bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Report of Septoria sp. Infecting Stevia rebaudiana in France and Screening of Stevia rebaudiana Genotypes for Host Resistance
Authors: Hastoy C. , Le Bihan Z. , Gaudin J. , Cosson P. , Rolin D. , Schurdi-Levraud V.
Published: January 2019

Stevia rebaudiana, for which cultivation is on the increase worldwide, accumulates acaloric intense sweeteners called steviol glycosides (SGs) in its leaves. Yields can be affected by Septoria leaf spot (SLS) caused by Septoria spp. The objectives of the research were (1) to morphologically and genetically characterize five isolates of Septoria sp. found for the first time from outbreaks of Septoria in stevia fields in Southwestern France and (2) to screen S. rebaudiana germplasm from diverse origins through an automated inoculation method using one of the isolates. Multilocus sequence typing grouped the five isolates obtained from symptomatic plants, closely related to Septoria lycopersici and Septoria apiicola. The response to Septoria sp. of 10 genotypes from different origins was assessed for disease severity (DS), either by visually scoring the symptomatic portion of the whole plants or the portion of symptomatic foliar area (PLSA) determined by image analysis, and the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) calculated on the basis of the disease severity rating taken 12, 15, 18, and 21 days after inoculation. No genotypes with complete resistance were identified. Moderately susceptible genotypes “Gawi” and “Esplac1” exhibited only 10 to 15% of symptomatic part on whole plant and the slowest disease development. They could be distinguished from highly susceptible ones “E8”, “C”, and “E161718” exhibiting up to 40% of symptomatic part on whole plant. The variability of response to Septoria sp. that exists in S. rebaudiana opens up the field of breeding strategies for the development of new cultivars for sustainable and organic S. rebaudiana production.
Novel Primers and Sampling for PCR Detection ofXylellafastidiosain Peach
Authors: Chen Chunxian , Bock Clive H. , Brannen Phillip M.
Published: January 2019

Epidemics of phony peach disease (PPD), caused by Xylella fastidiosa, are of increasing concern to peach (Prunus persica) producers in the southeastern United States. Primers suitable for both conventional PCR (cPCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR), along with optimal tissue and sampling time, are needed for comparative and reliable detection of X. fastidiosa. In this study, we developed and assessed novel primers for X. fastidiosa and for peach and compared detection of X. fastidiosa in four peach tissue types sampled at three time points using both cPCR and qPCR. Primer C06Xf-bamA was extensively tested for reliable detection of X. fastidiosa due to the more consistent intensity of the cPCR products and the marginally lower average quantification cycle (Cq) values of the qPCR products, compared with the other primers screened. Among the four peach tissue types tested, only root samples demonstrated reliable and consistent detection of X. fastidiosa; stem, petiole, and leaf samples, regardless of source trees, primers used, sampling times, or PCR methods (cPCR or qPCR), were unreliable for detection, due to insufficient quantity of DNA of X. fastidiosa in these samples based on the relative quantification assay. The Cq means and ratios were compared and statistically analyzed, to ascertain effects of source tree, tissue type, sampling time, and primer. Differences in detection sensitivity and the Cq means among sampled trees, sampling times, tested primers, and tissues (except root) were not significant or were inconsistent precluding further exploitation. In summary, these novel primers are a useful resource for detecting X. fastidiosa, and based on our results, root is the only tissue type reliable for year-round detection of X. fastidiosa in peach. Further research on potential utilization of above-ground tissues for PCR detection of X. fastidiosa are discussed.
Evaluation of a Medicaid Lock-in Program
Authors: Naumann Rebecca B. , Roberts Andrew W. , Marshall Stephen W. , Skinner Asheley C.
Published: January 2019

Background:

“Lock-in” programs (LIPs) identify beneficiaries demonstrating potential overutilization of opioids, and other controlled substances, and restrict their access to these medications. LIPs are expanding to address the opioid crisis and could be an effective tool for connecting people to opioid use disorder treatment. We examined the immediate and sustained effects of a Medicaid LIP on overdose risk and use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder.

Methods:

We analyzed North Carolina Medicaid claims from July 2009 through June 2013. We estimated daily risk differences and ratios of MAT use and overdose during lock-in and following release from the program, compared with periods before program enrollment.

Results:

The daily probability of MAT use during lock-in and following release was greater, when compared with a period just before LIP enrollment [daily risk ratios: 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18–1.91; 2.27, 95% CI: 1.07–4.80; respectively]. Beneficiaries’ average overdose risk while enrolled in the program and following release was similar to their risk just before enrollment (daily risk ratios: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.79–1.28; 1.12, 95% CI: 0.82–1.54; respectively).

