bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The RhoGAP protein ARHGAP18/SENEX localizes to microtubules and regulates their stability in endothelial cells
Authors: Lovelace Michael D. , Powter Elizabeth E. , Coleman Paul R. , Zhao Yang , Parker Amelia , Chang Garry H. , Lay Angelina J. , Hunter Julie , McGrath Aaron P. , Jormakka Mika , Bertolino Patrick , McCaughan Geoffrey , Kavallaris Maria , Vadas Mathew A. , Gamble Jennifer R.
Published: March 2017

RhoGTPases are important regulators of the cell cytoskeleton, controlling cell shape, migration and proliferation. Previously we showed that ARHGAP18 in endothelial cells is important in cell junctions. Here we show, using structured illumination microscopy (SIM), ground-state depletion (GSD), and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRF) that a proportion of ARHGAP18 localizes to microtubules in endothelial cells, as well as in nonendothelial cells, an association confirmed biochemically. In endothelial cells, some ARHGAP18 puncta also colocalized to Weibel–Palade bodies on the microtubules. Depletion of ARHGAP18 by small interfering RNA or analysis of endothelial cells isolated from ARHGAP18-knockout mice showed microtubule destabilization, as evidenced by altered morphology and decreased acetylated α-tubulin and glu-tubulin. The destabilization was rescued by inhibition of ROCK and histone deacetylase 6 but not by a GAP-mutant form of ARHGAP18. Depletion of ARHGAP18 resulted in a failure to secrete endothelin-1 and a reduction in neutrophil transmigration, both known to be microtubule dependent. Thrombin, a critical regulator of the Rho-mediated barrier function of endothelial cells through microtubule destabilization, enhanced the plasma membrane–bound fraction of ARHGAP18. Thus, in endothelial cells, ARHGAP18 may act as a significant regulator of vascular homeostasis.
Morphological response of the larvae of Arbacia lixula to near-future ocean warming and acidification
Authors: Visconti Giulia , Gianguzza Fabrizio , Butera Emanuela , Costa Valentina , Vizzini Salvatrice , Byrne Maria , Gianguzza Paola
Published: March 2017

The distribution of the sea urchin Arbacia lixula, a warm affinity species, has been expanding in the Mediterranean Sea. To address questions on potential for future success of this species in the region, the thermotolerance of larval development was investigated in context of regional warming. The larvae were reared in present day spawning period (20 °C) and warming conditions (+4 = 24 and +6 = 26 °C). As the calcifying larvae of sea urchins are vulnerable to stunted growth caused by ocean acidification, the impact of lower pH (−0.3 pH units) on larval development was also investigated in combination with warming. Morphological traits of the larvae, post-oral length arms, overall length of larvae and body length, were affected by increased temperature across pH treatments, indicating that for the larvae of southern Mediterranean population here, 24 °C appears to approximate the optimal temperature for development. A slightly negative effect of pH was evident. Increased temperature ameliorated the stunting effect of acidification on growth. The thermal tolerance of A. lixula development overlaps with projections for warming in the region by 2100 and also indicates that this species has acclimatized or adapted its reproductive biology to the broad environmental conditions of the Mediterranean Sea. Due to the broad thermal range (∼10 °C) of development of A. lixula across its distribution, this species is likely to be a winner in the climate change stakes. The broad thermal tolerance of the larvae is likely to assure population connectivity between Mediterranean sub-basins populations. The continued success of A. lixula can have a strong consequences for the ecological structure of Mediterranean rocky habitat.
Operationalizing integrated ecosystem assessments within a multidisciplinary team: lessons learned from a worked example
Authors: DePiper Geret S. , Gaichas Sarah K. , Lucey Sean M. , Pinto da Silva Patricia , Anderson M. Robin , Breeze Heather , Bundy Alida , Clay Patricia M. , Fay Gavin , Gamble Robert J. , Gregory Robert S. , Fratantoni Paula S. , Johnson Catherine L. , Koen-Alonso Mariano , Kleisner Kristin M. , Olson Julia , Perretti Charles T. , Pepin Pierre , Phelan Fred , Saba Vincent S. , Smith Laurel A. , Tam Jamie C. , Templeman Nadine D. , Wildermuth Robert P.
Published: March 2017

Between 2014 and 2016, an interdisciplinary team of researchers including physical oceanographers, biologists, economists and anthropologists developed a working example of an Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (IEA) for three ecologically distinct regions of the Northwest Atlantic; Georges Bank, the Gulf of Maine and the Grand Banks, as part of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Working Group on the Northwest Atlantic Regional Sea (WGNARS). In this paper, we review the transdisciplinary and collaborative process by which the IEA was developed, with a particular focus on the decision points arising from the IEA construct itself. The aim is to identify key issues faced in developing any IEA, practical decisions made to address these issues within the working group and lessons learned from the process.
Interannual site fidelity of Pacific halibut: potential utility of protected areas for management of a migratory demersal fish
Authors: Nielsen Julie K. , Seitz Andrew C.
Published: March 2017

Pacific halibut is a large-bodied demersal fish species known to undertake large-scale winter spawning migrations. We characterized annual movement patterns of Pacific halibut relative to a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska using electronic tags. In the summer of 2013, we deployed 25 Pop-up Satellite Archival Tags (PSATs) on halibut to determine seasonal movement patterns, where residency within the MPA was inferred by comparing PSAT depth and temperature records to stationary archival tag data and oceanographic survey data. To characterize within-summer movement patterns, 15 halibut tagged with PSATs were double-tagged with acoustic transmitters and actively tracked during the summers of 2013 and 2014. Home range behaviour and interannual site fidelity at spatial scales <5 km were observed for the majority of tagged fish. A small proportion (6/21 fish with PSAT data) departed the MPA on winter migrations during December 2013. A majority (4/6) of migratory fish returned to the MPA after an average of 57 d (s.d. 22 d) spent outside of the MPA. Migration timing generally coincided with existing winter commercial fishery closures. The annual movement patterns of tagged halibut relative to MPA boundaries and winter commercial fisheries closures suggest that the Glacier Bay MPA could serve as a year-round refuge from commercial harvest for both residential and migratory halibut. If halibut behaviour is similar in other areas, protected areas may provide some utility for management despite the migratory nature of halibut.
Variation in the Viral Hepatitis and HIV Policies and Practices of Methadone Maintenance Programs
Authors: Jessop Amy B. , Hom Jeffrey K. , Burke Monika
Published: March 2017

Objective:

Patients prescribed methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) demonstrate elevated prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus, and HIV. Government agencies recommend testing for these infections in MMT programs, but uptake is limited.

Methods:

We audited infection-related policies and practices of all 14 MMT programs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 2015. Results were tabulated and compared with the results from a 2010 audit of 10 of 12 MMT programs. The audit focused on which patients are tested, timing and frequency, specific tests ordered, vaccination, and communication of test results.

Results:

Written policies were nonspecific, offering little guidance on appropriate testing. The principal change in policy between 2010 and 2015 involved adding clearer guidance for communication of results to patients. In 2010 and 2015, all MMT programs tested new patients for hepatitis C virus antibodies, although retesting of existing patients varied. HBV testing increased from 2010 to 2015, though it was not uniform, with 5 programs testing for HBV surface antibodies and 10 programs testing for HBV surface antigens. Six programs assessed hepatitis vaccination status, but only 1 administered vaccines. In 2010, city-sponsored HIV antibody testing was available at all MMT programs. Without this program in 2015, few MMT programs conducted HIV testing.

Conclusions:

Despite limited hepatitis and HIV screening in MMT programs nationally, this study shows that testing can be incorporated into routine procedures. MMT programs are positioned to play an integral role in the identification of patients with chronic infections, but additional guidance and resources are required to maximize their impact.
The Relationship Between Magnet Designation, Electronic Health Record Adoption, and Medicare Meaningful Use Payments
Authors: Lippincott Christine , Foronda Cynthia , Zdanowicz Martin , McCabe Brian E. , Ambrosia Todd
Published: March 2017

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between nursing excellence and electronic health record adoption. Of 6582 US hospitals, 4939 were eligible for the Medicare Electronic Health Record Incentive Program, and 6419 were eligible for evaluation on the HIMSS Analytics Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model. Of 399 Magnet hospitals, 330 were eligible for the Medicare Electronic Health Record Incentive Program, and 393 were eligible for evaluation in the HIMSS Analytics Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model. Meaningful use attestation was defined as receipt of a Medicare Electronic Health Record Incentive Program payment. The adoption electronic health record was defined as Level 6 and/or 7 on the HIMSS Analytics Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model. Logistic regression showed that Magnet-designated hospitals were more likely attest to Meaningful Use than non-Magnet hospitals (odds ratio = 3.58, P < .001) and were more likely to adopt electronic health records than non-Magnet hospitals (Level 6 only: odds ratio = 3.68, P < .001; Level 6 or 7: odds ratio = 4.02, P < .001). This study suggested a positive relationship between Magnet status and electronic health record use, which involves earning financial incentives for successful adoption. Continued investigation is needed to examine the relationships between the quality of nursing care, electronic health record usage, financial implications, and patient outcomes.
Dabrafenib plus trametinib rechallenge in four melanoma patients who previously progressed on this combination
Authors: Rogiers Aljosja , Wolter Pascal , Bechter Oliver
Published: March 2017

In unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600 mutation, combined BRAF/MEK targeted therapy improves clinical outcomes. Yet, disease progression because of acquired resistance occurs in the majority of patients. There is emerging evidence that resistance to BRAF-inhibitor-based targeted therapy can be reversible in some cases. We retrospectively analyzed four patients with BRAF-mutant stage IV cutaneous melanoma who were treated with dabrafenib plus trametinib and rechallenged with the same combination after previously experiencing progression. At initial treatment with dabrafenib plus trametinib, three patients achieved a partial response and one patient achieved a complete response. Progression-free survival varied from 9.9 to 24.3 (median 19.8) months. The targeted therapy-free interval ranged from 2.3 to 11.7 (median 8.8) months. At rechallenge, all four patients had a partial response, with progression-free survival ranging from 3.6 to 6.8 (median 5.2) months. Clinical benefit and a second radiological response can be obtained upon readministration of dabrafenib plus trametinib after previously acquiring resistance to this combination. A better understanding of the biological underpinnings of genomic and nongenomic mechanisms of resistance to BRAF-inhibitor-based targeted therapy is needed to identify patients who may benefit from this rechallenge approach.
Interactions from complementary and alternative medicine in patients with melanoma
Authors: Loquai Carmen , Schmidtmann Irene , Garzarolli Marlene , Kaatz Martin , Kähler Katharina C. , Kurschat Peter , Meiss Frank , Micke Oliver , Muecke Ralph , Muenstedt Karsten , Nashan Dorothee , Stein Annette , Stoll Christoph , Dechent Dagmar , Huebner Jutta
Published: March 2017

Biological-based (BbCAM) methods from complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) may interact with cancer treatments, reduce efficacy, or enhance adverse effects. Although CAM usage has been evaluated well in other cancer entities, data on melanoma patients are still missing. The aim of this study was to determine CAM usage of melanoma patients using a standardized questionnaire to identify potential interactions with established and new systemic melanoma therapies. This multicenter study was carried out in seven German skin cancer centers. During routine care contact, CAM usage of former and current melanoma treatment was assessed in melanoma patients. The probability of interaction was classified into four categories ranging from ‘interaction unlikely’ (I), ‘possible’ (II), ‘likely’ (III), or ‘no data’ (IV). The questionnaire was filled out by 1157 patients, of whom 1089 were eligible for evaluation. CAM usage was reported by 41% of melanoma patients, of whom 63.1% took BbCAM such as vitamins, trace elements, supplements, or phytotherapeuticals. Of 335 patients with former or current therapy, 28.1% used BbCAM. The melanoma treatment included interferon, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, BRAF-inhibitor, or other tyrosine kinase inhibitors and ipilimumab. On the basis of our model of likelihood of interaction, we found that 23.9% of those on cancer therapy and 85.1% of those also using BbCAM were at some risk of interactions. The main limitation of our study is that no reliable and comprehensive database on clinical relevant interactions with CAM in oncology exists. Most patients receiving a melanoma-specific treatment and using BbCAM methods are at risk for interactions, which raises concerns on the safety and treatment efficacy of these patients. To protect melanoma patients from potential harm by the combination of their cancer treatment and CAM usage, patients should systematically be encouraged to report their CAM use, while oncologists should be trained on evidence of CAM, and patient guidance for saver CAM use.
Fostering Ethical Integrity in Nursing Education
Authors: Eby Ruth A. , Hartley Patricia Lynn , Hodges Patricia J. , Hoffpauir Rebecca Baldwin
Published: March 2017

Nursing students bring an array of morals, values, and ethics that may be inconsistent with ethical integrity. This study explored nurse educator perceptions of student ethical integrity and how educators can foster an ethical foundation in students and novice educators. Four major themes influencing ethical integrity emerged: the learning environment, behaviors, ethical principles, and a toolbox of strategies. Strategies for fostering ethical integrity included: modeling ethical integrity, effective communication, grading accuracy, faculty perceptions, and faculty peer mentoring.
Colorectal cancer diagnosed during pregnancy: systematic review and treatment pathways
Authors: Pellino Gianluca , Simillis Constantinos , Kontovounisios Christos , Baird Daniel L. , Nikolaou Stella , Warren Oliver , Tekkis Paris P. , Rasheed Shahnawaz
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to identify the mode of presentation and incidence of colorectal cancer in pregnancy (CRC-p), assess the outcomes of the mother and foetus according to gestational age, treatment delivered and cancer features and location. A systematic review of the literature was carried out to identify studies reporting on CRC-p and pooled analysis of the reported data. Seventy-nine papers reporting on 119 patients with unequivocal CRC-p were included. The calculated pooled risk is 0.002% and age at diagnosis has decreased over time. The median age at diagnosis was 32 (range, 17–46) years. Twelve per cent, 41 and 47% of CRC-p were diagnosed during the first, second and third trimester. The CRC-p site was the colon in 53.4% of cases, the rectum in 44% and multiple sites in 2.6%. Bleeding occurred in 47% of patients, abdominal pain in 37.6%, constipation in 14.1%, obstruction in 9.4% and perforation in 2.4%. Out of 82 patients whose treatment was described, 9.8% received chemotherapy during pregnancy. None of their newborns developed permanent disability, one developed hypothyroidism and 72% of newborns were alive. Vaginal delivery was possible in 60% of cases. Anterior resection was performed in 30% of patients and abdominoperineal excision of the rectum in 14.9%. Five patients had either synchronous (60%) or metachronous liver resection (40%). The median survival in these patients was 42 (0–120) months. Fifty-five per cent of patients were alive at the last available follow-up. The median survival of the mother was 36 (0–360) months. Patients with rectal cancer had longer survival compared with patients with colon cancer (P=0.0072). CRC-p is rare, leading to symptoms being overlooked, and diagnosis made at advanced stages. Cases described in the literature include patients who had cancer before pregnancy or developed it after delivery. Survival has not increased over time and the management of these patients requires collaboration between specialties and active interaction with the patients.
Factors Associated With Willingness to Accept Palliative Care in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Chou Chia-Wen , Hsu Jeng-Yuan , Wu Zen-Gun , Chen Shiah-Lian
Published: March 2017

