bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete mitochondrial genome of golden silk producerAntheraea assamensisand its comparative analysis with other lepidopteran insects
Authors: Singh Deepika , Kabiraj Debajyoti , Chetia Hasnahana , Sharma Pragya , Neog Kartik , Bora Utpal
Published: February 2017

Muga (Antheraea assamensis) is an economically important silkmoth endemic to North-eastern part of India and is the producer of the strongest known commercial silk. However, there is a scarcity of -omics data for understanding the organism at a molecular level. Our present study decodes the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) ofA. assamensisand presents comparative analysis with other lepidopterans. Mitogenome is a 15,272 bp long AT rich (~80.2%) molecule containing 37 genes (13 PCGs, 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs) and a 328 bp long control region. The overall mitogenome arrangement was similar to the other lepidopterans. Two PCGscox1andcox2were found to have CGA and GTG as start codons respectively like some lepidopterans. Typical clover-leaf shaped secondary structures of tRNAs were found with a few exceptions such as unstable DHU and TΨC loop intRNASer1andtRNATyr; significant number of mismatches (35) spread over 19 tRNAs. The control region contained a six bp deletion atypical of otherAntheraeaspecies. Phylogenetic position was consistent with the traditional taxonomic classification of Saturniidae. The complete annotated mitogenome is available in GenBank (Accession No.KU379695). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on complete mitogenome ofA. assamensis.
Crystal structure of 4,10-dimethoxy-13-methyl-6H,12H-6,12-epiminodibenzo[b,f][1,5]dioxocine
Authors: Kasyanova Katerina V. , Kokozay Vladimir N. , Buvaylo Elena A. , Vassilyeva Olga Yu. , Skelton Brian W.
Published: February 2017

The title compound, C17H17NO4, lacks crystallographic symmetry with one molecule per asymmetric unit. The molecule exists in a folded butterfly-like conformation; the benzene rings form a dihedral angle of 84.72 (7)°. The central eight-membered imino-bridged dioxocin ring adopts a twisted-boat conformation. In the crystal, inversion-related molecules are linked by pairs of weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming double-stranded chains parallel to theaaxis.
(Z)-4,6-Dichloro-N-(4-chlorophenyl)quinoline-3-carbimidoyl chloride
Authors: Weil Matthias , Siebert David Chan Bodin , Schnürch Michael
Published: February 2017

The title imidoyl chloride, C16H8Cl4N2, has formed accidentally as a side product during the synthesis of a quinolin-3-one derivative. The molecule is not flat [the dihedral angle between the 4,6-dichloroquinoline and the imidoyl chloride planes is 53.43 (5)°], preventing π-conjugation over the complete entity. In the crystal, C—H...N hydrogen bonding between a chlorophenyl C—H group and the quinoline N atom, as well as π–π stacking between neighbouring quinoline rings, consolidate the packing.
Work conditions and engagement among nurses in Uruguay
Authors: Gabel-Shemueli Rachel , Dolan Simon , Suárez Ceretti Adriana
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of the interaction effect of work conditions including work overload, emotional demands, social support and self-development opportunities on work engagement within the framework of the job demands-resource model.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 481 registered nurses in Uruguay participated in this study. A series of multiple structural equations modelling analyses were used to examine the interaction hypotheses and their effect on work engagement.

Findings

Three out of four two-way interactions presented significant effects, showing that social support mitigated the negative effects that emotional demands and work overload have on work engagement. However, self-development opportunities only moderated the effect of emotional demands on work engagement, but did not relieve the effects of work overload.

Research limitations/implications

The study only considered two demands and two resources to test for interactions. Inclusion of other work characteristics as well as personal resources could provide a better understanding of the relationships within an organisation.

Practical implications

The importance of developing a pool of resources in order to increase nurses’ work engagement and buffer the increasing demands of healthcare professionals is discussed.

Originality/value

The findings provide evidence of the impact of the interaction of job demands and job resources in the development of work engagement in Uruguay. Additionally, the results emphasise the importance of identifying relevant work conditions that contribute to sustaining work engagement in the nursing profession in Latin-American countries.
Performance analysis of supplier development programs
Authors: Kumar C.V. Sunil , Routroy Srikanta
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an approach that a manufacturer can periodically use to measure the performances of its supplier development programs (SDPs). It also quantifies and indicates the specific supplier development outcomes (SDOs) that a manufacturer has to concentrate in improving its SDPs.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed methodology integrates fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (to determine the importance of SDOs), Pareto analysis (to choose the significant SDOs) and fuzzy logic (to periodically determine the performance indices and grades of the SDPs) methods to measure the performances of SDPs. In order to demonstrate the utility of the methodology, a case situation is presented where the performance measures of SDPs running at five key suppliers of an Indian turbine manufacturing company were determined.

