bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Actin filaments regulate microtubule growth at the centrosome
Authors: Inoue Daisuke , Obino Dorian , Farina Francesca , Gaillard Jérémie , Guerin Christophe , Blanchoin Laurent , Lennon-Duménil Ana-Maria , Théry Manuel
Published: April 2018

The centrosome is the main microtubule-organizing centre. It also organizes a local network of actin filaments. However, the precise function of the actin network at the centrosome is not well understood. Here we show that increasing densities of actin filaments at the centrosome of lymphocytes were correlated with reduced amounts of microtubules. Furthermore, lymphocyte activation resulted in centrosomal-actin disassembly and an increase in microtubule number. To further investigate the direct crosstalk between actin and microtubules at the centrosome, we performed in vitro reconstitution assays based on (i) purified centrosomes and (ii) on the co-micropatterning of microtubule seeds and actin filaments. The two assays demonstrated that actin filaments perturb microtubule growth by steric hindrance. Finally, we showed that cell adhesion and spreading leads to lower densities of centrosomal actin thus resulting in higher microtubule growth. Hence we propose a novel mechanism by which the number of centrosomal microtubules is regulated by cell adhesion and actin-network architecture.
The relationship between transmission time and clustering methods inMycobacterium tuberculosisepidemiology
Authors: Meehan Conor J , Moris Pieter , Kohl Thomas A. , Pečerska Jūlija , Akter Suriya , Merker Matthias , Utpatel Christian , Beckert Patrick , Gehre Florian , Lempens Pauline , Stadler Tanja , Kaswa Michel K. , Kühnert Denise , Niemann Stefan , de Jong Bouke C
Published: April 2018

Background

Tracking recent transmission is a vital part of controlling widespread pathogens such asMycobacterium tuberculosis. Multiple methods with specific performance characteristics exist for detecting recent transmission chains, usually by clustering strains based on genotype similarities. With such a large variety of methods available, informed selection of an appropriate approach for determining transmissions within a given setting/time period is difficult.

Methods

This study combines whole genome sequence (WGS) data derived from 324 isolates collected 2005-2010 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a high endemic setting, with phylodynamics to unveil the timing of transmission events posited by a variety of standard genotyping methods. Clustering data based on Spoligotyping, 24-loci MIRU-VNTR typing, WGS based SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) and core genome multi locus sequence typing (cgMLST) typing were evaluated.

Findings

Our results suggest that clusters based on Spoligotyping could encompass transmission events that occurred over 70 years prior to sampling while 24-loci-MIRU-VNTR often represented two or more decades of transmission. Instead, WGS based genotyping applying low SNP or cgMLST allele thresholds allows for determination of recent transmission events in timespans of up to 10 years e.g. for a 5 SNP/allele cut-off.

Interpretation

With the rapid uptake of WGS methods in surveillance and outbreak tracking, the findings obtained in this study can guide the selection of appropriate clustering methods for uncovering relevant transmission chains within a given time-period. For high resolution cluster analyses, WGS-SNP and cgMLST based analyses have similar clustering/timing characteristics even for data obtained from a high incidence setting.
Cell type identity determines transcriptomic immune responses inArabidopsis thalianaroots
Authors: Rich Charlotte , Reitz Marco U. , Eichmann Ruth , Hermann Sophie , Jenkins Dafyd J. , Kogel Karl-Heinz , Esteban Eddi , Ott Sascha , Schäfer Patrick
Published: April 2018

Root pathogens are a major threat in global crop production and protection strategies are required to sustainably enhance the efficiency of root immunity. Our understanding of root immunity is still limited relative to our knowledge of immune responses in leaves. In an effort to reveal the organisation of immunity in roots, we undertook a cell type-specific transcriptome analysis to identify gene networks activated in epidermis, cortex and pericycle cells ofArabidopsisroots upon treatment with two immunity elicitors, the bacterial microbe-associated molecular pattern flagellin, and the endogenous damage-associated molecular pattern Pep1. Our analyses revealed that both elicitors induced immunity gene networks in a cell type-specific manner. Interestingly, both elicitors did not alter cell identity-determining gene networks. Using sophisticated paired motif promoter analyses, we identified key transcription factor pairs involved in the regulation of cell type-specific immunity networks. In addition, our data show that cell identity networks integrate with cell immunity networks to activate cell type-specific immune response according to the functional capabilities of each cell type.

