bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the difference between body dimensions and jacket measurements on the appearance of a ready-made tailored jacket
Authors: Monobe Ai , Kim KyoungOk , Takatera Masayuki
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify changes in the appearance of a ready-made tailored jacket due to changes in the ease allowance and determine suitable ranges of the ease allowance for the jacket.

Design/methodology/approach

Images were taken of the front, side and back of a jacket placed on a dress form with varying sizes of bust, waist and hips. The authors observed the appearance of the jacket for the different sizes of the dress form. A sensory evaluation of the suitable range of ease allowance for the jacket involving 20 female Japanese university students was carried out. The evaluation items were the fit, beauty, comfort and purchase intention.

Findings

The jacket appearance was lowly evaluated if there were many wrinkles and highly evaluated if there was a curved silhouette. Changes in bust, sleeve and waist parts affected the evaluation of the suitable ranges of ease allowance. The suitable range of ease allowance varied depending on the jacket part and viewing direction. In terms of fit, the suitable ease allowance ranged between 5.6 and 9.9 percent for the bust, between 7.6 and 17.8 percent for the waist and between 2.6 and 8.6 percent for the hips. The suitable ranges were determined considering the wrinkling and silhouette in these parts.

Originality/value

Suitable ranges of ease allowance of a tailored jacket were determined by evaluating a jacket for 11 dress form sizes of the bust, nine sizes of the waist and seven sizes of the hips, at 2 cm intervals. The obtained suitable ease allowance ranges are useful to manufacturers in terms of garment design and to customers in terms of selecting suitable garments.
Leader perceptions and student achievement
Authors: Shin Seon-Hi , Slater Charles L. , Ortiz Steve
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine what factors affect student achievement in reading and mathematics. The research questions addressed the perceptions of school principals and background characteristics related to student achievement in Korea and the USA with respect to differences among students in low, middle and high quantiles.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were taken from the Program for International Student Assessment 2012. Scores in the reading and mathematics were analyzed in conjunction with a principal survey. The Quantile Regression method was used for data analysis with three quantile points. T-statistics were used to test for significance. The predictor set consisted of seven school-leadership variables, and four to six additional covariates.

Findings

The most important finding for the USA was a relationship between organizational hindrance (HND) and low student achievement for the middle and upper quantiles in mathematics and for all quantiles in reading. The (HND) variable included poor teacher-student relations, low expectation of students, overly strict enforcement of rules, lack of attention to student needs, resistance to change, lateness to class, and lack of preparation. The most important finding for Korea was that there were significant associations across all groups between teacher attitude (TCHATT) and student reading achievement and with the low group in mathematics.

Research limitations/implications

This study adds to knowledge about school capacity and suggests that the leadership role of the principal is to overcome negative environmental factors and create a positive organization.

Originality/value

The non-Gaussian approach of regression analysis allowed us to identify significant differences that we otherwise might not have found.
The instructional practice of school principals and its effect on teachers’ job satisfaction
Authors: Kouali Georgia
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a piece of research concerning the practice of Cypriot school principals’ instructional role and its effect on teachers’ job satisfaction, and also to investigate whether higher levels of teachers’ job satisfaction can be predicted when school principals deal with and accomplish their instructional tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative methods were used (two questionnaires) together with qualitative methods (observation, interviews, informal conversations, and collection of artifacts).

Findings

The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that higher levels of teachers’ job satisfaction are not predicted when principals deal with and accomplish their instructional tasks. This result is rather unexpected, considering the trends of modern bibliography regarding the value and effects on teachers of principal’s instructional and transformational leadership. The triangulation of the results helped the authors to re-examine the research question and creates a deeper understanding of the practice of principals’ instructional role and the sources of teachers’ job satisfaction.

Practical implications

The results are analyzed and discussed in order to reach conclusions about the evaluation, selection, and training of school principals. Through the description of the instructional practice of school principals, useful information concerning teachers’ job satisfaction are also provided. Finally, the conclusions of this research may prove useful for educational policy makers, since they can guide them on the successful implementation of changes. Changes are needed in the evaluation and promotion system of Cyprus and in the content of principals’ training programs. School principals must be taught different leadership styles (e.g. transformational and transactional leadership) and learn to modify their leadership behavior according to the situation and the professional maturity of their teachers. In this way, they will be able to increase the level of teachers’ satisfaction as to become more effective in their teaching.