Findings

By periodically applying the above mentioned methodology, the performance indices of a manufacturer’s SDPs are measured, monitored and managed effectively. It is shown that the methodology is advantageous in clearly indicating the scope of improvement for the SDPs along the specific SDOs.

Research limitations/implications

Since the obtained results in this study are specific to a manufacturing environment, they may not be generalized. However, the generic lists of SDOs mentioned in the paper and the proposed approach can be used in any manufacturing environment for analyzing the performances of SDPs.

Practical implications

The performance analysis of SDPs would help a manufacturer to know more about the functioning of its SDPs along the timeline and provide the scope for improvement.

Originality/value

The proposed approach successfully measures and also grades the performances of SDPs. The results enable the supplier development managers to effectively distribute their investments and efforts along the SDPs.
Proposing a two-criterion quality loss function using critical process capability indices
Authors: Geramian Arash , Shahin Arash , Bandarrigian Sara , Shojaie Yaser
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Average quadratic quality loss function (QQLF) measures quality of a given process using mean shift from its target value and variance. While it has a target parameter for the mean, it lacks a target for the variance revisable for counting any progress of the process across different quality levels, above/below the standard level; thus, it appears too general. Hence, in this research, it was initially supposed that all processes are located at two possible quality spaces, above/below the standard level. The purpose of this paper is to propose a two-criterion QQLF, in which each criterion is specifically proper to one of the quality spaces.

Design/methodology/approach

Since 1.33 is a literarily standard or satisfactory value for two most important process capability indicesCpandCpk, its upper/lower spaces are assumed as high-/low-quality spaces. Then the indices are integrated into traditional QQLF, of type nominal the best (NTB), to develop a two-criterion QQLF, in which each criterion is more suitable for each quality space. These two criteria have also been innovatively embedded in the plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle to help continuous improvement. Finally, the proposed function has been examined in comparison with the traditional one in Feiz Hospital in the province of Isfahan, Iran.

Findings

Results indicate that the internal process of the studied case is placed on the lower quality space. So the first criterion of revised QQLF gives a more relevant evaluation for that process, compared with the traditional function. Moreover, this study has embedded both proposed criteria in the PDCA cycle as well.

Research limitations/implications

Formulating the two-criterion QQLF only for observations of normal and symmetric distributions, and offering it solely for NTB characteristics are limitations of this study.

Practical implications

Two more relevant quality loss criteria have been formulated for each process (service or manufacturing). However, in order to show the comprehensiveness of the proposed method even in service institutes, emergency function of Feiz Hospital has been examined.

Originality/value

The traditional loss function of type NTB merely and implicitly targets zero defect for variance. In fact, it calculates quality loss of all processes placed on different quality spaces using a same measure. This study, however, provides a practitioner with opportunity of targeting excellent or satisfactory targets.
An investigation into the factors influencing the outsourcing decision of e-banking services
Authors: Hanafizadeh Payam , Zare Ravasan Ahad
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an in-depth analysis toward understanding the critical factors in affecting information technology outsourcing (ITO) decision in the context of e-banking services in Iran. Within the recent decades, outsourcing IT processes and services as a strategic decision has been widely adopted throughout industries. In this regard, scholars have investigated a wide range of factors influencing ITO decision in various contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

This research examines a conceptual model that shows impacts of different attributes including technological, organizational and environmental on the Iranian banks’ ITO decision. To validate the research hypotheses, the partial least squares (PLS) technique for data analysis, is utilized.

Findings

The results of this study derived from the theoretical discussion of hypotheses illustrated that 9 of 11 assumed factors (i.e. perceived tangible benefits, perceived intangible benefits, perceived risks, perceived information security/privacy, complete contract establishment capability, making strong trustworthy relationship capability, uncertainty in business requirements, external pressure and market maturity) influence ITO decision in the target industry. The findings also confirmed that the size of the bank and competitors’ absorptive capacity did not exert any influence on their service outsourcing decision.

Research limitations/implications

The sampling was confined to experts in the banking industry. Also, the results of this study reflect Iranian perspective. Consequently, generalization based on this sample would be interpreted cautiously and a limitation of the context should be kept in mind.

Originality/value

Insights into policymaking for suitable drivers to outsource e-banking services in the context of a less developed country are the main outcomes of the current research.
Crowdsourcing as a business model
Authors: Geri Nitza , Gafni Ruti , Bengov Peter
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this empirical study is to investigate extrinsic motivations that may affect adding or acknowledging user-generated content (UGC) on business websites, which are based on voluntary crowdsourcing.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model of extrinsic motivations for knowledge sharing in UGC-based websites was developed, suggesting reciprocity, awareness of rewards and prestige as main extrinsic motivations for adding content. The model was examined via an online survey of users of three websites that varied in the attributes of knowledge shared and reward type: The Traveler (tangible rewards), Stack Overflow (virtual rewards) and Waze (virtual rewards).

