bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total quality index of commercial oyster mushroomPleurotus sapidusin modified atmosphere packaging
Authors: Wan-Mohtar Wan Abd Al Qadr Imad , Klaus Anita , Cheng Acga , Salis Shardana Aiga , Abdul Halim-Lim Sarina
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the strain of oyster mushroom (OM)Pleurotus sapiduscultivated in a local (commercial) farm, and to generate a total quality index (TQI) on the strain using different modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) gas mixtures.

Design/methodology/approach

A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the MEGA software to identify the specific strain ofP. sapidusgrown in a local farm. The effects of MAP on fresh fruiting bodies of the identified strain were determined under three conditions: high carbon dioxide packaging (HCP: 20 per cent CO2, 15 per cent O2), low carbon dioxide packaging (LCP: 2 per cent CO2, 30 per cent O2) and high nitrogen packaging (HNP: 85 per cent N2, 15 per cent O2). All samples were stored at 4oC for up to ten days, and subjected to total phenolic content (TPC), colour retention (CR) and sensory analysis. Quality parameters such as chewiness and odour were used to obtain the TQI.

Findings

From the phylogenetic analysis, a new strain (P. sapidusstrain QDR) with 99 per cent similarity toP. sapiduswas identified. Among the three MAP treatments, HCP recorded the highest TPC (2.85 mg GAE/g) and CR (60.36) after ten days, although only its CR was significantly different (p<0.05) from the control. Feedback from 30 sensory panellists indicated that both HCP and LCP were generally more effective in retaining the colour–odour of OM. The optimum TQI for HCP was obtained based on the observed parameters, which is useful for the large-scale packaging of OM.

Originality/value

Scientific evidence has revealed that packaging trend for commercially grown OM affects consumer’s acceptance.
Directives for effectiveness management in the organization
Authors: Myszewski Jan M.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Quality management (QM) principles define the values of the organizational culture that makes people focus on quality assurance and improvement. However, the formulation of the principles of the ISO 9000 standard published in 2000–2015 is more like a list of things to remember that result from the development of QM methodologies, rather than systematic guidelines to follow. Their ambiguity does not facilitate understanding and can lead to activities that do not bring benefits to the organization. The purpose of this paper is to formulate such a system of directives that when implemented allows achieving the desired level of effectiveness of the organization’s processes with increased efficiency, and some measures can be assigned that show the progress of implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The resource capacity reserve was adopted as the main factor ensuring the effectiveness of the planned tasks. A systemic analysis of relationships between the QM principles and the categories of Deming’s system of profound knowledge was carried out. Some factors referred to in the principles have been distinguished. The conditions necessary to achieve their positive impact on the capacity of organization’s resources have been formulated in terms of some directives for management processes. The interaction of the components of variability in organization processes with the factors was discussed.

Findings

Eight directives for effectiveness management (EM) have been established. They define independent dimensions in the management tactics for the development of the organization’s resources necessary to ensure and increase the effectiveness of the organization’s processes. The implementation of the tactics defined by EM directives, assuming randomness in processes, consists in the demonstration of care for trust within the organization, organization development and confidence in the organization of external partners.

Originality/value

Two key QM functions, quality assurance and improvement, are implemented in management processes in order to provide a balance between available capacity and tasks allocated to the organization’s processes, and increase the available capacity by eliminating gaps in knowledge used to control resources in the processes. The EM directives show the role of the organization’s knowledge and stakeholder commitment in providing the necessary complement to the capacity available in the organization. The confidence in the organization is shown as a key premise for access to the commitment of stakeholders. They also show that QM functions would be unnecessary or trivial if one could eliminate random variation from processes in the organization.
Stabilization and circuit implementation of a novel chemical oscillating chaotic system
Authors: Xiong Li , Yin Wanjun , Zhang Xinguo
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper is aimed at investigating a novel chemical oscillating chaotic system with different attractors at fixed parameters. The typical dynamical behavior of the new chemical oscillating system is discussed, and it is found that the state selection is dependent on initial values. Then, the stabilization problem of the chemical oscillating attractors is investigated analytically and numerically. Subsequently, the novel electronic circuit of the proposed chemical oscillating chaotic system are constructed, and the influences of the changes of circuit parameters on chemical oscillating chaotic attractors are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The different attractors of the novel chemical oscillating chaotic system are investigated by changing the initial values under fixed parameters. Moreover, the active control and adaptive control methods are presented to make the chemical oscillating chaotic systems asymptotically stable at the origin based on the Lyapunov stability theory. The influences on chemical oscillating chaotic attractors are also verified by changing the circuit parameters.

