bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tetracyclines for Treatment of Tularemia: A Case Series
Authors: Rojas-Moreno C , Bhartee H , Vasudevan A , Adiga R , Salzer W
Published: September 2018

Tetracyclines for tularemia have been associated with higher failure rates. There were 48 cases of tularemia at the University of Missouri between 1988 and 2015. We retrospectively analyzed 17 patients with tularemia who were successfully treated with tetracyclines, and 9 of these patients also underwent aspiration or incision and drainage.
Detection and Quantification of Pythium tracheiphilum in Soil by Multiplex Real-Time qPCR
Authors: Van der Heyden Hervé , Wallon Thérèse , Lévesque C. André , Carisse Odile
Published: September 2018

In Canada, head lettuce (Lactuca sativa capitata) is extensively produced in the muck soils of southwestern Québec. However, yields are increasingly affected by various soilborne pathogens, including Pythium spp., which cause wilt and damping off. In a survey conducted in Québec muck soils in 2010 and 2011, Pythium tracheiphilum Matta was identified as the predominant Pythium sp. in the root of head lettuce showing Pythium stunt symptoms. Therefore, to improve risk assessment and help further understanding of disease epidemiology, a specific and sensitive real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay based on TaqMan-minor groove binder (MGB) technology was developed for P. tracheiphilum. The PCR primers along with a TaqMan-MGB probe were designed from the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 region. A 100-bp product was amplified by PCR from all P. tracheiphilum isolates tested while no PCR product was obtained from 38 other Pythium spp. or from a selection of additional lettuce pathogens tested. In addition to P. tracheiphilum, the assay was multiplexed with an internal control allowing for the individual validation of each PCR. In artificially infested soils, the sensitivity of the qPCR assay was established as 10 oospores/g of dry soil. P. tracheiphilum was not detected in soils in which lettuce has never been grown; however, inoculum ranged from 0 to more than 200,000 oospores/g of dry soil in commercial lettuce fields. Also, disease incidence was positively correlated with inoculum concentration (r = 0.764). The results suggest that inoculum concentration should be considered when making Pythium stunt management decisions. The developed qPCR assay will facilitate reliable detection and quantification of P. tracheiphilum from field soil.
Competing Risks Analysis of Promotion and Attrition in Academic Medicine: A National Study of U.S. Medical School Graduates
Authors: Jeffe Donna B. , Yan Yan , Andriole Dorothy A.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Competing risk methodology was used to identify variables associated with promotion and attrition of newly appointed full-time instructors or assistant professors in U.S. MD-granting medical schools.

Method

A national sample of U.S. MD-granting medical school graduates in calendar years 1997–2004 who received initial full-time instructor or assistant professor appointments from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2012, was followed through December 31, 2013. Adjusted proportional subdistribution hazard ratios (aSHRs) measured the effects of demographic, educational, and institutional variables on promotion and attrition.

Results

The final study sample included 27,219 full-time instructors (n = 10,470) and assistant professors (n = 16,749). In all models (entire sample and stratified by initial rank), faculty who reported all other (vs. full-time faculty) career intentions at graduation and were underrepresented racial/ethnic minority (vs. white) faculty had lower aSHRs for promotion and greater aSHRs for attrition, whereas research-intensive (vs. non-research-intensive) medical school graduates, faculty at schools without a tenure track, and mentored K awardees had greater aSHRs for promotion and lower aSHRs for attrition. In all models, faculty with ≥ $100,000 (vs. no) debt at graduation had greater aSHRs for attrition. Among instructors, women had lower aSHRs for attrition than men, but among assistant professors, women had greater aSHRs for attrition.

Conclusions

This study adds new knowledge about career trajectories of academic medicine faculty initially appointed as full-time instructors. Career development interventions and research mentoring during and after medical school and debt reduction programs could help increase academic medicine faculty retention and promotion.
Exploration of Families’ Experiences Caring for Loved Ones With Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Stilos Kalli , Fitch Margaret , Nolen Amy Eleanor , DasGupta Tracey , Sapsford Marilyn , McAndrew Alison , Moura Shari
Published: September 2018

Ovarian cancer is challenging, both physically and psychologically, because of the advanced nature of the disease at diagnosis, adverse effects of the disease and treatment, and impact on roles and responsibilities. The family plays an integral role in promoting and maintaining the health of family caregivers, as well as providing physical and emotional support. The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of family caregivers caring for their loved ones with advanced ovarian cancer. Thirteen family caregivers were interviewed. The analysis of the data revealed 4 significant challenges that characterized the caregiving experience over time: confronting the initial diagnosis, dealing with fluctuations in physical status, confronting a turning point, and facing decline and death. Woven throughout these challenges, family caregivers routinely described difficulties in accessing information and navigating the health care system, which caused them added concern and frustration.
Lessons From an Immersion Experience in Southern India
Authors: Chow Kimberly
Published: September 2018

