bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking universal network quality perception and change readiness
Authors: Hatjidis Dimitrios , Griffin Mamie , Younes Marylene
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine empirically, within the context of the public sector, in what way the overall quality perception of an individual’s network relationships at work affect the psychological condition known as change readiness. Moreover, the research examines whether tacit knowledge and organizational climate can have indirect effects on the relationship between universal network quality perception and change readiness.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected through a self-reported survey from 105 individuals employed on a full-time basis by the government sector in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Using regression and mediation analysis, three hypotheses are tested relating to the direct effect of universal network quality perception and change readiness, accompanied by the indirect effects of tacit knowledge and organizational climate on the preceding relationship.

Findings

The results emanated from statistical analysis show that universal network quality perception has a positive association with change readiness, and tacit knowledge and organizational climate mediate significantly the relationship between the universal network quality perception and change readiness.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the nature of the study, conclusions with regard to causality might not be that strong as the findings relevant to the dependent variable represented by change readiness are not based on longitudinal research and the sample comprises only local people with similar cultural background. Therefore, study conclusions may not be suitable for generalization.

Practical implications

The mediating effects highlight the consideration of tacit knowledge and organizational climate as influential organizational mechanisms within the framework of a proactive change management practice due to their positive impact on the psychological uncertainty and lack of job content competencies that a change initiative might cause to employees and their behavioral reactions.

Originality/value

The paper reveals the role of universal network quality perception as a conduit of positive social influence on change readiness. This role becomes significantly elastic when tacit knowledge and organizational climate become notable links of relationship quality because of their ability to trigger favorable psychosocial behavioral patterns toward organizational change. Furthermore, this study expands the literature on organizational change readiness factors in the UAE, for which few studies currently exist.
What is a good worker? Non-cognitive skills and trade microenterprises’ success
Authors: Alva Edgar P.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the principal qualities that define a good worker for microenterprises of the trade sector according to the contemporary literature of the human capital and associated with the Big Five personality traits. It also determines the effect of those skills over the success of trade microenterprises in the context of a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 393 owners/managers of microenterprises located in six trade zones of Lima district in Peru were involved in this study. They were randomly selected and asked to answer a survey of perceptions about the microenterprise’s performance and workers’ behavior.

Findings

The results demonstrate that workers that possess mainly non-cognitive skills would be considered as good workers for trade microenterprises. These skills are associated with four of the Big Five personality traits: extraversion, agreeableness, openness or autonomy and conscientiousness. Also, the results show that punctuality, honesty and assertiveness, associated with the traits such as extraversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness, are the principal non-cognitive skills that impact positively over microenterprises’ success.

Research limitations/implications

The performance of workers is only based on owners/managers’ perceptions.

Practical implications

The owners/managers’ role is important to help workers to develop the necessary skills that can contribute to the microenterprise. In that sense, if the direct contact that exists between them is leveraged, owners/managers could implement strategies such as mentoring to promote the personal and professional growth of their workers.

Originality/value

This study provides useful information about how specific non-cognitive skills of workers can contribute to the success of trade microenterprises in developing countries like Peru.
Board monitoring, product market competition and firm performance
Authors: Singla Monika , Singh Shveta
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the monitoring role of board and product market competition in relation to firm performance. Further, this paper analyzes the moderating role of product market competition in influencing the board monitoring and firm value relationship in the context of an emerging economy, India.

Design/methodology/approach

A large sample of 3,854 firm-year observations has been used over a period of 10 years (2007-2016). Industry and year-fixed effect regression methodology has been used to test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The empirical findings indicate that board monitoring adds negatively to the firm value. The results also indicate that product market competition bears an insignificant moderating effect on the effectiveness of board monitoring in India. However, a more in-depth analysis reveals that product market competition complements the weak board monitoring of business-group firms. Further, the effectiveness of the board monitoring (which is relatively stronger in business-group firms) is weakened by the increased level of product market competition for stand-alone firms.

Research limitations/implications

A significant negative effect of board independence on the firm value raises the effectiveness of various policies advocating the board independence to strengthen the governance structure of the firms. The findings relating to the moderating role of product market competition for the business-group and stand-alone firms are helpful in understanding the governance behavior of the firms in relation to the external product market competition.

Originality/value

External governance mechanisms such as the market for corporate control and product market competition have been described as significant corporate governance mechanisms. However, the empirical efficacy of these governance mechanisms has not been explored in a greater detail in the context of the emerging markets. This study aims to address this research gap.
Workplace spirituality in the public sector: a study of US water and wastewater agencies
Authors: Farmer Michele , Allen Stuart , Duncan Kathy , Alagaraja Meera
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to understand water and wastewater industry leaders’ perceptions of the current and future role of workplace spirituality, including the challenges and benefits of incorporating workplace spirituality in government utilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The Delphi technique was used to gather input and gain consensus from an expert panel of executive level managers.

