bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of stress on the driving abilities of paramedic students: a pilot, simulator-based study
Authors: Duncliffe Trevor Hines , D’Angelo Brittany , Brock Michael , Fraser Cal , Lamarra Jake , Austin Nick , Pusateri Matt , Batt Alan M. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundPrevious research has suggested that stress may have a negative effect on the clinical performance of paramedics. In addition, stress has been demonstrated to have a negative impact the driving abilities of the general population, increasing the number of driving errors. However, to date no studies have explored stress and its potential impact on non-clinical performance of paramedics, particularly their driving abilities.MethodsParamedic students underwent emergency driving assessment in a driving simulator before and after exposure to a stressful medical scenario. Number and type of errors were documented before and after by both driving simulator software and observation by two observers from the research team. The NASA Task Load Index (TLX) was utilised to record self-reported stress levels.Results36 students participated in the study. Following exposure to a stressful medical scenario, paramedic students demonstrated no increase in overall error rate, but demonstrated an increase in three critical driving errors, namely failure to wear a seatbelt (3 baseline v 10 post stress), failing to stop for red lights or stop signs (7 v 35), and losing control of the vehicle (2 v 11). Self-reported stress levels also increased after the clinical scenario, particularly in the area of mental (cognitive) demand.ConclusionParamedics are routinely exposed to acute stress in their everyday work, and this stress could affect their non-clinical performance. The critical errors committed by participants in this study closely matched those considered to be contributory factors in many ambulance collisions. These results stimulate the need for further research into the effects of stress on non-clinical performance in general, and highlight the potential need to consider additional driver training and stress management education in order to mitigate the frequency and severity of driving errors.Key pointsParamedics are exposed to stressful clinical scenarios during the course of their workMany critical and serious clinical calls require transport to hospitalAmbulance crashes occur regularly and pose a significant risk to the safety and wellbeing of both patients and paramedicsThis simulated clinical scenario followed by a simulated driving scenario has highlighted that stress appears to affect driving abilities in paramedic studentsThe findings of this study, although conducted in paramedic students in simulated environments, highlight the need to further investigate the effects of stress on driving abilities among paramedics
Myelin-reactive B cells exacerbate the severity of CD4+T cell-driven CNS autoimmunity in an IL-23-dependent manner
Authors: Fazazi Mohamed Reda , Ignatius Arokia Doss Prenitha Mercy , Pereira Resel , Fudge Neva , Regmi Aryan , Joly-Beauparlant Charles , Akbar Irshad , Yeola Asmita Pradeep , Mailhot Benoit , Baillargeon Joanie , Grenier Philippe , Bertrand Nicolas , Lacroix Steve , Droit Arnaud , Moore Craig S. , Rojas Olga L. , Rangachari Manu 
Published: August 2019