Palliative care for chronically ill patients is an important strategy to relieve suffering and to maintain quality of life. However, few studies have investigated the problems in the palliative care of chronic patients. This study explored the willingness to accept palliative care and related factors in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study adopted a descriptive-correlational design. A purposive sample of 101 patients from 2 teaching hospitals in central Taiwan was recruited. Structured questionnaires assessed patients’ knowledge, attitude, and willingness to accept palliative care. The results showed that most participants were willing to accept symptom control and unwilling to accept intubation, mechanical ventilation, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Associations between knowledge scores, willingness to accept palliative care, and attitude scores were found. Education level and attitude toward palliative care variables were predictive factors of willingness to accept palliative care. However, knowledge of palliative care was noticeably low in the study; only 14.9% of the participants were aware of palliative care. Educating patients about palliative care is necessary. Health professionals should advocate for palliative care and provide patients and their families with opportunities to discuss their views about palliative care so that appropriate care can be provided.
A Survey of Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association Nurse Educators’ Teaching Practices and Attitudes Toward Driving Safety in Hospice and Palliative Care Patients
Authors: Sunder Vikas , Hebert Randy S.
Published: March 2017

In 2014, the National Hospice and Palliative Care organization estimated that 1.6 to 1.7 million Americans received hospice services, an increase of nearly 20% from the year 2010. Approximately 20% to 25% of hospice patients have the functional ability to drive. The increasing number of patients served by hospice and palliative services makes the issue of driving safety more important than ever. Because nurses practice at the frontline of care, they have an integral role in determining whether patients have the ability to drive safely. Our objective was to examine the teaching practices and attitudes of Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA)–certified nurse educators regarding patient driving safety. An anonymous, cross-sectional email survey was sent to the 276 HPNA-certified nurse educators. One hundred twenty-six nurse educators (46%) responded. A large majority (90%) either strongly agree or agree that teaching nurses how to determine whether a patient is at risk for impaired driving is important. A minority, however, reported educating nurses on how to (1) determine whether a patient is at risk for impaired driving (18%), (2) counsel patients about impaired driving (21%), and (3) report potentially impaired drivers to the proper authorities (21%). Most nurse educators do not feel confident in their ability to teach nurses on the topic of impaired driving (38%) but are receptive to further education (87%). There is a need for further education of HPNA nurse educators in the area of patient driving safety.
Caregivers’ Heart Failure Knowledge Is Necessary but Not Sufficient to Ensure Engagement With Patients in Self-care Maintenance
Authors: Buck Harleah G. , Hupcey Judith , Mogle Jacqueline , Rayens Mary Kay
Published: March 2017

The chronic illness literature suggests that patient–informal caregiver dyads who are relationally oriented (share decisions and activities) are more efficient and effective than those who are not. But this is currently unknown in heart failure (HF). Our aim was to examine differences between individually and relationally oriented HF dyads relative to patient symptom management scores. This was a cross-sectional study of 55 dyads (spousal/adult child/relative) analyzed using Actor-Partner Interdependence Model techniques. Dyad orientation was measured by the Dyadic Symptom Management Type scale, and symptom management by Self-care of HF Index. On average, patients were older, white males with younger, female caregivers. Whether the dyads were individually oriented or relationally oriented did not make a difference. However, dyads’ agreement on that orientation and the caregivers’ HF-related knowledge impacted caregiver engagement in self-care maintenance or adherence and monitoring behaviors. It is assumed that caregivers will engage in HF care. Our study suggests that caregivers will engage if they agree with the patient on who is providing that care and are knowledgeable. The Dyadic Symptom Management Type scale is a 1-item question that can be administered in the clinical setting by a palliative care nurse in less than 2 minutes to assess agreement and target teaching.
Using Simulation to Prepare Nursing Staff for the Move to a New Building
Authors: Knippa Sara , Senecal Pol-Andre
Published: March 2017