Discussion:

North Carolina’s Medicaid LIP was associated with increased use of MAT during enrollment, and this increase was sustained in the year following release from the program. However, we did not observe parallel reductions in overdose risk during lock-in and following release. Identifying facilitators of MAT access and use among this population, as well as potential barriers to overdose reduction are important next steps to ensuring effective LIP design.
Personality homophily affects male social bonding in wild Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis)
Authors: Ebenau Anja , von Borell Christoph , Penke Lars , Ostner Julia , Schülke Oliver
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACt

Animal social bonds are defined as stable, equitable and strong affiliative and cooperative relationships similar to human friendships. Just as human friendships, social bonds are thought to function as alliances that generate adaptive benefits via support in critical situations. In humans, similarity in many sociodemographic, behavioural and intrapersonal characteristics leads to trust and is predictive of friendships. Specifically, personality homophily, that is the tendency of individuals to form social bonds with others who have a similar personality, may increase predictability and facilitate trust and reciprocity among partners with compatible behavioural tendencies. While evidence for social bonding in nonhumans is accumulating, far less is known about its predictors. Here, personality homophily effects on the formation and maintenance of social bonds are shown in twenty-four wild male Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis), at Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand. Dyadic bond strength increased with increased similarity in the trait Connectedness (i.e. frequent and diverse neighbours in 5m proximity and pronounced social tolerance, as high rates of friendly approaches to and by others). To differentiate whether homophily indeed predicted bond formation or whether bonded males’ personalities became more similar over time, we tested the stability of the connectedness traits in a subset of immigrating males that had to form new bonds. Connectedness in these males remained stable suggesting that males do not adapt their personality to their partner. Our results support the idea of a shared evolutionary origin of homophily as a partner choice strategy in human and non-human animals. The main selective advantage of personality similarity in animal social bonds may result from a more reliable cooperation among individuals with similar cooperative behavioural tendencies.
Wingless promotes JNK/MMPs positive feedback loop mediate tumour microtubes expansion, glioma progression and neurodegeneration
Authors: Portela Marta , Fahey-Lozano Natasha , Casas-Tintó Sergio
Published: January 2019

Glial cells display a network of projections (cytonemes) which mediate cell to cell communication. Under pathological conditions like glioblastoma (GB), cytonemes transform into ultra-long tumour microtubes (TMs). These filopodia infiltrate through the brain, enwrap neurons and deplete wingless (Wg)/WNT, as a consequence GB progress and neurons undergo synapse loss and degeneration. Thus TMs emerge as a central cellular feature of GB which correlates with a poor prognosis in patients and animal models. Here we describe in aDrosophilamodel for GB the molecular mechanisms behind TMs production, infiltration and maintenance. Glial cells are initially transformed into malignant GB upon EGFR and PI3K pathways constitutive activation, afterwards GB cells establish a positive feedback loop including Wg signalling, JNK and matrix metalloproteases (MMP). In order, Frizzled1 mediates Wg signalling upregulation which activates JNK in GB. As a consequence, MMPs are upregulated and facilitate TMs infiltration in the brain, hence GB TMs network expands and mediate further wingless depletion to close the loop.
Assessing the remarkable morphological diversity and transcriptomic basis of leaf shape inIpomoea batatas(sweetpotato)
Authors: Gupta Sonal , Rosenthal David M. , Stinchcombe John R. , Baucom Regina S.
Published: January 2019

Leaf shape, a spectacularly diverse plant trait, varies across taxonomic levels, geography, and in response to environmental differences. However, comprehensive intraspecific analyses of leaf shape variation across variable environments is surprisingly absent. Here, we perform a multi-level analysis of leaf shape using diverse accessions of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas), and uncover the role of genetics, environment, and GxE on this important trait.

We examine leaf shape using a variety of morphometric analyses, and complement this with a transcriptomic survey to identify gene expression changes associated with shape variation. Additionally, we examine the role of genetics and environment on leaf shape by performing field studies in two geographically separate common gardens.

We show that extensive leaf shape variation exists withinI. batatas, and identify promising candidate genes underlying this variation. Interestingly, when considering traditional measures, we find that genetic factors are largely responsible for most of leaf shape variation, but that the environment is highly influential when using more quantitative measuresvialeaf outlines.

This extensive and multi-level examination of leaf shape shows an important role of genetics underlying a potentially important agronomic trait, and highlights that the environment can be a strong influence when using more quantitative measures of leaf shape.
The solid-state structure of the β-blocker metoprolol: a combined experimental and in silico investigation
Authors: Rossi Patrizia , Paoli Paola , Chelazzi Laura , Conti Luca , Bencini Andrea
Published: January 2019