Approximately 2.4 million people in India are living with cancer, and more than 1 million new cancer diagnoses are made annually, often in advanced stages of disease. An estimated 80% of patients with advanced cancer will develop significant pain resulting in the need to increase access to appropriate palliative care services across the country, including a priority on pain and symptom management. This article describes the history and status of palliative care across India, with an emphasis on the efforts made in the southern state of Kerala to engage community volunteers in the care of patients with chronic serious illness. Lessons learned from a palliative care nurse fellow's 2-week immersion in southern India are shared.
Pressure Injury Education in the Department of Veterans Affairs
Authors: Cowan Linda , Garvan Cynthia , Rugs Deborah , Barks Lelia , Chavez Margeaux , Orozco Tatiana
Published: September 2018

PURPOSE:

The aim of this study was to describe experience, training, educational needs and preferences, and perceptions of pressure injury (PI) prevention education of wound care providers in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as an indicator of effectiveness of the mandated VHA PI Prevention Program.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING:

A convenience sample of national VHA wound care providers practicing in VHA facilities was compiled from members of special interest groups and committees and by referrals from known wound care specialists and clinicians (N = 1726). The response rate was 24% (n = 410).

DESIGN:

Cross-sectional, descriptive study.

METHODS:

A 42-item online cross-sectional survey was administered via a blast-email of the survey link to the sample. The survey link was active for 1 month (March 3-31, 2014). The survey queried demographic data, PI experience and education, and their perceptions and preferences for PI education. Quantitative responses underwent descriptive analyses, and responses to open-ended questions were analyzed by content analysis.

RESULTS:

The majority of the 415 respondents completed most of the questionnaire (n = 310, 74%). Half were board-certified providers with a mean wound care experience of 14.2 years (standard deviation = 9.8 years). Preference for type of wound training ranged from 17% for online gaming to 82% for face-to-face training. Training provided by facilities was perceived to be inadequate for wound care by 60% (n = 175) and inadequate for PI care by 49% (n = 142).

CONCLUSIONS:

The 2 greatest areas of need in PI care identified by wound care providers were education and documentation. These same issues were identified as problematic by an audit of PI prevention and management at 47 VHA facilities that was conducted by the VA Office of Inspector General.
Roger Yonchien Tsien. 1 February 1952—24 August 2016
Authors: Huang Christopher L.-H.
Published: September 2018

Roger Yonchien Tsien displayed precocious childhood talents in chemistry. After graduating from Harvard University in chemistry and physics in 1972, he pursued a PhD programme in the Physiological Laboratory, Cambridge, under the supervison of Professor Richard Adrian (FRS 1977) with Marshal Scholarship support. His thesis ‘The design and use of organic chemical tools in cellular physiology’ won the Gedge Prize and a Comyns Berkeley Research Fellowship by Gonville and Caius College, supporting his postdoctoral work developing Ca
2+
-sensitive electrodes and fluorescent probes measuring cellular [Ca
2+
]. His novel tetracarboxylate quin-2 readily accessed cells as its subsequently cleavable acetomethoxy ester and signalled in the physiological [Ca
2+
] range. At Berkeley, further improved ratiometric and strongly fluorescent probes included the Ca
2+
-sensing indo-1, fura-2 and fluo-3 sensors for other strategic ions and molecules that could photolytically uncage key intracellular regulators. At San Diego, design of fluorescent protein complexes built from the cAMP-binding phosphokinase A was followed by Nobel prizewinning work expressing green-fluorescent protein (GFP) and developing spectral GFP variants forming fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) pairs. Their conjugation with further proteins specifically binding particular ions or molecules under study permitted measurement of these by optical methods. Further detector protein complexes such as DsRed, fluorescent at longer wavelengths, were to complement GFP. These interests culminated in the development of chemical tools with potential diagnostic and therapeutic clinical applications through their optical and magnetic resonance signals. His scientific work bequeathed a lasting wealth of chemical tools invaluable for physiological investigation with both current and future applicability.
Sir Henry Harris. 28 January 1925—31 October 2014
Authors: Gardner Richard , Sidebottom Eric
Published: September 2018

Henry Harris was the first member of his family to attend university, where he initially read modern languages before embarking on medicine. During the course of his medical studies he developed a passion for experimental work that led him to forsake clinical medicine for a career in research. His most significant and enduring legacy was the demonstration that a virus causing respiratory disease in mice could be used to fuse cells together almost regardless of type or species of origin. This not only opened up novel approaches to the study of both normal and cancer cell genetics and biology but also enabled the production of monoclonal antibodies, reagents that are of increasing value clinically as well as in biomedical research. From very early in his career he showed striking independence in the choice of topics that he regarded as important and interesting, entirely ignoring evanescent trends that determine the course of all too many research careers. Moreover, he continued to engage in benchwork up to, and even beyond, retirement.
A taxonomic review and revisions of Microstomidae (Platyhelminthes: Macrostomorpha)
Authors: Atherton Sarah , Jondelius Ulf
Published: September 2018