Material Distribution Footnote

The author responsible for distribution of materials integral to the findings presented in this article in accordance with the policy described in the Instructions for Authors (www.plantcell.org) is: Patrick Schäfer (p.schafer@warwick.ac.uk).
Near-atomic cryo-EM structure of yeast kinesin-5-microtubule complex reveals a distinct binding footprint
Authors: von Loeffelholz Ottilie , Peña Alejandro , Drummond Douglas Robert , Cross Robert , Moores Carolyn Ann
Published: April 2018

Kinesin-5s are essential members of the superfamily of microtubule-dependent motors that undertake conserved roles in cell division. We investigated coevolution of the motor-microtubule interface using cryo-electron microscopy to determine the near-atomic structure of the motor domain of Cut7, the fission yeast kinesin-5, bound to fission yeast microtubules. AMPPNP-bound Cut7 adopts a kinesin-conserved ATP-like conformation, with a closed nucleotide binding pocket and docked neck linker that supports cover neck bundle formation. Compared to mammalian tubulin microtubules, Cut7’s footprint onS. pombemicrotubule surface is subtly different because of their different architecture. However, the core motor-microtubule interaction that stimulates motor ATPase is tightly conserved, reflected in similar Cut7 ATPase activities on each microtubule type. TheS. pombemicrotubules were bound by the drug epothilone, which is visible in the taxane binding pocket. Stabilization ofS. pombemicrotubules is mediated by drug binding at this conserved site despite their noncanonical architecture and mechanochemistry.

Highlights

S. pombeCut7 has a distinct binding footprint onS. pombemicrotubules

The core interface driving microtubule activation of motor ATPase is conserved

The neck linker is docked in AMPPNP-bound Cut7 and the cover neck bundle is formed

Epothilone binds at the taxane binding site to stabilizeS. pombemicrotubules

eTOC text

To investigate coevolution of the motor-microtubule interface, we used cryo-electron microscopy to determine the near-atomic structure of the motor domain of Cut7, the fission yeast kinesin-5, bound to microtubules polymerized from natively purified fission yeast tubulin and stabilised by the drug epothilone.
Crystal structure of chorismate mutase from Burkholderia thailandensis
Authors: Asojo Oluwatoyin A. , Dranow David M. , Serbzhinskiy Dmitry , Subramanian Sandhya , Staker Bart , Edwards Thomas E. , Myler Peter J.
Published: April 2018

Burkholderia thailandensis is often used as a model for more virulent members of this genus of proteobacteria that are highly antibiotic-resistant and are potential agents of biological warfare that are infective by inhalation. As part of ongoing efforts to identify potential targets for the development of rational therapeutics, the structures of enzymes that are absent in humans, including that of chorismate mutase from B. thailandensis, have been determined by the Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease. The high-resolution structure of chorismate mutase from B. thailandensis was determined in the monoclinic space group P21 with three homodimers per asymmetric unit. The overall structure of each protomer has the prototypical AroQγ topology and shares conserved binding-cavity residues with other chorismate mutases, including those with which it has no appreciable sequence identity.
Role of media and independent directors in corporate transparency and disclosure: evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Zaman Rashid , Bahadar Stephen , Kayani Umar Nawaz , Arslan Muhammad
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of corporate governance, with particular reference to the role of independent directors on boards and audit committees, and media coverage on corporate transparency and disclosure. In addition, the paper also investigates the role of the media on independent directors’ behaviours towards corporate transparency and disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the well-developed two-step system generalised method of moments approach on a sample of 99 Pakistan stock exchange (PSX) listed financial firms over the period 2007-2012.

Findings

The empirical analysis shows that media and independent directors on audit committees play a significant positive role in line with agenda setting and agency theories in promoting corporate transparency and disclosure. On the contrary, the boards’ independent directors are risk-averse and hold the information to protect their reputation. Nevertheless, the study does not find any significant influence of media coverage on independent directors’ behaviours in promoting corporate transparency and disclosure.

Practical implications

The findings provide some useful insight into cost benefits analysis of media coverage towards an understanding of independent directors’ behaviours for promoting transparency and disclosure in financial sector. Moreover, the study findings can be useful for both shareholders and stakeholders in taking decisions about firm activities.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that proposed and tested a multi-level framework for corporate transparency and disclosure practices. In addition, this study is also among the very few studies that use financial sectors as a sample, in particular, and media coverage, specifically, thus adding some value to the limited literature.
Extended finite element method for analysis of the acoustic emission response by a crack under moving heat source
Authors: He Kuanfang , Lu Wei , Liu Xiangnan , Xiao Siwen , Li Xuejun
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to study acoustic emission (AE) propagation characteristics by a crack under a moving heat source, which mainly provides theoretical basis and method for the actual crack detection during welding process.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper studied the AE characteristics in welding using thermoelastic theory, which investigates the dynamical displacement field caused by a crack and the welding heating effect. In the calculation model, the crack initiation and extension are represented by moment tensor as the AE source, and the welding heat source is the Gauss heat flux distribution. The extended finite element method (XFEM) is implemented to calculate and solve the AE response of a thermoelastic plate with a crack during the welding heating effect. The wavelet transform is applied to the time–frequency analysis of the AE signals.

Findings

The paper provides insights about the changing rule of the acoustic radiation patterns influenced by the heating effect of the moving heat source and the AE signal characteristics in thermoelastic plate by different crack lengths and depths. It reveals that the time–frequency characteristics of the AE signals from the simulation are in good agreement with the theoretical ones. The energy ratio of the antisymmetric mode A0 to symmetric mode S0 is a valuable quantitative inductor to estimate the crack depth with a certain regularity.

Research limitations/implications

This paper mainly discusses the application of XFEM to calculate and analyze thermoelastic problems, and has presented few cases based on a specified configuration. Further work will focus on the calculation and analysis under different plate configurations and conditions, which is to obtain more interesting and general conclusions for guiding practice.

Originality/value

The paper is a successful application of XFEM to solve the problem of AE response of a crack in the dynamic welding inhomogeneous heating effect. The paper provides an effective way to obtain the AE signal characteristics in monitoring the welding crack.
Stable finite element analysis of viscous dusty plasma
Authors: Areias Pedro , Sikta Jebun Naher , Pereira dos Santos Manuel
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of dust acoustic (solitary) waves including viscosity. Specifically, the authors consider a dusty unmagnetized plasma system consisting of negatively charged dust and Boltzmann electrons and ions.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a Petrov–Galerkin weak form with upwinding is adopted. Nonlinearity of ion and electron number density in terms of an electrostatic potential is included. A fully implicit time integration is used (backward Euler method), which requires the first derivative of the weak form. A three-field formulation is proposed, with the dust number density, the electrostatic potential and the dust velocity being the unknown fields.

Findings

In this study, two numerical examples are introduced and results show great promise for the proposed formulation as a predictive tool in viscous dusty plasmas. Presence of solitary waves was demonstrated. Dusty plasma vortices are predicted in 2D and 3D, as mentioned in the specialized literature.

Research limitations/implications

We observed some dependence on step size, which is due to the simple time-stepping scheme. This can be solved with a higher order integration scheme, which implies an added cost to the solution.

Practical implications

Dusty plasmas are found in astrophysics (Saturn rings) and electronics industry at several scales and have high impact as a contaminant.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper with a simulation of dusty plasma including vortices.
The influence of particle shape on screening: case studies regarding DEM simulations
Authors: Wang Xiaoyue , Li Zhanfu , Tong Xin , Ge Xiaole
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how particle shape influences the screening, including screening efficiency per unit time, and the relationship between vibration parameters and screening efficiency per unit time in discrete element method (DEM) numerical simulations.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a three-dimensional discrete element model of vibrating screen with composite vibration form of swing and translation was proposed to simulate the screening process. In total, 11 kinds of non-spherical particles whose shapes changed in a continuous regularity gradual process were established using a multi-sphere method. In the DEM simulations, vibration parameters, including vibration frequency, vibration amplitude and stroke angle, and swing parameters, including swing frequency and swing angle, were changed to perform parametric studies.

Findings

It shows that the effect of particle shape on screening efficiency is quantitative actually. However, the trends of different shape particles’ screening efficiency per unit time are mainly consistent.

Originality/value

Some simple particle shapes can be expected to be explored to do screening simulation studies reasonably with modification of the simulation data in DEM numerical simulations. That may improve the computational efficiency of numerical simulations and provide guidance to the study of the screening process.
A numerical study of the return mapping application for the subloading surface model
Authors: Fincato Riccardo , Tsutsumi Seiichiro
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Many practical problems in engineering require fast, accurate numerical results. In particular, in cyclic plasticity or fatigue simulations, the high number of loading cycles increases the computation effort and time. The purpose of this study is to show that the return mapping technique in the framework of unconventional plasticity theories is a good compromise between efficiency and accuracy in finite element analyses.

Design/methodology/approach

The accuracy of the closest point projection method and the cutting plane method implementations for the subloading surface model are discussed under different loading conditions by analyzing the error as a function of the input step size and the efficiency of the algorithms.

Findings

Monotonic tests show that the two different implicit integration schemes have the same accuracy and are in good agreement with the solution obtained using an explicit forward Euler scheme, even for large input steps. However, the closest point projection method seems to describe better the evolution of the similarity centre in the cyclic loading analyses.