Findings

It is found that the active control method is easier to be realized by using physical components because of its less control signal and lower cost. It is also confirmed that the adaptive control method enjoys strong anti-interference ability because of its large number of selected controllers. What can be seen from the simulation results is that the chaotic circuits are extremely dependent on circuit parameters selection. Comparisons between MATLAB simulations and Multisim simulation results show that they are consistent with each other and demonstrate that changing attractors of the chemical oscillating chaotic system exist. It is conformed that circuit parameters selection can be effective to control and realize chaotic circuits.

Originality/value

The different attractors of the novel chemical oscillating chaotic system are investigated by changing the initial values under fixed parameters. The characteristic of the chemical oscillating attractor is that the basin of attraction of the three-dimensional attractor is located in the first quadrant of the eight quadrants of the three-dimensional space, and the ranges of the three variables are positive. This is because the concentrations of the three chemical substances are all positive.
Women’s experience of perceived uncertainty: insights from emotional intelligence
Authors: Hassan Masood Ul , Ayub Arslan
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Few organizational change studies identified the aspects of change that are salient to individuals and gender in specific and that influence their work outcomes. This paper aims to assess the potential mediating effect of emotional intelligence and the moderating effect of gender in the relationship of perceived change-related uncertainty and work outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes the measurement model and the structural model using SmartPLS (v 3.2.7) on a sample of 413 employees working in the telecom sector collected through a non-experimental face-to-face method.

Findings

The findings support that emotional intelligence mediates the negative relationship between perceived change-related uncertainty and work outcomes. Moreover, emotional intelligence and gender have a significant interaction effect on work outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The study uses the ability-based model of emotional intelligence to assess its impact on the proposed theoretical framework.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that organizations should hire more females at the workplace as they are less in number although they are more emotionally intelligent. As well as, females should be given equal opportunities to reach the top managerial positions by breaking the glass ceiling.

Originality/value

The study adds insights into existing knowledge; for instance, the study reveals that emotional intelligence competency is a sine qua non to personal control that delivers exceptional results in the context of perceived change-related uncertainty. The study also investigates the interaction effect of gender with emotional intelligence to scaffold the emotional intelligence competency over gender differences.
Establishing the effect of government support on the relationship between gender egalitarian and women leadership effectiveness among public universities in KSA
Authors: Gorondutse Abdullahi Hassan , Hilman Haim , Salimon Maruf Gbadebo , Alajmi Rajeh , Al Shdaifat Fayez Hamed , Kumaran Vikniswari Vija
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Even though nowadays more women occupy leadership roles, they still are a minority. Because aspiration is a precursor of advancement, examining conditions fostering female leadership aspiration is important, particularly in the context of Saudi Arabia where moral relativism play a vital role. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey design with 500 full-time employed women, working in Saudi Arabia Public University were selected using quantitative approach. PLS-SEM is used to analyse the predicted hypotheses.

Findings

The initial prediction was found that gender egalitarian is significant on women’s leadership effectiveness, and government support to the extent that is associated with women’s leadership effectiveness and tend to have stronger relationship. Also, the indirect effect of government support on the relationship between gender egalitarian on women leadership effectiveness was not significant.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the selected survey approach, the data are correlational using quantitative method. Thus, mixed method is needed to confirm these findings.

Practical implications

Saudi Arabia Public Universities, policymakers and leaders of higher education institutions should focus on female leaders to improve their leadership effectiveness. Universities should formulate future strategies to empower women through the various stages of their career to become good leaders.

Originality/value

The present study is among the first if any that examines relationship between gender egalitarian and women leadership effectiveness with moderating role of government support in developing country of Saudi Arabia.
Shifting feminisms
Authors: Thompson Barbara Marcia
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The paper aims to shed light on how a group of feminist managers/leaders, in education and social studies departments, a notably under-explored and under-theorised group, “do power” in the increasingly corporatized education marketplace.

Design/methodology/approach

The research draws on the narratives of a small group of feminist women who hold authority positions at middle or senior levels. It draws on data from ethnographic interviews and participant observation carried out as part of an in-depth narrative inquiry (Andrews et al., 2008), carried out at three higher education institutions in the UK.