Originality/value

At a time when instructional/transformational leadership is presented to be a panacea for many educational issues, including raising teachers’ job satisfaction, this research with its mixed methodology highlights the complexity and the various interpretations of these concepts and also provides explanations on why many principals do not act as instructional leaders.
Quality culture deployment – using behaviours to explain, diagnose and improve a quality culture
Authors: Cronemyr Peter , Bäckström Ingela , Rönnbäck Åsa
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Today’s organisations face the challenge of measuring the right things and then using those measurements as a starting point to work with improved quality. The failure to generate a shared value base is pointed out as one main cause for the inability to effectively apply quality management and lean within organisations; thus, it appears central to measure these values. However, the measuring of values and behaviours seems to be missing within both concepts. Therefore, there is a need for a tool that measures not only quality values but also behaviours that support or obstruct a quality culture. The purpose of this paper is to describe how a measuring tool which measures quality culture can be designed and structured.

Design/methodology/approach

A project with the aim to measure and develop quality culture started in 2015 by three Swedish universities/institutes and seven organisations. During several workshops, quality values and supportive and obstructive behaviours were developed and described. This resulted in a survey where employees of the participating organisations ranked performance and importance of the described behaviours. The results were presented and discussed in a fourth workshop.

Findings

A framework of behaviours and a measurement tool for a quality culture are presented in this paper.

Originality/value

The framework of behaviours, supporting or obstructing a quality culture, is original and may be very useful to diagnose and develop a quality culture.
Food habits and attitudes towards food quality among young students
Authors: Savelli Elisabetta , Murmura Federica , Liberatore Lolita , Casolani Nicola , Bravi Laura
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The food consumption has always received a lot of attention in the marketing literature, as it tends to reflect and determine the overall consumer behaviour, expression of the individual lifestyle. Nevertheless, less attention has been devoted to the young. This paper aims at analysing how university students, a segment of young people, perceive and evaluate the quality of food and which attributes most influence their food choice and consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire was carried out from March to December 2015 among Italian university students. A sample of 1,138 people took part in the survey. Data were elaborated through SPSS 21.0 statistical software package.

Findings

Findings suggest a number of interesting points. First, a high attention of university students towards price and sales promotion was observed. Nevertheless, they are well informed in food products they buy and pay high attention to ingredients, origin and healthiness of food products. Finally, performing a principal component analysis three different components on food store selection were found, namely, “Price saving”, “Convenience” and “Food assortment and quality”.

Practical implications

A more comprehensive understanding of the food behaviour of the young could be useful for marketing researchers and practitioners to define marketing programs aimed at satisfying the food demand of a growing segment of the market.

Originality/value

The food behaviour of young people as a whole has been little addressed in the marketing literature. Existing studies have explored specific topics such as the consumption of organic food, fast-food buying habits or alcohol abuse.
Quality management practices and their effects on the performance of public hospitals
Authors: Xiong Jingjing , He Zhen , Deng Yujia , Zhang Min , Zhang Zehong
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To face profound changes from decreasing funding, growing patient expectations and increasing competition in the health-care market, public hospitals began to implement effective quality management (QM) practices following manufacturing and other service industries. However, there was little knowledge relevant to the impact of QM practices on the performance of public hospitals. The study aims to shed some further light on this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper extends the previous empirical research to the health-care sectors and suggests the research framework of QM practice-performance relationships in public hospitals. For validation purposes, a cross-sectional survey involving 204 quality managers and directors of large public hospitals was carried out between April and October 2013 in Zhejiang Province, China. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized relationship between QM practices and hospital performance.

Findings

Empirical results support that the implementation of QM practices can bring many benefits to sample hospitals. The dimensions of employee relations and process management are directly related to the health-care and non-health-care performance of public hospitals.

Originality/value

It explores the relationship between QM practices and hospital performance based on empirical results from Chinese public hospitals, whereas few studies have been conducted within the context of public health-care sectors in developing countries. The empirical results could enhance hospital managers’ understanding of the nature of QM practice-performance relationship and help mangers re-allocate more resources to those elements of the QM systems that have the most significant impact on hospital performance.
Understanding quality – conceptualization of the fundamental concepts of quality
Authors: Anttila Juhani , Jussila Kari
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to challenge bridging the gap between the problems of the existing quality profession and the existing and emerging challenges of quality with regard to people, organizations and societies, hence broadening the traditional coverage of quality from the organizations to these three hierarchial societal levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Through professional involvement with researching, developing and practicing quality principles, methodologies and solutions in practice for decades, the authors became convinced that the prevailing conceptual thinking of quality is not based on the valid scientific basis and contains the problem of superficiality. Hence also the practical quality applications are fragmented and vague. As a reaction to the situation, the authors clarify the conceptual essence of quality, its historical background and usage in today’s everyday and professional contexts.