Findings

Importance of extrinsic motivations varied among websites, as it may be affected by attributes of the knowledge shared. Reciprocity positively affected recommending the website, and adding content affected acknowledging content.

Research limitations/implications

Investigating extrinsic motivations is important because websites may take actions that affect them. Further research is required to reveal the potential of voluntary crowdsourcing in business contexts addressing both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, prosumption and open innovation.

Practical implications

When reciprocity is a major aspect of a UGC website, badges and similar mechanisms may serve as a main extrinsic motivation to share knowledge.

Originality/value

The novel empirically validated model provides theoretical and practical insights for designing mechanisms for increasing extrinsic motivation for knowledge sharing according to specific characteristics of UGC websites.
Strategic priorities for exploiting Bahrain’s medical tourism potential
Authors: Ebrahim Ahmed Husain , Ganguli Subhadra
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Medical tourism offers many opportunities to diversify Bahrain’s economy and foster economic development and prosperity. This study aims to holistically investigate the potential of developing Bahrain as a medical tourism destination and create a strategic roadmap to help government decision makers and other key private sector players to realize that potential.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is primarily based on quantitative research methods. Data were collected from medical service providers in the Kingdom of Bahrain using a questionnaire and subsequently analyzed using quantitative analysis techniques.

Findings

Overall findings indicate that Bahrain has the potential to attain competitiveness in the medical tourism sector. This can be achieved through a combination of industry-specific management strategies which facilitate effective public–private partnerships, reinvent healthcare legislation and encourage investment in medical tourism infrastructure.

Practical implications

This study will help determine best practice, prioritize improvement opportunities and enhance performance relative to stakeholders’ expectations and responsible tourism development.

Originality/value

Studies assessing medical tourism competitiveness of various countries are difficult to obtain. This study fills an existing gap by providing a distinct and comprehensive evaluation method of such competitiveness through a structured analysis of relevant market data in Bahrain. This study can be further extended to include a wider range of stakeholders, namely, private enterprise and the government sector.
Governance that matters
Authors: Pancholi Surabhi , Yigitcanlar Tan , Guaralda Mirko
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This study aims to scrutinise the prominence of place making as a strategy in the development of knowledge and innovation spaces with a specific focus on distinguishing the role of governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a multidimensional conceptual framework of place making to investigate a knowledge and innovation space case through a qualitative analysis approach involving a range of key stakeholders.

Findings

The study finds that governance is critical in facilitating place making in knowledge and innovation spaces, and place-making practices in these locations benefit from adopting a multidimensional approach.

Originality/value

The study expands our knowledge on the role of governance in place making that helps achieve desired knowledge and innovation space outcomes.
Learning opportunities for group learning
Authors: Gil Alfonso J. , Mataveli Mara
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the impact of organizational learning culture and learning facilitators in group learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted using a survey method applied to a statistically representative sample of employees from Rioja wine companies in Spain. A model was tested using a structural equation model.

Findings

Statistical evidences suggest that both the learning culture and facilitators of group learning impact positively on group learning. In addition, it was found that the facilitation of learning has a positive influence on the learning culture.

Practical implications

From the paper, two sets of implications are extracted. The first is related to learning in the workplace – the importance of facilitating learning in group learning is emphasized. The second set refers to human resources development: organizational commitment to the development of informal learning is highlighted.

Originality/value

The paper explores the concept of learning culture and how it relates to the development of group learning, and an important system in the workplace is implemented.
Networking and knotworking practices: work integration as situated social process
Authors: Scaratti Giuseppe , Ivaldi Silvia , Frassy Jean
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present a transnational research intervention that relies on the qualitative monitoring of disadvantaged people’s work integration program. In particular, the paper adopts the concept of networking and knotworking to intercept and describe the ways in which organizational payers shape knowledge in their contexts of work inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a developmental ethnographic research to detect meaningful, situated knowledge related to the activities for work integration of disadvantaged people. Two main techniques, “at home ethnography” (Ellis and Bochner, 2000; Hansen, 2006) and participant observation (Alvesson, 2009), were used for gathering data.

Findings

The paper highlights the existing contradictions within and between the multiple activity systems. The advantages of using the activity theory’s lenses are underlined together with two main approaches related to the assumption of a networking and knotworking orientation. The findings also refer to some new paths professionals identified for their daily activity.

Originality/value

The paper provides a better understanding of the contemporary challenges of working, that is extremely helpful to policy makers and other practitioners, including researchers.
Power, moral clarity and punishment severity: a moderated-mediation model
Authors: Asadullah Muhammad Ali , Siddiquei Ahmad Nabeel , Hussain Arshial , Arain Ghulam Ali
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the mediating role of “moral clarity” and the moderating role of “hypocrisy” in the relationship between sense of power and punishment severity.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected using purposive sampling from 250 government officials serving at a responsible and authoritative position in different public sector organizations operating in Pakistan.