Practical implications

The purpose of this work is to show two alternative implicit integration schemes of the extended subloading surface method for metallic materials. The backward Euler integrations can guarantee a good description of the material behaviour and, at the same time, reduce the computational cost. This aspect is particularly important in the field of low or high cycle fatigue, because of the large number of cycles involved.

Originality/value

A detailed description of both the cutting plane and closest point projection methods is offered in this work. In particular, the two integrations schemes are compared in terms of accuracy and computation time for monotonic and cyclic loading tests.
Job crafting intervention: fostering individual job redesign for sustainable organisation
Authors: Rai Alka
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to present an overview of job crating conceptualizations; second, to illustrate various job crafting interventions proposed by scholars to intrude and encourage job crafting behaviour among workforce; and next, based on findings from the literature, to underline the significance of job crafting interventions in predicting various positive individual and organisational outcomes. The reasons why job crafting interventions are essential in organisations are discussed at the end as managerial implication.

Design/methodology/approach

A general review of the job crafting literature has been performed to offer the precise knowledge on the concept job crafting as well as job crafting interventions along with its significance and managerial implications.

Findings

The job crafting is the most discussed bottom-up redesign approach and gaining popularity in the job design literature. The researchers and practitioners are acknowledging the importance of job crafting interventions and understanding the urgency of incorporating such interventions at organisation.

Practical implications

The formal job crafting intervention instituted at organisation (e.g. inclusion of job crafting training in company’s manuals) could be instrumental to build up the job crafting behaviour among workforce and may overall develop the context that cultivates job crafting.

Originality/value

A summarised portrayal job crafting as well as job crafting interventions has been provided in this review in order to create awareness of leaders and employees regarding the method through which they can adjust tasks to their own requirements to realise more delight, engagement, and meaning in the job.
Measuring the productivity evolution of Chinese regional thermal power industries using global Malmquist-Luenberger productivity index
Authors: Song Yao-yao , Liu Hui-hui , Liu Xiao-xiao , Yang Guo-liang
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to measure Chinese regional thermal industries’ evolution.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses data envelopment analysis (DEA) and global Malmquist–Luenberger productivity (GMLP) index.

Findings

The results reveal that the development of Chinese thermal power industry varies significantly in different regions, and it is highly correlated with the level of local economic development. Although the change of technical efficiency and scale efficiency had different impacts on different regions from year to year, the overall GMLP index change shows a close relationship with the contemporaneous frontier shift.

Practical implications

The results indicate that the Chinese Government should make efforts to promote its policy implementations and regulations in thermal industries so that the contemporaneous frontier will shift toward the global technology frontier with more desirable outputs and less undesirable outputs.

Originality/value

As an application, this study uses DEA and GMLP index to measure the productivity of Chinese thermal industries in 30 Chinese provinces from 2006 to 2013. The results have the meaningful policy implications for decision makers in charge of Chinese thermal industries.
Linking trust and collaboration in project teams to project management success
Authors: Bond-Barnard Taryn Jane , Fletcher Lizelle , Steyn Herman
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to emphasise the importance of high levels of trust and collaboration for increasing the likelihood of project management (PM) success. However, the link between these three constructs remains unclear.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors use structural equation modelling (SEM) based on the findings from an international survey of 151 project practitioners to demonstrate the significance of project team trust and collaboration for increasing the likelihood of PM success.

Findings

The results indicate that PM success becomes more likely as the degree of collaboration improves which, in turn, is influenced by an increase in the level of trust between team members. The two factors of PM success are project performance and knowledge integration and innovation. The six factors of the degree of collaboration that were studied are physical proximity, commitment, conflict, coordination, relationships and incentives. The three factors of the level of trust investigated are expectations, knowledge exchange and imported trust.

Practical implications

The results of the study are expected to provide insight for project practitioners to increase the likelihood of PM success by taking cognisance of the factors that influence collaboration and trust. The results of the study may also provide insight into teaching and learning in tertiary education, in terms of professionalism and integrity issues.

Originality/value

This paper presents a new perspective for investigating PM success. SEM techniques are used to determine the likelihood of PM success by promoting trust and collaboration in the project team. This unique approach highlights the “human factors” that influence perceived PM success which should benefit both researchers and practitioners.
The role of OM EDEN in building the EurOMA community
Authors: Coughlan Paul , Hargaden Vincent , Coghlan David , Idris Aida , Åhlström Pär
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Doctoral education (DE) is central to the development and application of operations management (OM) thinking. The European Doctoral Educational Network (EDEN) seminar on research methodology in OM is a structured initiative developed in 1999 by European Operations Management Association (EurOMA) and European Institute for Advanced Studies in Management (EIASM). This intensive five-day seminar has run annually since and, to date, has engaged 486 students. The purpose of this paper is to ask: what role has the OM EDEN seminar played in the formation and academic career development of doctoral researchers, and how has it contributed to the development of EurOMA as a community of practice?