Findings

In this article, the authors present a solid scientific baseline for the ontological fundamentals of the quality discipline, on which also the epistemological pondering can be built, hence establishing the robust foundation for the practical quality management applications.

Originality/value

This conceptual article is an original research and review paper, contributing to the revival process of the quality profession in its entirety, including quality research, education and practices. The study is based on the authors’ multidisciplinary experience, theoretical reflecting and recognized references.
Building quality culture in higher education
Authors: Lycke Liselott , Tano Ingrid
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an approach to build a quality culture within a higher education institution.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on Action research and a Case study.

Findings

The authors show the result of the mapped processes of a higher education institution, Management planning and control, Education, Research and Support, and describe how the mapping was performed, working in cross-functional teams. Further on, they discuss the result of the pilot and the plan for implementation.

Originality/value

A process-oriented approach in higher education institutions, with its complexity, creates opportunities for successful quality assurance and control when having an integrated quality assurance system.
Development of the DGQ role bundle model of the Q occupations
Authors: Schlüter Nadine , Sommerhoff Benedikt
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Today’s generations face the effect that knowledge is no more usable for decades or even centuries. The pace of change as well as its profoundness has reached levels that cause massive changes in companies, but also whole societies. Some call this phenomenon the 4th industrial revolution or Industry 4.0. Others use the term “digital transformation”. Does this mean that quality managers are becoming obsolete soon? How do the Quality occupations adopt? Which changes need to be accomplished in the field of Quality occupations to provide sustainable competencies for future employees? What tasks and functions need to be carried out? And how can these tasks be defined on a universal basis that fits for different kind of branches as well as small and big companies?

Design/methodology/approach

Based on Abbotts “System of Professions”, the development of a transformation concept for Quality occupations is carried out. The purpose of this paper is to define basic professional positions in the field of Quality Engineering regarding quality assurance (QA) and quality management (QM) as well as from an operative to a strategic level. Tasks and responsibilities of todays and future businesses models are clustered and enhanced or specified. In a survey, which included 389 executive managers in Germany, the German Association of Quality elevated those jurisdictions and their competences of QA and QM professionals. The results are used to define the new role bundle model for Quality occupations in Germany.

Findings

The innovative and sustainable role bundle model offers defined Quality occupations for future business models needed for the 4th digital revolution. Thereby, not every role has to be taken by a separate employee in a business organisation. By offering different kind of clusters, the role bundle model helps to create agile role profiles regarding the actual business situation and its size. This way, tasks and jurisdictions within the business organisation can be adapted fast to the changes of the business organisation.

Originality/value

The innovative concept is based on two success criteria: the creation of Quality occupations according to the changes of digital transformation and a survey involving more than 350 German executive managers in the field of Quality. Based on the results, a role bundle model for Quality occupations is designed that helps to coordinate education programmes at universities and professional trainings in Germany.
The influence of relational capability and marketing capabilities on the export performance of emerging market firms
Authors: Pham Thi Song Hanh , Monkhouse Lien Le , Barnes Bradley R.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Drawing on the resource-based view, the purpose of this paper is to focus on the influence of relational capability and marketing capabilities on export performance. The study also examines the interaction effects of relational capability on the marketing capabilities – export performance relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A stratified random sample of 1,047 exporting firms was approached. Survey data were collected from 333 Vietnamese exporting firms and analysed using hierarchical moderated regression.

Findings

The results reveal that a firm’s relational capability not only strengthens the efficiency of the export pricing capability – performance, marketing intelligence capability – performance, and marketing communication capability – performance relationships, but is also the strongest predictor of export performance amongst those capabilities identified. Whilst engagement in market intelligence, product development, price setting and promotional activities have a positive payoff, the findings confirm that there is less need for exporters to engage in after-sales service and distribution capabilities.

Originality/value

The study introduces the notion of relational capability alongside export marketing capabilities as predictors of export performance. The authors also examine the moderating influence of relational capability on the link between export marketing capabilities and export performance. By focusing on Vietnam, the study provides fresh insights surrounding the development pathway for firms in emerging markets.
Factors influencing building refurbishment site managers’ waste management efforts
Authors: Sezer Ahmet Anil
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the factors influencing refurbishment site managers’ waste management efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty-seven semi-structured interviews were held with managers from two large contractors involved in housing and office refurbishment projects in Sweden. Also, a web and postal questionnaire survey was sent to 232 refurbishment site managers and received a 34 per cent response rate.

Findings

Site managers devise waste management strategies based on environmental inventories and project size. In smaller projects, waste contractors are employed only for physical activities rather than providing advice. Site managers’ waste management efforts are influenced by project-related factors, organizational and personal factors, technical factors, industry culture and legislation. The level of contract detail, specific client demands related to waste management and project size are important factors.