Findings

The study has found a significant indirect effect of sense of power on punishment severity through moral clarity. This study has also found that this indirect effect is significant at higher levels of hypocrisy but insignificant at lower or moderate level of hypocrisy.

Practical implications

The study offers serious practical implications by highlighting the role of hypocrisy in powerful individuals’ moral judgements and their decisions to exercise power and administer punishments.

Originality/value

The study is the first to develop and test a mediated-moderation model of the relationship between sense of power, moral clarity, hypocrisy and punishment severity.
Mindfulness: performance, wellness or fad?
Authors: Altizer Chris
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on “mindfulness” as an emerging wellness, performance, and leadership solution in business, and the role of human resources (HR) in effectively leveraging the potential value while minimizing the potential risks.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews current research and current discussion of mindfulness in business, leadership, health, and management media, and provides recommendations for effective adoption.

Findings

Benefits of mindfulness practices include improved overall health and improved stress management for individuals and correlated benefits in productivity and performance of individuals, teams, and leaders. The potential risks of mindfulness include disengagement of non-participants and wasted investment if not integrated with company practices and culture.

Practical implications

This paper highlights the importance of aligning introduction of mindfulness with company practices and culture, ensuring voluntary participation, providing effective communication, and maintaining a secular nature of implementation.

Originality/value

This paper helps HR leaders leverage mindfulness for performance and wellness of individuals, teams and leaders.
Lessons for improving your formal performance appraisal process
Authors: Longenecker Clinton , Fink Laurence
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the specific steps organizations can take to create value-added appraisal systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors synthesize 30 years of their research, including countless focus groups and surveys with managers at all levels, to identify the specific steps organizations can take to create value-added appraisal systems.

Findings

The paper explains ten key lessons for improving any organization’s performance appraisal system.

Practical implications

The authors believe that the lessons described in this paper can be applied in all organizations, and not to apply these lessons invites ineffective and potentially destructive appraisal practices.

Originality/value

The paper provides a unique set of lessons that organizations can use to design or re-design their performance appraisal systems and practices.
Why well-being in the workplace matters
Authors: O’Neil Beate
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Over the past few years, there has been a groundswell of interest in corporate employee well-being programmes. The purpose of this study is to examine the reasons why companies should invest in well-being programmes and advise on how to implement one.

Design/methodology/approach

This study refers to in-depth research carried out by Punter Southall Health and Protection and Reward and Employee Benefits Association (REBA) and also includes a case study.

Findings

This study finds that poor health has an impact on work productivity, and that with the general population’s health in decline and an increasingly ageing workforce, it is essential for companies to have a defined well-being strategy.

Originality/value

This study provides HR departments and senior managers with sound examples and advice on how to ensure that their employee well-being programmes are implemented and run successfully.
Antihyperglycaemic action of diosmin, a citrus flavonoid, is induced through endogenous β‐endorphin in type I‐like diabetic rats
Authors: Hsu Chia‐Chen , Lin Mang Hung , Cheng Juei Tang , Wu Ming Chang
Published: February 2017

Diosmin is one of the flavonoids contained in citrus and has been demonstrated to improve glucose metabolism in diabetic disorders. However, the mechanism(s) of diosmin in glucose regulation remain obscure. Therefore, we investigated the potential mechanism(s) for the antihyperglycaemic action of diosmin in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats (STZ‐diabetic rats). Diosmin lowered hyperglycaemia in a dose‐dependent manner in STZ‐diabetic rats. This action was inhibited by naloxone at a dose sufficient to block opioid receptors. Additionally, we determined the changes in plasma β‐endorphin‐like immunoreactivity (BER) using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Diosmin also increased BER dose‐dependently in the same manner. Repeated treatment of STZ‐diabetic rats with diosmin for 1 week resulted in an increase in the expression of the glucose transporter subtype 4 (GLUT 4) in the soleus muscle and a reduction in the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) in the liver. These effects were also inhibited by naloxone at a dose sufficient to block opioid receptors. Bilateral adrenalectomy in STZ‐diabetic rats eliminated the actions of diosmin, including both the reduction in hyperglycemia and the elevation of plasma BER. In conclusion, our results suggest that diosmin may act on the adrenal glands to enhance the secretion of β‐endorphin, which can stimulate the opioid receptors to attenuate hepatic gluconeogenesis and increase glucose uptake in soleus muscle, resulting in reduced hyperglycemia in STZ‐diabetic rats.
Unexpected poor comprehenders: An investigation of multiple aspects of morphological awareness
Authors: MacKay Elizabeth Jean , Levesque Kyle , Deacon S. Hélène
Published: February 2017

