bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors that enable knowledge creation in higher education: a structural model
Authors: Thani Fatemeh Narenji , Mirkamali Seyed Mohammad
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Knowledge is recognized as a valuable asset and universities are in search of a new strategy that allows them to build their knowledge and experience. To achieve this goal, it seems essential to find the factors associated with knowledge creation (KC) in universities. There is currently no comprehensive model that delineates the relationships between personal, institutional and support-related factors of KC. The purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the factors that affect KC in higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an explanatory mixed methods approach that consists of qualitative and quantitative stages. In the qualitative phase, 14 authorities on KC were interviewed and the data yielded were subjected to content analysis. A model and hypotheses were then formulated and a questionnaire was developed to test these. The questionnaire was submitted to faculty members of Tehran University. Questionnaire data were was analyzed using structural equation and partial least squares with the aid of SmartPLS.

Findings

The results showed three main categories of KC factors: institutional, personal and support. A total of 19 sub-factors were identified within these main categories. According to the results, social capital (path coefficient=0.84) had the strongest correlation with the institutional; basic skills for KC (path coefficient=0.92) had the strongest correlation with the personal, and information and library resources (path coefficient=0.95) had the highest correlation with the support aspect of KC.

Originality/value

The study uses a multidimensional approach to test the effect of factors on KC, and can contribute to organizations (especially universities) through developing a more comprehensive model of KC. This research may lead to guidelines for universities, using Tehran University as a case study, which give more attention to the main factors of KC and improve and develop the KC process.
Revisiting the financial performance – corporate social performance link
Authors: Choi Serin , Lee Seoki
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The existing literature has focused heavily on investigating the effect of corporate social performance (CSP) on financial performance (FP) but has not paid sufficient attention to an inverse causation of the relationship. Moreover, while some of the literature argues that FP positively affects CSP, based on the slack resources theory, others have found negative effects of FP on CSP, supporting the managerial opportunism perspective. Thus, this paper aims to address the impact of FP on CSP. Further, this study examines the moderating role of franchising to better understand the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses and expands the models derived from the CSP literature to confirm the effects of FP on CSP with the moderating role of franchising within the restaurant industry. Using two-way fixed effects models, it effectively addresses important problems embedded in the panel data.

Findings

The findings show a positive effect of FP on CSP, which is inconsistent with Park and Lee’s (2009) findings and supports the slack resources theory. Further, the interesting results show that the impact of FP on CSP diminishes as a firm franchises more, supporting the double-sided moral hazard framework of the agency theory.

Originality/value

This paper fills the lacuna in both the existing literature on the relationship between CSP and FP and the franchising. This study contributes to enhancing restaurant practitioners’ understanding of the double-sided moral hazard of agency theory unique to franchising context.
Experimental study on the spinning geometry of multi-thread fancy yarn on hollow-spindle spinning machines
Authors: Alshukur Malek , Yurchenko Daniil
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define the relationships between the first spinning zone of the hollow-spindle spinning system and technological parameters of manufacturing multi-thread fancy yarn.

Design/methodology/approach

A simple mathematical equation was introduced to account for the effect-thread helices. The validity of this equation was tested using visual observations of the helices of the effect thread in terms of their number, width and regularity and then compared against the theoretical values.

Findings

It was found that higher overfeed ratios increased the diameter of the helices without affecting their number, while increasing the rotational speed increased their number but reduced their diameter. The effect of these changes on the fancy yarns was that higher number of helices resulted in more fancy profiles while wider helices resulted in larger fancy profiles.

Originality/value

This research offers fancy yarn manufacturers a better understanding of the manufacturing process of fancy yarn and its practical advantage is to help them in determining the type of the resultant fancy yarns by controlling the geometry of the first spinning zone.
Leader humility and constructive voice behavior in China: a dual process model
Authors: Li Jie , Liang Qiaozhuan , Zhang Zhenzhen , Wang Xiao
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find how leader humility affects employees’ constructive voice behavior toward supervisor (speaking up) and coworkers (speaking out) from an identification-based perspective, and seeks to verify the effectiveness of leader humility in the Chinese context.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 325 employees in four Chinese companies with two phases. In the first phase, the participants were asked to report the leader humility, their identification of their relations with the supervisor, and their identification with their organization. In the second phase, they were asked to report their voice behaviors toward their supervisors and coworkers.

Findings

The results indicate that leader humility strongly predicts both employees’ voice behaviors of speaking up and speaking out. Results further suggest that relational identification with the supervisor explains why leader humility promotes employees speaking up, while organizational identification explains why leader humility promotes employees speaking up and speaking out.