Microstomidae (Platyhelminthes: Macrostomorpha) diversity has been almost entirely ignored within recent years, likely due to inconsistent and often old taxonomic literature and a general rarity of sexually mature collected specimens. Herein, we reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of the group using both previously published and new 18S and CO1 gene sequences. We present some taxonomic revisions of Microstomidae and further describe 8 new species of Microstomum based on both molecular and morphological evidence. Finally, we briefly review the morphological taxonomy of each species and provide a key to aid in future research and identification that is not dependent on reproductive morphology. Our goal is to clarify the taxonomy and facilitate future research into an otherwise very understudied group of tiny (but important) flatworms.
Global metabolomic characterizations of Microcystis spp. highlights clonal diversity in natural bloom-forming populations and expands metabolite structural diversity
Authors: Le Manach Séverine , Duval Charlotte , Marie Arul , Djediat Chakib , Catherine Arnaud , Edery Marc , Bernard Cécile , Marie Benjamin
Published: September 2018

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic prokaryotes that are able to synthetize a wild rang of secondary metabolites exhibiting noticeable bioactivity, comprising toxicity. Microcystis represents one of the most common cyanobacteria taxa constituting the intensive blooms that arise nowadays in freshwater ecosystems worldwide. They produce numerous cyanotoxins (toxic metabolites), which are potentially harmful to Human health and aquatic organisms. In order to better understand the variations in cyanotoxins production between clones of the Microcystis, we investigate the diversity of several strains isolated from the same blooms, from different populations in various geographical area.

Twenty-four clonal strains were compared by genotyping with 16S-ITS fragment sequencing and metabolites chemotyping using LC ESI-qTOF mass spectrometry. While, genotyping can only discriminate between the different species, the global metabolomes reveal clear discriminant molecular profiles between strains. These profiles can be clustered primarily according to their global metabolite content, then to their genotype, and finally to their sampling localities. A global molecular network of all metabolites highlights the production of a wide set of chemically diverse metabolites, comprising only few microcystins, but many aeruginosins, cyanopeptolins and microginins, along with a large set of unknown molecules. They represent the molecular biodiversity that still remain to be investigated and characterized at their structure as well as at their potential bioactivity or toxicity levels.
Large-scale intrinsic connectivity is consistent across varying task demands
Authors: Kieliba Paulina , Madugula Sasidhar , Filippini Nicola , Duff Eugene P. , Makin Tamar R.
Published: September 2018

Measuring whole-brain functional connectivity patterns based on task-free (‘restingstate’) spontaneous fluctuations in the functional MRI (fMRI) signal is a standard approach to probing habitual brain states, independent of task-specific context. This view is supported by spatial correspondence between task- and rest-derived connectivity networks. Yet, it remains unclear whether intrinsic connectivity observed in a resting-state acquisitions is persistent during task. Here, we sought to determine how changes in ongoing brain activation, elicited by task performance, impact the integrity of whole-brain functional connectivity patterns. We employed a ‘steadystates’ paradigm, in which participants continuously executed a specific task (without baseline periods). Participants underwent separate task-based (visual, motor and visuomotor) or task-free (resting) steady-state scans, each performed over a 5-minute period. This unique design allowed us to apply a set of traditional resting-state analyses to various task-states. In addition, a classical fMRI block-design was employed to identify individualized brain activation patterns for each task, allowing to characterize how differing activation patterns across the steady-states impact whole-brain intrinsic connectivity patterns. By examining correlations across segregated brain regions (nodes) and the whole brain (using independent component analysis), we show that the whole-brain network architecture characteristic of the resting-state is robustly preserved across different steady-task states, despite striking inter-task changes in brain activation (signal amplitude). Subtler changes in functional connectivity were detected locally, within the active networks. Together, we show that intrinsic connectivity underlying the canonical resting-state networks is relatively stable even when participants are engaged in different tasks and is not limited to the resting-state.

New and Noteworthy

Does intrinsic functional connectivity (FC) reflect the canonical or transient state of the brain? We tested the consistency of the intrinsic connectivity networks across different task-conditions. We show that despite local changes in connectivity, at the whole-brain level there is little modulation in FC patterns, despite profound and large-scale activation changes. We therefore conclude that intrinsic FC largely reflects the a priori habitual state of the brain, independent of the specific cognitive context.
The accessible chromatin landscape of the hippocampus at single-cell resolution
Authors: Sinnamon John R. , Torkenczy Kristof A. , Linhoff Michael W. , Vitak Sarah , Pliner Hannah A. , Trapnell Cole , Steemers Frank J. , Mandel Gail , Adey Andrew C.
Published: September 2018