Practical implications

Policies and guidelines for projects of different sizes should be developed at least for large contractors; scale influences site managers’ waste strategies. Waste management efforts in refurbishment projects can be improved by addressing simple technical problems including providing clear labelling of containers and ensuring shelter from rain and snow.

Originality/value

This is a pioneer survey of refurbishment site manager opinions and practices. Inefficient waste management in building refurbishment projects can be costly and harmful to the environment. There are many opportunities to improve waste management efforts.
Investigating the major causes of scope creep in real estate construction projects in Ghana
Authors: Teye Amoatey Charles , Anson Betty Asantewaa
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the causes of scope creep on project completion in the real estate development industry in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Both simple random sampling and convenience sampling techniques were used in selecting the respondents for the study. The respondents were experts working in the real estate development industry in Ghana.

Findings

Results from the study showed that the most critical factors that cause scope creep in the Ghanaian real estate development industry are client changes, unforeseen risks and unclear scope. Mitigating measures for addressing these factors were proposed.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to causes of scope creep in the real estate development industry in Ghana based on data collected from only real estate development firms in Accra. Due to geographic constraints, the researcher was unable to sample real estate development companies across the entire country. The finding of this study may not be generalised since causes of scope creep can be unique to individual country contexts.

Practical implication

This paper has documented the critical causes of scope creep and its major impacts on project completion in the real estate development industry in Ghana. The results will help project managers in the industry to appreciate the causes of scope creep and its effect on project completion as well as increase the quality of economics on real estate management and reduce the costs and risks of housing of delivery in the country.

Originality/value

The paper examined the causes and mitigation of project scope creep in the Ghanaian context.
Lean manufacturing practices in Indian manufacturing SMEs and their effect on sustainability performance
Authors: M.P. Sajan , P.R. Shalij , A. Ramesh , P. Biju Augustine
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The relevance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in contributing to the economy and social development is increasingly felt in the current business environment. Focusing on sustainable development, SMEs have also implemented many acting strategies of large-scale enterprises such as lean and green practices. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the linkage between lean manufacturing practices (LMPs) in SMEs and their sustainability performances. Further, this study explores the relationship between the triple bottom line sustainability performances.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a survey conducted and data collected from 252 manufacturing SMEs in India. The hypothesized relationships are then analyzed with structural equation modeling.

Findings

The outcome of the analysis shows that LMPs are positively associated with various sustainability performances categorized as economic, environmental, and social performances. Further, this study shows that environmental sustainability is correlated with economic and social sustainability performances.

Research limitations/implications

The study conducted was limited to a particular state in India. Moreover, the study uses the data from a cross-sectional survey from single respondents.

Practical implications

The findings of the study become an added advantage for the managers to convince their various stakeholders for implementing LMPs in SMEs.

Originality/value

The research findings provide theoretical and practical insights to derive the importance of LMPs in maximizing sustainability performances. It gives an enhanced perspective of the importance of LMPs on the sustainability performance of SMEs.
CUF scaling effect on contact angle and threshold pressure
Authors: Ng Fei Chong , Abas Mohamad Aizat , Abdullah MZ , Ishak MHH , Chong Gean Yuen
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present experimental and finite volume method (FVM)-based simulation studies on the scaling effect on the capillary contact angle and entrant pressure for a three-dimensional encapsulation process of ball-grid array (BGA).

Design/methodology/approach

With the development of various sizes of BGA packages, the scaling effect of BGA model on capillary underfill (CUF) process is investigated together with the influences of different industrial standard solder bump arrangements and dispensing methods used as case study.

Findings

The experimental results agree well to the simulation findings with minimal deviation in filling time and similar flow front profiles for all setups. The results revealed that the capillary contact angle of flow front decreases in scale-up model with larger gap height observed and lengthens the encapsulation process. Statistical correlation studies are conducted and accurate regression equations are obtained to relate the gap height to the completion filling time and contact angle. CUF threshold capillary pressures were computed based on Leverett-J function and found to be increasing with the scale size of the package.

Practical implications

These statistical data provide accurate insights into the impact of BGA’s scale sizes to the CUF process that will be benefiting the future design of BGA package. This study provided electronic designers with profound understanding on the scaling effect in CUF process of BGA, which may be extended to the future development of miniature-sized BGA and multi-stack device.

