bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep Quality and Its Health Correlates Among Egyptian Secondary School Students
Authors: Ismail Dalia M. , Mahran Dalia G. , Zarzour Ali H , Sheahata Ghaydaa A.
Published: May 2020

The objective of the recent study was to determine the prevalence of poor sleep quality and to assess its psychological and general health correlates among secondary school students in the city of Assiut, Egypt. A cross sectional study was conducted among 829 secondary school students (selected by multistage stratified random sampling) aged 15–19 years in Assiut. Students filled in a self-administered questionnaire that included demographic data, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale, general perception of health, and the short form of Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale. The prevalence of poor sleep quality (PSQI >5) was 72.5%. The mean PSQI score was 7.35 ± 2.94 standard deviation. Poor sleep quality was higher among females, urban residents and public school students. Correlates of poor sleep by multivariate analysis were age, urban residence, public education, mild to moderate and severe to very severe anxiety symptoms, severe to very severe depressive symptoms, excessive daytime sleepiness, and feeling fully active sometimes and not active at any time. Poor sleep quality was alarmingly highly prevalent among secondary school students, with significant health consequences. Increasing the awareness of the community especially adolescents, parents, and school teachers about healthy sleep is an essential priority.
Whom Should I Talk To? Emerging Adults’ Romantic Relationship Work
Authors: Jensen Jakob , Rauer Amy , Rodriguez Yuliana , Brimhall Andrew
Published: May 2020

This exploratory study examined how often young adults discussed their romantic relationship problems with their social networks: partners, friends, mothers, and fathers (“relationship work” or RW). Using a sample of 82 heterosexual, romantically involved young adults, we found that participants engaged in RW most frequently with partners, followed by friends and mothers, and least with fathers. Suggesting that young adults vary in their disclosure patterns, cluster analyses revealed three groups: disclosers, who shared romantic challenges with all parties examined; selectives, who primarily discussed romantic problems with partners and mothers; and discretes, who engaged in low RW overall. Although RW with mothers was not concurrently associated with partners’ love and conflict, RW with fathers was associated with less love and greater conflict. Moreover, when looking at a subsample of 56 participants who remained together over the course of a year, greater reported romantic love at Time 1 predicted less RW with fathers 1 year later at Time 2. Findings suggest that romantic and social dynamics in emerging adulthood may determine the extent to which young adults confide in their mothers and fathers about romantic problems, but that both parents play important roles. Scholars need to consider the influence of the social network, including parents, on romantic relationship functioning, particularly in young adulthood. Practitioners may also benefit from discussing appropriate and helpful ways of actively involving the social network in romantic challenges.
Development and Validation of the Body Knowledge Questionnaire (Phase 2)
Authors: Hernandez David A. , Hernandez Cheri Ann
Published: May 2020

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Body Knowledge Questionnaire (BKQ), an instrument that measures weight management integration: an individual’s attitudes, preferences, and behaviors associated with weight self-management. The BKQ was revised following a pilot study demonstrating its validity and reliability, and new items were added based on data gathered through four focus groups of obese and normal-weight survey completers. Additional items were derived from the extant literature on weight management and integration. A panel of 30 health professionals who work in the area of weight management, bariatrics, and nutrition science reviewed the revised BKQ for content validity. Two hundred sixty-seven participants, recruited through Walden University’s online participant pool, completed the revised 66-item BKQ through SurveyMonkey. Exploratory factor analysis yielded a five-factor solution (Emotional Eating, Health-Conscious Lifestyle, Conscientious Eating Habits, Food Centricity, and Psychosomatic Awareness), with factor loadings >.40. Discriminant function analysis determined that the BKQ full scale and subscales could predict the classification of participants into normal-weight and obese groups for the total sample with 71% and 79% accuracy, respectively. Test–retest reliability was .86, and internal consistency of the overall BKQ was .92. The BKQ instrument has potential for use in individual or group weight management programs and program evaluation; for use in weight management practice areas such as dietetics, diabetes education, nursing, and psychology; or in the development of new weight management interventions.
Quantitative Forecasting of Risk for PTSD Using Ecological Factors: A Deep Learning Application
Authors: Mor Nuriel S. , Dardeck Kathryn L.
Published: May 2020