Hospitals that expand or open new nursing units must provide training to staff providing patient care in the new space. Although expansion represents a significant investment and has substantial implications for patient care, there is little evidence to guide best practice. This article describes an approach to education, training, and orientation used by a large academic medical center in the United States, which included simulation. The results of a program evaluation are discussed, demonstrating the positive impact of this program on staff readiness and patient safety. Nursing professional development practitioners may be able to use similar programs in their own facilities.
Enhancing Interprofessional Education With Team-Based Learning
Authors: Buhse Marijean , Della Ratta Carol
Published: March 2017

Interprofessional education (IPE) has gained momentum across health profession schools in simulation and clinical settings. Exploring interprofessional experiences in the classroom setting may further enhance collaborative skills while advancing clinical knowledge. The authors describe an innovative approach to IPE to teach chronic care concepts to graduate nursing, physician assistant, and public health students. Enhancing IPE with a team-based learning approach resulted in improved knowledge of chronic care management, student perceptions of mutual respect, and perceived development of communication and teamwork skills.
Population dynamics of immune repertoires
Authors: Desponds Jonathan , Mayer Andreas , Mora Thierry , Walczak Aleksandra M.
Published: March 2017

The evolution of the adaptive immune system is characterized by changes in the relative abundances of the B and T-cell clones that make up its repertoires. To fully capture this evolution, we need to describe the complex dynamics of the response to pathogenic and self-antigenic stimulations, as well as the statistics of novel lymphocyte receptors introduced throughout life. Recent experiments, ranging from high-throughput immune repertoire sequencing to quantification of the response to specific antigens, can help us characterize the effective dynamics of the immune response. Here we describe mathematical models informed by experiments that lead to a picture of clonal competition in a highly stochastic context. We discuss how different types of competition, noise and selection shape the observed clone-size distributions, and contrast them with predictions of a neutral theory of clonal evolution. These mathematical models show that memory and effector immune repertoire evolution is far from neutral, and is driven by the history of the pathogenic environment, while naive repertoire dynamics are consistent with neutral theory and competition in a fixed antigenic environment. Lastly, we investigate the effect of long-term clonal selection on repertoire aging.
MOSAIC: a chemical-genetic interaction data repository and web resource for exploring chemical modes of action
Authors: Nelson Justin , Simpkins Scott W. , Safizadeh Hamid , Li Sheena C. , Piotrowski Jeff S. , Hirano Hiroyuki , Yashiroda Yoko , Osada Hiroyuki , Yoshida Minoru , Boone Charles , Myers Chad L.
Published: March 2017

Chemical-genomic approaches that map interactions between small molecules and genetic perturbations offer a promising strategy for functional annotation of uncharacterized bioactive compounds. We recently developed a new high-throughput platform for mapping chemical-genetic (CG) interactions in yeast that can be scaled to screen large compound collections, and we applied this system to generate CG interaction profiles for more than 13,000 compounds. When integrated with the existing global yeast genetic interaction network, CG interaction profiles can enable mode-of-action prediction for previously uncharacterized compounds as well as discover unexpected secondary effects for known drugs. To facilitate future analysis of these valuable data, we developed a public database and web interface named MOSAIC. The website provides a convenient interface for querying compounds, bioprocesses (GO terms), and genes for CG information including direct CG interactions, bioprocesses, and gene-level target predictions. MOSAIC also provides access to chemical structure information of screened molecules, chemical-genomic profiles, and the ability to search for compounds sharing structural and functional similarity. This resource will be of interest to chemical biologists for discovering new small molecule probes with specific modes-of-action as well as computational biologists interested in analyzing CG interaction networks.

Availability

MOSAIC is available athttp://mosaic.cs.umn.edu.

Contact

chadm@umn.edu,charlie.boone@utoronto.ca,yoshidam@riken.jp, orhisyo@riken.jp
Detecting Long-term Balancing Selection using Allele Frequency Correlation
Authors: Siewert Katherine M. , Voight Benjamin F.
Published: March 2017

Balancing selection occurs when multiple alleles are maintained in a population, which can result in their preservation over long evolutionary time periods. A characteristic signature of this long-term balancing selection is an excess number of intermediate frequency polymorphisms near the balanced variant. However, the expected distribution of allele frequencies at these loci has not been extensively detailed, and therefore existing summary statistic methods do not explicitly take it into account. Using simulations, we show that new mutations which arise in close proximity to a site targeted by balancing selection accumulate at frequencies nearly identical to that of the balanced allele. In order to scan the genome for balancing selection, we propose a new summary statistic,β, which detects these clusters of alleles at similar frequencies. Simulation studies show that compared to existing summary statistics, our measure has improved power to detect balancing selection, and is reasonably powered in non-equilibrium demographic models or when recombination or mutation rate varies. We computeβon 1000 Genomes Project data to identify lo ci potentially subjected to long-term balancing selection in humans. We report two balanced haplotypes - localized to the genesWFS1andCADM2- that are strongly linked to association signals for complex traits. Our approach is computationally efficient and applicable to species that lack appropriate outgroup sequences, allowing for well-powered analysis of selection in the wide variety of species for which population data are rapidly being generated.
A personalized recommendation model for online apparel shopping based on Kansei engineering
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxi , Liang Hui’e , Dong Zhiya
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Today clothing has become the largest category in online shopping in China, and even in Asia-Pacific. The satisfaction degree of apparel online shopping can be improved by effective personalized recommendation. The purpose of this paper is to propose a personalized recommendation model and algorithm based on Kansei engineering, traditional filtering algorithm and the knowledge relating to apparel.