Here we present a comprehensive map of the accessible chromatin landscape of the mouse hippocampus at single-cell resolution. Substantial advances of this work include the optimization of single-cell combinatorial indexing assay for transposase accessible chromatin (sci-ATAC-seq), a software suite,scitools, for the rapid processing and visualization of single-cell combinatorial indexing datasets, and a valuable resource of hippocampal regulatory networks at single-cell resolution. We utilized sci-ATAC-seq to produce 2,346 high-quality single-cell chromatin accessibility maps with a mean unique read count per cell of 29,201 from both fresh and frozen hippocampi, observing little difference in accessibility patterns between the preparations. Using this dataset, we identified eight distinct major clusters of cells representing both neuronal and non-neuronal cell types and characterized the driving regulatory factors and differentially accessible loci that define each cluster. We then applied a recently described co-accessibility framework,Cicero, which identified 146,818 links between promoters and putative distal regulatory DNA. Identified co-accessibility networks showed cell-type specificity, shedding light on key dynamic loci that reconfigure to specify hippocampal cell lineages. Lastly, we carried out an additional sci-ATAC-seq preparation from cultured hippocampal neurons (899 high-quality cells, 43,532 mean unique reads) that revealed substantial alterations in their epigenetic landscape compared to nuclei from hippocampal tissue. This dataset and accompanying analysis tools provide a new resource that can guide subsequent studies of the hippocampus.
Integrin αVβ6-EGFR crosstalk regulates bidirectional force transmission and controls breast cancer invasion
Authors: Thomas Joanna R. , Moore Kate M. , Sproat Caroline , Maldonado-Lorca Horacio J. , Mo Stephanie , Haider Syed , Hammond Dean , Thomas Gareth J. , Prior Ian A. , Cutillas Pedro R. , Jones Louise J. , Marshall John F. , Morgan Mark R.
Published: September 2018

The mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix within tumours control multiple cellular functions that drive cancer invasion and metastasis. However, the mechanisms controlling microenvironmental force sensation and transmission, and how these regulate transcriptional reprogramming and invasion, are unclear. Our aim was to understand how mechanical inputs are transmitted bidirectionally and translated into biochemical and transcriptional outputs to drive breast cancer progression. We reveal that adhesion receptor and growth factor receptor crosstalk regulates a bidirectional feedback mechanism co-ordinating force-dependent transcriptional regulation and invasion.

Integrin αVβ6 drives invasion in a range of carcinomas and is a potential therapeutic target. αVβ6 exhibits unique biophysical properties that promote force-generation and increase matrix rigidity. We employed an inter-disciplinary approach incorporating proteomics, biophysical techniques and multi-modal live-cell imaging to dissect the role of αVβ6-EGFR crosstalk on transmission of mechanical signals bidirectionally between the extracellular matrix and nucleus.

We show that αVβ6 expression correlates with poor prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and drives invasion of TNBC cells. Moreover, our data show that a complex regulatory mechanism exists involving crosstalk between αVβ6 integrin and EGFR that impacts matrix stiffness, force transmission to the nucleus, transcriptional reprogramming and microenvironment rigidity. αVβ6 engagement triggers EGFR & MAPK signalling and αVβ6-EGFR crosstalk regulates mutual receptor trafficking mechanisms. Consequently, EGF stimulation suppresses αVβ6-mediated force-application on the matrix and nuclear shuttling of force-dependent transcriptional co-activators YAP/TAZ. Finally, we show that crosstalk between αVβ6 & EGFR regulates TNBC invasion.

We propose a model whereby αVβ6-EGFR crosstalk regulates matrix stiffening, but also the transmission of extracellular forces into the cell in order to co-ordinate transcriptional reprogramming and invasion. To exploit adhesion receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases therapeutically, it will be essential to understand the integration of their signalling functions and how crosstalk mechanisms influence invasion and the response of tumours to molecular therapeutics.
Quasiperiodic Rhythms of the Inferior Olive
Authors: Negrello Mario , Warnaar Pascal , Romano Vincenzo , Owens Cullen B , Lindeman Sander , Iavarone Elisabetta , Spanke Jochen K , Bosman Laurens , De Zeeuw Chris
Published: September 2018

Inferior olivary activity causes both short-term and long-term changes in cerebellar output underlying motor performance and motor learning. Many of its neurons engage in coherent subthreshold oscillations and are extensively coupled via gap junctions. Studies in reduced preparations suggest that these properties promote rhythmic, synchronized output. However, how these properties interact with synaptic inputs controlling inferior olivary output in intact, awake behaving animals is poorly understood. Here we combine electrophysiological recordings in awake mice with a novel and realistic tissue-scale computational model of the inferior olive to study the relative impact of intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms governing its activity. Our data and model suggest that if subthreshold oscillations are present in the awake state, the period of these oscillations will be transient and variable. Accordingly, by using different temporal patterns of sensory stimulation, we found that complex spike rhythmicity was readily evoked but limited to short intervals of no more than a few hundred milliseconds and that the periodicity of this rhythmic activity was not fixed but dynamically related to the synaptic input to the inferior olive as well as to motor output. In contrast, in the long-term the average olivary spiking activity was not affected by the strength and duration of the sensory stimulation, while the level of gap junctional coupling determined the stiffness of the rhythmic activity in the olivary network during its dynamic response to sensory modulation. Thus, interactions between intrinsic properties and extrinsic inputs can explain the variations of spiking activity of olivary neurons, providing a conceptual framework for the creation of both the short-term and long-term changes in cerebellar output.
Evaluating analgesic efficacy and administration route following craniotomy in mice using the grimace scale
Authors: Cho Chulmin , Michalidis Vassilia , Lecker Irene , Collymore Chereen , Hanwell David , Loka Mary , Danesh Matthew , Pham Christine , Urban Paige , Bonin Robert P. , Martin Loren J.
Published: September 2018

Most research laboratories abide by guidelines and mandates set by their research institution regarding the administration of analgesics to control pain during the postoperative period. Unfortunately, measuring pain originating from the head is difficult, making adequate decisions regarding pain control following stereotaxic surgery problematic. In addition, most postsurgical analgesia protocols require multiple injections over several days, which may cause stress and distress during a critical recovery period. Here we sought to 1) assess the degree of postoperative pain following craniotomy in mice, 2) compare the efficacy of three common rodent analgesics (carprofen, meloxicam and buprenorphine) for reducing this pain and 3) determine whether the route of administration (injected or self-administered through the water supply) influenced pain relief post-craniotomy. Using the mouse grimace scale (MGS), we found that injectable analgesics were significantly more effective at relieving post-craniotomy pain, however, both routes of administration decreased pain scores in the first 24 h post-surgery. Specifically, buprenorphine administered independently of administration route was the most effective at reducing MGS scores, however, female mice showed greater sensitivity to carprofen when administered through the water supply. Although it is necessary to provide laboratory animals with analgesics after an invasive procedure, there remains a gap in the literature regarding the degree of craniotomy-related pain in rodents and the efficacy of alternative routes of administration. Our study highlights the limitations of administering drugs through the water supply, even at doses that are considered to be higher than those currently recommended by most research institutions for treating pain of mild to moderate severity.
A pathogen-responsive gene cluster for the production of highly modified fatty acids in tomato
Authors: Jeon Ju Eun , Kim Jung-Gun , Fischer Curt R. , Dufour-Schroif Cosima , Wemmer Kimberly , Mudgett Mary Beth , Sattely Elizabeth
Published: September 2018

In response to biotic stress, plants reshape their complement of lipids to produce suites of highly modified fatty acids that bear unusual chemical functionality. Despite their chemical complexity, proposed roles in pathogen defense and presence in crop plants, little is known about the biosynthesis of these decorated fatty acids. Falcarindiol is a prototypical member of a suite of acetylenic lipids from carrot, tomato, and celery that inhibits growth of several fungal strains and human cancer cell lines. Here we report a set of clustered genes in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) that are required for the production of falcarindiol in leaves in response to treatment with an adapted fungal pathogen, Cladosporium fulvum. Our approach is based on correlation of untargeted transcriptomic and metabolomic data sets in order to rapidly identify a candidate biosynthetic pathway. By reconstituting the initial biosynthetic steps in a heterologous host (Nicotiana benthamiana) and generating stable transgenic pathway mutants in tomato, we demonstrate a direct role for three genes in the cluster in falcarindiol biosynthesis. This work reveals a mechanism by which plants sculpt their lipid pool in response to pathogens, and provides critical insight into the biochemistry of alkynyl lipid production.

One Sentence Summary

A biosynthetic gene cluster for the production of falcarindiol, a highly modified antifungal oxylipin found in edible plants.
Metabolic Labeling of Protein Antigens with [32P]Orthophosphate
Authors: DeCaprio James , Kohl Thomas O.
Published: September 2018

In this protocol, cells are cultured in the presence of [32P]orthophosphate used by the cell to phosphorylate proteins. Cells must be maintained at 37°C at all times during this procedure. A drop in temperature will significantly reduce cellular metabolic activity and subsequently decrease the uptake of [32P]orthophosphate. Once the cells are labeled, cell lysates are prepared for immunoprecipitation, followed by SDS-PAGE analysis. The gel can be dried directly or transferred onto a nitrocellulose or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane for analysis by western blotting and imaging by autoradiography or phosphorimager.
Singularity consideration in the integral equations for contactless inductive flow tomography
Authors: Jacobs Ralf T. , Wondrak Thomas , Stefani Frank
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The contactless inductive flow tomography is a procedure that enables the reconstruction of the global three-dimensional flow structure of an electrically conducting fluid by measuring the flow-induced magnetic flux density outside the melt and by subsequently solving the associated linear inverse problem. The purpose of this study is to improve the accuracy of the computation of the forward problem, since the forward solution primarily determines the accuracy of the inversion.

Design/methodology/approach

The tomography procedure is described by a system of coupled integral equations where the integrals contain a singularity when a source point coincides with a field point. The integrals need to be evaluated to a high degree of precision to establish an accurate foundation for the inversion. The contribution of a singular point to the value of the surface and volume integrals in the system is determined by analysing the behaviour of the fields and integrals in the close proximity of the singularity.

Findings

A significant improvement of the accuracy is achieved by applying higher order elements and by attributing special attention to the singularities inherent in the integral equations.

Originality/value

The contribution of a singular point to the value of the surface integrals in the system is dependent upon the geometry of the boundary at the singular point. The computation of the integrals is described in detail and the improper surface and volume integrals are shown to exist. The treatment of the singularities represents a novelty in the contactless inductive flow tomography and is the focal point of this investigation.
Engaging instructional design and instructor role in online learning environment
Authors: Arghode Vishal , Brieger Earl , Wang Jia
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to review the literature to discuss engaging online instructional design and instructors’ role in enhancing learner engagement in educational and corporate settings.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper carries out a narrative literature review.

Findings

Instructor presence in online learner engagement is a multidimensional effort, and learner engagement can be established in online instruction through communication, consistent feedback on learner performance and critical discourse. Building connection with the learners is essential in an online learning environment. Engaging online instructors challenge and encourage learners to spare more academic effort, use techniques to improve engagement and involve and care about learners.

Research limitations/implications

Instructors’ roles in shaping online learning and instruction deserve more attention. More research is needed to understand which technologies work best for specific academic areas or learner demographics and why online learners find it difficult to learn with peers unless supplemented with appropriate online instruction.

Practical implications

This review offers strategies for improved online instructional design to achieve learning engagement.

Originality/value

This review highlights an underexplored concept of instructors’ role in creating engaging online instructional design by understanding learner needs and receptiveness.
Fabrication and characterization of a flexible capacitive sensor on PET fabric
Authors: Golabzaei Sabereh , Khajavi Ramin , Shayanfar Heydar Ali , Yazdanshenas Mohammad Esmail , Talebi Nemat
Published: September 2018

Purpose

There is a developing interest in flexible sensors, especially in the new and intelligent generation of textiles. The purpose of this paper is to fabricate a flexible capacitive sensor on a PET fabric and to investigate some affecting factor on its performance.

Design/methodology/approach

PET fabric, coated with graphite or with graphite/PEDOT:PSS, was applied as electrodes. Two types of electrospun nanoweb layers from polyamide and polyvinyl alcohol polymers were used as dielectrics. Some factors including electrode area, fabric conductivity, fabric roughness, dielectric thickness, dielectric insulation type and vertical pressure were considered as independent variables. The capacity of the sensor and its detection threshold considered as the outcome (response) variables. Control samples were fabricated by using aluminum plates and cellulosic layer as electrodes and dielectric, respectively.

Findings

Results showed that post-coating with PEDOT:PSS would improve the conductivity of electrodes up to 300 Ω in comparison with just graphite-coated samples. It was also found that either by improving the conductivity or increasing the area of electrode plates the sensitivity of sample would be increased in pressure stimulating tests.

Originality/value

The fabric sensor showed remarkable response toward pressure with a lower detection threshold of 30mN/cm2(obtained capacity ~ 4×104 pF) in comparison with aluminum electrode sensors.
The service sector: migration, technology and productivity
Authors: Jha Sunanda , Bag Dinabandhu
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the characteristics of the workers in the informal economy and explore the reasons for workers migrating from rural to urban area. The authors also explore and enumerate various reasons why the migrants choose to work informally and study whether internal migrants treat this sector as temporary or transitory before moving to the formal sector. The authors reconnoitre the issues in coverage of factors in unregistered service, this research is carried out at a smaller scale of operations of the service enterprises having a minimum of three (or more) employees, which poses significant issues in the enumeration. This work further emphasises on the reasons why people migrate and choose the informal sector (IS) and to estimate the contribution of technology towards productivity of this sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on empirical data collected through interviews with the migrants, who are now part of the informal service enterprises of Delhi and peripheral areas, this paper presents the results of a survey conducted in 2017. This research is based on appropriate scale driven by the instrument of choice by the sampling of units. Data were collected by conducting field survey using structured questionnaire. By performing the estimation at the unit rather than the industry level, the authors reduce difficulties of mis-measured output and inputs, thus, potentially obtaining a more accurate estimate of technologies contributions towards the firm productivity.

Findings

The small service enterprises are making poorer value addition towards measured productivity due to the factors such as lack of equipment or technical know-how. The authors find that marginalisation thesis holds true only partially and the rest are in this sector by choice, considering it as an opportunity. Maximum number of entrants had been attracted by opportunities in this sector itself; actual and potential mobility from the informality towards formalisation is quite low; education is one of the important determinants for entrepreneurs shifting from informality towards formalisation.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited only to informal service enterprises located in Delhi, the national capital of India and the peripheral areas.

Practical implications

By identifying the factors, proper policy measures can be designed which will be in a focused direction to reduce the size of the IS and to improve the working condition of the migrants who are part of this sector. The estimation is at the unit level using primary data.

Originality/value

The estimation is at the unit level using primary data, the research contributes to the literature on informal service sector, and this sector needs more intensive large-scale studies in order to design policies which can result in betterment of the society as a whole, benefiting the segment that needs immediate attention from government and society as well.
Mediating role of government initiatives and media influence between perceived risks and destination image: a study of conflict zone
Authors: Parrey Shakir Hussain , Hakim Iqbal Ahmad , Rather Raouf Ahmad
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enlarge the current understanding of destination image in view of identified sources of risk and to investigate the mediating role of government initiatives and media influence for sustainable and secure tourism in a conflict zone. Therefore, this study develops and empirically tests an integrative model of destination image that reflects a comprehensive view of the relationships among these variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data collected through a self-administered survey of respondents selected through probability area sampling from the targeted sample of domestic tourists in hospitality contexts (four- and five-star hotels). The data were analysed using structural equation modelling. The scale was developed and purified through factor analysis (confirmatory factor analysis).

Findings

The results provide evidence that psychological risk and socio-cultural risk emerged as the major sources of risk followed by unrest (terrorist) and political risk which is against the predetermined notion that unrest (terrorist) risk is the major source of risk perceived by domestic tourists visiting a conflict zone. Further, the study identified that media is having comparatively higher role in influencing the perception about the sources of risk than the government initiatives in decreasing the sources of risk towards destination image and its competitiveness. Thus, the study supports the fact that for the destination image in conflict zone, performing best in the domain of control (government initiatives) yields very weak performance in the domain of concern (media).

Originality/value

This research contributes theoretically and empirically to the discussions on the components of the destination image in the conflict zone. Further, the study is inert in evaluating mediational role of media influence and government initiatives in the relationship between perceived risks and destination image.
Sustainability analysis of the management of Lake Baru in Buluh Cina Village, Indonesia
Authors: Manda Putra Ridwan , Muhammad Tang Usman , Ikhwan Siregar Yusni , Thamrin Thamrin
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper on the level of sustainability of the oxbow lake is to determine the sustainability status, leverage of attributes and driving factors in the management of the oxbow lake in Buluh Cina Village in Kampar, Riau, Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The types of data collected include primary data and secondary data. The data were collected using the methods of surveys, library research, laboratory analysis and interviews. The analysis methods employed in this research were the multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis and the prospect analysis. The sustainability analysis was undertaken using the approach of the MDS analysis with the assistance of software RapOxbow.

Findings

The current sustainability status of the management of Lake Baru ecosystems according to a number of dimensions is regarded as sustainable with a sustainability index value by 50.95. Meanwhile, analysis results of each dimension show that the sustainability index for the ecological dimension is 42.56 and the sustainability index for the economic dimension is 47.44, which means that they are less sustainable. While the sustainability index for the socio-cultural dimension is 54.81, the sustainability index for the technological dimension is 53.12 and the sustainability index for the legal-institutional dimension is 56.83, meaning that they are fairly sustainable.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies at the approaches of this research which are MDS analysis and a prospect analysis, and the research location in Buluh Cina Village in Kampar, Indonesia, that has not been researched before. This is one of few studies which investigate comprehensively the sustainability analysis of management, especially in ecological, economic and socio-cultural dimensions in Indonesia.
Assessment of Coagulase‐Negative Staphylococci and Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Portuguese Dry Fermented Sausages as Potential Starters Based on Their Biogenic Amine Profile
Authors: Alfaia Cristina M. , Gouveia Irani M. , Fernandes Maria H. , Fernandes Maria J. , Semedo‐Lemsaddek Teresa , Barreto António S. , Fraqueza Maria J.
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the decarboxylase activity of coagulase‐negative staphylococci (CNS) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) involved in meat products fermentation, in order to characterize and select the strains most suitable to be used as safe starter cultures. Isolates were obtained from traditional Portuguese dry fermented meat sausages, identified by PCR and characterized according to their technological properties. Lactobacilli and enterococci were assessed for their bacteriocinogenic potential. Biogenic amines (BA) were screened by culture method and analyzed by RP‐HPLC/UV. The screening method, compared with chromatographic analysis, was not reliable for CNS and LAB strains selection. Tyramine decarboxylase activity was present in CNS strains, with a slight production of amines. No other hazardous BA were produced. Among lactobacilli, moderate production of tyramine was related only to Lactobacillus curvatus, with some strains producing putrescine or 2‐phenylethylamine. Enterococci were high and moderate producers of tyramine and 2‐phenylethylamine, respectively. Staphylococcus xylosus, Staphylococcus equorum, and Staphylococcus carnosus, independent of their genetic and technological profiles and BA production, were adequate for use in meat products, according to the data. Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus sakei strains could also be selected for starters.