Practical implications

Managers with humility can successfully shape employees’ relational and organizational identifications, which in turn encourage their voice behaviors toward supervisors and coworkers. Hence, behaving humbly in working places could be an effective way for managers to promote organizational cohesion and creativity.

Originality/value

Although leader humility attracts much attention in both academia and practice, researchers have been primarily focusing on conceptual development and measurement issues, and empirical studies are rare. This is the first research connecting leader humility and employee proactive behaviors. Moreover, it takes an in-depth analysis of the constructive voice behaviors by differentiating them based on their targets.
A discussion framework of store image and patronage: a literature review
Authors: Burlison Josh , Oe Hiroko
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically review the literature that explores the relationships between store image and store patronage behaviour, thereby providing the practical analytical framework with measurements that aids marketers to build strategical marketing plans to attract loyal customers to their retail shops.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review method was applied to this study which analysed the literature of peer-reviewed articles in English-language journals and specific online databases. In total, 863 peer-reviewed articles which were published between 1950 and 2017 were examined to provide the practical framework with measurements for further discussion.

Findings

It was found that within the eight identified dimensions of store image – merchandise, service, convenience, promotion, client, physical facilities, atmosphere and institutions, there are corresponding sub-sections that must be recognised, e.g. merchandise is made up of quality, assortment, price, fashion and guarantee. These dimensions have been analysed and discussed in the context of their impact on store patronage. However, because of the lack of clarity in predictors of store patronage, there has been confusion in academic discussions. Therefore, it is proposed that store patronage should be investigated with two parameters, customer and manager store image alignment and past purchase experiences.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to providing a useful discussion platform with an analytical framework and measurements. Due to the selected term-based search method, even with the authors’ maximum effort, the number of selected publications is limited.

Practical implications

This study introduces a practical conceptual framework for the measurements that need to be utilised by the marketers while building marketing strategies for attracting consumers to enhance their patronage behaviours. Retail services need to create a reinvented discussion platform with respect to store image and patronage. Consumers may perceive store image as being embedded in the store environment as a trigger for their patronage behaviour and, using the proposed analytical framework, the retailers can analyse and refine their marketing plans effectively.

Originality/value

This study presents the overall reappraisals of the initial literature with regard to the holistic development, implications and impact of store image on store patronage. Moreover, the paper seeks to provide a robust discussion paradigm for developing perspectives for improving patronage behaviours, thereby bridging the gap between store image and store patronage by attempting to use the relevant literature to contribute to constructive future discussions and useful dimensions while building marketing strategies.
Combined S-curve feedrate profiling and input shaping for glass substrate transfer robot vibration suppression
Authors: Liu Chongxu , Chen Youdong
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The glass substrate transfer robot uses flexible arm and fork to transport the glass substrate which will generate vibration. To reduce the settling time and increase productivity, the authors proposed a vibration suppression method that integrated the continuous input shaping into the S-curve feedrate profiling.

Design/methodology/approach

The quasi-optimal S-curve feedrate profiling is achieved by the robot model. Then the outputs of the S-curve are shaped by the continuous input shaper, which can greatly lower the vibration and shorten the settling time.

Findings

The robot produces vibrations because of the flexibility of the belt system and the forks; the vibration of the robot is especially obvious in the acceleration and deceleration stage and the low-speed operation stage. Because the fork fingers are flexible, vibration at the end of the fork is enlarged.

Originality/value

The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by the comparative experiments conducted on a glass substrate transfer robot.
Digital curation: the development of a discipline within information science
Authors: Higgins Sarah
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Digital curation addresses the technical, administrative and financial ecology required to ensure that digital information remains accessible and usable over the long term. The purpose of this paper is to trace digital curation’s disciplinary emergence and examine its position within the information sciences domain in terms of theoretical principles, using a case study of developments in the UK and the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretical principles regarding disciplinary development and the identity of information science as a discipline are applied to a case study of the development of digital curation in the UK and the USA to identify the maturity of digital curation and its position in the information science gamut.

Findings

Digital curation is identified as a mature discipline which is a sub-meta-discipline of information science. As such digital curation has reach across all disciplines and sub-disciplines of information science and has the potential to become the overarching paradigm.

Practical implications

These findings could influence digital curation’s development from applied discipline to profession within both its educational and professional domains.