Design/methodology/approach

Users’ perceptual image and the design elements of apparel based on Kansei engineering are discussed to build the mapping relation between the design elements and user ratings employing verbal protocol, semantic differential and partial least squares. The implicit knowledge and emotional needs pertaining to users are accessed using analytic hierarchy process. A personalized recommendation model for apparel online shopping is established and the algorithm for the personalized recommendation process is proposed. To present the personalized recommendation model, men’s plaid shirts are taken as the example, and the recommendations of apparel for online shopping were implemented and ranked in the context of differing users’ emotional needs. A comparison between the traditional model and this model is made to verify the effectiveness.

Findings

The recommendation model is capable of analyzing data and information effectively, and providing fast, personalized apparel recommendation services in accordance with users’ emotional needs. The experimental results suggest that the model is effective.

Originality/value

Similar researches of recommendation mainly focus on the field of computer science, the basic idea of which is using users’ history accessing records or the preferences of other similar users for determination of users’ preferences. Since the attributes of apparel products are not factored in the approach referred above, the issue of personalized recommendation cannot be solved in a really effective way. Combining Kansei engineering and recommendation algorithm, a framework for apparel product recommendation is presented and it is a new way for improvement of recommendations for apparel products on shopping sites.
Share more, drive less: Millennials value perception and behavioral intent in using collaborative consumption services
Authors: Hwang Jiyoung , Griffiths Merlyn A.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how the cognitive value perceptions and affective attitudes of Millennial consumers are related to behavioral intent in the context of collaborative consumption and how such relationships may be moderated.

Design/methodology/approach

Two scenario-based online studies were conducted with young consumers concerning several collaborative consumption services.

Findings

Using structural equation modeling, the authors found that specific dimensions of value perceptions (utilitarian, hedonic and symbolic) have differing effects on young consumers’ attitude and empathy toward collaborative consumption services. The analysis shows no moderating effects for perceived consumer effectiveness (Study 1 and Study 2) but a significant moderating effect for consumer innovativeness (Study 2).

Research limitations/implications

This research identifies important factors for the attitudinal and behavioral outcome of young consumers, an important consumer group for the emerging trend of collaborative consumption. Also, the role of empathy and two personal traits offer insights.

Practical implications

Substantively, the findings guide marketers in the sharing economy in elevating their strategic tactics and effective approaches to reach this important consumer group.

Originality/value

Given the paucity of research on consumer groups in this context, the current research breaks new ground by investigating value perceptions and empathy as drivers of positive reactions and moderating factors within the collaborative economy.
When organisational effectiveness fails
Authors: Fischbacher-Smith Denis
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the nature of the business continuity management (BCM) process and to frame it within wider literature on the performance of socio-technical systems. Despite the growth in BCM activities in organisations, some questions remain as to whether academic research has helped to drive this process. The paper seeks to stimulate discussion within this journal of the interplay between organisational performance and BCM and to frame it within the context of the potential tensions between effectiveness and efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers how BCM is defined within the professional and academic communities that work in the area. It deconstructs these definitions in order to and set out the key elements of BCM that emerge from the definitions and considers how the various elements of BCM can interact with each other in the context of organisational performance.

Findings

The relationships between academic research in the area of crisis management and the practice-based approaches to business continuity remain somewhat disjointed. In addition, recent work in the safety management literature on the relationships between success and failure can be seen to offer some interesting challenges for the practice of business continuity.

Research limitations/implications

The paper integrates work in safety, crisis and risk management with BCM in order to identify the main areas of overlap and synergy between these areas of academic research. By definition, the need for business continuity represents the risks and cost of failure in organisational performance in the absence of continuity. This calls into question the effectiveness of organisational processes around decision making, control, and strategic management. The paper sets out a series of issues that are in need of further research.

Practical implications

The paper draws on some of the practice-based definitions of BCM and highlights the limitations and challenges associated with the construct. The paper sets out challenges for BCM based upon theoretical challenges arising in cognate areas of research. The aim is to ensure that BCM is integrated with emerging concepts in other aspects of the management of uncertainty and to do so in a strategic context.

Originality/value

Academic research on performance reflects both the variety and the multi-disciplinary nature of the issues around measuring and managing performance. Failures in organisational performance have also invariably attracted considerable attention due to the nature of a range of disruptive events. The paper reveals some of the inherent paradoxes that sit at the core of the BCM process and its relationships with organisational performance.
The role of food processing and appropriate storage technologies in ensuring food security and food availability in Africa
Authors: Adeyeye Samuel Ayofemi Olalekan
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to review scientific contributions that are essential to reduce the challenges to food security in Africa through food processing and appropriate storage technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Several literature studies on the role of food processing and appropriate storage technologies in ensuring food security and food availability in Africa were critically reviewed.