Originality/value

This study relates the flow behaviour of encapsulant to its capillary contact angle and Leverett-J pressure threshold, in the CUF process of different BGA and dispensing conditions. To date, no research has been found to predict the threshold pressure on the gap between the chip and substrate.
Becoming independent: political participation and youth transitions in the Scottish referendum
Authors: Breeze Maddie , Gorringe Hugo , Jamieson Lynn , Rosie Michael
Published: July 2017

Sociological debates on youth engagement with electoral politics play out against a backdrop of supposed ‘decline’ in civic participation (e.g. Putnam , Norris, ), in turn contextualized by theories of individualization in ‘late’ or ‘reflexive’ modernity (Beck, Giddens). However, the enfranchisement of 16 and 17 year olds in the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum catalysed remarkably high levels of voter turnout among this youngest group, and was accompanied by apparently ongoing political engagement. We explored this engagement among a strategic sample of young ‘Yes’ voters, in the immediate aftermath of this exceptional political event. Analysis of qualitative interview data generated an unanticipated finding; that interviewees narrated their political engagement biographically, articulated their referendum participation reflexively, and located their new political ideas, allegiances and actions in the context of their own transitions to ‘independent’ adulthood. This inspired us to rethink young people's political engagement in relation to youth transitions. Doing so enables a synthesis of divergent strands in the sociology of youth, and offers new insights into the combinations of ‘personal’ agentic and ‘political’ structural factors involved in young people's politicization.
Financial Flexibility and Investment: Evidence from REIT At‐the‐Market (ATM) Equity Offerings
Authors: Howton Shawn D. , Howton Shelly W. , Scheick Benjamin
Published: July 2017

This article examines changes in real estate investment around the establishment of at‐the‐market (ATM) equity programs by equity REITs. We document a significant increase in the rate of investment following an ATM program announcement and its subsequent use. However, we find that ATM access has a differential impact on the investment activity of REITs facing more significant financial constraints. We also provide further evidence that REITs with ATM programs generate positive long‐run returns in excess of that of similarly timed SEOs.
Aggressiveness in depression: a neglected symptom possibly associated with bipolarity and mixed features
Authors: Verdolini N. , Perugi G. , Samalin L. , Murru A. , Angst J. , Azorin J.‐M. , Bowden C. L. , Mosolov S. , Young A. H. , Barbuti M. , Guiso G. , Popovic D. , Vieta E. , Pacchiarotti I. ,   the BRIDGE‐II‐Mix Study Group
Published: July 2017

Objective

To evaluate aggressiveness during a major depressive episode (MDE) and its relationship with bipolar disorder (BD) in a post hoc analysis of the BRIDGE‐II‐MIX study.

Method

A total of 2811 individuals were enrolled in this multicenter cross‐sectional study. MDE patients with (MDE‐A, n = 399) and without aggressiveness (MDE‐N, n = 2412) were compared through chi‐square test or Student's t‐test. A stepwise backward logistic regression model was performed.

Results

MDE‐A group was more frequently associated with BD (P < 0.001), while aggressiveness was negatively correlated with unipolar depression (P < 0.001). At the logistic regression, aggressiveness was associated with the age at first depressive episode (P < 0.001); the severity of mania (P = 0.03); the diagnosis of BD (P = 0.001); comorbid borderline personality disorder (BPD) (P < 0.001) but not substance abuse (P = 0.63); no current psychiatric treatment (P < 0.001); psychotic symptoms (P = 0.007); the marked social/occupational impairment (P = 0.002). The variable most significantly associated with aggressiveness was the presence of DSM‐5 mixed features (P < 0.001, OR = 3.815). After the exclusion of BPD, the variable of lifetime suicide attempts became significant (P = 0.013, OR = 1.405).

Conclusion

Aggressiveness seems to be significantly associated with bipolar spectrum disorders, independently from BPD and substance abuse. Aggressiveness should be considered as a diagnostic criterion for the mixed features specifier and a target of tailored treatment strategy.
A pilot randomized clinical trial testing integrated 12‐Step facilitation (iTSF) treatment for adolescent substance use disorder
Authors: Kelly John F. , Kaminer Yifrah , Kahler Christopher W. , Hoeppner Bettina , Yeterian Julie , Cristello Julie V. , Timko Christine
Published: July 2017

Background and Aims

The integration of 12‐Step philosophy and practices is common in adolescent substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs, particularly in North America. However, although numerous experimental studies have tested 12‐Step facilitation (TSF) treatments among adults, no studies have tested TSF‐specific treatments for adolescents. We tested the efficacy of a novel integrated TSF.

Design

Explanatory, parallel‐group, randomized clinical trial comparing 10 sessions of either motivational enhancement therapy/cognitive–behavioral therapy (MET/CBT; n = 30) or a novel integrated TSF (iTSF; n = 29), with follow‐up assessments at 3, 6 and 9 months following treatment entry.

