaction.