scholarly journals Impact of individual demographic and social factors on human–wildlife interactions: a comparative study of three macaque species

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishna N. Balasubramaniam ◽  
Pascal R. Marty ◽  
Shelby Samartino ◽  
Alvaro Sobrino ◽  
Taniya Gill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Spatial Data ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Macaque Species ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Bonnet Macaques ◽  
Zoonotic Risk ◽  
The Impact

AbstractDespite increasing conflict at human–wildlife interfaces, there exists little research on how the attributes and behavior of individual wild animals may influence human–wildlife interactions. Adopting a comparative approach, we examined the impact of animals’ life-history and social attributes on interactions between humans and (peri)urban macaques in Asia. For 10 groups of rhesus, long-tailed, and bonnet macaques, we collected social behavior, spatial data, and human–interaction data for 11–20 months on pre-identified individuals. Mixed-model analysis revealed that, across all species, males and spatially peripheral individuals interacted with humans the most, and that high-ranking individuals initiated more interactions with humans than low-rankers. Among bonnet macaques, but not rhesus or long-tailed macaques, individuals who were more well-connected in their grooming network interacted more frequently with humans than less well-connected individuals. From an evolutionary perspective, our results suggest that individuals incurring lower costs related to their life-history (males) and resource-access (high rank; strong social connections within a socially tolerant macaque species), but also higher costs on account of compromising the advantages of being in the core of their group (spatial periphery), are the most likely to take risks by interacting with humans in anthropogenic environments. From a conservation perspective, evaluating individual behavior will better inform efforts to minimize conflict-related costs and zoonotic-risk.

scholarly journals The impact of a ‘milking the COW’ campaign in a regional hospital in Singapore

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Surinder Kaur M. S. Pada ◽  
Poh Lishi ◽  
Kim Sim Ng ◽  
Sarathamani Rethenam ◽  
Lilibeth Silagan Alenton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Skin Flora ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Computerisation of various processes in hospitals and reliance on electronic devices raises the concern of contamination of these devices from the patient environment. We undertook this study to determine if an attached hand hygiene device that unlocks the screen of a computer on wheels (COW) on usage can be effective in decreasing the microbiological burden on computer keyboards. Methods An electronic hand sanitizer was integrated onto the COW. A prospective cohort study with a crossover design involving 2 control and 2 intervention wards was used. The study end point was the number of colony forming units found on the keyboards. Bacteria were classified into 4 main groups; pathogenic, skin flora, from the environment or those thought to be commensals in healthy individuals. We then used a mixed effects model for the statistical analysis to determine if there were any differences before and after the intervention. Results Thirty-nine keyboards were swabbed at baseline, day 7 and 14, with 234 keyboards cultured, colony forming units (CFUs) counted and organisms isolated. By mixed model analysis, the difference of mean bacteria count between intervention and control for week 1 was 32.74 (− 32.74, CI − 94.29 to 28.75, p = 0.29), for week 2 by 155.86 (− 155.86, CI − 227.45 to − 83.53, p < 0.0001), and after the 2-week period by 157.04 (− 157.04, CI − 231.53 to − 82.67, p < 0.0001). In the sub-analysis, there were significant differences of pathogenic bacteria counts for the Intervention as compared to the Control in contrast with commensal counts. Conclusion A hand hygiene device attached to a COW may be effective in decreasing the microbiological burden on computer keyboards.

scholarly journals Public ‘say on pay’ activism in South Africa: Targets, challengers, themes and impact

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzette Viviers ◽  
Nadia Mans-Kemp ◽  
Linda Kallis ◽  
Kristen Mckenzie
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Trade Unions ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Wage Gap ◽  
African State ◽  
Minority Shareholders ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Say On Pay ◽  
Executive Remuneration ◽  
The Impact

Background: Shareholders and other stakeholders in South Africa are increasingly raising their concerns in public about seemingly excessive executive remuneration. Most of their criticism is rooted in the large and growing wage gap in the country.Aim: The authors investigated the nature of the entities whose executive remuneration policies and practices were publicly criticised, the types of challengers involved in this social movement, key issues raised and the impact that the challengers had on the targeted executives’ remuneration.Setting: Public activism involving five South African state-owned enterprises and 38 companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.Methods: Executives and entities that were targeted in public were identified from three online financial newspapers published between 01 January 2010 and 31 December 2016. A total of 92 events were recorded involving 65 executives. Data on these executives’ emolument and three control variables were sourced from Bloomberg. Descriptive statistics and mixed-model analysis of variance tests were employed to evaluate the quantitative secondary data.Results: In line with the extant literature, most of the targets were large, well-known companies. Individual and minority shareholders represented the largest category of challengers, followed by asset managers and trade unions. The vast majority of concerns centred on the size and composition of executives’ packages and insufficient justifications provided by remuneration committees. The total pay, bonuses and other performance-based incentives decreased significantly in the year after the companies were publicly targeted.Conclusion: The findings suggest that public ‘say on pay’ activism can be an effective mechanism in addressing seemingly excessive executive emolument.

The Impact and Statistical Analysis of a Multifaceted Anticoagulation Strategy in Children Supported on ECMO

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron D. Kessel ◽  
Myriam Kline ◽  
Marcia Zinger ◽  
Dawn McLaughlin ◽  
Peter Silver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Factor Xa ◽  
Current Group ◽  
Heparin Infusion ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
The Impact

Background: We sought to determine whether the introduction of a new anticoagulation protocol improved the frequency with which target anticoagulation parameters were met in children supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Additionally, we sought to correlate the results of various tests of anticoagulation with the heparin infusion dose (HID) for patients on ECMO and to evaluate the utility of these anticoagulation monitoring tests for the titration of the HID. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 18 patients who received ECMO at an academic tertiary care children’s hospital. Nine patients who were managed using a new anticoagulation protocol were matched by age and diagnosis with 9 patients managed with the old protocol. We collected data relating to patient demographics, type of extracorporeal support, disease process, and incidence of bleeding or thrombosis. Anticoagulation parameters collected include the activated clotting time (ACT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time/international normalized ratio, anti-factor Xa level, and antithrombin 3 level along with the HID at each time point. Patient groups were compared using a Generalized Linear Mixed Model, a mixed model analysis of variance, and correlational studies. Main Results: The percentage of in-range ACT values was not different between the 2 protocols, whereas the percentage of in-range aPTT values was higher in the new anticoagulation protocol (ACT: 37.7% vs 39.5%; aPTT: 25.1% vs 39.8%). After accounting for repeated and variable measures within patients, the probability of obtaining an in-range ACT and aPTT did not differ significantly between the 2 protocols (ACT: P = .3488; aPTT: P = .16). The mean HID did not differ between the 2 groups (35.0 unit/kg/h vs 37.6 unit/kg/h, P = .56). Correlation coefficients demonstrated a significant inverse correlation between the ACT and the HID in both the groups (old: r = −.22, P < .0001; new: r = −.26, P < .0001). We observed a significant positive correlation between the aPTT and the HID in the historical group ( r = .25, P < .0001), but no correlation between the aPTT and the HID in the current group ( r = −.02, P = .71). The anti-factor Xa level showed a significantly positive correlation with the HID in the current group ( r = .62, P < .0001). Conclusions: A multipronged monitoring regimen slightly increased the amount of time that anticoagulation parameters were within range. Correlations between the HID and the aPTT differed based on anticoagulation protocol, with a positive correlation in the older protocol and no correlation in the new protocol. This may highlight a problem in study design and analysis that requires further examination. Further trials are needed to assess the most useful markers with which anticoagulation protocols for ECMO can be created, adjusted, and evaluated.

scholarly journals Refining the timing of recombination rate plasticity in response to temperature in Drosophila pseudoobscura

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulku H. Altindag ◽  
Chelsea Shoben ◽  
Laurie S Stevison
Keyword(s):  
Recombination Rate ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Recombination Rates ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Molecular Events ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Experimental Approaches ◽  
Response To Temperature

AbstractMeiotic recombination rates vary in response to environmental factors like temperature. Variation in recombination generates an additional source for genetic variation while errors in this pathway can lead to chromosome nondisjunction. Estimating duration and sensitivity of a meiotic response to environmental perturbation requires an understanding of molecular events and well-designed experimental approaches. An earlier study suggested that the peak (most sensitive) timing of plasticity in Drosophila melanogaster occurred during the pre-meiotic interphase where DNA replication takes place in S-phase. Recently, heat stress has been shown to reveal plasticity in recombination rates in D. pseudoobscura. Here, a combination of molecular genotyping and a series of recombination analyses through visible phenotypic markers were used to determine peak plasticity timing in this species. Mutant flies were reared in either control or stress temperatures in a traditional cross design. Using mixed model analysis, the odds of crossover formation was 1.55X higher during days 7-9 (p=0.0017) and 1.41X higher on day 9 (p=0.034) post-mating in high temperature as compared to control crosses, suggesting this time period as the timing of peak plasticity. Time of peak plasticity at day 9 in D. pseudoobscura can be explained by comparison to the model organism D. melanogaster due to similar timing of key meiotic events. This comparative approach will enable future mechanistic work on the duration and the effects of temperature stress on recombination rate.

scholarly journals THE FIT BETWEEN EMPLOYEE ROLES AND MARKET DYNAMISM: AN ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack P. Crielaard ◽  
Emiel F. M. Wubben ◽  
Onno S. W. F. Omta
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Service Industry ◽  
Resource Based View ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Strategic Fit ◽  
Management Perspective ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Purpose: Exploring the fit of employee roles and market dynamism, related to performance. Originality/value: In ecology the term ‘fit’ is used for the relation between organisms and their environment. Similarly, we conceptualized the relation between employee roles and markets: the employee-market connection, which may enhance SME’s strategic fit and performance. Design/methodology/approach: The empirical research was conducted at 48 SMEs with 221 respondents from the manufacturing industry (53%) and the service industry (47%) and applied a mixed model analysis. Findings: The employee role-mix is moderated by market dynamism: when market dynamism increases, the impact on performance of internal process roles decreases and the impact of rational goal roles increases. The results enrich the resource-based view with the employee-market-connection: the system is resilient, the roles adapt. A fit between market dynamism and employee roles is positively related to performance.

Decision Making Influences Tibial Impact Accelerations During Lateral Cutting

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 414-418
Author(s):  
Logan A. Lucas ◽  
Benjamin S. England ◽  
Travis W. Mason ◽  
Christopher R. Lanning ◽  
Taylor M. Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Analysis Of Variance ◽  
Musculoskeletal System ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Musculoskeletal Injuries ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Impact

Lower-extremity musculoskeletal injuries are common in sports such as basketball and soccer. Athletes competing in sports of this nature must maneuver in response to the actions of their teammates, opponents, etc. This limits their ability to preplan movements. The purpose of this study was to compare impact accelerations during preplanned versus unplanned lateral cutting. A total of 30 subjects (15 males and 15 females) performed preplanned and unplanned cuts while the authors analyzed impact accelerations using an accelerometer secured to their tibia. For the preplanned condition, subjects were aware of the movement to perform before initiating a trial. For the unplanned condition, subjects initiated their movement and then reacted to the illumination of one of 3 visual stimuli which dictated whether they would cut, land, or land-and-jump. A mixed-model analysis of variance with a between factor of sex (male and female) and a within factor of condition (preplanned and unplanned) was used to analyze the magnitude and variability of the impact accelerations for the cutting trials. Both males and females demonstrated higher impact accelerations (P = .01) and a trend toward greater intertrial variability (P = .07) for the unplanned cutting trials (vs preplanned cuts). Unplanned cutting may place greater demands on the musculoskeletal system.

scholarly journals Does river channelization increase the abundance of invasive crayfish? Survey of Faxonius limosus in small Central European streams

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maciej Bonk ◽  
Rafał Bobrek
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Regulated River ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
South Central ◽  
Dam Reservoirs ◽  
Invasive Crayfish ◽  
Riverine Habitats ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess whether regulated river reaches show higher numbers of the spiny cheek crayfish Faxonius limosus, a common freshwater invader in Europe. Man-made alterations of riverine habitats may increase their susceptibility to biological invasions. This phenomenon is commonly studied in the context of dam reservoirs; however, the impact of river channelization and the resulting riverine habitat homogenization on the success of invasive species are mostly lacking. Surveys were conducted in natural and channelised river stretches in five rivers of south-central Poland. General linear mixed model analysis showed that crayfish abundance is usually higher at sites located within regulated reaches. The likely reason for the detected differences in abundance of crayfish may be related to decreased food-web complexity and lack of predators in a homogenised habitat. The results suggest that the channelization of small watercourses may increase the abundance of invasive species F. limosus and its pressure on native European crayfish. However, due to limited data obtained in field, our study should be considered as a pilot one.

scholarly journals A preclinical randomized multicenter trial of anti-IL-17A treatment for acute ischemic stroke

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathias Gelderblom ◽  
Simon Koch ◽  
Jan Kolja Strecker ◽  
Carina Joergensen ◽  
Lidia Garcia-Bonilla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Primary Analysis ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Neurological Score ◽  
Consensus Statements ◽  
The Impact

Multiple consensus statements have called for preclinical randomized controlled trials (pRCT) to improve translation in stroke research. Here, we investigated the efficacy of IL-17A neutralizing antibodies in a multicentric pRCT using a murine stroke model. C57/Bl.6 mice were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Mice were randomly allocated (1:1). Either anti-IL-17A (500 microgram) or isotype antibody (500 microgram) were administered 1 h after tMCAO. Primary analysis of infarct volumes was done by MRI after three days. Secondary analysis included mortality, neurological score, neutrophil infiltration and the impact of the gut microbiome on treatment effects. Out of 136 mice, 109 mice were included in the analysis. Mixed model analysis revealed that the IL-17A neutralization significantly reduced infarct sizes (anti IL-17A: 61.77 mm3 (SD: 31.04); IgG control: 75.66 mm3 (SD: 34.79); p=0.01). Secondary outcome measures showed a decrease in mortality (Hazard Ratio=3.43, 95% CI = 1.157 - 10.18; p=0.04) and neutrophil invasion into ischemic cortices. There was no difference in the neurological score. The analysis of the gut microbiome showed significant differences between centers. Taken together, this is the first positive pRCT in an ischemia reperfusion model. It suggests IL-17A neutralization as a potential target in stroke.

scholarly journals The impact of a human IGF-II analog ([Leu27]IGF-II) on fetal growth in a mouse model of fetal growth restriction

2016 ◽  
Vol 310 (1) ◽  
pp. E24-E31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayne C. Charnock ◽  
Mark R. Dilworth ◽  
John D. Aplin ◽  
Colin P. Sibley ◽  
Melissa Westwood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Fetal Growth Restriction ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Maternal Serum ◽  
Growth Restriction ◽  
Placental Weight ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Fetal Weight ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
The Impact

Enhancing placental insulin-like growth factor (IGF) availability appears to be an attractive strategy for improving outcomes in fetal growth restriction (FGR). Our approach was the novel use of [Leu27]IGF-II, a human IGF-II analog that binds the IGF-II clearance receptor IGF-IIR in fetal growth-restricted (FGR) mice. We hypothesized that the impact of [Leu27]IGF-II infusion in C57BL/6J (wild-type) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout (eNOS−/−; FGR) mice would be to enhance fetal growth and investigated this from mid- to late gestation; 1 mg·kg−1·day−1 [Leu27]IGF-II was delivered via a subcutaneous miniosmotic pump from E12.5 to E18.5. Fetal and placental weights recorded at E18.5 were used to generate frequency distribution curves; fetuses <5th centile were deemed growth restricted. Placentas were harvested for immunohistochemical analysis of the IGF system, and maternal serum was collected for measurement of exogenously administered IGF-II. In WT pregnancies, [Leu27]IGF-II treatment halved the number of FGR fetuses, reduced fetal( P = 0.028) and placental weight variations ( P = 0.0032), and increased the numbers of pups close to the mean fetal weight (131 vs. 112 pups within 1 SD). Mixed-model analysis confirmed litter size to be negatively correlated with fetal and placental weight and showed that [Leu27]IGF-II preferentially improved fetal weight in the largest litters, as defined by number. Unidirectional 14CMeAIB transfer per gram placenta (System A amino acid transporter activity) was inversely correlated with fetal weight in [Leu27]IGF-II-treated WT animals ( P < 0.01). In eNOS−/− mice, [Leu27]IGF-II reduced the number of FGR fetuses(1 vs. 5 in the untreated group). The observed reduction in FGR pup numbers in both C57 and eNOS−/− litters suggests the use of this analog as a means of standardizing and rescuing fetal growth, preferentially in the smallest offspring.

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