Forecasting the risk for mental disorders from early ecological information holds benefits for the individual and society. Computational models used in psychological research, however, are barriers to making such predictions at the individual level. Preexposure identification of future soldiers at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other individuals, such as humanitarian aid workers and journalists intending to be potentially exposed to traumatic events, is important for guiding decisions about exposure. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate a machine learning approach to identify individuals at risk for PTSD using readily collected ecological risk factors, which makes scanning a large population possible. An exhaustive literature review was conducted to identify multiple ecological risk factors for PTSD. A questionnaire assessing these factors was designed and distributed among residents of southern Israel who have been exposed to terror attacks; data were collected from 1,290 residents. A neural network classification algorithm was used to predict the likelihood of a PTSD diagnosis. Assessed by cross-validation, the prediction of PTSD diagnostic status yielded a mean area under receiver operating characteristics curve of .91 (F score = .83). This study is a novel attempt to implement a neural network classification algorithm using ecological risk factors to predict potential risk for PTSD. Preexposure identification of future soldiers and other individuals at risk for PTSD from a large population of candidates is feasible using machine learning methods and readily collected ecological factors.
Perceptions of Obese African American Women Regarding Altering Traditional Soul Food Preparation
Authors: Young Patricia
Published: May 2020

The obesity epidemic continues to be a major concern in the United States. The World Health Organization reported that 1.4 billion adults were either obese or overweight African American (AA) women have the highest incidence of obesity worldwide. A qualitative descriptive study was used to explore the perceptions of obese AA women about altering how they prepare soul food to make it healthier. The empowerment model and the health belief model were used to frame this study. Data were collected using a nonprobability purposeful sampling strategy. The sample for this study consisted of four focus groups with six to seven obese AA women ages 21–90 who prepared and consumed high-calorie soul foods and had a body mass index ³30. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using a constant comparative analysis. It was found that obese AA women were willing to alter their traditional soul food preparation only if it tastes good, recipes are available, it is cost effective, and it produces minimum food waste. Barriers that could limit participation in an intervention as well as recommendations for designing interventions are discussed.
Employee Perceptions of Well-Being Programs
Authors: Edwards Alice V , Marcus Susan
Published: May 2020

Measuring the effectiveness of well-being programs in the workplace is important for optimizing the return on investment and selection of programs that meet organizational objectives. A pilot study was performed to assess employee well-being using the Happiness Mini-Survey and a one-sample pre–post study design intended to quickly allow employees to subjectively rate their well-being before and after participating in various classes as part of a well-being program. The findings demonstrated statistical significance in employee subjective ratings; they reported feeling better emotionally, physically, and mentally after participating in the classes. The employees’ self-rating for stress level also had statistically significant improvement after class participation. These findings are relevant for organizations that intend to offer and evaluate classes with an objective of increasing employee well-being. Recommendations for future studies include the use of more controlled conditions, and a control or comparison group to more robustly test for improvement over time, and the use of qualitative interviews to discover employees’ narratives of how workplace well-being programs can improve work productivity and quality of life.
Do Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Predict Under-Five Mortality in Nigeria?
Authors: Debem Henry Chukwunonso , Refaat Amany H , Osoba Tolulope A
Published: May 2020

Nigerian children under 5 years of age are over 15 times more at risk of death than their counterparts in developed regions of the world; the prevalence of miscarriage, an adverse pregnancy outcome (APO), was estimated at 49%. In the present study, the relationship between APO and under-5 mortality (U5M) in Nigeria was examined to determine if APO could be used as a reliable early warning indicator for U5M. We used a cross-sectional secondary data analysis of datasets from three Nigeria demographic and health surveys: 2003, 2008, and 2013. The study population was women of reproductive age (15–49). Cochran–Mantel–Haenzel chi-square statistics and multiple logistic regression were performed to determine the association, based on maternal socioeconomic factors and access to prenatal healthcare. Results indicated a significant inverse association between APO and U5M. The children of women who have experienced any form of APO may be at lower risk of U5M than children of women who have never had any APO. The implication is that history of APO may not be a reliable early warning indicator for determining higher risk of U5M. These findings suggest further studies to explore the pathway of this association.
Silent Hands: A Leader’s Ability to Create Nonverbal Immediacy
Authors: Talley Linda , Temple Samuel R
Published: May 2020

Nonverbal immediacy is a core element of a leader’s ability to lead followers. Nevertheless, there are no empirical studies regarding a link between a leader’s hand gestures and followers’ perceptions of immediacy (attraction to someone) or nonimmediacy (distancing). Guided by Mehrabian’s theory of nonverbal behavior, this study included one independent variable segmented into seven levels (positive hand gestures defined as community hand, humility hands, and steepling hands; three defensive gestures, defined as hands in pocket, arms crossed over chest, and hands behind back; and neutral/no hand gestures) to test for immediacy or nonimmediacy. In this experimental study, participants (n = 300; male = 164; female = 143) were shown one of seven pictures of a leader. Four hypotheses were tested for main and interactional effects and all were supported by the results. Immediate communication received strong support, meaning immediacy on the part of a leader is likely to lead to increased emotional connection to achieve desirable outcomes. This study advances theory from previous research that specific hand gestures are more effective than others at creating immediacy between leaders and followers.
Supporting Transgender Students in Higher Education: Opportunities for Mental Health Professionals
Authors: Marsh Tracy G
Published: May 2020