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a retrospective case on the design, launch and growth of the OM EDEN seminar employing two data gathering methods (collecting secondary and archival data, and a survey of four selected seminar participants) and a social network analysis.

Findings

The EDEN seminar is an effective educational intervention in developing doctoral researchers and their subsequent academic careers. The seminar has also contributed to EurOMA as a community of practice, bringing faculty together to teach, write and publish leading edge contributions in research methods for OM.

Research limitations/implications

The case is focused on the OM EDEN seminar only, within which the survey is limited to four of the early participants. While another set of participants might respond differently in detail, the authors’ expectation is that participant perception of the role of the seminar would not change. The paper provides an exemplar for European academic associations to guide how they might explore the formation and academic career development of doctoral candidates within a community of practice.

Practical implications

The seminar merits the ongoing support of EurOMA and EIASM, not just in educating doctoral students but also in bringing faculty together to publish leading edge contributions to the OM domain.

Social implications

The paper draws on the areas of student formation, academic career development and communities of practice to illustrate the role played by the OM EDEN seminar.

Originality/value

This paper is the first description, analysis and reflection on the role played by the OM EDEN seminar.
Systematic review: entrepreneurship in conflict and post conflict
Authors: Aldairany Shaza , Omar Rosmini , Quoquab Farzana
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Conflict environments are under researchers’ scope in many disciplines at micro and macro levels. This paper aims to steer towards finding out how literature addresses entrepreneurship in conflict contexts. In addition, this paper tries to ascertain the theoretical bases and main themes and issues that have been studied in this area, to map the current knowledge in a clear frame as an attempt to highlight gaps and weaknesses in relevant literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Review entrepreneurship, conflict and post-conflict literature including the terminologies, theories, methodologies are the main themes. The primary sources of data are research articles that were published in scholarly journals and written in English. The paper includes, in the final list of reviewed articles, 57 articles.

Findings

The review reveals three main themes of the special definition of entrepreneurship in conflict areas. Many gaps remain, despite the growing interests. More involvement in collecting data directly from the area under conflict is required instead of the heavy dependency on secondary data. In addition, destructive business and conflict consequences have promising research issues to be discovered more in single places or collectively for broader comprehensiveness. These findings may assist researchers, policymakers and international bodies to approach the current literature and build farther on it.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to provide a mapping of literature that focuses on how entrepreneurship in conflict and post-conflict could differ or be similar to stable contexts. The findings advance motivation for future empirical studies to encompass issues and development of entrepreneurship orientation, taxonomies and impacts in conflict and post-conflict contexts.
The illusive nature of social enterprise at the base of the pyramid
Authors: Panum Karen , Hansen Michael W. , Davy Elder
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Based on six case studies of self-proclaimed social enterprises (SEs) in Kenya, this paper aims to critically assess the “SE” concept in a base of the pyramid (BoP) context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on multiple case studies to challenge traditional notions of SE. Six SEs operating at the BoP in Kenya are analysed. Interviews are conducted with entrepreneurs from each enterprise, during which the enterprises’ business models are mapped and scrutinised.

Findings

Based on the six case studies, the paper argues that the SE concept is challenged in a BoP context: the six Kenyan SEs viewed social and commercial orientation as equally important and mutually supportive; viewed social orientation as a competitive advantage; and did not consider social objectives as harmonious. These findings corroborate key claims of the BoP literature, e.g. that it is not possible meaningfully to distinguish social and commercial missions at the BoP as they are intertwined; that any company succeeding at the BoP will have a social impact; and that the pursuit of some social objectives may undermine the achievement of other social objectives. The overall conclusion of the paper is that in BoP environments, the concept of SE becomes illusive.

Originality/value

This paper adds perspective to existing literature on SE at the BoP and provides empirical evidence that can help shape the understanding of social business activities in East Africa. The paper demonstrates that in BoP environments, the boundaries between social and commercial enterprise become illusive.
To be in good health
Authors: Plianbangchang Samlee
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the government’s role and responsibilities to educate and support society to achieve optimum health. Recommendations for collaborative and interdisciplinary support systems are suggested through a passive and pro-active health development strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a commentary piece.

Findings

The case for Thailand is positive but further improvements can be made to achieve improved standards of health and educating society in order to achieve these goals.