Findings

The panel achieved consensus that workplace spirituality is evident in a higher sense of purpose for those working in the water and wastewater industry which is likely to be the greatest future benefit of workplace spirituality in the industry. Other central themes included making a positive environmental impact, going beyond compliance, collaborating with the community, creating a connection to peers and encouraging organizational belonging. Consensus was also achieved regarding obstacles to workplace spirituality’s future role in the industry, including concerns about terminology and the need for supportive leadership.

Practical implications

The water and wastewater industry face challenges including climate change, rising costs, aging infrastructure, increased regulatory requirements and a rapidly changing workforce. Workplace spirituality seems likely to support the industry in facing these challenges and can be promoted through encouraging a sense of purpose and meaning, collaborating with the community and recruiting individuals with resonant values and sense of calling.

Originality/value

Workplace spirituality has received growing attention in the private sector. However, workplace spirituality research in the public sector is minimal. This expert panel of top leaders from US water and wastewater agencies provide insight into the role of workplace spirituality in the public sector.
High performance work practices and organizational performance-mediation analysis of explanatory theories
Authors: Garg Naval
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Although high-performance work practices (HPWPs) are considered to have a strong influence over organizational performance, researchers are not unanimous about the exact mechanism through which the impact of HPWS transcends to organizational performance. The purpose of this paper is to explore two explanatory theories (job characteristics theory and psychological impact theory) of HRM and examine their possible mediation effect on the relationship between HPWPs and organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling was used to examine the mediation effect.

Findings

Four constituents of job characteristics theory (autonomy, feedback, skill variety and task significance) and two constituents of psychological impact theory (job satisfaction and organization citizenship behavior) reported partial mediation.

Originality/value

The paper is based on primary data collected by author.
An investigation of the satisfaction of project managers and team members
Authors: Sweis Rateb Jalil , Saleh Rawan Ali , Sharaireh Yousra , Moarefi Alireza
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the job satisfaction levels between International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001-certified and non-ISO 9001-certified project-based companies in Jordan, for project managers (PMs) and project team members (consultants, engineers and architects).

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample consists of individuals from the aforementioned four roles of ISO 9001-certified and non-ISO 9001-certified companies. A questionnaire survey was used to collect the data from 57 companies. In total, 72 valid questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 92.98 percent. The data obtained were statistically analyzed, and then the independentt-test was used to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

The results revealed that ISO 9001-certified companies experience higher job satisfaction level for the four roles compared to non-ISO 9001-certified companies. Between the two samples, it was noted that there is a significant difference in the PMs’, consultants’ and engineers’ satisfaction with co-workers and without any remarkable difference in the specific satisfaction. No significant difference between the two samples in general satisfaction was found for PMs and engineers. Finally, no significant difference was found in three satisfaction elements for architects.

Research limitations/implications

Understanding the linkage between being ISO 9001-certified company and project members’ job satisfaction can provide a new strategic direction for project-based companies’ performance management that can help in achieving superior work outcomes. A small sample size is considered the main limitation of this study.

Originality/value

This study attempts to fill the knowledge gap that is rarely investigated in the literature, i.e. the link between being ISO 9001-certified company and the level of project members’ job satisfaction.
How do avatar attractiveness and customization impact online gamers’ flow and loyalty?
Authors: Liao Gen-Yih , Cheng T.C.E. , Teng Ching-I
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Avatars are known to be influential in gaming communication. However, little is known about how avatar attractiveness and customization impact online gamers’ flow, i.e., the experience of total concentration with intrinsic enjoyment and loyalty. Grounded in social identity and flow theories, the purpose of this paper is to construct a model to explain how avatar attractiveness and customization can impact online gamers’ flow and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The responses of 1,944 online gamers are collected. Structural equation modeling is used for analyses.

Findings

The analytical results indicate that avatar attractiveness and customization are positively related to avatar identification, which is positively related to flow, and then to online gamer loyalty. In addition, avatar identification and flow are important process variables in the above relations.

Originality/value

This study is novel in being the first attempt to apply social identity and flow theories to explain how avatar attractiveness and customization contribute to online gamers’ flow and loyalty.
Identifying essential competencies for medical students
Authors: Du Xiangyun , Kassab Salah Eldin , Al-Moslih Ayad M. , Abu-Hijleh Marwan Farouk , Hamdy Hossam , Cyprian Farhan Sachal
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify essential profession-related competencies, clinical knowledge and skills that medical students should develop in the early stages of their education for future professional practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review and workshop resulted in a list of 46 crucial profession-related competencies. The first round of the modified Delphi survey (feedback questionnaire) involved experts who identified 26 items (via a Likert scale). The second round of the modified Delphi survey by faculty members highlighted ten items. Statistical analysis yielded four domains with items clustered as follows: interpersonal competencies (communication and collaboration), cognitive skills (problem solving, critical thinking and reflectivity), work-related skills (planning and time management) and professionalism (integrity, sense of responsibility, respect and empathy).