Metoprolol {systematic name: (RS)-1-isopropylamino-3-[4-(2-methoxyethyl)phenoxy]propan-2-ol}, C15H25NO3, is a cardioselective β1-adrenergic blocking agent that shares part of its molecular skeleton with a large number of other β-blockers. Results from its solid-state characterization by single-crystal and variable-temperature powder X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry are presented. Its molecular and crystal arrangements have been further investigated by molecular modelling, by a Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) survey and by Hirshfeld surface analysis. In the crystal, the side arm bearing the isopropyl group, which is common to other β-blockers, adopts an all-trans conformation, which is the most stable arrangement from modelling data. The crystal packing of metoprolol is dominated by an O—H...N/N...H—O pair of hydrogen bonds (as also confirmed by a Hirshfeld surface analysis), which gives rise to chains containing alternating R and S metoprolol molecules extending along the b axis, supplemented by a weaker O...H—N/N—H...O pair of interactions. In addition, within the same stack of molecules, a C—H...O contact, partially oriented along the b and c axes, links homochiral molecules. Amongst the solid-state structures of molecules structurally related to metoprolol deposited in the CSD, the β-blocker drug betaxolol shows the closest analogy in terms of three-dimensional arrangement and interactions. Notwithstanding their close similarity, the crystal lattices of the two drugs respond differently on increasing temperature: metoprolol expands anisotropically, while for betaxolol, an isotropic thermal expansion is observed.
Synthesis, structure and antiproliferative and optical activities of two new biphenyl-derived Schiff bases
Authors: Tan Xue-Jie , Zhang Ling-Yao , Sun Yuan-Kai , Zhou Xue-Min
Published: January 2019

Two novel Schiff bases derived from indole and biphenyl have been designed and synthesized, namely 3-((E)-{(E)-[1-(biphenyl-4-yl)ethylidene]hydrazinylidene}methyl)-1-methyl-1H-indole (3-BEHMI) acetonitrile monosolvate, C24H21N3·CH3CN, and 3-((E)-{(E)-[1-(biphenyl-4-yl)ethylidene]hydrazinylidene}methyl)-1-methyl-1H-indole (3-BEHEI) acetonitrile monosolvate, C24H21N3·CH3CN. Their structures were characterized by elemental analysis, quadrupole time-of-flight MS, NMR and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The single-crystal packing structure of3-BEHMIis largely dominated by C—H...π interactions and weak van der Waals interactions. Thein vitrocytotoxicity of the two title compounds have been evaluated against two tumour cell lines (A549 human lung cancer and 4T1mouse breast cancer) and two normal cell lines (MRC-5 normal lung cells and NIH 3T3 fibroblasts) by MTT assay. The results indicate that3-BEHEIexhibits a slightly weaker antiproliferative capability (IC50= ∼50 µM) than the previously reported similar Schiff base3-BEHI(IC50 = ∼20 µM). This is in line with docking results.3-BEHMIdemonstrates a weak cytotoxic activity, with IC50values around 110 µM, which disagrees with its docking results. Overall, the tested compounds manifest relevant cytotoxicities on the selected cancer cell lines and normal cell lines. The UV–Vis and fluorescence spectra were recorded and reproduced through the TD-DFT method with four types of hybrid density functionals, including B3LYP, M062X, PBE1PBE and WB97XD.
trans-Bis{2-[bis(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]-1-methyl-1H-benzimidazole}iron(II) bis(perchlorate) acetonitrile disolvate
Authors: Kumar Akhilesh , Faizi Md. Serajul Haque , Javed Saleem , Siddiqui Nazia , Iskenderov Turganbay
Published: January 2019

In the structure of the title complex, [Fe(C15H14N6)2](ClO4)2·2C2H3N, the asymmetric unit contains one complete ligand molecule, one perchlorate and one acetonitrile solvent molecule. The iron(II) atom, situated on an inversion centre, is surrounded by six nitrogen atoms from two ligands in an octahedral coordination sphere in which the two benzimidazole units adopt a trans-configuration. The crystal structure is stablized by extensive weak C—H...O and C—H...N interactions.
Pricing of highway infrastructure for transportation asset management
Authors: Lim Taehoon , Porras-Alvarado Juan Diego , Zhang Zhanmin
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology for estimating the “price,” or the not-to-loss value, of individual highway assets, which reflects not only the assets’ capital value but also economic productivity, by adopting a productivity-based asset valuation framework. The price tags can be used in prioritizing highway assets in support of transportation asset management processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopts the utility theory to consider multiple performance measures reflecting the economic productivity generated by the assets, as well as their capital value. Key performance measures are first selected, and their values are retrieved from highway asset management databases. Next, the utility functions representing decision makers’ preferences convert the performance measures into utility values, which adjust the replacement cost (RC) of each highway asset to estimate price tags. To demonstrate its applicability, case studies were conducted for the highway networks of Texas and Washington State in the USA.

Findings

The methodology yielded price tags that better reflect the importance of highways’ roles in the economy in comparison to methods where only RCs are used. Furthermore, it was proven to be flexible enough to accommodate local conditions such as varying data availability.