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) that has traditionally been considered a T cell-mediated disease. However, accumulating evidence points to a crucial role for B cells in disease processes. IgH[MOG]mice possess a transgenic immunoglobulin heavy chain derived from a monoclonal antibody specific to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), a key target for autoimmune responses. Here, using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS, we investigated the susceptibility of IgH[MOG]mice to CD4+T cell-driven disease that was induced by active immunization with MOG[35-55]autoantigen. We found that immunized IgH[MOG]mice rapidly developed severe EAE, characterized by the aggregation of T and B cells in the CNS meninges. We observed an increased presence of class-switched and inflammatory cytokine-positive B cells in the IgH[MOG]CNS, as well as a greater frequency of IL-17- and GM-CSF-producing CD4+T cells. Production of the Th17 maintenance factor IL-23 was increased from IgH[MOG]CNS-infiltrating B cells, andin vivoblockade of IL-23p19 strongly attenuated disease severity in IgH[MOG]mice. Strikingly, we observed an increased frequency of PD-1+CXCR5-T peripheral helper (Tph)-like cells in the CNS parenchyma and dura mater of IgH[MOG]mice. Both Tph accumulation in the CNS, as well as meningeal inflammation, were again sharply reduced upon IL-23p19 blockadein vivo. Notably, CNS-infiltrating B and Tph cells from IgH[MOG]mice showed an upregulation of genes related to neurodegeneration and oxidative phosphorylation, and IL-23 blockade reduced ROS production from these cellsin vivo. Altogether, these data show that MOG-specific B cells contribute to severe CD4+T cell-driven EAE by promoting CNS accumulation of Th17 and Tph cells, as well as tertiary lymphoid organs in the CNS meninges, in an IL-23 dependent manner.
Human resource managers as liaisons between firms and labour
Authors: O’Donnell Michael , Williamson Sue , Adikaram Arosha , Foley Meraiah 
Published: August 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how human resource (HR) managers in garment factories in a Sri Lankan export processing zone (EPZ) navigated the tension between their role as stewards of employee welfare and their role to maximise firm productivity in response to time and production pressures imposed by international buyers. Relatively little attention has been paid to the role of HR managers as liaisons between firms and labour. This omission is significant, given the importance of human resource management in the recruitment and retention of labour and the role of HR managers in organisational performance and regulatory compliance.

Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was used based on interviews with 18 HR managers, factory managers and other key informants, and 63 factory workers from 12 firms in the Katunayake EPZ. The interviews and focus groups in English were transcribed and coded into themes arising from the literature and further developed from the transcripts. Initial codes were analysed to identify common themes across the data set.

Findings
HR managers were acutely aware of the competitive pressures facing the EPZ garment factories. While examples of company welfarism were evident, HR practices such as incentive payment systems and the management of employee absences reinforced a workplace environment of long hours, work intensification and occupational injury.

Originality/value
This paper goes some way towards filling the gap in our understanding of the roles played by HR managers in garment factories in the Global South, raising theoretical debates regarding the potential for HR managers in developing countries to distance themselves from the negative consequences of HR practices such as individual and team reward systems.
Artificial intelligence treating the problem of uncertainty in quantitative risk analysis (QRA)
Authors: Hellas Mohamed Seddik , Chaib Rachid , Verzea Ion 
Published: August 2019

Purpose
Nowadays, artificial intelligence computational methods, such as knowledge-based systems, neural networks, genetic algorithms and fuzzy logic, have been increasingly applied to several industrial research studies, the purpose of this paper is to study the contribution of fuzzy and possibilistic techniques to quantitative risk analysis (QRA) in the presence of imperfect knowledge about the occurrence and consequences of accidental phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach
To solve the problem of uncertainties related to the elements of the accident scenario such as the frequency and severity of the consequences, the authors used fuzzy logic. Using this type of analysis, it is possible to visualize the contours of the dead or fuzzy injury by fireball thermal effect (first- and second-degree burn, death) and lesions caused by vapor cloud explosion overpressure (lung damage, eardrum rupture, head impact, whole-body displacement). The frequency and severity of fuzzy results are calculated by extended multiplication using the alpha-cuts method.

Findings
This research project aims to reflect the real situation in the in Amenas industrial area (SONATRACH company), specifically the liquefied petroleum gas storage tank On-Spec 05-V-411A, to deal with this type of risk. Using this analysis allows us to estimate the fuzzy individual risk using the approach of fuzzy logic to treating this uncertainty in the parameter information of accident scenarios. This index individuel risk (IR) was evaluated against the criterion of acceptability and then used for decision-making in the field of industrial risk analysis and evaluation.