Findings

In conclusion, the results of this study provide insights and implications surrounding the competencies that are essential for assessment and facilitation in the early stages of a medical curriculum. The study also predicts the challenges of facilitating and assessing these competencies, as pointed out in recent literature. In general, outcomes of the study suggest that instead of categorizing the competencies, it is more meaningful to take a holistic and integrated approach in order to conceptualize, facilitate and assess these competencies in context of the complexities of real-life situations.

Originality/value

Ten items were identified as essential profession-related competencies that should be incorporated during the early stages of medical education. Six out of the ten items were agreed upon by all participants of the study: collaboration, communication, problem solving, integrity, responsibility and respect. This list aligns with the existing literature and graduate attributes internationally. Items related to planning and time management, critical thinking and reflectivity were regarded as specifically lacking and important areas of improvement for Arabic students. Divergence on items of empathy and medical ethics were observed among international and local panels, with the main concern, raised by medical faculty, being how to facilitate and assess these items. The competencies identified mandate reforms in the medical school curricula in an attempt to implement essential skills early in medical student’s career.
Modeling of student academic achievement in engineering education using cognitive and non-cognitive factors
Authors: Al-Sheeb Bothaina A. , Hamouda A.M. , Abdella Galal M.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The retention and success of engineering undergraduates are increasing concern for higher-education institutions. The study of success determinants are initial steps in any remedial initiative targeted to enhance student success and prevent any immature withdrawals. This study provides a comprehensive approach toward the prediction of student academic performance through the lens of the knowledge, attitudes and behavioral skills (KAB) model. The purpose of this paper is to aim to improve the modeling accuracy of students’ performance by introducing two methodologies based on variable selection and dimensionality reduction.

Design/methodology/approach

The performance of the proposed methodologies was evaluated using a real data set of ten critical-to-success factors on both attitude and skill-related behaviors of 320 first-year students. The study used two models. In the first model, exploratory factor analysis is used. The second model uses regression model selection. Ridge regression is used as a second step in each model. The efficiency of each model is discussed in the Results section of this paper.

Findings

The two methods were powerful in providing small mean-squared errors and hence, in improving the prediction of student performance. The results show that the quality of both methods is sensitive to the size of the reduced model and to the magnitude of the penalization parameter.

Research limitations/implications

First, the survey could have been conducted in two parts; students needed more time than expected to complete it. Second, if the study is to be carried out for second-year students, grades of general engineering courses can be included in the model for better estimation of students’ grade point averages. Third, the study only applies to first-year and second-year students because factors covered are those that are essential for students’ survival through the first few years of study.

Practical implications

The study proposes that vulnerable students could be identified as early as possible in the academic year. These students could be encouraged to engage more in their learning process. Carrying out such measurement at the beginning of the college year can provide professional and college administration with valuable insight on students perception of their own skills and attitudes toward engineering.

Originality/value

This study employs the KAB model as a comprehensive approach to the study of success predictors. The implementation of two new methodologies to improve the prediction accuracy of student success.
Wireless mesh network data communications and reliability analysis for anti-theft application deployment in educational institutions
Authors: van Rensburg Roger , Mellado Bruce , Augusto Marin Tobon Cesar
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to locally develop low-cost wireless mesh networks for reliable data communications to devices that prevent the theft of these devices in learning institutions of South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

A network test-bench was developed where millions of packets were transmitted and logged between interconnected nodes to analyze the quality of the network’s service in a harsh indoor building environment. Similar methodologies in “big data” analysis as found in particle physics were adopted to analyze the network’s performance and reliability.

Findings

The results from statistical analysis reveal the quality of service between multiple asynchronous transmitting nodes in the network and compared with the wireless technology routing protocol to assess coverage in large geographical areas. The mesh network provides stable data communications between nodes with the exception of reliability degradation in some multi-hopping routes. Conclusions are presented to determine whether the underlining mesh network technology will be deployed to protect devices against theft in educational institutions of South Africa.

Research limitations/implications

The anti-theft application will focus on proprietary firmware development with a reputable tablet manufacturer to render the device inoperable. Data communications of devices to the network will be monitored and controlled from a central management system. The electronics embedding the system-on-chip will be redesigned and developed using the guidelines stipulated by the chip manufacturer.