Originality/value

Effective self-care is important to good health and is entirely dependent on people themselves, both individually and collectively. This aspect of health development should be firmly built into the national health care system.
Intensive lifestyle modification program on weight loss and metabolic syndrome risk reduction among obese women in rural areas of Thailand
Authors: Thiabpho Charunee , Changbumrung Supranee , Soonthornworasiri Ngamphol , Yoddumnern-Attig Bencha , Thaboot Patcharaporn , Nissayan Pattharawan , Kwanbunjan Karunee
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of the intensive lifestyle modification program on weight and metabolic syndrome risk reduction in rural obese women who have no underlying non-communicable diseases in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

A randomized controlled trial was conducted. In total, 60 healthy obese women aged 30-50 years were recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention (n=30) or control (n=30) group after health screening. Tailored nutritional counseling, health education and exercise training were included in the lifestyle modification program. Behavioral modification techniques were also incorporated. The intervention was conducted weekly for the first eight weeks, then biweekly until week 16.

Findings

The student’s t-test was used to compare mean difference between groups. The total weight loss in the intervention group (n=29) was significantly higher, 7.6±2.9 kg, compared with the control group (n=30) who lost 0.7±1.4 kg (p<0.001). The intervention group lost weight 10.2 percent from baseline which was significantly higher than that in the control group (p<0.001). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures, fasting blood sugar, and waist circumference were significantly improved. Triglyceride levels slightly improved while high density lipoprotein cholesterol was slightly lowered. The intervention group showed a statistical reduction in abnormal components of metabolic syndrome compared with the control group, with the relative risk=0.24, 95% confidence interval=0.072-0.791, and p=0.018.

Originality/value

Compatibility of the program activities conducted by a health professional who had achieved healthy weight loss and accepted as a role model was a key to achieving effective weight loss and metabolic syndrome risk reduction in obese women in rural areas. The program should be integrated into the conventional practice of health care centers.
Image embedded metadata in cultural heritage digital collections on the web
Authors: Saleh Emad Isa
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the availability of embedded metadata within images of digital cultural collections. It is designed to examine a proposed hypothesis that most digitally derived images of cultural resources are stripped of their metadata once they are placed on the web.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 603 images were selected randomly from four cultural portals which aggregate digitized cultural collections, then four steps in the data collection process took place to examine image metadata via the web-based tool and windows application.

Findings

The study revealed that 28.5 percent of the analyzed images contained metadata, no links exist between image embedded metadata and its metadata record or the pages of the websites analyzed, and there is a significant usage of Extensible Metadata Platform to encode embedded metadata within the images.

Practical implications

The findings of the study may encourage heritage digital collection providers to reconsider their metadata preservation practices and policies to enrich the content of embedded metadata. In addition, it will raise awareness about the potential and value of embedded metadata in enhancing the findability and exchange of digital collections.

Originality/value

This study is ground breaking in that it is one of the early studies, especially in the Arab world, which aim to recognize the use of image embedded metadata within cultural heritage digital collections on the web.
Corpus linguistics is not just for linguists
Authors: Bowker Lynne
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to generate awareness of and interest in the techniques used in computer-based corpus linguistics, focusing on their methodological implications for research in library and information science (LIS).

Design/methodology/approach

This methodology paper provides an overview of computer-based corpus linguistics, describes the main techniques used in this field, assesses its strengths and weaknesses, and presents examples to illustrate the value of corpus linguistics to LIS research.

Findings

Overall, corpus-based techniques are simple, yet powerful, and they support both quantitative and qualitative analyses. While corpus methods alone may not be sufficient for research in LIS, they can be used to complement and to help triangulate the findings of other methods. Corpus linguistics techniques also have the potential to be exploited more fully in LIS research that involves a higher degree of automation (e.g. recommender systems, knowledge discovery systems, and text mining).

Practical implications

Numerous LIS researchers have drawn attention to the lack of diversity in research methods used in this field, and suggested that approaches permitting mixed methods research are needed. If LIS researchers learn about the potential of computer-based corpus methods, they can diversify their approaches.

Originality/value

Over the past quarter century, corpus linguistics has established itself as one of the main methods used in the field of linguistics, but its potential has not yet been realized by researchers in LIS. Corpus linguistics tools are readily available and relatively straightforward to apply. By raising awareness about corpus linguistics, the author hopes to make these techniques available as additional tools in the LIS researcher’s methodological toolbox, thus broadening the range of methods applied in this field.
Consumer ethics, religiosity, and consumer social responsibility: are they related?
Authors: Arli Denni I. , Tjiptono Fandy
Published: April 2018

Purpose

In the past few years, companies have made significant contributions towards Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) as a strategy to improve business image. Nonetheless, many of these strategies have been unsuccessful because companies have failed to recognise the importance of consumers’ ethical beliefs and their religiosity in forming their perception towards CSR. Thus, the purpose of this study is to explore the level of importance of consumers’ ethical beliefs and social responsibilities (CnSR) and to examine the impact of consumers’ religiosity and ethical beliefs on CnSR.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were derived from a sample of undergraduate and postgraduate students at three large universities (i.e. one public and two private universities) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia (N= 416). Indonesia is the largest Muslim population in the world.