Originality/value

The research provides a practical and reasonable way to prioritize critical highway assets in purport of maintenance and rehabilitation resource allocations, based on their economic productivity as well as physical condition and historical cost information, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of highway asset management.
Why and how to build back better in shrinking territories?
Authors: Di Giovanni Grazia , Chelleri Lorenzo
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of build back better (BBB) in contexts affected by depopulation and shrinking economies discussing how and if its principles are able to drive the recovery pattern toward a sustainability re-development path.

Design/methodology/approach

BBB principles’ usefulness in driving toward a sustainable post-disaster recovery has been tested in L’Aquila’s area (Italy) – severely affected by an earthquake in 2009 – through interviews and analyses of reconstruction plans and policies.

Findings

Although most of the BBB principles can be recognized within the intentions of plans and policies, the recovery process highlights a major fallacy in addressing the pre-disaster socio-economic stresses inducing to shrinkage and depopulation development lock-ins.

Practical implications

Although most of the principles can be recognized in the intentions of plans and policies, the recovery process highlights a main fallacy of the “BBB paradigm”: the need of addressing pre-disaster socio-economic stresses while recovering from the shocks was not explicitly nor implicitly addressed.

Originality/value

Shrinkage as a process of territorial transformation has been little explored in relation to natural hazards and post-disaster contexts. Indeed, while from one side BBB concept and principles drive toward a potential mitigation of the main risks while re-building, it results challenging to overcome the built environment re-building priorities to question whether, what and how to re-build while investing in socio-economic recovery. Reverting, or accepting, shrinkage could indeed implies to not build back part of the urban fabric, while investing in skills and capacity building, which, in turn, would be difficult to justify through the reconstruction budget. The tension between re-building (better, the built environment) and re-development (skills and networks, at the expense of re-building) is critical when BBB faces disasters happening in shrinking territories.
Exploring the complementarity between product exports and foreign technology imports for innovation in emerging economic firms
Authors: Wang Kui , Tao Wang
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to advance and test the idea that product exports and technology imports are complementary cross-border learning approaches for emerging market firms’ innovation performance. In addition, this paper also seeks to search for contextual variables that affect this complementarity.

Design/methodology/approach

This study takes systems approach to examine complementarity, combining a “productivity” and an “adoption” approach. In addition, interaction approach is also used as robustness check.

Findings

The authors show that the positive effect of export activity on firms’ growth rate is higher for firms that also engage in technology import, and vice versa. Furthermore, they show that, Ceteris paribus, firms’ adoption of one cross-border learning mechanism (e.g. entering export markets) positively influences the adoption of the other (e.g. technology import). Moreover, this complementarity is only significant for firms from province with low level of marketization.

Research limitations/implications

This inconsistency about learning-by-exporting and technology import on innovation can be resolved, at least partially, by the complementarities perspective. This paper also reveals two mechanisms of learning-by-exporting: the indirect effect of export on innovation through increasing the likelihood of adoption decision of importing technology and enhancing the positive effect of technology imports.

Practical implications

The potential of combining the two strategies should not be ignored by managers. To improve regional competitiveness, local governments should try best to improve the efficiency of customs to help firms realize the synergistic effect of learning-by- exporting and learning-by-technology-importing.

Originality/value

This study first explores the positive complementarity between the two cross-border learning mechanism in sharping EEEs 2019 innovation performance and identifies the condition to realize the synergistic effect of learning-by-exporting and learning-by-technology-importing.
Enhancing the lodging experience through ethical leadership
Authors: Dimitriou Christina Klearchou , Schwepker Charles H.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Grounded in ethical decision-making theory, this paper aims to develop and empirically tests a model that examines the relationships between ethical leadership, customer orientation, ethical values person-organization fit, commitment to service quality and service sabotage among customer-contact service employees in the lodging industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were electronically collected from a national survey of 316 hotel/motel customer-contact employees.

Findings

Results revealed that perceived ethical leadership behavior is positively related to customer orientation, ethical values person-organization fit and commitment to service quality. Customer orientation is positively related to commitment to service quality and mediates the relationship between ethical leadership and service sabotage. Ethical values person-organization fit mediates the relationship between ethical leadership and service sabotage.

Research limitations/implications

The study is cross-sectional, limited to customer-contact employees in lodging settings and examines merely the employee perspective.

Practical implications

Lodging leaders can benefit significantly in many areas by practicing ethical leadership. For example, service sabotage behaviors can be reduced indirectly by aligning the customer-contact employees’ ethical values with those of the organization, as well as when this employee is customer-oriented. An ethical leadership style also can positively influence customer-contact employees’ customer orientation and increase their commitment to service quality. Lodging properties must hire and cultivate managers and supervisors with ethical values.

Originality/value

This research helps to better understand leadership behaviors useful for improving the ethical conduct and performance of customer-contact employees in the lodging industry, while simultaneously improving their commitment to service quality and guest-oriented behavior.
Is Jamaica’s anti-money laundering regime effective?
Authors: Freckleton Marie
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of Jamaica’s anti-money laundering regime.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on secondary sources. Existing laws and reports of relevant agencies were reviewed.

Findings

The effectiveness of Jamaica’s anti- money laundering regime is compromised by weak implementation of the regulations. The real estate sector and the legal profession remain vulnerable to money laundering. Some features of the economy allow criminals to circumvent the regulations.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on qualitative analysis because of the absence of data to compute quantitative measures of effectiveness.

Practical implications

Strong enforcement is required for effective control of money laundering. Furthermore, investigation of money laundering needs to be pro-active and not dependent solely on suspicious transactions reports in countries where corruption is prevalent.

Social implications

Weak money laundering control can contribute to social instability by allowing criminals to gain significant economic power and influence.

Originality/value

No other study has highlighted the factors undermining the effectiveness of anti-money laundering regulations in Jamaica.
Tax compliance of financial services firms: a developing economy perspective
Authors: Musimenta Doreen , Naigaga Sylvia , Bananuka Juma , Najjuma Mariam Ssemakula
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the contribution of tax morale, compliance costs and tax compliance of financial services firms in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is cross-sectional and correlational and adopts firm-level data collected using a questionnaire survey of 210 financial services firms in Uganda from which usable questionnaires were received from 152 financial services firms.

Findings

Tax morale and compliance costs contribute up to 20.6 per cent of the variance in tax compliance of the financial services firms. Tax morale and tax compliance are positively and significantly associated. Results further indicate that compliance costs and tax compliance are positively and significantly associated. National pride and trust in government and its legal systems as dimensions of tax morale independently are significantly associated with tax compliance. Results also indicate that administration costs and specialist costs as dimensions of compliance costs individually are significantly associated with tax compliance.

Research limitations/implications

This study results should be generalized with caution, as they are limited to the financial services firms in Uganda.

Originality/value

Whereas there has been a number of studies on tax compliance in both developed and developing countries, this is the first study on the African scene to examine the contribution of tax morale and compliance costs on tax compliance of financial services firms in a single suite. It is unbelievable that the financial services firms, especially commercial banks which are highly regulated by the central bank in many developing countries, can afford to report tax payables year after year.
Hurdling the sovereign wall
Authors: Cassella Stefan
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The globalization of crime has made it possible for international money launderers, kleptocrats and fraudsters to commit crimes in one jurisdiction while remaining safe in another and hiding their assets in a third. At the same time, law enforcement officials remain constrained by the rules of national sovereignty that inhibit their ability to recover assets located beyond the territorial jurisdiction of their courts. Three recent cases, however, illustrate that governments have begun to find ways to hurdle the walls that have traditionally made the recovery of assets in other countries so difficult. This paper aims to sketch the facts of those cases, the legal issues presented and the ways in which the obstacles presented by the walls of sovereignty were overcome.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is the study of three recent cases.

Findings

The cases illustrate how obstacles presented by national sovereignty have been overcome.

Originality/value

The cases will serve as a guide to future international cooperation.
Constructing a typology of virtual city brand co-creation practices: an ecological approach
Authors: Lucarelli Andrea
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The paper aims to offer an approach that allows an analysis and construction of a typology of virtual city brand co-creation practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is illustrated by using data collected in regard to the branding of Stockholm; it is based on visual representations expressing the process in which brand co-creation unfolds in a network of different affective modalities.

Findings

Virtual representations emerge as expressive trans-locations that obtain communicative qualities in which practices are included and also in which practices are constituted. Practices represent how experiencing is carried out by different stakeholders’ relationships and emotional interactions. They are labeled as contributing, using, esteeming and opposing. These practices constitute analytical abstraction that represent different power plays between the visual and material content of the images, the technologies of production and the display and performance of the virtual.

Research limitations/implications

The focus on practices suggests a way to perform a critical analysis that could be used to research the performative process of co-creating brands in a way that the practices offer signals that can be used to grasp the dynamism of the process. Further, it suggests that the analysis of the practices in the virtual realm has the potential to unfold the material, nonlinear dynamic of communication that resides beyond forms of meaning and cognition.

Practical implications

The offered approach posits an alternative view of co-creation in which the process is uncontrollable by any stakeholders involved; the process might therefore not have a start and end or it could start everywhere in the internet and can transform at any point in space-time.

Originality/value

It contributes to the research on performative place branding by problematizing the issue of agency. It does so by displaying the way in which the process of virtual city brand co-creation could be analyzed based on practices involving the co-construction of visualization and materialization. Analytically, by dealing with virtual representations where practices of brand co-creation unfold, such an approach also helps to unpack the consequences of those practices and can highlight the technologies that are used and the specific qualities of the visual objects enacted.
The experiential understanding group-and-leader managerial course: long-term follow-up
Authors: Sandahl Christer , Larsson Gerry , Lundin Josi , Söderhjelm Teresa Martha
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the results of an experiential leader development course titled understanding group-and-leader (UGL).