Originality/value

Design and development of low-cost wireless mesh networks to protect tablets against theft in institutions of digitized learning. The work presents performance and reliability metrics of a low-power wireless mesh wireless technology developed in a harsh indoor building environment.
Silver nano platelet films on soft micro grating surface
Authors: Mehdi Murtuza , Chandio Alidad , Akhtar Maaz , Khan Zaibullah , Zaman Ahsan , Muhammad Adeel
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Polymer substrates with micron size roughness features have been found to play an important role in the mechanical performance of thin functional films which are used extensively in stretchable and flexible micro electromechanical systems. The purpose of this study is to report the stretchability and flexibility limits of micro size silver nano platelet films on a soft polymer substrate having two different orientations of micro grating with respect to the applied load.

Design/methodology/approach

Parallel and perpendicular micro gratings on the surface of a soft polymer substrate polydimethylsiloxane were patterned using a carefully machined master aluminum block and thin aluminum foils. Silver nano platelet-based films were rod coated on the substrate surface containing the micro gratings. These films were dried in ambient air and were tested for their stretchability and flexibility limits using homemade tools. Finite element modeling has also been performed and was found to support the experimental observations.

Findings

Experiments indicate that stretchability of silver nano platelet-based thin films tends to increase when the grating orientation remains parallel to the axis of the applied load, while its flexibility improves when the orientation becomes perpendicular to the loading axis.

Originality/value

The effect of grating orientation with respect to the applied load was investigated. The experiments show that micro grating roughness features are capable of enhancing the mechanical performance of nano platelet-based silver films on a soft polymer substrate and can be used in various stretchable and flexible micro electro mechanical device applications.
Climate change and tree harvest interact to affect future tree species distribution changes
Authors: Wang Wen J. , Thompson Frank R. , He Hong S. , Fraser Jacob S. , Dijak William D. , Jones‐Farrand Todd
Published: January 2019

Tree harvest and climate change can interact to have synergistic effects on tree species distribution changes. However, few studies have investigated the interactive effects of tree harvest and climate change on tree species distributions.

We assessed the interactive effects of tree harvest and climate change on the distribution of 29 dominant tree species at 270 m resolution in the southern United States, while accounting for species demography, competition, urban growth and natural fire. We simulated tree species distribution changes to year 2100 using a coupled forest dynamic model (LANDIS PRO), ecosystem process model (LINKAGES) and urban growth model (SLEUTH).

The distributions of 20 tree species contracted and nine species expanded within the region under climate change by end of 21st century. Distribution changes for all tree species were very slow and lagged behind the changes in potential distributions that were in equilibrium with new climatic conditions.

Tree harvest and climate change interacted to affect species occurrences and colonization but not extinction. Occurrence and colonization were mainly affected by tree harvest and its interaction with climate change while extinctions were mainly affected by tree harvest and climate change.

Synthesis and applications. Interactive effects of climate and tree harvest acted in the same direction as climate change effects on species occurrences, thereby accelerating climate change induced contraction or expansion of distributions. The overall interactive effects on species colonization were negative, specifically with positive interactive effects at leading edges of species ranges and negative interactive effects at trailing edges. Tree harvest generally did not interact with climate change to greatly facilitate or ameliorate species extinction. Our modelling results highlight the importance of considering disturbances and species demography (e.g. post‐harvest regeneration dynamics) when predicting changes in tree distributions.
Mental health care among blacks in America: Confronting racism and constructing solutions
Authors: Alang Sirry M.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To describe reasons for unmet need for mental health care among blacks, identify factors associated with causes of unmet need, examine racism as a context of unmet need, and construct ways to improve service use.

Data Sources

Data from the 2011‐2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health were pooled to create an analytic sample of black adults with unmet mental health need (N = 1237). Qualitative data came from focus groups (N = 30) recruited through purposive sampling.

Study Design

Using sequential mixed methods, reasons for unmet need were regressed on sociodemographic, economic, and health characteristics of respondents. Findings were further explored in focus groups.

Principal Findings

Higher education was associated with greater odds of reporting stigma and minimization of symptoms as reasons for unmet need. The fear of discrimination based on race and on mental illness was exacerbated among college‐educated blacks. Racism causes mistrust in mental health service systems. Participants expressed the importance of anti‐racism education and community‐driven practice in reducing unmet need.