Findings

From a small sample such as this, any findings are necessarily tentative. Nonetheless, findings suggest that, whilst taking account of individual differences in styles, there has been a shift, over time, in the ways that the management role is approached by some feminist women. Analysis of the data also reveals that gendered expectations remain for those who carry the “feminist” label and asks whether these expectations are realistic.

Research limitations/implications

The sample group is small which raises questions about what can and cannot be claimed. However, along with Maguire (2008), the author’s purpose is not with generalizability but seeks to explore issues and open up further areas of study.

Originality/value

This paper is an original empirical research which explores an under-researched group of women, namely, feminist managers and leaders who operate within the education marketplace. As they negotiate the challenges of working within the neoliberal academy, these women try, to varying degrees, to remain true to their feminist values and beliefs.
Application of generalized Fourier heat conduction law on MHD viscoinelastic fluid flow over stretching surface
Authors: Hussain Arif , Malik Muhammad Yousaf , Khan Mair , Salahuddin Taimoor
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of current flow configuration is to spotlights the thermophysical aspects of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) viscoinelastic fluid flow over a stretching surface.

Design/methodology/approach

The fluid momentum problem is mathematically formulated by using the Prandtl–Eyring constitutive law. Also, the non-Fourier heat flux model is considered to disclose the heat transfer characteristics. The governing problem contains the nonlinear partial differential equations with appropriate boundary conditions. To facilitate the computation process, the governing problem is transmuted into dimensionless form via appropriate group of scaling transforms. The numerical technique shooting method is used to solve dimensionless boundary value problem.

Findings

The expressions for dimensionless velocity and temperature are found and investigated under different parametric conditions. The important features of fluid flow near the wall, i.e. wall friction factor and wall heat flux, are deliberated by altering the pertinent parameters. The impacts of governing parameters are highlighted in graphical as well as tabular manner against focused physical quantities (velocity, temperature, wall friction factor and wall heat flux). A comparison is presented to justify the computed results, it can be noticed that present results have quite resemblance with previous literature which led to confidence on the present computations.

Originality/value

The computed results are quite useful for researchers working in theoretical physics. Additionally, computed results are very useful in industry and daily-use processes.
Numerical model of the steam pipeline with thermal insulation
Authors: Kaczmarski Karol
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a numerical model of a steam pipeline connecting a boiler with a turbine, with an insulated outer surface. The temperature distribution inside the pipeline wall was compared when was perfectly insulated and when used real insulation on the outside surface.

Design/methodology/approach

The transient temperature, pressure and velocity of steam in the pipeline were determined using a proposed numerical model with distributed parameters. To calculate the transient temperature of the steam and pipeline wall the finite volume method was used. The energy conservation equations were written for all control area around all the nodes. The heat balance equations are a system of first-order ordinary differential equations with respect to time. The Runge–Kutta method of the fourth-order was used to solve the system of ordinary differential equations of the first-order.

Findings

The temperature distribution in the pipeline wall and the temperature distribution in wall insulation were presented. Also, the temperature of the steam and pipeline wall as a function of insulation thickness was calculated. Based on the results obtained by the proposed numerical model, thermal stresses at the inner and outer surface of the component were determined. To assess the accuracy of the proposed model, the results were compared to the analytical solution for the steady state.

Originality/value

The paper presents the results obtained from calculations using a numerical model of the steam pipeline with the actual insulation on the outer surface.
A normative decision-making model for cyber security
Authors: M’manga Andrew , Faily Shamal , McAlaney John , Williams Chris , Kadobayashi Youki , Miyamoto Daisuke
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate security decision-making during risk and uncertain conditions and to propose a normative model capable of tracing the decision rationale.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed risk rationalisation model is grounded in literature and studies on security analysts’ activities. The model design was inspired by established awareness models including the situation awareness and observe–orient–decide–act (OODA). Model validation was conducted using cognitive walkthroughs with security analysts.

Findings

The results indicate that the model may adequately be used to elicit the rationale or provide traceability for security decision-making. The results also illustrate how the model may be applied to facilitate design for security decision makers.

Research limitations/implications

The proof of concept is based on a hypothetical risk scenario. Further studies could investigate the model’s application in actual scenarios.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a novel approach to tracing the rationale behind security decision-making during risk and uncertain conditions. The research also illustrates techniques for adapting decision-making models to inform system design.
Sealed computation: a mechanism to support privacy-aware trustworthy cloud service
Authors: Abdullah Lamya , Quintero Juan
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose an approach to avoid having to trust a single entity in cloud-based applications. In cloud computing, data processing is delegated to a remote party for efficiency and flexibility reasons. A practical user requirement usually is data privacy; hence, the confidentiality and integrity of data processing needs to be protected. In the common scenarios of cloud computing today, this can only be achieved by assuming that the remote party does not in any form act maliciously.

Design/methodology/approach

An approach that avoids having to trust a single entity is proposed. This approach is based on two concepts: the technical abstraction of sealed computation, i.e. a technical mechanism to confine a privacy-aware processing of data within a tamper-proof hardware container, and the role of an auditing party that itself cannot add functionality to the system but is able to check whether the system (including the mechanism for sealed computation) works as expected.

Findings

Discussion and analysis of the abstract, technical and procedural requirements of these concepts and how they can be applied in practice are explained.

Originality/value

A preliminary version of this paper was published in the proceedings of the second International Workshop on SECurity and Privacy Requirements Engineering (SECPRE, 2018).
Collaborative security risk estimation in agile software development
Authors: Tøndel Inger Anne , Jaatun Martin Gilje , Cruzes Daniela Soares , Williams Laurie
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Today, agile software development teams in general do not adopt security risk-assessment practices in an ongoing manner to prioritize security work. Protection Poker is a collaborative and lightweight software security risk-estimation technique that is particularly suited for agile teams. Motivated by a desire to understand why security risk assessments have not yet gained widespread adoption in agile development, this study aims to assess to what extent the Protection Poker game would be accepted by agile teams and how it can be successfully integrated into the agile practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Protection Poker was studied in capstone projects, in teams doing a graduate software security course and in sessions with industry representatives. Data were collected via questionnaires, observations and group interviews.

Findings

Results show that Protection Poker has the potential to be adopted by agile teams. Key benefits include good discussions on security and the development project, along with increased knowledge and awareness. Challenges include ensuring efficient use of time and gaining impact on the end product.

Research limitations/implications

Using students allowed easy access to subjects and an ability to collect rich data over time, but at the cost of generalizability to professional settings. Results from interactions with professionals supplement the data from students, showing similarities and differences in their opinions on Protection Poker.

Originality/value

The paper proposes ways to tackle the main obstacles to the adoption of the Protection Poker technique, as identified in this study.
Revisiting the potential of human capital development to predict commitment: an empirical approach
Authors: Muhumuza Benon , Nangoli Sudi
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to revisit the potential of human capital development to predict commitment from an empirical perspective. This followed the fact that while organisations continue to invest a lot of resources into development of their human capital, a growing tendency of the trained staff to quickly abandon the organisation and move on to search for greener pastures has also been registered.

Design/methodology/approach

This study takes a positivistic approach. It is an explanatory, cross-sectional study that is based on a case study approach.

Findings

The findings revealed that developing human resources still leads to enhanced commitment among staff. The findings provide empirical support for the tenets of the human capital development theory.

Research limitations/implications

Investment in development of human resources is still a worthy while cause for organisations as it positively and significantly contributes to commitment.

Practical implications

While organisations ought to keep watch of the costs that come with human capital development endeavours the practice of developing human resources should be continued as it contributes to the organisational performance of staff.

Originality/value

The paper deepens the understanding on how human capital development is currently enhancing the commitment of organisational staff in a typical developing economy and sector. Such knowledge provides a clear basis for allocating resources on people development endeavours.
The effect of char on flame retardancy of cotton, flame retardant cotton and poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) fabrics investigated by cone calorimeter
Authors: Zhang Xiansheng , Du Xianjing , Wang Lili , Shi Meiwu
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of char on the flame retardancy of fabrics by a cone calorimeter, which is an important factor to compare the flame retardancy of different fabrics.

Design/methodology/approach

Cone calorimeter measurements were carried out in a Fire Testing Technology (UK) apparatus at the heat fluxes of 50 and 75 kW/m2. Fabrics with one and three layers were employed, with the name of cotton1, cotton3, FR cotton1, FR cotton3, PMIA1 and PMIA3. The dimension of the fabric was 100×100 mm2. A cross-steel grid was used to prevent the fabrics from curling during burning. The distance between the bottom of the cone heater and the top of the sample was 25 mm.

Findings

This work was generously supported by National Key R&D Program of China (Project No. 2017YFB0309000), Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province of China (Project No. ZR2019BEM026), Natural Science Foundation of China (Project No. 51803101) and China postdoctoral science foundation funded project (Project No. 2018M632619).

Originality/value

The present research provides insight into the effect of the char formation on the flame retardancy of the fabrics, and a method to comprehensively investigate the char influence in the flame retardancy of the fabrics by a cone calorimeter is proposed.
The narrative strategies of B2B technology brands
Authors: Bonnin Gaël , Alfonso Mauricio Rodriguez
Published: June 2019

Purpose

With the rise of digital media and content marketing, business-to-business (B2B) technology firms increasingly use narratives in their marketing strategy. If research has studied the impact of narrative on audiences, the structuration of the narrative strategies is still an overlooked area. The purpose of this paper is to understand the structuration of narrative strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Authors studied the cases of narratives on the Internet of Things produced by two leading technology firms, IBM and Cisco, between 2012 and 2016. Material includes advertising campaigns, blogs, written customer cases, white papers, public speeches and selling discourses.

Findings

The research highlights the importance of metanarratives as the core of the structuration of seemingly different contents. It also shows how firms tap into fundamental mythic archetypes and broader sociocultural narratives to try and legitimate the emerging technology. Finally, research also introduces the concept of transmedia strategy and illustrates its use by the two firms studied.

Research limitations/implications

The results are based on only two cases of multinational firms, limiting the generalization of the findings.

Practical implications

The results of the research may encourage firms to use more narrative branding strategies. They also offer directions for the key elements to manage when elaborating a narrative strategy (defining key metanarratives, identifying and using broader sociocultural narratives, designing a transmedia strategy).

Originality/value

The paper is among the first to try to understand the structuration of narrative branding strategies. While exploratory, it contributes to research on B2B branding and digital branding by bringing the narrative into B2B branding research.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
Authors: Hirsch Peter Buell
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and biometrics in monitoring employee performance and behavior and offer a perspective on the impact of this development on corporate culture and employee relations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have reviewed a variety of new applications of AI technologies covered in the business literature and have offered a commentary on the impact.

Findings

The authorshave found that the use of these technologies is viewed with suspicion if not outright alarm by employees. Some of these technologies appear so invasive that even vendors supplying them are at pains to ensure that true employee consent is obtained.

Research limitations/implications

This is a selective and not a comprehensive view of the subject without additional primary research.

Practical implications

Companies will have an increasingly important choice to make about the types of surveillance technologies they deploy with profound implications for the types of corporate culture that will emerge.

Social implications

The authorshope that the review and discussion of the use of these technologies will prompt a broader social discussion about the use of AI and predictive analytics across a range of applications which will, in turn, lead to the adoption of common standards for privacy and transparency.

Originality/value

While the technologies themselves have been written about in a variety of forums, it is believed that this is the first attempt, to the best of the author’s knowledge, to survive the landscape of AI uses in HR.
Challenges of using big data for humanitarian relief: lessons from the literature
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Joshi Ashutosh
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Big data analytics has emerged as one of the most used keywords in the digital world. The hype surrounding the buzz has led everyone to believe that big data analytics is the panacea for all evils. As the insights into this new field are growing and the world is discovering novel ways to apply big data, the need for caution has become increasingly important. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a literature review in the field of big data application for humanitarian relief and highlight the challenges of using big data for humanitarian relief missions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a review of the literature of the application of big data in disaster relief operations. The methodology of literature review adopted in the paper was proposed by Mayring (2004) and is conducted in four steps, namely, material collection, descriptive analysis, category selection and material evaluation.

Findings

This paper summarizes the challenges that can affect the humanitarian logistical missions in case of over dependence on the big data tools. The paper emphasizes the need to exercise caution in applying digital humanitarianism for relief operations.

Originality/value

Most published research is focused on the benefits of big data describing the ways it will change the humanitarian relief horizon. This is an original paper that puts together the wisdom of the numerous published works about the negative effects of big data in humanitarian missions.
Relational behaviours and organisational capabilities in public safety networks
Authors: Sienkiewicz-Małyjurek Katarzyna
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify correlations between relational behaviours and organisational capabilities in public safety networks and to investigate how do relational behaviours influence organisational capabilities in these networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings presented in this paper are based on data including: desk research and a survey questionnaire conducted in June 2016 with experts dealing with the issues of the public safety. The analysis of the results was based on a reflexive and formative approach, including the partial least squares path modelling method.

Findings

The relationships between relational behaviours and organisational capabilities in public safety networks are investigated and the path of building organisational capabilities in these networks is identified. As a result, it was found how to shape collaborative performance by using the impact of relational behaviours on the organisational capabilities in public safety networks.

Originality/value

The paper adds a new value to understanding of the impact of relationship behaviour on organisational capabilities in public safety networks, leading to collaborative performance. Its innovation results from using a reflective and formative approach, based on the modelling of structural equations, which allows identifying new issues or problems and examine the connections between them. The obtained results constitute a new insight on the formation of collaborative networks in public safety.
How detailed product information strengthens eco-friendly consumption
Authors: Osburg Victoria-Sophie , Yoganathan Vignesh , Brueckner Sandra , Toporowski Waldemar
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Whilst many studies consider labelling as means of aggregated communication of environmental product features, the presentation of detailed product information seems a promising alternative. However, the mechanisms through which detailed product information takes effect on consumers requires better understanding. The purpose of this paper is to empirically develop a framework that focuses on consumers’ perceived usefulness of, and trust in, detailed product information, whilst also considering the role of environmental self-identity. This understanding will help businesses to further stimulate eco-friendly consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modelling and conditional process analysis are utilised to test hypotheses based on a sample of 279 respondents to a German online survey.

Findings

Results show that the perceived usefulness of product information (PUPI) has a positive effect on purchase intention, and this effect is intensified by an individual’s environmental self-identity. Furthermore, for consumers with high environmental self-identity, the effect of PUPI on purchase intention is mediated in turn by trust in detailed product information and resistance to negative information.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the debate on the role of product information in ethical consumption by showing how detailed product information gives rise to favourable behavioural outcomes. When detailed information is perceived as being useful, it can affect purchase intention through greater trust and an increased resistance to negative information. Further, detailed product information appears beneficial for both, the mass market and specific segments with high environmental self-identity. Hence, this study empirically establishes the effects of detailed product information on consumer decision making, thus informing sustainability-related marketing theory and practice.
The impact of raw fermented milk products on perceived health and mood among Dutch adults
Authors: Baars Ton , Berge Catharina , Garssen Johan , Verster Joris
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate health conditions prior to and at least two months after the start of consuming raw fermented milk (RFM) products.

Design/methodology/approach

One-Item health score, 1-item immunity score, immune status (ISQ), mood, bowel and skin conditions were rated for the period prior and post switching to RFM products. A linear mixed model was used to evaluate the post to prior RFM health and mood scores, taking into account gender, location of living and health group. Data from 390 participants (mean age of 54 years old) were included for the analysis, of which 277 (45 per cent) were allocated to the poor health group. Participants were allocated to the poor health group if they reported being immune depressed or suffering from a chronic disease prior to RFM; otherwise, they were allocated to the normal health group.

Findings

The highest intake of RFM was from RF kefir. Post RFM, people consumed around 1 glass (200 ml) of RF kefir per day. After switching to RFM, significant improvements on health and mood scores were reported. The strongest improvements after switching to RFM consumption were seen in subjects from the poor health group. With the exception of skin score, all measured health items significantly improved (p < 0.001). Health, immunity, bowel and mood scores increased with around 20 per cent in the poor health group and around 8 per cent in the normal health group. Women had more health complaints prior to RFM and had stronger health improvement post RFM compared to men. Bowel and mood scores were overall lower in women than in men. Living location had no significant impact on RFM-related health changes. This consumer survey suggests that positive health and mood changes are associated with the consumption of RFM products.

Originality/value

The consumption of RFM products improved the self-reported health status of adults. Immune-depressed people or people suffering from a chronic disease prior to RFM reported the strongest impact on their health, immunity, bowel and mood scores post switching RFM consumption compared to people with a normal health.
Modeling team performance from the perspective of politics and ethical leadership
Authors: Lin Chieh-Peng , Liu Na-Ting , Chiu Chou-Kang , Chen Kuang-Jung , Lin Ni-Chen
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a model of team performance by applying social exchange and social capital perspectives in a single model setting. It hypothesizes that team performance is indirectly affected by politics through leader–member capitalization (LMC) and by ethical leadership through leader–member exchange (LMX). Meanwhile, team identification is hypothesized to moderate the relationships between politics and LMC and between ethical leadership and LMX.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses of this study were empirically tested using a survey of work teams from the banking and insurance industry in Taipei, Taiwan.