Setting

Out‐patient addiction clinic in the United States.

Participants

Adolescents [n = 59; mean age = 16.8 (1.7) years; range = 14–21; 27% female; 78% white].

Intervention and comparator

The iTSF integrated 12‐Step with motivational and cognitive–behavioral strategies, and was compared with state‐of‐the‐art MET/CBT for SUD.

Measurements

Primary outcome: percentage days abstinent (PDA); secondary outcomes: 12‐Step attendance, substance‐related consequences, longest period of abstinence, proportion abstinent/mostly abstinent, psychiatric symptoms.

Findings

Primary outcome: PDA was not significantly different across treatments [b = 0.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) = –0.08 to 0.24, P = 0.33; Bayes’ factor = 0.28). Secondary outcomes: during treatment, iTSF patients had substantially greater 12‐Step attendance, but this advantage declined thereafter (b = −0.87; 95% CI = –1.67 to 0.07, P = 0.03). iTSF did show a significant advantage at all follow‐up points for substance‐related consequences (b = −0.42; 95% CI = –0.80 to −0.04, P < 0.05; effect size range d = 0.26–0.71). Other secondary outcomes did not differ significantly between treatments, but effect sizes tended to favor iTSF. Throughout the entire sample, greater 12‐Step meeting attendance was associated significantly with longer abstinence during (r = 0.39, P = 0.008), and early following (r = 0.30, P = 0.049), treatment.

Conclusion

Compared with motivational enhancement therapy/cognitive–behavioral therapy (MET/CBT), in terms of abstinence, a novel integrated 12‐Step facilitation treatment for adolescent substance use disorder (iTSF) showed no greater benefits, but showed benefits in terms of 12‐Step attendance and consequences. Given widespread use of combinations of 12‐Step, MET and CBT in adolescent community out‐patient settings in North America, iTSF may provide an integrated evidence‐based option that is compatible with existing practices.
Cytogenetic tests for animal production: state of the art and perspectives
Authors: Udroiu I. , Sgura A.
Published: July 2017

Cytogenetic tests are effective tools for monitoring the health status of livestock and improving their genetic value. Cytogenetic screening allows for the detection of animals carrying chromosomal aberrations and to avoid using them as breeders. Progress in karyotype monitoring, with new molecular probes and automation, has greatly increased the productivity of this procedure. Several genotoxicity tests are available to detect the possible presence and effects of pollutants or drugs. Among these, the micronucleus test and the Comet assay are the most convenient in terms of costs and benefits. Finally, analysis of telomeres, the end of chromosomes and markers of genomic instability, may be developed into a new marker of stress and genetic value.
Calorie restriction reverses age‐related alteration of cavernous neurovascular structure in the rat
Authors: Limanjaya A. , Song K.‐M. , Choi M.‐J. , Ghatak K. , Minh N. N. , Kang D. H. , Ock J. , Yin G. N. , Chung H. Y. , Ryu J.‐K. , Suh J.‐K.
Published: July 2017

Calorie restriction (CR) refers to a reduction of calorie intake without compromising essential nutrients to avoid malnutrition. CR has been established as a non‐genetic method of altering longevity and attenuating biological changes associated with aging. Aging is also an important risk factor for erectile dysfunction. The aim of this study was to examine whether CR diet can reverse the age‐related alterations of erectile tissue in the aged rat. Four groups of rats were used: young rats (7 months) + ad libitum, aged rats (22 months) + ad libitum, young rats + CR diet, and aged rats + CR diet. The ad libitum group had free access to both food and water, and CR groups were fed 60% of the food intake of their ad libitum littermates, starting from 6 weeks before sacrifice. The penis was harvested and stained with antibodies to von Willebrand factor, smooth muscle α‐actin, platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐β, phospho‐eNOS, nNOS, and neurofilament. We also performed Masson trichrome staining and TUNEL assay. The blood samples were collected for the measurement of serum total testosterone level. The contents of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, pericytes, and neuronal cells as well as serum testosterone levels were significantly lower in the penis of aged rats than in their young littermates. CR significantly restored cavernous endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, pericytes, and neuronal cell contents and decreased cavernous endothelial cell apoptosis and fibrosis in both young and aged rats. CR also increased serum testosterone level in aged rats, but not in young rats. CR successfully improved age‐related derangements in penile neurovascular structures and hormonal disturbance. Along with a variety of lifestyle modifications, our study gave us a scientific rationale for CR as a non‐pharmaceutical strategy to reprogram damaged erectile tissue toward neurovascular repair in aged men.
Carbon Dioxide Flush of an Integrated Minimized Perfusion Circuit Prior to Priming Prevents Spontaneous Air Release Into the Arterial Line During Clinical Use
Authors: Stehouwer Marco C. , de Vroege Roel , Hoohenkerk Gerard J. F. , Hofman Frederik N. , Kelder Johannes C , Buchner Bas , de Mol Bastian A. , Bruins Peter
Published: July 2017