Conclusion

Mental health systems should confront racism and engage the historical and contemporary racial contexts within which black people experience mental health problems. Critical self‐reflection at the individual level and racial equity analysis at the organizational level are critical.
Ecdysone receptor isoforms play distinct roles in larval–pupal–adult transition in Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Authors: Xu Qing‐Yu , Deng Pan , Zhang Qiong , Li Ang , Fu Kai‐Yun , Guo Wen‐Chao , Li Guo‐Qing
Published: January 2019

A heterodimer of two nuclear receptors, ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle, mediates 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling to modulate many aspects in insect life, such as molting and metamorphosis, reproduction, diapause and innate immunity. In the present paper, we intended to determine the isoform‐specific roles of EcR during larval–pupal–adult transition in the Colorado potato beetle. Double‐stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) were prepared using the common (dsEcR) or isoform‐specific (dsEcRA, dsEcRB1) regions of EcR as templates. Ingestion of either dsEcR or dsEcRA, rather than dsEcRB1, by the penultimate (3rd) and final (4th) instar larvae caused failure of larval–pupal and pupal–adult ecdysis. The RNA interference (RNAi) larvae remained as prepupae, or became deformed pupae and adults. Determination of messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of EcR isoforms found that LdEcRA regulates the expression of LdEcRB1. Moreover, silencing the two EcR transcripts, LdEcRA or LdEcRB1 reduced the mRNA levels of Ldspo and Ldsad, and lowered 20E titer. In contrast, the expression levels of HR3, HR4, E74 and E75 were significantly decreased in the LdEcR or LdEcRA RNAi larvae, but not in LdEcRB1 depleted specimens. Dietary supplement with 20E did not restore the expression of five 20E signaling genes (USP, HR3, HR4, E74 and E75), and only partially alleviated the pupation defects in dsEcR‐ or dsEcRA‐fed beetles. These data suggest that EcR plays isoform‐specific roles in the regulation of ecdysteroidogenesis and the transduction of 20E signal in L. decemlineata.
Mixed‐method study on medicinal herb collection in relation to wildlife conservation: the case of giant pandas in China
Authors: ZENG Yichao , ZHANG Jindong , HULL Vanessa
Published: January 2019

Medicinal herb collection has historical and cultural roots in many rural communities in developing countries. Areas where herb collection occurs may overlap with biodiversity hotspots and crucial habitat of endangered and threatened species. However, impacts of such practices on wildlife are unknown and possibly underestimated, perhaps due to the elusive nature of such activities. We examined this phenomenon in Wolong Nature Reserve, China, a protected area in the South‐Central China biodiversity hotspot that also supports a community of Tibetan, Qiang and Han people who use herb collection as a supplementary source of livelihood. We adopted a participatory approach in which we engaged local people in outlining spatial and temporal dynamics of medicinal herb collection practices. We found that the overall spatial extent of herb collection increased in the past two decades. We then overlaid herb collection maps with localities of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) feces collected over two time points in the reserve. Using a Bayesian parameter estimation, we found evidence for declined giant panda occurrence in the areas most recently impacted by emerging medicinal herb collection. Our methodology demonstrates the potential power of integrating participatory approaches with quantitative methods for processes like herb collection that may be difficult to examine empirically. We discuss future directions for improving explanatory power and addressing uncertainty in this type of mixed‐method, interdisciplinary research. This work has implications for future attempts to understand whether and how prevalent but subtle human activities may affect wildlife conservation.
Adaptive evolutionary expansion of the ribonuclease 6 in Rodentia
Authors: LANG Datian , LIM Burton K. , GAO Yun , WANG Xiaoping
Published: January 2019

Ribonuclease 6 (RNase6 or RNase K6) is a protein that belongs to a superfamily thought to be the sole verte‐brate‐specific enzyme known for a wide range of physiological functions, including digestion, cytotoxicity, angiogenesis, male reproduction and host defense. In our study, 51 functional genes and 11 pseudogenes were identified from 27 Rodentia species. Intriguingly, in the 3 main lineages of rodents there were multiple RNase6s identified in all species of Ctenohystrica, whereas only a single RNase6 was observed in other Rodentia species examined except for 2 species in the mouse‐related clade. The evolutionary scenario of “birth (gene duplication) and death (gene deactivation)” and gene sorting have been demonstrated in Ctenohystrica. In addition, bursts of positive selection, diversification of isoelectric point and positive net charge have been identified in Ctenohystrica, especially at two key sites that are involved in antimicrobial function. Site Trp30 has undergone positive selection and Ile45 has changed into other residues in Group B and Group C of the Ctenohystrica. Our results demonstrated a complex and intriguing evolutionary pattern of rodent RNase6, and indicated that functional modification may have occurred, which establishes an important theoretical foundation for future functional assays in rodent RNase6.
Phylogenetic relationship and variation of alarm call traits of populations of red‐cheeked ground squirrels (Spermophilus erythrogenys sensu lato) suggest taxonomic delineation
Authors: MATROSOVA Vera A. , IVANOVA Anastasia D. , VOLODINA Elena V. , VOLODIN Ilya A. , ALEXANDROV Dmitry Yu. , SIBIRYAKOVA Olga V. , ERMAKOV Oleg A.
Published: January 2019