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample consisted of 61 course participants (the managers) and 318 subordinate raters. The development leadership questionnaire (DLQ) was used to measure the results of the course. The measurements were made on three occasions: shortly before the course, one month after the course and six months after the course.

Findings

The managers’ self-evaluations did not change significantly after the course. However, the subordinate raters’ evaluations of their managers indicated a positive trend in the scales of developmental leadership and conventional-positive leadership one month and six months after the course.

Research limitations/implications

The study was based on a comparatively small sample with a number of drop-outs. The study lacked a control condition.

Practical implications

From an organizational point of view, it could be argued that it is justifiable to send managers to such a course, as there is a good chance for an improvement in their leadership style as rated by subordinates.

Social implications

The integration of group processes and leadership behavior in the context of experiential learning seems to be a fruitful path to leader development.

Originality/value

Longitudinal studies on the results of experiential learning for managers are sparse. This is the first quantitative evaluation of a course that more than 80,000 individuals have taken.
Barriers of knowledge transfer and mitigating strategies in collaborative management system implementations
Authors: Gou Juanqiong , Li Nan , Lyu Tete , Lyu Xiyan , Zhang Zuopeng
Published: January 2019

Purpose

As the dynamics of the external environment of the enterprise continue to increase, the support of information systems for organizational agility becomes increasingly important. Collaborative Management System (CMS) is a new type of information system that can cope with the dynamic changes of the organization. Effective knowledge transfer is the core of the system implementation. The purpose of this study is to explore the knowledge transfer barriers faced by CMS in its implementation process.

Design/methodology/approach

Through field interviews with a representative CMS provider, this paper summarizes the barriers of knowledge transfer during CMS implementation into three aspects.

Findings

Based on the innovative measures taken by the company and relevant literature, the corresponding mitigating strategies are proposed.

Originality/value

The findings enrich the implementation methodology of agile information systems by exploring the knowledge transfer problem from a novel context. The study also provides a reference for practical implementation to overcome the dilemma of knowledge transfer.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Pathology After Shotgun Injury to the Brain
Authors: Tribett Taylor , Erskine Brittany , Bailey Kristi , Brown Theodore , Castellani Rudy J.
Published: January 2019

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) was initially conceptualized in boxers, but has extended to other athletes in recent years, albeit with limited clinical correlations. It is often asserted that CTE pathology represents the substrate for progressive neurodegenerative disease. We report the case of a shotgun injury to the brain with 42‐year survival and no neurological disease progression until shortly before death. The decedent had no other traumatic brain injury (TBI) exposure and did not play football or other high energy collision sport. Neuropathological examination confirmed tissue damage, but additionally demonstrated localized patterns of phosphorylated tau (p‐tau) meeting criteria for CTE pathology. P‐tau and TDP‐43 deposits within marginal tissue of damaged brain were also present focally. No amyloid‐β (Aβ) deposits were present. These findings indicate that CTE pathology may occur following a single, severe TBI.
Unannounced vs announced in situ simulation of emergency teams: Feasibility and staff perception of stress and learning
Authors: Freund Debra , Andersen Peter O. , Svane Christian , Meyhoff Christian S. , Sørensen Jette L.
Published: January 2019

Background

Simulation‐based medical education, often used for teaching teamwork, can be conducted in different settings: off‐site (simulation centers or other settings away from clinical units) or in situ (real clinical environment), where the latter can be either announced or unannounced. Simulation in general, but especially unannounced in situ simulation, has been described as stressful and stress can affect learning. The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility and the perception of learning and stress.

Methods

Sixteen standardized in situ simulations were planned in an emergency department on eight predetermined dates, with one unannounced and one announced simulation per day. Authentic ad hoc teams were formed based on the on‐call staff and included doctors, nurses, radiographers, biochemist, porters, and secretaries. Data were collected using questionnaires and the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory.

Results

Eleven of the 16 in situ simulations were completed. Self‐perceived learning was “good” or “very good” for 27/47 (57%) participants and 33/50 (66%) in unannounced vs announced in situ simulation (P = 0.33). Two of 47 (4%) in unannounced in situ simulation “agreed or partly agreed” that in situ simulation was stressful or unpleasant vs 12/50 (24%) in announced in situ simulation (P = 0.06).