Practical Application

The selection of coagulase‐negative staphylococci and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates were based on their production of biogenic amines in order to avoid this potential hazard production in meat products. The most suitable isolates could be used as safe starter cultures in meat products industry. The staphylococci and LAB selected will achieve particular organoleptic characteristics in meat products and bioprotection from pathogens.
The Changhsingian Foraminiferal Fauna of the Meishan D Section, Zhejiang, China, and their Ecostratigraphic Implications
Authors: KE Xue , LUO Liang , WEI Yi , KOU Xiaohu , ZHANG Zongyan , HE Weihong
Published: September 2018

Samples were collected continuously and systematically from Beds 2 to 30 of the Meishan D section, and nearly 4,000 foraminiferal specimens were recognized. In total, 72 species (partially including undetermined species and conformis species) in 34 genera of foraminifers were identified. Twelve foraminiferal community zones were established from Beds 2 to 27 based on the abundance, dominance, diversity, and equitability of the foraminiferal fauna and a functional morphological analysis of the dominant and characteristic species. The habitat type indicated by each community zone and the sedimentary features were used to determine the paleo‐water depths and the relative changes in sea level. We generated curves of both the habitat type and the hydrodynamic conditions, which together indicate the relative changes in the paleo‐water depth and the substrate features in the studied area during the Changhsingian. This study discusses the possible relationship between the foraminiferal community zones and the sea‐level changes based on a statistical analysis of the foraminiferal community zones.
Geology and Geochemistry of the Shizitou Molybdenum Deposit, Jiangxi Province: Implications for Geodynamic Setting and Metallogenesis
Authors: WANG Cheng , SHAO Yongjun , LIU Zhongfa , LIU Qingquan , ZHANG Yu
Published: September 2018

The Shizitou molybdenum (Mo) deposit in Yongping, Jiangxi, is an important, recently discovered deposit in the eastern section of the Qin–Hang metallogenic belt. The Mo deposit is located in the outer contact zone between the porphyritic biotite granite and the Neoproterozoic migmatite, and present in the deep central part of the intrusion. Re–Os dating and S and Pb isotopic analysis have been conducted to assess the metallogenesis of the Shizitou Mo deposit. S, Pb and Re isotopes show that the ore–forming materials were derived from the porphyritic biotite granitic magma, which originated from the mixing of mantle and crust. Re–Os dating of molybdenite from the ores gives a model age from 156.9±2.2 to 158.5±2.4 Ma, with a weighted mean age of 158±1 Ma and an isochron age of 158.0±2.5 Ma. Geological and geochemical characteristics of the ore deposit and the related granitoids indicate that the Shizitou deposit is a Climax–type Mo deposit. Based on previous studies of the Qin–Hang metallogenic belt, two metallogenic events are believed to have occurred during 172–145 Ma and 137–132 Ma. These two metallogenic periods are consistent with the timing of two metallogenic peaks during the middle to late Jurassic and the Cretaceous in South China. These events represent responses to the partial back–arc extension associated with the subduction of the Izanagi plate beneath the Eurasian continent and the rapid northeastward movement of the subducting Izanagi plate.
Is Ziarat a Potential Site for Conventional or Unconventional Energy Resources?
Authors: KHAN Sarfraz , NISAR Umair Bin , AHMED Khawar A. , WASEEM Muhammad , AHMED Waqas
Published: September 2018

A structural interpretation of the Ziarat block in the Balochistan region (a part of the Suleiman Fold and Thrust Belt) has been carried out using seismic and seismological data. Seismic data consists of nine 2.5D pre‐stack migrated seismic lines, whereas the seismological data covers the Fault Plane Solution and source parameters. Structural interpretation describes two broad fault sets of fore and back thrusts in the study area that have resulted in the development of pop‐up structures, accountable for the structural traps and seismicity pattern in terms of seismic hazard. Seismic interpretation includes time and depth contour maps of the Dungan Formation and Ranikot group, while seismological interpretation includes Fault Plane Solution, that is correlated with a geological and structural map of the area for the interpretation of the nature of the subsurface faults. Principal stresses are also estimated for the Ranikot group and Dungan Formation. In order to calculate anisotropic elastic properties, the parameters of the rock strength of the formations are first determined from seismic data, along with the dominant stresses (vertical, minimum horizontal, and maximum horizontal). The differential ratio of the maximum and minimum horizontal stresses is obtained to indicate optimal zones for hydraulic fracturing, and to assess the potential for geothermal energy reservoir prospect generation. The stress maps indicate high values towards the deeper part of the horizon, and low towards the shallower part, attributed to the lithological and structural variation in the area. Outcomes of structural interpretation indicate a good correlation of structure and tectonics from both seismological and seismic methods.