During the last decade, there has been a significant increase in visibility of transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) individuals, particularly in Western cultures. However, this increase in visibility has also prompted a concomitant surge in hate crimes and violence against TGNC persons and anti-TGNC legislation throughout the United States. Extant research, framed largely by Meyer’s minority stress model, has shown that TGNC persons experience greater rates of psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation and intent when compared to cisgender and lesbian, gay, and bisexual peers. Furthermore, TGNC students in higher education face specific challenges with regard to campus facilities, housing, athletics, management of their preferred gender identity, and scholarly research. Mental health professionals with explicitly stated ethical imperatives toward advancing diversity, multiculturalism, and social change are uniquely positioned to advocate on behalf of TNGC higher education students. The purpose of this scholarly essay is to summarize challenges faced by TGNC students and to identify specific ways that mental health professionals can effect change on the campus, in the classroom, in research, and in direct service.
Public Service Announcements to Promote Physical Activity
Authors: Erickson Jennifer , Greiner Jay
Published: May 2020

The World Health Organization promotes physical activity (PA) as important for successful maintenance of health, but many individuals are inactive. Despite the potential for public service announcements (PSAs) to communicate health information and promote behavior change, no previous research on developing video PSAs to promote PA was found. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to examine how video PSAs designed for public health campaigns affect future levels of intention to engage in PA. The PSAs assessed perceived effectiveness of message foci and the impact of stage of change readiness. They were developed specifically for this study using the model of goal directed behavior as the foundation. Participants were recruited via SurveyMonkey, an Internet-based survey research platform that included an option for referral sampling to view PSAs with the message foci of empathy, fear, information, and combination to determine which focus area was perceived as most persuasive for promoting PA. The present study examined moderating effects of current PA habits, stage of change readiness, and affect at time of viewing PSA. Differences in perceived effectiveness between the different message foci were found with participants perceiving the empathy video as most effective, followed by combination videos, with fear and information being perceived least effective. For participants who met the World Health Organization recommendations for PA, the PSA based on fear was most effective. Many participants (61%) had a positive affect while watching the four PSA videos. Stages of change indicated over 28% of participants were in precontemplation and 11% were in action. Social implications are based on improving public health communication to promote healthy behavior and physical exercise
Secondary Trauma of lay Mental Health Workers in Low Resource Locations: Bukavu
Authors: Jinor Janny
Published: May 2020

A general consensus exists in the literature that working with a trauma population will produce negative personal, psychological, and professional consequences including secondary trauma. However, a significant research gap occurs with regard to how secondary trauma affects psychosocial assistants (PAs) who work in low-resource and conflict-stricken Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The DRC is plagued by psychological problems resulting from numerous past and ongoing conflicts, but sufficient trained mental health personnel and resources are lacking. As a result, the dire responsibility of providing mental health services to survivors of rape has shifted to minimally trained PAs. This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of secondary trauma through face-to-face interviews with 13 PAs in Bukavu. The findings of this study could potentially motivate further research, which will bridge the gap in the understanding of secondary trauma of PAs in the DRC and similar locations. Additionally, this study may be instrumental in restructuring policies and delivery methods favorable to sustainable mental health services in locations such as Bukavu. Finally, it may impact social change through the advancement of mental health services and psychological well-being of the Bukavu community.
Victimization of the Homeless: Public Perceptions, Public Policies, and Implications for Social Work Practice
Authors: Turner Marion M , Funge Simon P. , Gabbard Wesley J
Published: May 2020

Homeless individuals are particularly vulnerable to victimization, sometimes resulting in fatalities. Theories of victimization prove useful to understanding the risks inherent in being homeless as well as the public’s perception of the homeless population. Problematically, public policy that criminalizes this population may exacerbate the victimization of this group. Municipalities have turned to law enforcement and the criminal justice system to respond to people living in public spaces. Programs that ensure adequate income, affordable housing, and supportive services to prevent homelessness and address the needs of those who are homeless are essential. In addition, increased law enforcement training and the implementation of legislation to include homeless persons as a protected class in hate crime statutes is needed. In effect, these interventions focus on reducing the risks associated with being homelessness—in turn reducing the risk of their further victimization. Social workers are both uniquely positioned and ethically obligated to support these efforts and contribute to the social inclusion of people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
SOCIEDADE DO CONSUMO E A COMUNICAÇÃO: UMA ANÁLISE SOBRE O SHOPPING POPULAR
Authors: Furmigare Nayene Cardoso
Published: May 2020