Conclusion

No significant difference was found between unannounced and announced in situ simulation among emergency department staff according to self‐perceived learning and self‐perceived stress. This is relevant for the future planning of simulation when considering what is to be achieved from implementing different designs for simulation‐based medical education.
Alogliptin improves survival and health of mice on a high‐fat diet
Authors: Zhu Biao , Li Yixiang , Xiang Lingwei , Zhang Jiajia , Wang Li , Guo Bei , Liang Minglu , Chen Long , Xiang Lin , Dong Jing , Liu Min , Mei Wen , Li Huan , Xiang Guangda
Published: January 2019

Alogliptin is a commonly prescribed drug treating patients with type 2 diabetes. Here, we show that long‐term intervention with alogliptin (0.03% w/w in diet) improves survival and health of mice on a high‐fat diet. Alogliptin intervention takes beneficial effects associated with longevity, including increased insulin sensitivity, attenuated functionality decline, decreased organ pathology, preserved mitochondrial function, and reduced oxidative stress. Autophagy activation is proposed as an underlying mechanism of these beneficial effects. We conclude that alogliptin intervention could be considered as a potential strategy for extending lifespan and healthspan in obesity and overweight.
EAACIposition paper: Comparing insect hypersensitivity induced by bite, sting, inhalation or ingestion in human beings and animals
Authors: Pali‐Schöll Isabella , Blank Simon , Verhoeckx Kitty , Mueller Ralf S. , Janda Jozef , Marti Eliane , Seida Ahmed A. , Rhyner Claudio , DeBoer Douglas J. , Jensen‐Jarolim Erika
Published: January 2019

Adverse reactions to insects occur in both human and veterinary patients. Systematic comparison may lead to improved recommendations for prevention and treatment in all species. In this position paper, we summarize the current knowledge on insect allergy induced via stings, bites, inhalation or ingestion, and compare reactions in companion animals to those in people. With few exceptions, the situation in human insect allergy is better documented than in animals. We focus on a review of recent literature and give overviews of the epidemiology and clinical signs. We discuss allergen sources and allergenic molecules to the extent described, and aspects of diagnosis, prophylaxis, management and therapy.
Torus mandibularis affects the severity and position‐dependent sleep apnoea in non‐obese patients
Authors: Ahn Sang Hyeon , Ha Jong‐Gyun , Kim Jin Won , Lee Young Woo , Yoon Joo‐Heon , Kim Chang‐Hoon , Cho Hyung‐Ju
Published: January 2019

Objective

Various anatomical structures of upper airway and physical differences are known to be risk factors for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Torus mandibularis is a structure that can appear on the inside of the mandible. Therefore, it is possible for tori to influence airway volume by occupying the space for tongue and cause sleep apnoea. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of torus mandibularis on the severity of OSA as one of the craniofacial risk factors.

Design

Retrospective case‐control study.

Setting

University‐based tertiary medical centre.

Participants

Adult patients over 19‐years‐old who visited outpatient clinics with complaints of sleep‐disordered breathing symptoms between January 2010 and December 2017 were investigated.

Main outcome measures

The presence of torus mandibularis in oral cavity was confirmed by physical examination or CT image. We analysed demographic findings including age, sex, medical history, previous operation history, physical findings of upper airway and result of polysomnography. To evaluate the effect of torus mandibularis on OSA, polysomnography data of the two groups according to presence or absence of torus mandibularis were compared and analysed.

Results

Two‐hundred and thirty‐two OSA patients with BMI <25 were divided into two groups, according to either the presence or absence of torus mandibularis. We analysed 138 patients of control group and 94 of torus mandibularis group. Apnoea‐hypopnoea index (AHI) was 18.8 ± 14.9 in control group and 25.1 ± 18.4 in torus mandibularis group (P = 0.006). Respiratory disturbance index (RDI) was 23.1 ± 14.7 in control group and 27.9 ± 18.4 in torus mandibularis group (P = 0.035). Supine AHI showed 26.6 ± 20.3 in control group and 32.5 ± 22.6 in torus mandibularis group (P = 0.039). Patients with torus mandibularis had a trend of increase in proportion according to the severity of sleep apnoea, such as AHI (P = 0.007) or RDI (P = 0.034).

Conclusions

We newly found that the presence of torus mandibularis affects not only severity of OSA and also position‐dependent OSA. These results support the necessity of torus mandibularis evaluation in OSA patients, and further study is also required to investigate its consequence in the surgical outcome.
Is development aid securitized? Evidence from a cross‐country examination of aid commitments
Authors: Lazell Melita , Petrikova Ivica
Published: January 2019

Motivation

How has the securitization of development affected the distribution of bilateral development aid by sector? Over the past two decades, academics and development NGOs have become increasingly concerned about the impact of the securitization of development. This debate has not, however, adequately addressed the impact of securitization on actual aid commitments to key sectors. If aid commitments are influenced by securitization this will have implications for the types of programmes funded by bilateral donors.