Findings

7The study found that consumers value social responsibilities differently and that not all dimensions are important. Moreover, consumer ethical beliefs and religiosity significantly influence CnSR. The results of this study will contribute to the debate on consumer ethics and social responsibility research.

Research limitations/implications

The current study has some limitations which, in turn, provide avenues for future research. The research context (one city in one country) may limit its generalizability. Future studies may focus on more cities and/or cross-country sections (developed versus developing countries) as well as use non-student populations.

Practical implications

Companies operating in Indonesia need to respect and value religiosity in Indonesia. Collaborating with a faith-based institution may help improve the effectiveness of CSR programmes launched by companies.

Originality/value

This is one of the first few studies exploring CSR in Indonesia.
An experimental extreme drought reduces the likelihood of species to coexist despite increasing intransitivity in competitive networks
Authors: Matías Luis , Godoy Oscar , Gómez‐Aparicio Lorena , Pérez‐Ramos Ignacio M.
Published: April 2018

Very little is known about how variation in environmental conditions alters the strength and the structure of competitive networks and what are the consequences of this for species coexistence.

We performed a competition experiment with 10 annual plant species to parameterise a population model describing species’ dynamics according to their vital rates and pairwise competitive coefficients. Seeds from all species were sown under two different climatic scenarios: (1) right before the first major storm of the growing season and (2) after an imposed fall drought of 2 months simulating an extreme climatic event of intense aridity.

Species’ demography and competitive responses were used to estimate pairwise stabilising niche differences and average fitness differences. In addition, we used tools from network theory to characterise the structure of multispecies competition from the determinants of species coexistence. Specifically, we evaluated changes in competitive dominance between species pairs, and the prevalence of intransitive competitive relationships for 120 triplets between these two climatic events.

The experimental extreme event significantly reduced fitness differences between species pairs. Such an equalising mechanism promotes coexistence. However, niche differences were also reduced in such a way that the number of species pairs whose niche differences overcame their fitness differences was reduced from six to two.

Contrary to our expectations, the extreme event did not increase the hierarchy of competitive dominance. Instead, and depending on the technique used, the prevalence of intransitivity remained marginally similar (17% to 22%) or significantly increased from 19.4% to 29.8%. This pattern was likely a consequence of the significant changes in competitive dominance between species pairs (26 changes out of 45; 58%).

Although fitness differences were equalised and intransitive competition promoted, our model predicted a lower likelihood of coexistence under the extreme event for both species pairs and triplets, mainly because competitive interactions did not promote enough niche differences to balance the observed fitness asymmetries in our competitive networks.

Synthesis. We empirically proved that an extreme climate results in communities with reduced niche and fitness differences in which species are less likely to coexist despite the increasing prevalence of intransitive competition.
Everything you always wanted to know about intransitive competition but were afraid to ask
Authors: Soliveres Santiago , Allan Eric
Published: April 2018

Over 40 years after the introduction of the concept into ecology, intransitive (i.e. non‐hierarchical) competition remains overlooked by ecological theory, despite theoretical work showing it could be a major driver of species coexistence.

This special feature presents six studies, including models, reviews, experimental studies and large‐scale observational studies. Collectively, these studies help to (i) link intransitive competition with short‐ and long‐term coexistence and with other ecological patterns, (ii) evaluate the conditions under which intransitivity is more common and (iii) determine how best to quantify the degree of intransitivity.

The studies in this special feature show the generality of intransitive competition in nature, explore interactions between intransitivity and other coexistence mechanisms, and illustrate the effect of environmental conditions (drought, shade, fertility) on intransitivity and coexistence. They also show which metrics best quantify intransitivity and highlight the importance of adopting a more continuous view of competition as varying from strongly transitive to strongly intransitive. The studies also examine relationships between intransitivity and functional diversity and explore the evolution of intransitivity over time.