Distribution area and taxonomic borders within the species complex Spermophilus erythrogenys sensu lato remain questionable. Early evidence suggests that red‐cheeked ground squirrels of Southeast Kazakhstan are remarkably different in terms of the acoustic structure of their alarm calls from the red‐cheeked ground squirrels of the Kurgan region in Russia. In this study, we analyzed the differences in the acoustic structure of the alarm call and mitochondrial DNA (complete control region, 1005–1006 bp and complete cytochrome b gene, 1140 bp) in 3 populations of red‐cheeked ground squirrels (Tara, Altyn‐Emel and Balkhash), all located within areas isolated by geographical barriers in Southeast Kazakhstan. We found that the alarm call variables were similar between the 3 study populations and differed by the maximum fundamental frequency (8.46 ± 0.75 kHz) from the values (5.62 ± 0.06 kHz) reported for the red‐cheeked ground squirrels from the Kurgan region of Russia. Variation in mtDNA control region was only 3% and variation in cytochrome b gene was only 2.5%. Phylogenetic trees based on cytochrome b gene polymorphism of 44 individuals from the study area and adjacent territories indicated 3 clades with high (98–100%) bootstrap support: “intermedius,” “brevicauda” and “iliensis”). We conclude that the 3 study populations in Southeast Kazakhstan belong to the clade intermedius and suggest a taxonomical revision of the species complex Spermophilus erythrogenys sensu lato, including analyses of nuclear DNA and alarm calls for populations of the brevicauda and iliensis clades.
Product and Microbial Population Kinetics During Balsamic‐Styled Vinegar Production
Authors: Hutchinson U.F. , Ntwampe S.K.O. , Ngongang M. Mewa , Chidi B.S. , Hoff J.W. , Jolly N.P.
Published: January 2019

Balsamic‐styled vinegar is a nutraceutical product obtained from a two‐stage fermentation process of grape must. However, little is known about how fermentation conditions affect growth kinetics, bio‐product development, population dynamics and the final product quality. As a result, the current study investigated the effect of fermentation temperature and inoculation strategy on the fermentation dynamics of Balsamic‐styled vinegar production. A microbial consortium of non‐Saccharomyces yeasts (n = 13) and acetic acid bacteria (n = 5) was tested at various fermentation temperatures (22 °C, 28 °C and a fluctuating temperature regimen). Different inoculation strategies (co‐inoculation and sequential inoculation) were investigated, and population dynamics of the product selected due to a rapid fermentation period were confirmed using a 16S and 18S gene sequencing. A higher fermentation temperature (28 °C) and co‐inoculation strategy resulted in a shorter fermentation cycle, whilst the desired acetic acid concentration of 60 g/L was achieved within 38 days. 16S and 18S gene sequencing showed that 50.84% of Acetobacter species were abundant at the end of the fermentation cycle, while 40.18% bacteria were unculturable. The study provides a better understanding of how fermentation temperature and inoculation strategy affect the fermentation period, population dynamics and the growth kinetics of the microbial consortium during the production of Balsamic‐styled vinegar.

Practical Application

Lower quality South African wine grapes could be channelled to an alternative high‐priced product (Balsamic‐styled vinegar), with low technological input requirements. Thus, making it easier to incorporate a low capital start‐up business while empowering small business entrepreneurs and boosting the economy.
The Big (data) Bang: Opportunities and Challenges for Compiling SDG Indicators
Authors: MacFeely Steve
Published: January 2019

Official statisticians around the world are faced with the herculean task of populating the Sustainable Development Goals global indicator framework. As traditional data sources appear to be insufficient, statisticians are naturally considering whether big data can contribute anything useful. While the statistical possibilities appear to be theoretically endless, in practice big data also present some enormous challenges and potential pitfalls: legal; ethical; technical; and reputational. This paper examines the opportunities and challenges presented by big data for compiling indicators to support Agenda 2030.
Can SDG 16 Data Drive National Accountability? A Cautiously Optimistic View
Authors: Laberge Marie , Touihri Nadia
Published: January 2019

Target 16.3 appears to provide a good example of ‘slippage in the level of ambition’ in moving from visionary goals to watered‐down targets and indicators, due to the influence of powerful interests – in this case the UNODC. However, the SDG Agenda offers an important corrective measure, by encouraging Member States to ‘domesticate’ individual goals and targets – adapting them to local circumstances. Tunisia provides a vivid illustration of how a national SDG16 monitoring system can drive national accountability and contribute to positive change on the ground – provided indicators have broad‐based buy‐in and resonate with local grievances and priorities. First, the conceptual scope of the Tunisian Governance Goal was greatly expanded to include a strong focus on participation and human rights. Second the Tunisian SDG16 indicator set is dominated by survey‐based indicators thus placing people's voice at the centre of the monitoring system. Third, the regular publication of national SDG16 data in Tunisia has incentivized tangible responses from public officials. Several more examples of national SDG16 consultative processes currently unfolding around the world are similarly showing that even while the politics of data may be undemocratic at global level, they can be increasingly democratic at country level.
The SDGs Indicators: A Challenging Task for the International Statistical Community
Authors: Ordaz Enrique
Published: January 2019