Bauman's consumer society is central to the formation of individuals' social identity. Far beyond personal satisfaction in consumption, it starts to have a primordial weight in the construction of personalities. The study in this article aims to analyze the impacts of consumption on contemporary society, through the case study of “Camelódromo”, currently Shopping Popular. The objectives are to offer a concise view on the nature of consumption and its impact on the individual's life, in addition to pointing to the marketing communication worked on the sales strategy, to induce or execute consumption. The methodology is proven by intensive direct observation and interview techniques. The method is the case study "Camelódromo", located in the city of Londrina-PR. The theoretical-market foundation is proven by the concepts analyzed by Zygmunt Bauman, Jean Baudrillard and Lívia Barbosa. The permitted results indicate that consumption increases rapidly, causing a conflict with society, especially with the very behavior of wanting, desiring and having.
Urban Heat Island Effects in Tropical Climate
Authors: E. Torres Molina Luz , Morales Sara , F. Carrión Luis
Published: May 2020

This paper reviews some of the characteristics of urban climates and the causes and effects of urban heat island (UHI) issues in the tropical climate. UHI effect is a kind of heat accumulation phenomenon within the urban areas due to urban construction and human activities. It is recognized as the most evident characteristic of urban climate. The increase of land surface temperature in San Juan, Puerto Rico, caused by the UHI effect was influenced by the change of land use and material types in construction. The impacts of daily temperature, surface albedo, evapotranspiration (ET), and anthropogenic heating on the near-surface climate are discussed. Analyzed data and field measurements indicate that increasing albedo and vegetation cover can be effective in reducing the surface and air temperatures near the ground. Some mitigation and prevention measures are proposed for the effects of UHI, such as a flash flood warning system.
TULIP: A Five-Star Table and List - From Machine-Readable to Machine-Understandable Systems
Authors: Nandakwang Julthep , Chongstitvatana Prabhas
Published: May 2020

Currently, Linked Data is increasing at a rapid rate as the growth of the Web. Aside from new information that has been created exclusively as Semantic Web-ready, part of them comes from the transformation of existing structural data to be in the form of five-star open data. However, there are still many legacy data in structured and semi-structured form, for example, tables and lists, which are the principal format for human-readable, waiting for transformation. In this chapter, we discuss attempts in the research area to transform table and list data to make them machine-readable in various formats. Furthermore, our research proposes a novel method for transforming tables and lists into RDF format while maintaining their essential configurations thoroughly. And, it is possible to recreate their original form back informatively. We introduce a system named TULIP which embodied this conversion method as a tool for the future development of the Semantic Web. Our method is more flexible compared to other works. The TULIP data model contains complete information of the source; hence it can be projected into different views. This tool can be used to create a tremendous amount of data for the machine to be used at a broader scale.
Teaching strategies and techniques in mixed-ability classes
Authors: Wroblewski Bartlomiej , Majerová Marie
Published: May 2020

V příspěvku autoři hodnotí svoji každodenní zkušenost s výukou heterogenních studijních skupin na vysoké škole. V první části autoři popisují typické složení studijní skupiny kurzů „Angličtiny pro zdravotníky“ a charakterizují studenty z hlediska vstupní jazykové competence a věkového složení. Pozornost je věnována problematice jazykových vloh a motivace. V druhé části jsou prezentovány praktické výukové komponenty používané s cílem maximalizovat aktivní zapojení a jazykový růst každého jednotlivého studenta. Praktická zkušenost je reflektována ve vztahu k aktuálním výukovým metodám. Diskutované strategie zahrnují adaptace a diferenciace výukových materiálů a úkolů, vybrané formy kooperativního učení, individualizace výuky a změny v prostorovém uspořádání tříd. Závěrem autoři doporučují kombinovat úspěšné výukové komponenty s ohledem na konkrétní heterogenní skupiny
Inovace předmětu Angličtina pro cestovní ruch na Fakultě ekonomické Západočeské univerzity v Plzni
Authors: Hromádková Petra , Ramadanová Jitka
Published: May 2020

Příspěvek je věnován inovačnímu projektu VS-18-007 vnitřní soutěže ZČU, který byl realizován vyučujícími Ústavu jazykové přípravy v roce 2018. Autorky příspěvku si kladou za cíl seznámit nejen podobně specializované kolegy působící v oblasti jazykového vzdělávání, ale i širší odbornou veřejnost s obsahem a postupy tohoto projektu a především sdílet zkušenosti z následné aplikace výstupů projektu ve výuce. Cílem projektu byla inovace předmětu Angličtina pro cestovní ruch s využitím modernějších výukových materiálů a také i didakticky vhodnějších výukových a hodnotících metod, které by měly přispět k všestrannému jazykovému rozvoji studentů. Úvodní část příspěvku je věnována nové sadě učebních materiálů, obsahu a cílům inovovaného předmětu. Následně jsou zde uvedeny nově zvolené výukové a hodnotící metody i s jejich praktickými příklady. Závěrem je v příspěvku popsáno také dotazníkové šetření, které bylo provedeno u studentů inovovaného předmětu po prvním semestru výuky a které bylo zaměřeno na hodnocení aplikace nových učebních materiálů a výukových a hodnotících metod ve výuce.
Falsifying Expense Receipts
Authors: Bhalloo Shafik , Burke Kathleen ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: May 2020