Synthesis. The studies presented here advance the field by integrating intransitive competition into species coexistence and general ecological theory. We also highlight important research gaps that will hopefully inspire the next generation of studies in this topic.
Does the Primary Care Behavioral Health Model Reduce Emergency Department Visits?
Authors: Serrano Neftali , Prince Ronald , Fondow Meghan , Kushner Kenneth
Published: April 2018

Objective

To examine the impact of integrating behavioral health services using the primary care behavioral health (PCBH) model on emergency department (ED) utilization.

Data Sources

Utilization data from three Dane County, Wisconsin hospitals and four primary care clinics from 2003 to 2011.

Study Design

We used a retrospective, quasi‐experimental, controlled, pre–post study design. Starting in 2007, two clinics began integrating behavioral health into their primary care practices with a third starting in 2010. A fourth, nonimplementing, community clinic served as control. Change in emergency department and primary care utilization (number of visits) for patients diagnosed with mood and anxiety disorders was the outcomes of interest.

Data Collection

Retrospective data were obtained from electronic patient records from the three main area hospitals along with primary care data from participating clinics.

Principal Findings

Following the introduction of the PCBH model, one clinic experienced a statistically significant (p < .01, 95 percent CI 6.3–16.3 percent), 11.3 percent decrease in the ratio of ED visits to primary care encounters, relative to a control site, but two other intervention clinics did not.

Conclusions

The PCBH model may be associated with a reduction in ED utilization, but better‐controlled studies are needed to confirm this result.
The Foodborne Outbreak Challenge—Using Experiential Learning to Foster Interdisciplinary Training Among Students on Foodborne Disease Outbreak Investigations
Authors: White Alice E. , Sabourin Katherine R. , Scallan Elaine
Published: April 2018

The Integrated Food Safety Centers of Excellence aim to develop novel learning methods to educate and train the future public health workforce to investigate foodborne outbreaks. The Foodborne Outbreak Challenge (FOC) was a one‐day event hosted by the Colorado Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence at the Colorado School of Public Health. The FOC incorporated experiential, problem‐based, and interdisciplinary pedagogies from case studies, simulation exercises, and public health case competitions, to deliver a novel learning experience that met the training needs of a multidisciplinary foodborne outbreak response team with diverse skills sets. The event received positive feedback, and participants demonstrated knowledge gain. Event materials are available for other institutions to use.
Curriculum Analysis of Food Safety Competences at Elementary and Upper‐Secondary Level of Formal Education Inside Food‐Related Programs in Slovenia
Authors: Ovca Andrej , Jevšnik Mojca , Raspor Peter
Published: April 2018

Since formal education is guided through food‐related curricula, there is a concern regarding to which extent food safety elements are supported in the current educational objectives presented in syllabi. The aim of this study was to analyze the existing food safety elements in the syllabi at the elementary (for students between 6 and 14 y of age) and upper‐secondary level (food‐related programs) of formal education (for students between 15 and 18 y of age). Analysis was done through predefined criteria, evaluating the educational objectives listed in available syllabi approved by the national government. The results revealed the elementary level as a good prestage for education at the next level concerning food safety elements. At the upper‐secondary level, the acquisition of knowledge and development of skills related to food safety elements of interest are well supported. However, based on frequent errors made by professional food handlers reported in the literature, the role of food handlers and their food safety awareness should receive more attention in the syllabi. To support this and to overcome a lack of educational objectives identified, several actions are suggested. Based on methodological recommendations for the teacher in the syllabi, the importance of qualified teachers was once again confirmed. Vocational schools are and will remain an indispensable pillar in the education of future professional food handlers; however, teachers with sufficient knowledge and a positive attitude toward food safety seems to be, besides quality curricula, one of the important factors in achieving the proper attitudes of people required to implement food safety.
ePortfolios and Reflective Practice for Food Science Students
Authors: Wakeling Lara , Aldred Peter , Hains‐Wesson Rachael
Published: April 2018

The study investigated students’ perceptions and attitudes toward the use of ePortfolios for reflective practice as a learning and teaching strategy. A mixed‐method approach was applied to the study in a first‐year food science unit, at a regional Australian university. Data were generated via 3 sources, in order to provide the evidential basis for the investigation, including: a mixed method survey, access to student's exam results, and students’ ePortfolio reflections. The findings identified 3 key positive aspects. First, a variety of assessment methods was key to enhancing the overall learning of 1st‐year food science students. Second, ePortfolio reflective writing can be a key aspect for improved student engagement. Finally, structured ePortfolio sessions can help food science students consolidate knowledge, while also allowing them to encounter new ideas related to food science theory and develop technical knowledge. However, technological issues with using an ePortoflio can cloud the value of the reflective task for some students. Recommendations are made for how to better support and implement reflective practice using ePortfolios to enhance the learning of food science students.