Poor comprehenders have age‐appropriate word reading skills but struggle with understanding what they read. The purpose of this study was to investigate how poor comprehenders perform on multiple aspects of morphological awareness, a skill implicated in reading comprehension. In keeping with current research and theory, we look at three aspects of morphological awareness: morphological structure awareness, morphological analysis and morphological decoding. Using a regression‐based approach, we identified 64 poor and average comprehenders out of a large sample of children in grade 3. Our results show that poor comprehenders and average comprehenders performed remarkably similar on morphological structure awareness, analysis, and decoding. Poor comprehenders performed more poorly than average comprehenders only on word analogy, a specific measure of morphological awareness. These results identify an area with which poor comprehenders are likely to struggle, while simultaneously providing evidence for areas of relative strength within this population.
Protected areas and deforestation: new results from high‐resolution panel data
Authors: Blankespoor Brian , Dasgupta Susmita , Wheeler David
Published: February 2017

This paper investigates the effectiveness of protected areas in slowing tropical forest clearing in 64 countries in Asia/Pacific, Africa and Latin America during the period of 2001–2012 by comparing deforestation rates inside and within 10 km outside of the boundaries of protected areas. Annual time series of these deforestation rates were constructed from recently published high‐resolution data on forest clearing from Hansen et al. (2013). For 4,028 parks, panel estimation based on a variety of park characteristics was conducted to test if deforestation was lower in protected areas because of their protected status, or if other factors explained the difference. From a sample of 726 parks established since 2002, a test was also conducted to investigate the effect of park establishment on protection. Findings suggest park size, national park status and management by indigenous people all are significantly associated with effective protection across regions. For the Asia/Pacific region, the test offers compelling evidence that park establishment has a near‐immediate and powerful effect.
Critique as delight, theory as praxis, mucking in
Authors: Wright Sarah
Published: February 2017

In this commentary, I call for a regenerative approach to critique, a ‘good judgment’ through which academics might nurture the capacity to name and undermine racist, patriarchal, colonising, and homophobic practices, while working relationally to create new worlds. Drawing from Eva Sedgwick's critique of ‘paranoid theory’ and taking inspiration from post‐colonial, feminist, and anti‐racist social movements and research collectives, I consider what it might mean to be an academic who ‘mucks in’, who is not afraid of putting her hands in the dung, and who moves reflexively towards, rather than away from, difficult questions and risky engagements.
Exploring the link between top‐down information sharing and organisational performance: the moderating role of flexible manufacturing strategy
Authors: Park Rhokeun
Published: February 2017

This study examines whether organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) mediates the relationship between information sharing and organisational performance. The independent role of information sharing in employee outcomes and organisational performance has been largely overlooked in the HRM literature. Although information sharing can contribute to organisational performance through various processes, the field reveals little regarding the mechanisms of how information sharing may lead to organisational performance. This study also investigates the moderating role of flexible manufacturing strategy in the relationship between information sharing and OCB. The study found that OCB plays a role as a mediator in the relationship between information sharing and organisational performance. The relationship between information sharing and OCB was stronger in firms with a flexible manufacturing strategy than in firms with a mass production strategy. The findings provide implications on how information sharing is related to organisational performance and which organisations should share more information with their employees.
Structural, Thermal, Physical, Mechanical, and Barrier Properties of Chitosan Films with the Addition of Xanthan Gum
Authors: de Morais Lima Maria , Carneiro Lucia Cesar , Bianchini Daniela , Dias Alvaro Renato Guerra , Zavareze Elessandra da Rosa , Prentice Carlos , Moreira Angelita da Silveira
Published: February 2017

Films based on chitosan and xanthan gum were prepared using casting technique aiming to investigate the potential of these polymers as packaging materials. Six formulations of films were studied varying the proportion of chitosan and xanthan gum: 100:0 (chitosan:xanthan gum, w/w, C100XG0 film); 90:10 (chitosan:xanthan gum, w/w, C90XG10 film); 80:20 (chitosan:xanthan gum, w/w, C80XG20 film); 70:30 (chitosan:xanthan gum, w/w, C70XG30 film); 60:40 (chitosan:xanthan gum, w/w, C60XG40 film); and 50:50 (chitosan:xanthan gum, w/w, C50XG50 film). The total quantity of solids (chitosan and xanthan gum) in the filmogenic solution was 1.5 g per 100 mL of aqueous solution for all treatments, according to the proportion of each polymer. The films were evaluated by their functional groups, structural, thermal, morphological, physical, mechanical, and barrier properties. All films have presented endothermic peaks in the range of 122 to 175 °C and broad exothermic peaks above 200 °C, which were assigned to the melting temperature and thermal decomposition, respectively. These results demonstrated that films with xanthan gum have the highest Tm and ΔmH. The films containing higher content of xanthan gum show also the highest tensile strength and the lowest elongation. Xanthan gum addition did not affect the water vapor permeability, solubility, and moisture of films. This set of data suggests the formation of chitosan–xanthan complexes in the films.
Stability of the Stevia‐Derived Sweetener Rebaudioside A in Solution as Affected by Ultraviolet Light Exposure
Authors: Zhang Jiewen , Bell Leonard N.
Published: February 2017