Findings

The relationship between team performance and ethical leadership is fully mediated by LMX, while the indirect relationship between team performance and politics is mediated via both LMC and LMX. Team identification positively moderates the relationship between ethical leadership and LMX.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few to examine the mediating roles of LMC and LMX simultaneously in team performance development. This study provides several key findings that complement the existing literature by evaluating fresh associations among LMC, LMX and their determinants and moderator.
Efficacy of long‐term treatment with efinaconazole 10% solution in patients with onychomycosis, including severe cases: A multicenter, single‐arm study
Authors: Iozumi Ken , Abe Masatoshi , Ito Yoshiko , Uesugi Takashi , Onoduka Takashi , Kato Ichiro , Kato Fumihiro , Kodama Kazuo , Takahashi Hidetoshi , Takeda Osamu , Tomizawa Koki , Nomiyama Tomoko , Fujii Mizue , Mayama Jun , Muramoto Fumio , Yasuda Hidemi , Yamanaka Kiyomitsu , Sato Tomotaka , Oh‐i Tsunao , Kasai Hiroko , Tsuboi Ryoji , Hattori Naoko , Maruyama Ryuji , Omi Tokuya , Shimoyama Harunari , Sei Yoshihiro , Nakasu Ichiro , Nishimoto Shuhei , Hata Yasuki , Mochizuki Takashi , Fukuzawa Masao , Seishima Mariko , Sugiura Kazumitsu , Katayama Ichiro , Yamamoto Osamu , Shindo Masahisa , Kiryu Hiroe , Kusuhara Masahiro , Takenaka Motoi , Watanabe Shinichi
Published: June 2019

We evaluated the efficacy of efinaconazole 10% topical solution in long‐term use, for up to 72 weeks, for onychomycosis, including severe cases. Among 605 participants, 219 patients diagnosed as having onychomycosis were evaluated for the efficacy of efinaconazole. The treatment success rate (<10% clinical involvement of the target toenail) at the final assessment time point was 56.6%, the complete cure rate was 31.1% and the mycological cure rate was 61.6%, all of which increased over time, demonstrating that continuous application contributed to the improvement of cure rate. Even in severe cases, reduction of the affected nail area was observed, showing the potential efficacy of the treatment. Responses to a quality of life questionnaire among patients with onychomycosis, OnyCOE‐t, suggested that efinaconazole treatment improved the patients’ quality of life. The incidence of adverse drug reaction in the patients eligible for the assessment was 6.3%, and this developed only in the administration site in all cases. No systemic adverse event was observed. In addition, no increase in the incidence of adverse drug reaction due to long‐term use was found. Efinaconazole therapy was proved to exhibit excellent balance between efficacy and safety, and thus may serve as a useful treatment option for onychomycosis.
Plant traits and species interactions along gradients of N, P and K availabilities
Authors: Minden Vanessa , Olde Venterink Harry
Published: June 2019

Plant performance is driven by nutrient availability. So far, studies on plant nutrient relationships mostly focused on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), whereas potassium (K) received less attention. We evaluated whether plant responses to variation in nutrient availability are similar or different for the nutrients N, P and K and whether the same plant traits are decisive for the competitive ability of species along gradients of N, P and K availabilities.

We studied plant trait responses of three temperate perennial grass species (Alopecurus pratensis, Agrostis capillaris and Anthoxanthum odoratum, each dominant under N limitation, P limitation and K limitation, respectively). Each gradient consisted of eight treatments (N1–N8, P1–P8, K1–K8), with N:P:K supply rates being 1:0.8:6 (N1), 128:0.8:6 (N8), 12:0.075:6 (P1), 12:9.6:6 (P8), 12:0.8:0.56 (K1) and 12:0.8:72 (K8) (total supply per plant individual in mg). Plant individuals were kept either in single‐species pots (intraspecific competition) or in mixed‐species pots (interspecific competition). After 2 months, plant biomass, leaf and root traits and root enzyme activity were measured.