In its 2018 global study on occupational fraud, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners found asset misappropriation the most common category of fraud with expense reimbursement schemes the most frequent and costly form of misappropriation. In this case, Cassandra, a valued junior attorney on track to become a partner at her law firm, is strongly encouraged by a supportive senior attorney to join him in ordering an after-hours meal in clear violation of the firm's meal expensing policy. While Cassandra recognizes that taking such action would be wrong, she is unclear what to do next. Sometimes the desire to do the right thing is fraught with complexities about the right thing to do. The purpose of the case is for students to examine the competing interests Cassandra faces in relation to the responsibilities she owes to her employer, colleagues, clients, profession, and herself.
IKEA’s Organizational Structures
Authors: Van Linden Christophe , Young Marilyn , Birkey Rachel ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: May 2020

This teaching case is based on the multinational group IKEA, which designs and sells ready-to-assemble furniture. The case is a useful classroom exercise to identify the link between business decisions and their tax implications. The case questions challenge students to consider the differences in tax planning, tax avoidance, tax mitigation and tax evasion. The facts provide a timely and relevant setting to discuss global dimensions of taxation and corporate social responsibility from an ethical perspective.
Realising Corporate Social Responsibility Through Simulated Learnings
Authors: Houghton Luke , Stewart Heather ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: May 2020

We argue that modern approaches to teaching Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rely heavily on abstract descriptions of poorly framed problems. Such problems often point to a reality that does not favour the development of CSR. Instead it creates a level of abstraction between “business” and “social responsibility” because there is no real experience of the challenges of integrating CSR into business practice. The number one challenge of making CSR work is integrating it into culture and business practices. To assist in helping the future leaders of tomorrow understand their studies, we propose that a deeper integration between theory and practice is important. In this paper it is argued that this deeper integration can be achieved using small simulations in which students attempt to integrate CSR into real world situations and reflect on this experience. The reflection enables them to capture insights that are often absent from abstractions such as case studies. We offer an action research study to demonstrate how this reflective cycle works in two separate courses where this approach was applied. From this, these lessons are developed into a discussion where future directions are discussed.
Lecturer-Student Collaboration as Responsible Management Education
Authors: Pagan Victoria , McGuigan Ellie ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: May 2020

This article contributes to the conversation on the implementation of the Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) by reflecting the authors’ specific experiences of being lecturer and student in delivering/engaging with the Principles. It gives voice to these roles, which is largely absent from the extant literature that instead focuses most frequently on macrolevel, institutional motivation and programme development. The work provided outcomes that met institutional performance development requirements, teaching and research outputs. It provided an integrated learning and employment opportunity as an enhancement to the student’s degree. Yet despite these positives, as this article reveals, there is an uncomfortable sense of contradiction between the micro-practice of this teaching and learning experience, and the broader management pressures exerted by UK universities as institutions. The implication is that the possible systemic change that frameworks such as PRME may achieve is constrained by these contradictions.
Faith and Ethics at Work
Authors: Blosser Joe ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: May 2020

To improve the efficacy of business ethics courses, the article recommends closer attention be paid to the religious motivations of students, which have for too long been ignored by most business ethics theory. By disconnecting the teaching of business ethics from the motivations driving business decisions, the theory that gets taught – and published in the textbooks – more strongly represents the philosophical tools of business ethicists than the moral resources business people claim to use. Through a community-based research study that immersed students in the ethical issues business people face, an argument emerges for incorporating more religious ethics into teaching business ethics as this is the kind of moral resource business people claim is most important to them. Though the interviewees attested to the importance of religion, they were rarely able to articulate how their religious beliefs shaped their moral decisions, suggesting that much work could be done in the area of helping people better learn to apply their closely held religious beliefs in the workplace.
Oxymoron: Taking Business Ethics Denial Seriously
Authors: von Kriegstein Hasko ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: May 2020

Business ethics denial refers to one of two claims about moral motivation in a business context: that there is no need for it, or that it is impossible. Neither of these radical claims is endorsed by serious theorists in the academic fields that study business ethics. Nevertheless, public commentators, as well as university students, often make claims that seem to imply that they subscribe to some form of business ethics denial. This paper fills a gap by making explicit both the various forms that business ethics denial can take, and the reasons why such views are ultimately implausible. The paper argues that this type of serious engagement with business ethics denial should be an important part of the job description for teachers of business ethics.
Most Ethical Company in My Town - An Experiential Learning Project with Deliverables Beyond the Classroom
Authors: Clark Leigh Anne ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: May 2020