Recently, an oxygenator with an integrated centrifugal blood pump (IP) was designed to minimize priming volume and to reduce blood foreign surface contact even further. The use of this oxygenator with or without integrated arterial filter was compared with a conventional oxygenator and nonintegrated centrifugal pump. To compare the air removal characteristics 60 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were alternately assigned into one of three groups to be perfused with a minimized extracorporeal circuit either with the conventional oxygenator, the oxygenator with IP, or the oxygenator with IP plus integrated arterial filter (IAF). Air entering and leaving the three devices was measured accurately with a bubble counter during cardiopulmonary bypass. No significant differences between all groups were detected, considering air entering the devices. Our major finding was that in both integrated devices groups incidental spontaneous release of air into the arterial line in approximately 40% of the patients was observed. Here, detectable bolus air (>500 µm) was shown in the arterial line, whereas in the minimal extracorporeal circulation circuit (MECC) group this phenomenon was not present. We decided to conduct an amendment of the initial design with METC‐approval. Ten patients were assigned to be perfused with an oxygenator with IP and IAF. Importantly, the integrated perfusion systems used in these patients were flushed with carbon dioxide (CO2) prior to priming of the systems. In the group with CO2 flush no spontaneous air release was observed in all cases and this was significantly different from the initial study with the group with the integrated device and IAF. This suggests that air spilling may be caused by residual air in the integrated device. In conclusion, integration of a blood pump may cause spontaneous release of large air bubbles (>500 µm) into the arterial line, despite the presence of an integrated arterial filter. CO2 flushing of an integrated cardiopulmonary bypass system prior to priming may prevent spontaneous air release and is strongly recommended to secure patient safety.
Model-free Scoring System for Risk Prediction with Application to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Study
Authors: Shen Weining , Ning Jing , Yuan Ying , Lok Anna S. , Feng Ziding
Published: July 2017

There is an increasing need to construct a risk-prediction scoring system for survival data and identify important risk factors (e.g., biomarkers) for patient screening and treatment recommendation. However, most existing methodologies either rely on strong model assumptions (e.g., proportional hazards) or only handle binary outcomes. In this article, we propose a flexible method that simultaneously selects important risk factors and identifies the optimal linear combination of risk factors by maximizing a pseudo-likelihood function based on the time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Our method is particularly useful for risk evaluation and recommendation of optimal subsequent treatments. We show that the proposed method has desirable theoretical properties, including asymptotic normality and the oracle property after variable selection. Numerical performance is evaluated on several simulation data sets and an application to hepatocellular carcinoma data.
Novel molecular mechanism of cellular transformation by a mutant molecular chaperone in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Araki Marito , Komatsu Norio
Published: July 2017

Deregulation of the cytokine‐receptor signaling pathway plays a significant role in tumorigenesis. Such deregulation is frequently caused by alterations in the genes involved in the signaling pathway. At the end of 2013, recurrent somatic mutations in the calreticulin (CALR) gene that encodes a molecular chaperone were identified in a subset of patients with Philadelphia‐chromosome negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). The present review focuses on the role of CALR mutations in the oncogenic transformations observed in MPN. All the CALR mutations were found to generate a + 1 frameshift in the reading frame on exon 9, which encodes the carboxy (C)‐terminus end of CALR, and thus conferred a common mutant‐specific sequence in all the CALR mutants. The mutant CALR (but not the wild‐type) constitutively activates the thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor, myeloproliferative leukemia protein (MPL), even in the absence of TPO to induce cellular transformation. Preferential interaction between the mutant CALR and MPL is achieved by a presumptive conformational change induced by the mutant‐specific C‐terminus domain, which allows N‐domain binding to MPL. Even though mutant CALR is expressed on the cell surface and is secreted out of cells, it only presents autocrine capacity for MPL activation. These findings define a novel molecular mechanism by which the mutant molecular chaperone constitutively activates the cytokine receptor to induce cellular transformation.
Is Overimitation a Uniquely Human Phenomenon? Insights From Human Children as Compared to Bonobos
Authors: Clay Zanna , Tennie Claudio
Published: July 2017