Originality/value
The originality of the work is to identify the weak points of the classical QRA to solve the problem of the uncertainties related to the elements of the accident scenario such as the frequency and severity of the consequences to visualize the fuzzy risk contours. On the one hand and the development of software to calculate the probability of death by the overpressure effect and classify the most sensitive organs on the other hand. Given the importance of this study, it can be generalized for similar sites in the region.
Impact of processing parameters on tensile strength, in-process crystallinity and mesostructure in FDM-fabricated PLA specimens
Authors: Luzanin Ognjan , Movrin Dejan , Stathopoulos Vassilis , Pandis Pavlos , Radusin Tanja , Guduric Vera 
Published: August 2019

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of layer thickness, extrusion temperature, extrusion speed and build plate temperature on the tensile strength, crystallinity achieved during fabrication (herein, in-process crystallinity) and mesostructure of Poly(lactic acid) specimens. Both tensile strength and in-process crystallinity were optimized and verified as the function of processing parameters, and their relationship was thoroughly examined.

Design/methodology/approach
The four key technological parameters were systematically varied as factors on three levels, using the statistically designed experiment. Surface response methodology was used to optimize tensile strength and crystallinity for the given ranges of input factors. Optimized factor settings were used in a set of confirmation runs, where the result of optimization was experimentally confirmed. Material characterization was performed using differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analysis, while the effect of processing parameters on mesostructure was examined by scanning electron microscopy.

Findings
Layer thickness and its quadratic effect are dominant contributors to tensile strength. Significant interaction between layer thickness and extrusion speed implies that these parameters should always be varied simultaneously within designed experiment to obtain adequate process model. As regards, the in-process crystallinity, extrusion speed is part of two significant interactions with plate temperature and layer thickness, respectively. Quality of mesostructure is vital contributor to tensile strength during FDM process, while the in-process crystallinity exhibited no impact, remaining below the 20 per cent margin regardless of process parameter settings.

Originality/value
According to available literature, there have been no previously published investigations which studied the effect of process parameters on tensile strength, mesostructure and in-process crystallinity through systematic variation of four critical processing parameters.
High inter‐ and intraspecific niche overlap among three sympatrically breeding, closely related seabird species: Generalist foraging as an adaptation to a highly variable environment?
Authors: Dehnhard Nina , Achurch Helen , Clarke Judy , Michel Loïc N. , Southwell Colin , Sumner Michael D. , Eens Marcel , Emmerson Louise 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Ecological niche theory predicts sympatric species to show segregation in their spatio‐temporal habitat utilization or diet as a strategy to avoid competition. Similarly, within species individuals may specialize on specific dietary resources or foraging habitats. Such individual specialization seems to occur particularly in environments with predictable resource distribution and limited environmental variability. Still, little is known about how seasonal environmental variability affects segregation of resources within species and between closely related sympatric species.

The aim of the study was to investigate the foraging behaviour of three closely related and sympatrically breeding fulmarine petrels (Antarctic petrels Thalassoica antarctica, cape petrels Daption capense and southern fulmars Fulmarus glacialoides) in a seasonally highly variable environment (Prydz Bay, Antarctica) with the aim of assessing inter‐ and intraspecific overlap in utilized habitat, timing of foraging and diet and to identify foraging habitat preferences.

We used GPS loggers with wet/dry sensors to assess spatial habitat utilization over the entire breeding season. Trophic overlap was investigated using stable isotope analysis based on blood, feathers and egg membranes. Foraging locations were identified using wet/dry data recorded by the GPS loggers and expectation‐maximization binary clustering. Foraging habitat preferences were modelled using generalized additive models and model cross‐validation.

During incubation and chick‐rearing, the utilization distribution of all three species overlapped significantly and species also overlapped in the timing of foraging during the day—partly during incubation and completely during chick‐rearing. Isotopic centroids showed no significant segregation between at least two species for feathers and egg membranes, and among all species during incubation (reflected by blood). Within species, there was no individual specialization in foraging sites or environmental space. Furthermore, no single environmental covariate predicted foraging activity along trip trajectories. Instead, best‐explanatory environmental covariates varied within and between individuals even across short temporal scales, reflecting a highly generalist behaviour of birds.