Rebaudioside A is a natural noncaloric high‐potency sweetener extracted from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana. With rebaudioside A use increasing in foods, understanding the factors affecting its stability is necessary. This project evaluated the degradation rate constants of rebaudioside A in water, 0.1 M phosphate buffer, and 0.1 M citrate buffer at pH 3 and 7 as a function of ultraviolet (UV) light intensity (365 nm, 0 μW/cm2 for dark conditions, 27 μW/cm2 for low intensity, and 190 μW/cm2 for high intensity) at 32.5 °C. Rebaudioside A stability was adversely affected by light exposure. The pseudo‐1st‐order degradation rate constants increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing light intensity in all solutions. Under dark conditions, rebaudioside A in phosphate buffers was more susceptible to breakdown than in water and citrate buffers at both pH levels. However, exposure to UV light resulted in rebaudioside A degradation occurring approximately 10 times faster in citrate than in phosphate buffers at both pH levels. The sensitivity of rebaudioside A to UV light was greater in citrate buffers than in water or phosphate buffers. The use of light‐protective packaging for beverages containing rebaudioside A will improve its stability.
The relationship between different dimensions of alcohol use and the burden of disease—an update
Authors: Rehm Jürgen , Gmel Gerhard E. , Gmel Gerrit , Hasan Omer S. M. , Imtiaz Sameer , Popova Svetlana , Probst Charlotte , Roerecke Michael , Room Robin , Samokhvalov Andriy V. , Shield Kevin D. , Shuper Paul A.
Published: February 2017

Background and aims

Alcohol use is a major contributor to injuries, mortality and the burden of disease. This review updates knowledge on risk relations between dimensions of alcohol use and health outcomes to be used in global and national Comparative Risk Assessments (CRAs).

Methods

Systematic review of reviews and meta‐analyses on alcohol consumption and health outcomes attributable to alcohol use.

For dimensions of exposure: volume of alcohol use, blood alcohol concentration and patterns of drinking, in particular heavy drinking occasions were studied. For liver cirrhosis, quality of alcohol was additionally considered. For all outcomes (mortality and/or morbidity): cause of death and disease/injury categories based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes used in global CRAs; harm to others.

Results

In total, 255 reviews and meta‐analyses were identified. Alcohol use was found to be linked causally to many disease and injury categories, with more than 40 ICD‐10 three‐digit categories being fully attributable to alcohol. Most partially attributable disease categories showed monotonic relationships with volume of alcohol use: the more alcohol consumed, the higher the risk of disease or death. Exceptions were ischaemic diseases and diabetes, with curvilinear relationships, and with beneficial effects of light to moderate drinking in people without heavy irregular drinking occasions. Biological pathways suggest an impact of heavy drinking occasions on additional diseases; however, the lack of medical epidemiological studies measuring this dimension of alcohol use precluded an in‐depth analysis. For injuries, except suicide, blood alcohol concentration was the most important dimension of alcohol use. Alcohol use caused marked harm to others, which has not yet been researched sufficiently.

Conclusions

Research since 2010 confirms the importance of alcohol use as a risk factor for disease and injuries; for some health outcomes, more than one dimension of use needs to be considered. Epidemiological studies should include measurement of heavy drinking occasions in line with biological knowledge.
Case mix adjusted variation in cesarean section rate in Sweden
Authors: Mesterton Johan , Ladfors Lars , Ekenberg Abreu Anna , Lindgren Peter , Saltvedt Sissel , Weichselbraun Marianne , Amer‐Wåhlin Isis
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Cesarean section (CS) rate is a well‐established indicator of performance in maternity care and is also related to resource use. Case mix adjustment of CS rates when performing comparisons between hospitals is important. The objective of this study was to estimate case mix adjusted variation in CS rate between hospitals in Sweden.

Material and methods

In total, 139 756 deliveries in 2011 and 2012 were identified in administrative systems in seven regions covering 67% of all deliveries in Sweden. Data were linked to the Medical birth register and population data. Twenty‐three different sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were used for adjustment. Analyses were performed for the entire study population as well as for two subgroups. Logistic regression was used to analyze differences between hospitals.

Results

The overall CS rate was 16.9% (hospital minimum–maximum 12.1–22.6%). Significant variations in CS rate between hospitals were observed after case mix adjustment: hospital odds ratios for CS varied from 0.62 (95% CI 0.53–0.73) to 1.45 (95% CI 1.37–1.52). In nulliparous, cephalic, full‐term, singletons the overall CS rate was 14.3% (hospital minimum–maximum: 9.0–19.0%), whereas it was 4.7% for multiparous, cephalic, full‐term, singletons with no previous CS (hospital minimum–maximum: 3.2–6.7%). In both subgroups significant variations were observed in case mix adjusted CS rates.