A business ethics course can be viewed by students as primarily a topics course in which students discuss current events and voice their opinions about what the right course of action is for a company to take. A review of recent business ethics texts supports this perception as most texts expose students to many different normative theories and ethical issues, and provide tools to encourage a discussion of what conduct is right or wrong for a business to undertake. In these texts, it is often hard to find a comprehensive framework for holding the course together in a meaningful, lasting way. This paper offers a semester long class project to complement existing texts by charging the class to establish criteria for determining the Most Ethical Company in My Town, thereby challenging students to develop their own framework. This article provides the steps of the project, tasks sheets, and summary of the resulting proposal that was presented to the Dean of the Business College for consideration for an annual college award. The resulting program is a learning tool for future classes as they play a role in annually nominating and evaluating submissions of ethical businesses for future awards.
Managerial Values
Authors: Kirkpatrick Nathan , Eason C. Clifton ,   Neilson Journals Publishing
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the need for greater ethical, professional, and leadership-based education for undergraduate business students, and to offer helpful pathways for this professional preparation. This paper recommends the use of panel discussions centered around ethical and professional behavior, leadership, and related skill sets in business as one main route towards exposing students to these managerial values. A panel discussion with business leaders who value these traits can help students be exposed to impactful wisdom, advice, and personal experiences that can help shape their own careers, hearts, and minds. This paper addresses the importance of these values as they relate to business ethics education, the value of panel discussions in general, one specific panel discussion, the event’s creation, the post-event Meet and Greet, takeaways for students, related assessments, and other small related ways that panelists and guest speakers have informed ethics and professionalism in undergraduate training.
Transcriptomic changes across the life cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi II
Authors: Cruz-Saavedra Lissa , Vallejo Gustavo A. , Guhl Felipe , Ramírez Juan David
Published: May 2020

Trypanosoma cruzi is a flagellated protozoan that causes Chagas disease; it presents a complex life cycle comprising four morphological stages: epimastigote (EP), metacyclic trypomastigote (MT), cell-derived trypomastigote (CDT) and amastigote (AM). Previous transcriptomic studies on three stages (EPs, CDTs and AMs) have demonstrated differences in gene expressions among them; however, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have reported on gene expressions in MTs. Therefore, the present study compared differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and signaling pathway reconstruction in EPs, MTs, AMs and CDTs. The results revealed differences in gene expressions in the stages evaluated; these differences were greater between MTs and AMs-PTs. The signaling pathway that presented the highest number of DEGs in all the stages was associated with ribosomes protein profiles, whereas the other related pathways activated were processes related to energy metabolism from glucose, amino acid metabolism, or RNA regulation. However, the role of autophagy in the entire life cycle of T. cruzi and the presence of processes such as meiosis and homologous recombination in MTs (where the expressions of SPO11 and Rad51 plays a role) are crucial. These findings represent an important step towards the full understanding of the molecular basis during the life cycle of T. cruzi.
A low caffeine dose improves maximal strength, but not relative muscular endurance in either heavier-or lighter-loads, or perceptions of effort or discomfort at task failure in females
Authors: Waller Georgina , Dolby Melissa , Steele James , Fisher James P.
Published: May 2020

Background

The body of literature considering caffeine as an ergogenic aid has primarily considered typically aerobic based exercise, male participants and moderate-to large-caffeine doses. With this in mind the aim of this project was to explore the effects of a low-caffeine dose upon maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and muscular endurance (time to task failure, TTF) at heavier-and lighter-loads.

Methods

Nineteen physically active, habitual caffeine consuming females randomly performed four testing conditions; two with a low-dose of caffeine (100 mg equating to mean = 1.5 ± 0.18 mg·kg−1) and two placebo conditions, where they performed a maximal strength test (MVC) knee extension at 45° followed by a task of relative muscular endurance (sustained isometric contraction for TTF) using either heavier-(70% MVC) and lighter-(30% MVC) loads. Each participant performed each load condition following both caffeine and placebo consumption. Immediately following cessation of the muscular endurance test participants were asked to report their rating of perceived effort (RPE) and rating of perceived discomfort (RPD).

Results

Analyses revealed a significant effect for caffeine upon MVC compared to placebo (p = 0.007). We also found a significantly greater TTF for the lighter-compared to the heavier-load condition (p < 0.0001); however, there was no significant effect comparing caffeine to placebo (p = 0.2368), but insufficient precision of estimates to infer equivalence in either lighter-(p = 0.750) or heavier-load (p = 0.262) conditions. There were no statistically significant effects for caffeine compared with placebo, or lighter-compared with heavier-loads, for RPE and RPD (all p > 0.05). RPE was statistically equivalent between caffeine and placebo for both lighter-(p = 0.007) and heavier-load (p = 0.002) conditions and RPD for heavier-(p = 0.006) but not lighter-load (p = 0.136).