Findings

The study revealed that the world faces multiple challenges to food security including under nutrition and overconsumption, rising food prices, population growth, rapid diet transitions, threats to agricultural production, inefficient production practices and supply chains and declining investment in food system research. Many people lack adequate amounts of foods that are rich in the nutrients needed for a healthy and productive life. According to FAO, 1996, chronic undernutrition affects 43 per cent of the Africa’s population or some 215 million people in sub-Saharan Africa. Food security is highly instrumental to the economic growth and sustainability of any country. The use of simple but effective on- and off-farm storage facilities and agro-processing technology should be promoted to add value to products and increase their shelf-life. The Strategic Grain Reserve Scheme should be modernized, strengthened and upgraded to a National Food Reserve Program, which will enable it to handle all staples and essential food products. This will help in attainment of national food security goal. It is also crucial to promote and develop agro-processing in the various African countries for the evolution of virile agro-allied industries and rural micro-enterprises.

Research limitations/implications

The paper reviewed the role of food processing and appropriate food storage technologies in ensuring food security and availability in Africa. There are insufficient data and information on adoption of new food processing and appropriate storage technologies in Africa. Although, there have been some instances where the introduction of modern techniques has resulted in products rejection by consumers.

Practical implications

The paper helps in reviewing food situation in Africa and how to make food available for the people and Africa food secured.

Social implications

This paper revealed strategies that could be used to improve food security and ensuring food availability in Africa.

Originality/value

This review paper is of value to policymakers, government agencies responsible for food quality control and assurance and consumers to make food available and affordable for the people.
Quality evaluation of mutton nuggets incorporated with optimized level of flaxseed flour
Authors: Kumar Sudheer , Mendiratta S.K. , Agrawal Ravi Kant , Sharma Heena , Kumar RR
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Flaxseed is considered as a source of functional ingredients because it contains alpha-linolenic acid and high amount of dietary fiber which provides potential health benefits. Therefore, this paper aims to evaluate the effect of flaxseed flour on the quality of mutton nuggets.

Design/methodology/approach

Mutton nuggets were incorporated with three different levels of hydrated flaxseed flour (1:1), namely, 4, 8 and 12 per cent to optimize the level of incorporation. Detailed profile analysis was carried out to study various physico-chemical parameters, texture profile analysis and color values in the product with optimum level and compared with control product.

Findings

There was no significant difference (p> 0.05) in sensory attributes of product with 4 and 8 per cent level of incorporation except for binding; however, significantly lower (p< 0.01) scores were observed for 12 per cent incorporation level. On the basis of sensory scores, 8 per cent level of incorporation was adjudged as optimum. Incorporation of flaxseed flour resulted in significantly lower (p< 0.01) moisture content, but higher (p< 0.01) fat and dietary fiber content. Texture profile analysis showed increased hardness of the product but resulted in decreased springiness and chewiness parameters. Incorporation of flaxseed flour significantly increased (p< 0.01) redness and yellowness of the product which improved overall acceptability.

Originality/value

The research work is original.
Two‐stage Keypoint Detection Scheme for Region Duplication Forgery Detection in Digital Images
Authors: Emam Mahmoud , Han Qi , Zhang Hongli
Published: March 2017

In digital image forensics, copy‐move or region duplication forgery detection became a vital research topic recently. Most of the existing keypoint‐based forgery detection methods fail to detect the forgery in the smooth regions, rather than its sensitivity to geometric changes. To solve these problems and detect points which cover all the regions, we proposed two steps for keypoint detection. First, we employed the scale‐invariant feature operator to detect the spatially distributed keypoints from the textured regions. Second, the keypoints from the missing regions are detected using Harris corner detector with nonmaximal suppression to evenly distribute the detected keypoints. To improve the matching performance, local feature points are described using Multi‐support Region Order‐based Gradient Histogram descriptor. Based on precision–recall rates and commonly tested dataset, comprehensive performance evaluation is performed. The results demonstrated that the proposed scheme has better detection and robustness against some geometric transformation attacks compared with state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Next‐Generation Sequencing Analyses of Bacterial Community Structures in Soybean Pastes Produced in Northeast China
Authors: Lee Mi‐Hwa , Li Fan‐Zhu , Lee Jiyeon , Kang Jisu , Lim Seong‐Il , Nam Young‐Do
Published: March 2017