Conclusions

Significant differences in CS rate between Swedish hospitals were found after adjusting for differences in case mix. This indicates a potential for fewer interventions and lower resource use in Swedish childbirth care. Best practice sharing and continuous monitoring are important tools for improving childbirth care.
The triglyceride and glucose index is useful for recognising insulin resistance in children
Authors: Rodríguez‐Morán M , Simental‐Mendía LE , Guerrero‐Romero F
Published: February 2017

Aim

Although recognising insulin resistance (IR) in children is particularly important, the gold standard test used to diagnose it, the euglyceamic glucose clamp, is costly, invasive and is not routinely available in our clinical settings in Mexico. This study evaluated whether the triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index would provide a useful alternative.

Methods

A total of 2779 school children aged seven to 17 years, from Durango, Mexico, were enrolled during 2015–2016. The gold standard euglyceamic‐hyperinsulinemic clamp test was performed in a randomly selected subsample of 125 children, and diagnostic concordance between the TyG index and the homoeostasis model assessment of IR was evaluated in all of the 2779 enrolled children.

Results

The best cut‐off values for recognising IR using the TyG index were 4.65 for prepubertal girls and boys, 4.75 for pubertal girls and 4.70 for pubertal boys. Concordance between the TyG index and the homoeostasis model assessment of IR was 0.910 and 0.902 for the prepubertal girls and boys, 0.932 for the pubertal girls and 0.925 for the pubertal boys.

Conclusion

The TyG index was useful for recognising IR in both prepubertal and pubertal children and could provide a feasible alternative to the costly and invasive gold standard test for IR in resource‐limited settings.
Survey of neonatal resuscitation practices showed post‐training improvements but need to reinforce preterm management, monitoring and adrenaline use
Authors: Izquierdo Montserrat , Iriondo Martín , Ruiz César , Zeballos Gonzalo , Sánchez Miguel , González Eva , Vento Máximo , Thió Marta ,   the Neonatal Resuscitation Group of the Spanish Neonatal Society (SENeo)
Published: February 2017

Aim

Neonatal resuscitation surveys have showed practice variations between countries, centres and levels of care. We evaluated delivery room practices after a nationwide neonatal resuscitation training programme focused on nontertiary centres.

Methods

A 2012 survey sent to all Spanish hospitals handling deliveries covered staff availability and training, equipment and practices in the delivery room and during transfers to neonatal intensive care units. The results from 98 centres that had completed a previous survey in 2007 were analysed by levels of care. Pearson's chi‐square test was used to compare the proportions.

Results

The following had significantly improved in 2012 compared to 2007: the availability of T‐piece resuscitators (71.4% vs. 41.8%), plastic wraps (69.4% vs. 31.6%), gas blenders (79.6% vs. 40.8%), pulse oximetry (92.9% vs. 61.2%), use of continuous positive airway pressure (82.7% vs. 43.9%) (all p < 0.01), the availability of instructors (55.6% vs. 83.3%, p < 0.05) and neonatal resuscitation courses (40.8% vs. 79.6%, p < 0.05) in nontertiary centres. In 2012, the use of exhaled carbon dioxide detectors was <7% and endotracheal administration of adrenaline was >90%.

Conclusion

Neonatal resuscitation equipment and practices improved over time, but several aspects needed to be reinforced in training programmes, namely preterm infants' management, monitoring and adrenaline administration.
Escaping Zaria's fire? The volcano resettlement problem of Manam Island, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Connell John , Lutkehaus Nancy
Published: February 2017

Most resettlement in the Pacific, whether for political, economic or environmental reasons, has been in some respects unsuccessful, often resulting in land disputes, social conflicts, marginalisation, impoverishment and return migration. Resettlement after volcanic eruption poses particular problems because of necessary immediacy, temporal uncertainty over the duration of the displacement and the wish of most of those displaced to return, when possible. The eruption of the Manam Island volcano in 2004–2005 displaced over 9000 people to the nearby mainland. Successful resettlement, one of the largest necessitated in the Pacific region, has proved difficult, resulting in land disputes, violence, disease and inertia, as a consequence of 10 years of government inability to achieve a permanent resettlement plan or enact a plan. Despite formal opposition, and intermittent volcanicity, many Manams have chosen to return to the island. The Manam Islanders' experience provides a warning about the complex challenges inherent in population resettlement in only subtly different cultural, geographical and political contexts.
Toxicological Effects during and following Persistent Insulin‐Induced Hypoglycaemia in Healthy Euglycaemic Rats
Authors: Jensen Vivi F. H. , Mølck Anne‐Marie , Berthelsen Line O. , Alifrangis Lene , Andersen Lene , Chapman Melissa , Lykkesfeldt Jens , Bøgh Ingrid B.
Published: February 2017