Discussion

This is the first study to demonstrate a positive effect on strength from a low caffeine dose in female participants. However, it is unclear whether caffeine positively impacts upon relative muscular endurance in either heavier-or lighter-loads. Further, both RPE and RPD appear to be relatively similar during isometric tasks performed to task failure independently of caffeine supplementation or load. These findings may have implications for persons wishing to avoid side-effects or withdrawal symptoms associated with larger caffeine doses whilst still attaining the positive strength responses.
Ultrasound-assisted extraction of Psyllium mucilage: evaluation of functional and technological properties
Authors: Souza Gabriela Sena , Bergamasco Rita de Cassia , Stafussa Ana Paula , Madrona Grasiele Scaramal
Published: May 2020

The objective of this work was to optimize the extraction of psyllium mucilage and to evaluate its functional and technological properties, aiming for the first time the use in ice cream. A factorial design was carried out to test different extraction conditions. Were evaluated the water solubility (WS) and oil absorption capacity. Mucilage (gel and dried) was applied in ice cream, and submitted to overrun, melting, color and sensory analysis. Time and temperature were significant parameters, being the best conditions at 60ºC for 2 hours. Samples presented WS between 200 and 1400 g/kg, increasing proportionally to temperature. Ice cream with gel presented higher value and started the melting process faster than the mucilage one. There was a significant difference between samples in flavor, color and texture, and the purchase intention of most tasters indicated "maybe would buy", and both ice cream (with gel and with mucilage) presented hight acceptance index. Psyllium presented good technological properties, that are very desirable in food products. It was possible to find the best condition for psyllium mucilage extraction and an ice cream application obtaining a product with good acceptance (82%).
Biostimulants isolated or integrated with paclobutrazol as tomato development triggering factors
Authors: Silva Talles Victor , Melo Hyrandir Cabral de , Tarazi Monita Fiori de Abreu , Junior Luis Carlos Cunha , Campos Luiz Fernandes Cardoso , Nascimento Abadia dos Reis
Published: May 2020

Plant biostimulants are substances with different chemistry or biological composition whose, when applied to plants, can favour their development mainly by enhance nutrient uptake or nutrition efficiency and also can alter plant hormonal balance. Paclobutrazol (PBZ) is a retardant plant growth regulator which promotes reduction on stem internodes culminating in shorter plants. The integration of both, biostimulants and PBZ, can lead better development of plants by at same time favour the nutrition performance of shorter plants. Although some farmers already have used these substances in crop field, alone or in combination, there is a great lack of scientific studies to verify the real efficiency of the biostimulants available in market. The aim of this study was to study the effect of different biostimulants on the morphometrical and physiological aspects of tomato when applied in combination or not with paclobutrazol in Solanum lycopersicum L., hybrid H9553. The biostimulants used were Stimulate®, Serenade®, EnerVig®, Px-Fertil®, Vorax®, Liqui-plex® and DuoOrgano+®. PBZ reduced plant height and, unlike expected, no one of the biostimulants favoured volume increase or dry mass of roots. However, all biostimulants favoured the accumulation of leaf dry mass, with no increase in the number of leaves or net photosynthetic rate per specific leaf area. When isolated, or in interaction with biostimulants, the PBZ generated stimulatory or inhibitory effect on expression of the parameters evaluated, depending on the organ and its age, and acted in synergism or antagonism with the biostimulants, depending on the substance in question.
Household income and retirement perspective among older workers in Germany—Findings from the lidA Cohort Study
Authors: Hasselhorn Hans Martin , Ebener Melanie , Vratzias Athanasios
Published: May 2020

Introduction

In times of extending working lives, it is relevant to understand why, today, most workers leave employment long before regular retirement age. Financial factors have been central for explaining retirement timing, yet their impact seems rather complicated. This study explores the motivation to keep working, in relation to the economic household conditions among older workers and it investigates the impact of socio-demographic, individual and work factors on the motivation to keep working (MTW), again differentiated by economic household condition.

Methods

Based on data from wave three (2018) of the lidA Cohort Study, a representative interview study of socially insured employees born in 1959 or 1965 in Germany, descriptives and linear regression analyses were performed among 2835 employed participants. For all analyses, the sample was divided into five household equivalized net income groups.

Results

The groups with low and second lowest income were most motivated to work longer, followed by those with the highest income. The lowest income group exhibited most adverse scores for work indicators and health. Furthermore, in this group, MTW was unrelated to physical and mental health indicating that the comparably high motivation may be driven by financial imperatives.