Our results may be explained by optimal foraging theory. In the highly productive but spatio‐temporally variable Antarctic environment, being a generalist may be key to finding mobile prey—even though this increases the potential for competition within and among sympatric species.
Comparing ageing and the effects of diet supplementation in wild vs. captive antler flies, Protopiophila litigata
Authors: Mautz Brian S. , Rode Nicolas O. , Bonduriansky Russell , Rundle Howard D. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Few studies have simultaneously compared ageing within genetically similar populations in both laboratory and natural environments. Such comparisons are important for interpreting laboratory studies, because factors such as diet could affect ageing in environment‐dependent ways.

Using a natural population of antler flies (Protopiophila litigata), we conducted separate factorial experiments in 2012 and 2013 that compared age‐specific male survival and mating success in laboratory cages versus a natural field environment while supplementing their diets with protein or sugar.

We found consistent and substantial increases in both survival and mating rates in the laboratory compared to the field, but remarkably, despite these large differences actuarial ageing was only higher in the laboratory than in the field in 2012 and similar in the two environments in 2013. In both years, there was no difference between environments in reproductive ageing.

We found that males fed protein had a higher mortality rate than males fed sugar (strong and low support in 2012 and 2013, respectively).

In contrast, diet did not strongly impact average mating rates, actuarial ageing or reproductive ageing in either experiment.

Our results provide the first evidence that the negative effect of protein on life span reported in many laboratory studies can also occur in wild populations, although perhaps less consistently. They also highlight how laboratory environments can influence life‐history traits and suggest caution when extrapolating from the laboratory to the field.
Characterisation of cow and buffalo ghee using fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Ahmad Naveed , Saleem Muhammad 
Published: August 2019