Fermented soybean foods contain nutritional components including easily digestible peptides, cholesterol‐free oils, minerals, and vitamins. Various fermented soybean foods have been developed and are consumed as flavoring condiments in Asian regions. While the quality of fermented soybean foods is largely affected by microorganisms that participate in the fermentation process, our knowledge about the microorganisms in soybean pastes manufactured in Northeast China is limited. The current study used a culture‐independent barcoded pyrosequencing method targeting hypervariable V1/V2 regions of the 16S rRNA gene to evaluate Korean doenjang and soybean pastes prepared by the Hun Chinese (SPHC) and Korean minority (SPKM) populations in Northeast China. In total, 63399 high‐quality sequences were derived from 16 soybean paste samples collected in Northeast China. Each bacterial species‐level taxon of SPHC, SPKM, and Korean doenjang was clustered separately. Each paste contained representative bacterial species that could be distinguished from each other: Bacillus subtilis in SPKM, Tetragenococcus halophilus in SPHC, and Enterococcus durans in Korean doenjang. This is the 1st massive sequencing‐based study analyzing microbial communities in soybean pastes manufactured in Northeast China, compared to Korean doenjang. Our results clearly showed that each soybean paste contained unique microbial communities that varied depending on the manufacturing process and location.
Simple and Fast Sample Preparation Followed by Gas Chromatography‐Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC‐MS/MS) for the Analysis of 2‐ and 4‐Methylimidazole in Cola and Dark Beer
Authors: Choi Sol Ji , Jung Mun Yhung
Published: March 2017

We have developed a simple and fast sample preparation technique in combination with a gas chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (GC‐MS/MS) for the quantification of 2‐methylimidazole (2‐MeI) and 4‐methylimidazole (4‐MeI) in colas and dark beers. Conventional sample preparation technique for GC‐MS requires laborious and time‐consuming steps consisting of sample concentration, pH adjustment, ion pair extraction, centrifugation, back‐extraction, centrifugation, derivatization, and extraction. Our sample preparation technique consists of only 2 steps (in situ derivation and extraction) which requires less than 3 min. This method provided high linearity, low limit of detection and limit of quantification, high recovery, and high intra‐ and interday repeatability. It was found that internal standard method with diluted stable isotope (4‐MeI‐d6) and 2‐ethylimidazole (2‐EI) could not correctly compensate the matrix effects. Thus, standard addition technique was used for the quantification of 2‐ and 4‐MeI. The established method was successfully applied to colas and dark beers for the determination of 2‐MeI and 4‐MeI. The 4‐MeI contents in colas and dark beers ranged from 8 to 319 μg/L and from trace to 417 μg/L, respectively. Small quantity (0 to 8 μg/L) of 2‐MeI was found only in dark beers. The contents of 4‐MeI (22 μg/L) in colas obtained from fast food restaurants were significantly lower than those (177 μg/L) in canned or bottled colas.
Moral Cosmopolitanism and Democratic Values
Authors: Held David , Maffettone Pietro
Published: March 2017

In the past four decades topics related to the moral evaluation of global politics have occupied a central part of the philosophical debate. The first three sections of this essay provide a reconstruction of the defining features of the globalization of politics and of the ways in which the latter have contributed to the increased philosophical attention on the moral aspects of global affairs. In sections four to six, we move to the current debate in global political theory. Moral cosmopolitanism has come to articulate the boundaries of reasonable disagreement in global political theory and has implied a deep form of commitment to basic human rights. However, we argue in section six, agreement on basic human rights has not evolved into widespread convergence on a range of central political concepts such as distributive justice and legitimacy. Against this backdrop, in sections 7 to 10, we move on to consider the role of democracy in global politics. The main conclusion that the essay will put forward is that the complexity of the institutional landscape beyond traditional state borders does not automatically lend itself to the mechanical application of democratic institutional forms, but that democratic values can still play an important role.
Clinicians’ perceptions of women's experiences of endometriosis and of psychosocial care for endometriosis
Authors: Young Kate , Fisher Jane , Kirkman Maggie
Published: March 2017

Background

Endometriosis is a complex, chronic condition with known psychological and social implications for women. Little is known about clinicians’ perceptions of the psychosocial aspects of endometriosis and associated care.

Aim

To describe clinicians’ perceptions of women's experiences of living with endometriosis and of the provision of psychosocial care for endometriosis.

Materials and methods

A qualitative approach was taken using semi‐structured interviews with eight gynaecologists and four general practitioners who provide care to women with endometriosis in Victoria, conducted by telephone and in person from June to December 2014.

Results

Clinicians’ perceptions of women's experiences of endometriosis were consistent with those reported by women, particularly when discussing potential infertility. However, less comprehensive descriptions of the effects of endometriosis on women's work and social life and intimate relationships were observed. Some clinicians asserted that endometriosis is caused by poor mental health. General practitioners positioned themselves as best placed to provide psychosocial care to women with endometriosis; gynaecologists suggested various potential providers but rarely themselves. Most clinicians assessed themselves as not being adequately trained to understand and provide care for the psychosocial aspects of endometriosis; half of the gynaecologists did not believe it was necessary for them to do so.

Conclusions

The findings of this research demonstrate clinicians’ need for further support in the provision of psychosocial care for women with endometriosis, potentially through expanded clinical guidelines and professional development opportunities.