The papers in this Special Issue raise a number of relevant and important questions, of which three particularly deserve comment. Are indicators reductionist? They might be indeed, both regarding the process of defining them and in their use, which is why it is essential that each be based on a deep and sufficient knowledge of the phenomenon concerned. The human development index illustrates both the pitfalls and potential of global indicators. Are there dark forces behind the selection of indicators? The agreement of the 2030 Agenda was the outcome of a political process that led to a negotiated consensus accomplished by the Open Working Group. In determining the indicators, the Inter‐Agency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goal Indicators (IAEG SDG) was asked for a simple and robust framework which would not affect the political equilibrium reached in the Open Working Group (OWG); no easy task. Is the IAEG SDG an arcane bureaucratic entity? In the face of this immensely challenging task, it has sought a balance between what is feasible in the short term and what is required in the long term. The IAEG SDG has become a space for open and constructive dialog between national statistical offices and international agencies.
Indicators as Substitute for Policy Contestation and Accountability? Some Reflections on the 2030 Agenda from the Perspective of Gender Equality and Women's Rights
Authors: Razavi Shahra
Published: January 2019

Thanks to successful strategizing by women's rights organizations, attention to gender equality and women's rights is remarkably wide‐ranging in the 2030 Agenda. But the ambition to have gender equality as a crosscutting issue tends to evaporate at the level of targets and indicators. This speaks to the difficulties of using quantitative indicators to capture the largely context‐specific and qualitative dimensions of gender equality. Ultimately, some of the concerns about the huge significance attached to the measurement imperative stems from the inordinate weight that the global indicators framework is carrying, effectively substituting for substantive contestation on key policy issues and meaningful accountability mechanisms.
Commentary on Special Issue: Knowledge and Politics in Setting and Measuring SDGs Numbers and Norms
Authors: Adams Barbara
Published: January 2019

This Special Issue usefully analyses the links between statistics, knowledge, policy making and politics, and uncovers intended and unintended consequences of using indicators to frame policy. Many civil society organizations (CSOs) were actively involved in the Open Working Group, and some have continued their advocacy into the ongoing process of developing the SDG indicator framework. Some indicators are being reconsidered; but despite repeated efforts there is still no indicator to measure inequality between countries. There is a recognized need for innovative ways to supplement already existing data. The use of proxy measurements is already underway, and initiatives such as a collaboration between some UN agencies and Gallup. The active public engagement in the process that determined the SDGs may help to resist the reductionism often evident in translating from the goals to the targets to the indicators. The 2019 meeting of the High‐Level Political Forum (HLPF) will be an essential occasion to address some of these issues and to chart a correction course.
Which actigraphic variables optimally characterize the sleep‐wake cycle of individuals with bipolar disorders?
Authors: Krane‐Gartiser K. , Scott J. , Nevoret C. , Benard V. , Benizri C. , Brochard H. , Geoffroy P. A. , Katsahian S. , Maruani J. , Yeim S. , Leboyer M. , Bellivier F. , Etain B.
Published: January 2019

Objective

To examine which combination of objectively measured actigraphy parameters best characterizes the sleep‐wake cycle of euthymic individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) compared with healthy controls (HC).

Methods

Sixty‐one BD cases and 61 matched HC undertook 21 consecutive days of actigraphy. Groups were compared using discriminant function analyses (DFA) that explored dimensions derived from mean values of sleep parameters (Model 1); variability of sleep parameters (2); daytime activity (3); and combined sleep and activity parameters (4). Exploratory within‐group analyses examined characteristics associated with misclassification.

Results

After controlling for depressive symptoms, the combined model (4) correctly classified 75% cases, while the sleep models (1 and 2) correctly classified 87% controls. The area under the curve favored the combined model (0.86). Age was significantly associated with misclassification among HC, while a diagnosis of BD‐II was associated with an increased risk of misclassifications of cases.

Conclusion

Including sleep variability and activity parameters alongside measures of sleep quantity improves the characterization of cases of euthymic BD and helps distinguish them from HC. If replicated, the findings indicate that traditional approaches to actigraphy (examining mean values for the standard set of sleep parameters) may represent a suboptimal approach to understanding sleep‐wake cycles in BD.
Combined cellular and soluble mediator analysis for improved diagnosis of vitreoretinal lymphoma
Authors: de Hoog Joeri , Dik Willem A. , Lu Lucy , Heezen Kim C. , ten Berge Josianne C. , Swagemakers Sigrid M. A. , van der Spek Peter J. , van Dongen Jacques J. M. , van der Velden Vincent H. J. , Rothova Aniki , Langerak Anton W.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma [(P)VRL]) is a rare malignancy of the eye localized in the retina, vitreous or choroid. Here, we aim to determine the value of the combination of innovative diagnostic methods for accurate differentiation between (P)VRL and non‐(P)VRL in patients with suspect uveitis or vitritis.