Imitation is a key mechanism of human culture and underlies many of the intricacies of human social life, including rituals and social norms. Compared to other animals, humans appear to be special in their readiness to copy novel actions as well as those that are visibly causally irrelevant. This study directly compared the imitative behavior of human children to that of bonobos, our understudied great ape relatives. During an action‐copying task involving visibly causally irrelevant actions, only 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children (N = 77) readily copied, whereas no bonobo from a large sample did (N = 46). These results highlight the distinctive nature of the human cultural capacity and contribute important insights into the development and evolution of human cultural behaviors.
Rwanda and the Difficult Business of Capitalist Development
Authors: Harrison Graham
Published: July 2017

This article argues that current schisms in the research on post‐genocide Rwanda are not sui generis but symptomatic of a broader set of separations within our understanding of development. Both the research on Rwanda and the most prominent intellectual responses to the rise of neoliberalism in development research have generated separations between a concern with rights and individual agency and structural transformation. The article sets out a way to reconcile key aspects of this separation and offers three empirical themes that provide original insights into Rwanda's apparent determination and partial success in pushing ahead with a bold strategy of capitalist transformation.
Pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of the novel dual glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/glucagon‐like peptide‐1 agonist RG7697 after single subcutaneous administration in healthy subjects
Authors: Portron Agnès , Jadidi Shirin , Sarkar Neena , DiMarchi Richard , Schmitt Christophe
Published: July 2017

Aims

To evaluate the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and safety of single subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of ascending doses of RG7697, a dual glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/glucagon‐like peptide‐1 agonist, in healthy subjects.

Methods

A total of 51 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study investigating RG7697 doses ranging from 0.03 to 5 mg. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored and drug concentrations, fasting glycaemic variables, vital signs, ECG, antibody formation and routine laboratory variables were assessed. A meal tolerance test (MTT) was performed at the same time on day −1 (baseline) and day 1.

Results

RG7697 was generally well tolerated in healthy participants after s.c. injections up to 3.6 mg. Tolerability was limited by gastrointestinal AEs (nausea and vomiting) at the highest dose. There was a small dose‐dependent increase in heart rate. No episodes of hypoglycaemia occurred. RG7697 concentrations peaked at 2 to 4 hours post‐dose with a half‐life of 19 to 25 hours. During MTT, RG7697 at doses ≥1.8 mg, reduced glucose maximum plasma concentration (Cmax; −46%) without affecting overall glucose area under the curve (AUC). Its effect on insulin was more pronounced, with reductions in both Cmax (−64%) and AUC (−51%). Pharmacodynamic variables were well correlated to RG7697 average plasma concentration during MTT, with IC50 (average concentration required for 50% reduction) values of 49 and 24.5 ng/mL for glucose and insulin, respectively.

Conclusion

Single s.c. injections of RG7697 up to 3.6 mg were generally well tolerated. Evidence of glycaemic effect and pharmacokinetic profiles consistent with once‐daily dosing render this drug candidate suitable to be further tested in multiple‐dose clinical trials in patients with type 2 diabetes.
American elm cultivars: Variation in compartmentalization of infection by Ophiostoma novo‐ulmi and its effects on hydraulic conductivity
Authors: Beier G. L. , Held B. W. , Giblin C. P. , Cavender‐Bares J. , Blanchette R. A.
Published: July 2017

Five cultivars and two populations of wild‐type seedlings of American elm (Ulmus americana), 3 and 4 years old, were examined for differences in their abilities to compartmentalize and resist infection by artificially inoculating with Ophiostoma novo‐ulmi. Morphological characteristics of tree defence, often referred to as the compartmentalization of decay in trees model, were used as a conceptual framework, with particular emphasis on the limiting of tangential spread of infection within the xylem and barriers that limit spread outwards to cells formed after infection. To investigate the change in functional xylem over time, 3‐year‐old trees were assessed at multiple time points following inoculation for hydraulic conductivity. Three and four‐year‐old cut trees were placed in 0.1% w/v safranin O for 18 to 24 hr to indicate functional xylem. Transverse sections of the stained stems were used to calculate per cent of sap‐conducting xylem area and the per cent of circumference conducting of first formed cells and later formed cells. At each collection time, trees were assessed for disease severity on a 1–12 scale, based on the percentage of permanent wilt in the crown. There was considerable variation between cultivars in disease severity and their capacity to localize and resist infection. “Prairie Expedition,” which had the lowest disease severity rating in 2015 and the second lowest in 2016, consistently limited the spread of infection into newly formed xylem and had functional xylem around the entire circumference of the stem at 90 days post‐inoculation. “Valley Forge” in 2016 had the lowest overall disease severity rating and was the only cultivar to consistently limit the tangential spread of infection within extant xylem. This research identifies key characteristics that some cultivars have to resist and limit infection and provides new information that can be used in disease screening programmes to evaluate other cultivars and older plant material.