Most below‐ground traits (e.g. total root length, root diameter) responded most strongly to competition as predictor variable and only secondly to the type of nutrient or their supply rates (unlike RGRTotal and SLA). Leaf chlorophyll content and root enzyme activity responded most strongly to supply rate of nutrients and the interaction of nutrient type and supply rate, respectively. In line with our prediction, A. pratensis was the superior competitor under N limitation and A. odoratum was the superior competitor under K limitation (assessed by relative dominance [RD] and relative competitive strength [RCS]). Both species showed high investment in total root length. Opposite to our expectation, A. capillaris was a bad competitor under P limitation, with low root length but higher root phosphatase activity.

Our results indicate that below‐ground plant traits are decisive in nutrient‐related competition between plant species. Further, competitive strength is determined by a high total root length per soil volume both under N and K limitation. Under P limitation, the model species A. capillaris showed a weak competitive performance either because it was lacking colonization with mycorrhiza and/or the high investment in phosphatase activity posed a trade‐off with higher N investment in phosphatase production.

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An ontogenetic perspective on migratory strategy of a long‐lived pelagic seabird: Timings and destinations change progressively during maturation
Authors: Campioni Letizia , Dias Maria Peixe , Granadeiro José Pedro , Catry Paulo
Published: June 2019

The processes that drive the ontogeny of migratory strategies in long‐lived animals with slow maturation remain enigmatic. While some short‐lived migrants are known or believed to repeat the same migratory patterns throughout their lives, little is known on the time required for immature long‐lived migrants to progressively acquire adult‐like migratory behaviours, or which aspects take longer to refine during the maturation process.

Here, we studied the ontogeny of long‐distance migratory strategies and related patterns of spatial distribution in a long‐lived seabird species during the annual cycle. To do so, we deployed light‐level geolocators on 4‐ to 9‐year‐old immature Cory's shearwaters (Calonectris borealis) and on breeding adults.

We revealed that migratory timings and destinations of young shearwaters progressively changed with age. The effect of ageing was remarkably evident on spring migratory performance and phenology. Birds gradually shortened the duration of the non‐breeding period by advancing departure date and reducing travelling time, which resulted in a sequential arrival at the colony of the various age contingents. Ageing immatures gradually changed from a more exploratory strategy to a more conservative way of exploiting resources, reducing both their year‐round spatial spread across oceanic domains and the total distance travelled. Immatures always performed a trans‐equatorial migration to the Southern Hemisphere, contrasting with 17% of the adults which remained in the North Atlantic year‐round. Finally, during the breeding season immatures were widely dispersed through the North Atlantic reducing their overlap with breeding adults.

Our long‐term study provides empirical support to the hypothesis that in long‐lived species, the refinement of migratory behaviour and year‐round spatial distribution is a progressive process mediated by age and experience, where life stage constraints and competition for resources may also play a role. The emerging pattern suggests that for some avian taxa, the ontogeny of migratory strategy is a prolonged, complex and dynamic process.
Competitive reversal between plant species is driven by species‐specific tolerance to flooding stress and nutrient acquisition during early marsh succession
Authors: Muench Andrew , Elsey‐Quirk Tracy
Published: June 2019

Understanding plant species interactions along successional trajectories is critical for managing and restoring ecosystems, as both resource availability and abiotic stresses change over time to affect competitive outcomes and species distributions. Newly created ecosystems experience a succession of plant species and rapid changes in resource availability, which may influence the outcome of biotic interactions. How these biotic interactions vary along abiotic gradients in early successional systems is not well understood.

Here, we tested the hypothesis that species‐specific tolerances to flooding would influence their relative ability to capture resources (i.e. nutrients) and affect competition intensity between pioneer and secondary successional species in an early successional created tidal marsh. We transplanted a competitively dominant higher marsh species, saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens), across an elevation gradient within and outside of clones of a pioneer stress‐tolerant low marsh species, smooth cordgrass (S.  alterniflora).

Within 6 months, S.  alterniflora had suppressed the stature and growth of S.  patens; however, the magnitude of this competitive effect increased at lower marsh elevations where S.  alterniflora was more efficient at capturing available nitrogen (N). In unvegetated areas, where S.  patens vigour was high, the amount of available N was approximately 40 times greater than within S.  alterniflora clones.

Synthesis and applications. Our results demonstrate that competition intensity of the stress‐tolerant species over the competitive species depended on relative resource capture in response to abiotic stress. Managing for specific vegetation communities in marsh restoration, therefore, requires insight into these relationships and interactions. Specifically, marsh restoration in high nutrient environments will limit the succession to high density competitive species due to competition with stress‐tolerant pioneer species, particularly at lower elevations.