Discussion and Conclusions

The findings indicate that many workers with low income may find themselves forced to extend their working life, irrespective of their health. This requires increased attention by research as well as policy. Policy might have to acknowledge group specific negative side effects of regulations effectively extending working lives.
HPV‐related methylation‐based reclassification and risk stratification of cervical cancer
Authors: Yang Si , Wu Ying , Wang Shuqian , Xu Peng , Deng Yujiao , Wang Meng , Liu Kang , Tian Tian , Zhu Yuyao , Li Na , Zhou Linghui , Dai Zhijun , Kang Huafeng
Published: May 2020

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a clear etiology of cervical cancer (CC). However, the associations between HPV infection and DNA methylation have not been thoroughly investigated. Additionally, it remains unknown whether HPV‐related methylation signatures can identify subtypes of CC and stratify the prognosis of CC patients. DNA methylation profiles were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas to identify HPV‐related methylation sites. Unsupervised clustering analysis of HPV‐related methylation sites was performed to determine the different CC subtypes. CC patients were categorized into cluster 1 (Methylation‐H), cluster 2 (Methylation‐M), and cluster 3 (Methylation‐L). Compared to Methylation‐M and Methylation‐L, Methylation‐H exhibited a significantly improved overall survival (OS). Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to investigate the functions that correlated with different CC subtypes. GSEA indicated that the hallmarks of tumors, including KRAS signaling, TNFα signaling via NF‐κB, inflammatory response, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and interferon‐gamma response, were enriched in Methylation‐M and Methylation‐L. Based on mutation and copy number variation analyses, we found that aberrant mutations, amplifications, and deletions among the MYC, Notch, PI3K‐AKT, and RTK‐RAS pathways were most frequently detected in Methylation‐H. Additionally, mutations, amplifications, and deletions within the Hippo, PI3K‐AKT, and TGF‐β pathways were presented in Methylation‐M. Genes within the cell cycle, Notch, and Hippo pathways possessed aberrant mutations, amplifications, and deletions in Methylation‐L. Moreover, the analysis of tumor microenvironments revealed that Methylation‐H was characterized by a relatively low degree of immune cell infiltration. Finally, a prognostic signature based on six HPV‐related methylation sites was developed and validated. Our study revealed that CC patients could be classified into three heterogeneous clusters based on HPV‐related methylation signatures. Additionally, we derived a prognostic signature using six HPV‐related methylation sites that stratified the OS of patients with CC into high‐ and low‐risk groups.
Fabrication and Mechanical Properties of Open‐Cell Austenitic Stainless Steel Foam by Electrostatic Powder Spraying Process
Authors: Kang Tae-Hoon , Kim Kyu-Sik , Yun Jung-Yeul , Lee Min-Jeong , Lee Kee-Ahn
Published: May 2020

An open‐cell metallic foam is newly manufactured using the electrostatic powder spraying (EPS) process, and its room temperature compressive and energy absorption properties are investigated. EPS is a process that uses electrostatic forces. The powder is negatively charged by applying direct current high voltage and undergoes electrostatic spraying on a positively charged polyurethane pre‐form. To control relative density (ρ*/ρ), three different spray amounts are applied (2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 kg m−2). Also, the relative density is measured to increase constantly with the spray amount. The room temperature compressive curves of the EPS foams represent the typical compressive stages (linear elastic, plastic collapse, and densification) of metallic foam. The plateau strengths of the EPS foams measure 0.48 MPa (spraying amount: 2.5 kg m−2), 0.76 MPa (spraying amount: 3.5 kg m−2), and 1.23 MPa (spraying amount: 4.5 kg m−2), respectively. Also, EPS 316L foam with the smallest spray amount has a lower energy absorption amount compared with other types of foam. This study also discusses the compressive and energy absorption behaviors of an open‐cell metallic foam manufactured using the EPS process in relation to its structural and microstructural characteristics.
Shape Matters: Crystal Morphology and Surface Topography Alter Bioactivity of Bioceramics in Simulated Body Fluid
Authors: Myszka Barbara , Schodder Philipp I. , Leupold Simon , Barr Maïssa K. S. , Hurle Katrin , Schüßler Martina , Demmert Benedikt , Biggemann Jonas , Fey Tobias , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Wolf Stephan E.
Published: May 2020

For bioactive biomaterials such as bioceramics and bioglass, it is generally accepted that, apart from acting as heterogeneous nucleators, it is their solubility and the resulting release of relevant ions such as calcium or basic anions which mainly governs the biomaterial's bioactivity. This contribution reveals that this bioactivity, as assessed by simulated body fluid (SBF), can also be considerably modified by the bioceramic's morphology, i.e., bioactivity is also governed by microstructure and surface morphology. When crystals are forced to adopt out‐of‐equilibrium crystal habit, this simple change in morphology converts an essentially bioinert material, here calcite, into a bioceramic which shows bioactivity in SBF. On larger length scales, already simple morphological changes, such as scratches, can have inverse effects. Limited mass transport into grooves and pits on a bioceramic surface can lead to local ion depletion which, in turn, causes reduced bioactivity of bioceramics which, otherwise, show distinct bioactivity in SBF. This contribution emblematically illustrates the unforeseen importance of even minor morphology changes on different length scales when assessing and designing a biomaterial's bioactivity through SBF assays.