Methods

Multicolour flow cytometric immunophenotyping of cells in the vitreous samples was performed using the EuroFlow small sample tube. Additionally, cytokines/chemokines and growth factors were measured in the vitreous specimens using a multiplex immunoassay. Data were evaluated in predefined clinical subgroups using omniviz unsupervised Pearson's correlation visualization and unsupervised heatmap analysis.

Results

A total of 53 patients were prospectively included in the period 2012–2015. In the (P)VRL subgroup (n = 10), nine cases showed aberrant surface membrane immunoglobulin (SmIg) light chain expression. In the non‐(P)VRL group (n = 43) clearly skewed SmIg light chain expression was observed in two multiple sclerosis‐related uveitis cases, but not in other uveitis types. Soluble mediator measurement revealed high interleukin (IL)‐10/IL‐6 ratios, and high IL‐1RA levels in 9/10 (P)VRL cases, but not in any non‐(P)VRL case. Further correlation and heatmap analysis revealed a minimal signature of cellular parameters (CD19+ B cells, aberrant SmIg light chain expression) and cytokine parameters (IL‐10/IL‐6 ratio >1, high IL‐10, high IL‐1 RA, high monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, high macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β) to reliably distinguish (P)VRL from non‐(P)VRL.

Conclusion

Here, we show the power of a combined cellular and proteomics strategy for detecting (P)VRL in vitreous specimens, especially in cases with minor cellular (P)VRL infiltrates.
Amino acid substitution mutations and mRNA expression levels of the pbp5 gene in clinical Enterococcus faecium isolates conferring high level ampicillin resistance
Authors: Darehkordi Hosein , Saffari Fereshteh , Mollaei Hamid Reza , Ahmadrajabi Roya
Published: January 2019

In this study, clinical ampicillin‐resistant Enterococcus faecium isolates with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for ampicillin in the ranges from 128 to ˃512 μg/mL (n = 17) and two ampicillin‐susceptible isolates (MIC 1 μg/mL) were investigated. No β‐lactamase production was detected in these isolates. Alterations in the C‐terminal part of pbp5 and levels of pbp5 mRNA expression were investigated by sequencing and quantitative real‐time qRT‐PCR, respectively. Sequencing analysis revealed five different pbp5 alleles (A to E) having differences in 18 amino acid positions spanning from residue 426 to 642. Allele A (V‐462 → A, H‐470 → Q, M‐485 → A, N‐496 → K, A‐499 → T, E‐525 → D, N‐546 → T, A‐558 → T, G‐582 → S, E‐629 → V, K‐632 → Q, and P‐642 → L) was the most frequent allele. The presence of just two susceptible isolates in allele E suggests a possible correlation between amino acid patterns and MIC, even if there is no discernible correlation with specific single amino acid differences. Also, these were the only isolates that showed much lower expression of class B penicillin‐binding protein 5 (PBP5) compared to isolates with MIC of 128 or greater. Thus, ampicillin MICs were correlated with PBP5 expression.
Mapping bacterial biofilms on recovered orthopaedic implants by a novel agar candle dip method
Authors: Moley James P. , McGrath Mary S. , Granger Jeffrey F. , Sullivan Anne C. , Stoodley Paul , Dusane Devendra H.
Published: January 2019

While the detrimental effects of periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are well known, the process of biofilm formation on orthopaedic hardware is unclear. Previous work has shown that encasement of explant hardware in agar can aid in identifying biofilms. This study tested the utility of agar ‘candle dip’ method in detecting and mapping the location of biofilm on infected orthopedic components. Explant components from 15 patients were rinsed, briefly submerged in agar to create a surface coating, and incubated. Larger components were coated by pipetting agar over them. After incubation, colony outgrowth on the component surface was documented (candle dip status). Data were compared with clinical laboratory results (clinical culture status) and the PJI diagnosis using Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria (MSIS status). All six patients classified as MSIS and clinical culture positive were also positive with the candle dip technique. Of the nine candle dip negative cases, four were positive and five were negative for both MSIS and clinical culture status. Candle dip may be negative in few cases due to the residual antibiotic eluting from the spacers, limiting the growth of bacterial biofilms on the components. The candle dip method shows promise for biofilm mapping but requires additional testing to evaluate the clinical diagnostic potential.
Editorial: liver transplantation for primary biliary cholangitis–the need for timely and more effective treatments
Authors: Gerussi Alessio , Carbone Marco , Invernizzi Pietro
Published: January 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Harms et al and Harms et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15060 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15118.