Purpose

This article examines whether and how securitization has affected the distribution of UK, US, Danish and Swedish development aid by sector through investigating how conflict in aid‐recipient states—and the extent to which these states are perceived as a security threat—affect aid commitments to priority sectors; democratization and peace, conflict and security.

Approach and Methods

A mixed‐methods approach analyses the policy discourse and aid commitments of the four bilateral donors. The former involves a systematic collection and analysis of development policy documents from the four donors over the last two decades. For the latter we use data from the OECD's Creditor Reporting System and the Uppsala University Conflict Data Programme, along with data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute and the Global Terrorism Database in a cross‐sectional time‐series regression analysis.

Findings

The new data produced indicate that the securitization of development has had the most significant effect on aid commitments to states not affected by conflict and that the strategic importance of conflict‐affected states and the domestic character of donor governments both influence the strength of aid securitization.

Policy Implications

Given the concerns regarding aid for security purposes and donors’ policy discourse, bilateral donors should consider the need of current funding for conflict, peace and security programmes in states not affected by conflict and recognize the role of national security interests in decisions about the distribution of aid.
Family processes and duration of untreated psychosis among US Latinos
Authors: Hernandez Mercedes , Hernandez Maria Y. , Lopez Daisy , Barrio Concepción , Gamez Diana , López Steven R.
Published: January 2019

Aim

Little is known about family processes and treatment seeking among Latinos with first‐episode psychosis (FEP) living in the United States. This study examined family processes prior to treatment and their relation to duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) among Latinos with FEP and their family caregivers.

Methods

Thirty‐three Latinos with FEP and their low‐acculturated family caregivers (n = 33) participated in qualitative semi‐structured interviews focused on treatment‐seeking experience and family relationships. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis and themes were grouped based on short (n = 18) or long (n = 15) DUP.

Results

Findings revealed differences based on DUP length. Patients with short DUP had stronger family relationships characterized by open communication and disclosure of symptoms that facilitated awareness and direct action by family caregivers. However, patients with long DUP had more troubled family relationships that often challenged early treatment seeking.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the relevance of family context in the provision of early treatment for Latinos with FEP. Family‐based services are needed that increase awareness of symptoms and provide families with support that can facilitate ongoing patient treatment during this critical period.
Intention to undergo faecal occult blood testing in an ethnic minority
Authors: Ben Natan Merav , Abu Husayn Asil , Haj Muhamad Rana
Published: January 2019

Aim

To explore factors associated with the intention of an ethnic minority of Israeli Arabs to undergo faecal occult blood testing using the Health Belief Model.

Methods

This was a quantitative correlational study that utilized a questionnaire constructed based on the Health Belief Model. The questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of 200 Israeli Arabs aged 50 and over. Data were collected during January to March 2018.

Findings

The research findings show that respondents had a high intention to undergo faecal occult blood testing in the future, although only 66.5% of the respondents had ever undergone it in the past. Physicians and nurses were the most significant sources of information regarding the faecal occult blood testing. The Health Belief Model explained 46% of variance in the intention to undergo the faecal occult blood testing among Israeli Arabs, with perceived benefits of testing being the most significant predictor of this intention.

Conclusion

The Health Belief Model can serve as a basis for planning intervention programmes to be implemented by health care professionals to raise the intention of ethnic minorities to undergo faecal occult blood testing.
Culture, teams, and organizations: A qualitative exploration of female nurses’ and midwives’ experiences of urinary symptoms at work
Authors: Pierce Heather , Perry Lin , Gallagher Robyn , Chiarelli Pauline
Published: January 2019

Aim

To explore nurses’ and midwives’ experiences of urinary symptoms at work.

Background

Lower urinary tract symptoms are common in female nurses and midwives. There is limited understanding of the relationship between urinary symptoms, bladder health practices, and work.

Design

Qualitative design providing in‐depth exploration of nurses’ and midwives’ experiences of urinary symptoms at work through focus group discussions.

Methods

Twelve focus groups were held July–September 2016 with 96 Registered Nurses and midwives working at two tertiary‐referral hospitals in urban New South Wales, Australia. A semi‐structured question schedule was used. An inductive process guided thematic analysis of data using a socioecological framework of health behaviours.

Results

Nurses’ and midwives’ experiences of urinary symptoms at work primarily relate to delaying voiding. This practice is explained by a work culture of “patient‐first” care at expense of self‐care, relationships in the nursing team, demands of the nursing role, and inadequacy of workplace amenities. The first two themes reflect cultural and social caring dilemmas central to nursing. The second two themes identify issues with workforce management and physical workplace environments.

Conclusion

Nurses’ and midwives’ urinary symptoms and behaviours in response to sensory cues for bladder emptying are dependent on several socioecological influences. Occupational health initiatives in the workforce are required to break cultural norms that deter self‐care and to promote work environments that support healthy bladder practices. Workforce management and physical workplace environments are key influences on nurses’ timely and dignified access to amenities.