Fluorescence spectroscopy has been utilised to characterise ghee extracted from buffalo and cow milk. Using an excitation wavelength of 320 nm, emission spectra of buffalo and cow ghee; vitamins A, B12, D, E, K; and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) were acquired by using spectrofluorometer. The bands at 390, 440, 480 and 525 nm were assigned to fat‐soluble vitamins, CLA, vitamin A and beta‐carotene. Moreover, spectra of vitamins and CLA confirmed their presence in both ghee types. The spectral differences were highlighted through principle component analysis that has been applied for the detection of adulteration of cow milk in buffalo ghee.
Armenian teachers’ dichotomous perspectives on children with high‐functioning autism
Authors: Allan David , Hallett Fiona , Hallett Graham 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis article uses the views of student teachers and serving teachers from a post‐Soviet context in order to better understand current thinking around teachers’ perceptions of children with what might be termed ‘hidden’ disabilities. Drawing on social comparison theory, and adopting a phenomenographical approach, the study explores teachers’ perspectives of autism in the Republic of Armenia, offering an insight into the impact of its social, cultural and political history. Whilst serving teachers demonstrated contrastive and downward comparisons when presented with a vignette of a young person with Asperger's Syndrome, student teachers expressed more connective comparisons. The data suggest, then, that Armenian student teachers represent progressive attitudinal change towards individuals with disabilities. These results also shed light on how social comparison theory might be used to tease out assumptions and taken‐for‐granted attitudes in the global West.
Oral health and healthcare utilization in Belgian dentate adults
Authors: Bottenberg Peter , Vanobbergen Jacques , Declerck Dominique , Carvalho Joana C. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectivesIn 2012‐2014, the Belgian National Oral Health Data Registration and Evaluation Survey, integrated in the Health Interview Survey (HIS), was carried out. The present study investigated, in a sample of 1340 dentate adults (≥25 years), the association between oral healthcare utilization, oral health status and sociodemographic status.MethodsA multistage, stratified cluster sampling procedure was used. Oral examination for caries experience (World Health Organization, D3MFT‐Index), periodontal status (Dutch Periodontal Screening Index, DPS‐Index), number of teeth present and occlusal contacts without wearing removable dentures was performed by calibrated examiners. Oral healthcare utilization data were retrieved from the records of the Belgian Intermutualistic Agency. Participants' oral health and sociodemographic data were linked to registered oral care utilization in the previous 5‐year period. Regular attenders (annual attenders and those with at least one registered contact in three different years) were compared with irregular attenders (those having had dental visits but not according to the definition of regular attenders) and nonattenders. Data were weighted to compensate for sampling and participation bias.ResultsSix hundred and seventy‐nine participants attended regularly, of whom 276 annually; 256 did not attend in the reference period. The overall D3MFT‐Index was not noticeably different between attendance patterns (varying between 11 and 13), although regular attenders had more restored teeth than nonattenders (P < 0.01). No difference was seen for DPS‐Index and number of teeth/occluding pairs (χ2 test, P > 0.05). Females, participants with higher education, older participants and those in employment had higher rates of regular attendance.ConclusionsRegular attenders had fewer untreated caries lesions, but neither lower caries experience nor lower DPS‐Index than irregular attenders. Regular attendance was associated with sociodemographic variables.
EZH2 promotes invasion and tumour glycolysis by regulating STAT3 and FoxO1 signalling in human OSCC cells
Authors: Zheng Min , Cao Ming‐xin , Luo Xiao‐jie , Li Li , Wang Ke , Wang Sha‐sha , Wang Hao‐fan , Tang Ya‐jie , Tang Ya‐ling , Liang Xin‐hua 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), known as a member of the polycomb group (PcG) proteins, is an oncogene overexpressed in a variety of human cancers. Here, we found that EZH2 correlated with poor survival of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients using immunohistochemistry staining. EZH2 overexpression led to a significant induction in tumour glycolysis, Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration and invasion of OSCC cells. Conversely, silencing of EZH2 inhibited tumour glycolysis, EMT, migration and invasion in OSCC cells. Ectopic overexpression of EZH2 increased phosphorylation of STAT3 at pY705 and decreased FoxO1 expression, and FoxO1 expression was enhanced when inhibiting STAT3. In addition, EZH2 overexpression led to a significant decrease in FoxO1 mRNA levels in nude mice xenograft. These results indicated that regulation of EZH2 might have the potential to be targeted for OSCC treatment.
Wingless‐type MMTV integration site family member 5a is a key inhibitor of islet stellate cells activation
Authors: Xu Wei , Geng HouFa , Liang Jun , Liu Ying , Lv Qian , Wang Jie , Li Rui , Wang Xiu Li , Liu Xui Kui , Jones Peter M , Sun Zi Lin 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAims/IntroductionType 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by islet β‐cell dysfunction, which might result from the activation of islet stellate cells (ISCs). Our recent study showed that a specific population of ISCs is prone to be activated in type 2 diabetes mellitus accompanied by reduced secretion of insulin. The wingless‐type MMTV integration site family member 5a (Wnt5a)/frizzled‐5 signaling pathway might play an important role in this process. The present study aimed to explore the effects of Wnt5a on the activation of ISCs isolated from db/db mice.Materials and MethodsISCs were isolated from db/db mice and matched db/m mice. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting analysis were applied for the determination of Wnt5a expression. Exogenous Wnt5a and lentivirus containing the target gene Wnt5a short hairpin ribonucleic acid were used as a molecular intervention. The experiment of transwell and wound healing was used to evaluate the migration of the isolated ISCs.ResultsOur data showed that the expression of Wnt5a and frizzled‐5 was decreased in the ISCs isolated from db/db mice compared with db/m mice. Both the exogenous Wnt5a and the overexpression of Wnt5a could inhibit the outgrowth rate of ISCs from islets, and its viability, migration and α smooth muscle actin expression. These changes were associated with the inactivation of the Smad2/3 signaling pathway in a frizzled‐5‐dependent manner.ConclusionsOur observations revealed a potential role of Wnt5a in preventing ISC activation. The maintenance of quiescent ISCs might be a desirable outcome of therapeutic strategies for diabetes mellitus.