New insulin analogues with a longer duration of action and a ‘peakless’ pharmacokinetic profile have been developed to improve efficacy, safety and convenience for patients with diabetes. During non‐clinical development, according to regulatory guidelines, these analogues are tested in healthy euglycaemic rats rendering them persistently hypoglycaemic. Little is known about the effect of persistent (24 hr/day) insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia (IIH) in rats, complicating interpretation of results in pre‐clinical studies with new longer‐acting insulin analogues. In this study, we investigated the effects of persistent IIH and their reversibility in euglycaemic rats. Histopathological changes in insulin‐infused animals included partly reversible axonal and reversible myofibre degeneration in peripheral nerve and skeletal muscle tissue, respectively, as well as reversible pancreatic islet atrophy and partly reversible increase in unilocular adipocytes in brown adipose tissue. Additionally, results suggested increased gluconeogenesis. The observed hyperphagia, the pancreatic, peripheral nerve and skeletal muscle changes were considered related to the hypoglycaemia. Cessation of insulin infusion resulted in transient hyperglycaemia, decreased food consumption and body‐weight loss before returning to control levels. The implications for the interpretation of non‐clinical studies with long‐acting insulin analogues are discussed.
Varieties of social experience: The religious cultural context of diverse spiritual exemplars
Authors: King Pamela Ebstyne , Abo‐Zena Mona M. , Weber Jonathan D.
Published: February 2017

From cultural developmental and relational developmental systems perspectives, the current study employed an exemplar research design along with qualitative content analysis to gain deeper understanding of how adolescents perceived the social influences on their religious and spiritual development (RSD) among religiously and culturally diverse youth. The sample included interviews of 28 highly spiritual youth aged 12–21 years (M = 17.73 years) from six countries and eight different religious traditions. Analysis revealed that 96% of participants reported multiple relational influences on their RSD and that these persons impacted their religiousness and spirituality through various processes such as teaching and encouragement. Portions of the narrative are presented to reveal how the meaning and influence of these interactions are informed by cultural and religious tradition. The narratives testify to the multifaceted nature of spiritual development and how it is embedded within religious, social, and cultural contexts.

Statement of contribution

Already known

Existing research suggests that adolescent relationships are critical in shaping the religious and spiritual attitudes and practices that youth demonstrate (for reviews, see King & Boyatzis, 2015, Social and Emotional Issues; Mahoney, 2010, Journal of Marriage and Family, 72, 805; Roehlkepartain et al., 2006, The handbook of spiritual development in childhood and adolescence).

Parents and peers are significant in shaping adolescents’ involvement and beliefs in a religious system (i.e., Denton, 2012, Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 5, 42; Desrosiers et al., 2011, Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 3, 39; French et al., 2011, Journal of Youth Adolescence, 40, 1623). Other studies have noted the importance of faith communities, mentors, or religious educators (see Schwartz et al., 2006, The handbook of spiritual development in childhood and adolescence; Vaidyanathan, 2011, Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 50, 366).

However, how these relationships exert influence, on what types of youth, and in what circumstances or cultures is not clear.

Current contribution

Findings demonstrate that a variety of typical individuals influence spiritual development among highly spiritual youth.

Although these influential individuals might fall into common categories (e.g., family, friends, pastors, teachers), their influences are experienced through various processes such as role modeling, teaching, and offering support.

These influences take on different meaning in different religious and cultural contexts.
Can schools reduce bullying? The relationship between school characteristics and the prevalence of bullying behaviours
Authors: Muijs Daniel
Published: February 2017

Background

Bullying remains a persistent phenomenon in schools, but the extent to which day‐to‐day policies and practices relate to bullying prevalence has not been widely studied. In this study, we use an educational effectiveness framework to interrogate this relationship.

Aims

The aim was to study the relationship between school factors and prevalence of bullying in primary schools. We hypothesize that school conditions (e.g., size), school policies (e.g., behaviour policies), and school processes (e.g., teaching quality) are related to bullying prevalence.

Sample

Surveys were administered to pupils in 35 primary schools in four local authorities in England. Pupils (N = 1,411) and teachers (N = 68) in the final year of primary school (year 6) were surveyed.

Methods

This study drew on the following data sources:

A pupil survey on bullying behaviours

A survey of teachers on school policies and processes

Analysis of data on school processes from school inspection reports

Analysis of secondary data on school conditions and pupil characteristics.

Three‐level multilevel models were used to analyse the data.

Results

Results show a substantial school‐ and classroom‐level effect on prevalence of bullying. Effective school policies were found to be related to levels of bullying.

Conclusions

The study provides support for the importance of schools’ embedded policies and practices in relation to bullying prevalence and provides evidence for policy on the importance of focusing on a broad range of outcomes.
Towards a strategy for Critical Zone science in Canada
Authors: Martin Yvonne E. , Johnson E. A.
Published: February 2017

Key Messages

The Critical Zone is an emerging interdisciplinary theme in the environmental sciences.

The Critical Zone Observatories program in the United States has allowed for tremendous research successes.

We urge physical geographers in Canada to pursue national leadership and a strategy for connecting to international developments in Critical Zone science.