Originality/value

The disciplinary development of digital curation within dominant theoretical models has not hitherto been articulated.
Twinning data science with information science in schools of library and information science
Authors: Wang Lin
Published: August 2018

Purpose

As an emerging discipline, data science represents a vital new current of school of library and information science (LIS) education. However, it remains unclear how it relates to information science within LIS schools. The purpose of this paper is to clarify this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Mission statement and nature of both data science and information science are analyzed by reviewing existing work in the two disciplines and drawing DIKW hierarchy. It looks at the ways in which information science theories bring new insights and shed new light on fundamentals of data science.

Findings

Data science and information science are twin disciplines by nature. The mission, task and nature of data science are consistent with those of information science. They greatly overlap and share similar concerns. Furthermore, they can complement each other. LIS school should integrate both sciences and develop organizational ambidexterity. Information science can make unique contributions to data science research, including conception of data, data quality control, data librarianship and theory dualism. Document theory, as a promising direction of unified information science, should be introduced to data science to solve the disciplinary divide.

Originality/value

The results of this paper may contribute to the integration of data science and information science within LIS schools and iSchools. It has particular value for LIS school development and reform in the age of big data.
Transformational leadership for public service motivation
Authors: de Gennaro Davide
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an organizational behavioral perspective that could provide useful analysis tools to understand the behavior of public leaders working in changeable and uncertain contexts (like the Italian one). More specifically, drawing on public administration and organizational behavior literatures, this paper examines whether the lack of continuity and long-term planning is significantly associated to public service motivation for public management.

Design/methodology/approach

The main contribution of this study is in taking into account the agency of public managers in reaction to wider changes in their political context. It is a theoretical study that considers sudden changes in government from a behavioral perspective, analyzing an extreme case of political and organizational turnover, namely the Italian context.

Findings

Public managers, when faced with constant change, act as transformational leaders and have the objective of leverage on intrinsic motivations in order to make the change accepted and, more so, to make it perceived as an advantage for the administration.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to address the issue of public service motivation and intrinsic motivations in carrying out the own job in the public sphere in a constantly changing scenario. Assuming that motivational incentives for public and private employees are different, namely that the former, in particular, are particularly attracted to motivations related to people and common good, this study investigates how public service motivation should be stimulated and supported in a context of change.
Regulatory burden and business dynamics: a preliminary analysis
Authors: Clark J.R. , Nesbit Todd
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Stigler (1971) first presented a theory of regulation in which the regulator eventually serves the interests of the regulated rather than in the interest of the public good. In such an institutional environment, one should expect to observe outcomes associated with reduced competitive pressures on existing firms. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors use RegData, which quantifies regulatory restrictions by industry, to determine whether and to what degree regulation reduces establishment entry and the associated job creation and how regulation impacts existing establishment exit and job creation and destruction.

Findings

The results, while not definitive, are supportive of Stigler’s theory of regulatory capture.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the small but growing empirical literature examining the effects of cronyism more broadly. Prior studies of regulation have generally been either narrowly focused on a specific regulation or employ less precise measures of the extent of regulation. By employing RegData as a measure of regulatory restrictions by industry, this paper offers new insights on the impact of regulation on business dynamics.
Foreign aid: boosting or hindering entrepreneurship?
Authors: Jia Shaomeng
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The current literature has not made any connection between foreign aid and entrepreneurship. The purpose of this paper is to investigate if foreign aid influences entrepreneurial activities in a recipient country.

Design/methodology/approach

Using system generalized method of moments (Blundell and Bond, 1998) estimators with a panel of 38 recipient countries during 2005–2014, the author tests for 33 measures of entrepreneurial activities.

Findings

This paper finds that aggregate aid tends to only boost necessity-driven early-stage entrepreneurship and benefit low-income entrepreneurs. Aid to infrastructure promotes entrepreneurship driven by both opportunity and necessity motivations. It also incentivizes competition with homogeneous products. Additionally, evidence suggests that both aggregate aid and infrastructural aid discourage adoption of state-of-the-art technologies, raise business failure rate and are associated more with necessity-driven early-stage entrepreneurial activities for females.

Originality/value

This is the first research examining “aid and entrepreneurship” relation.
Of being a container through role definitions
Authors: Mayer Claude-Hélène , May Michelle
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect critically on the roles that women leaders in higher education institutions (HEIs) take on. Therefore, a systems psychodynamic view is used from a theoretical stance, while an autoethnographical methodology is applied to provide an in-depth emic view of, and reflections on, women leaders’ roles in the described context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on the authors’ personal and organisational autoethnographical experiences as women leaders in HEIs in South Africa. Two women of different background reflect on their roles, and on becoming “containers” for certain issues within the described context over a period of time.

Findings

The autoethnographies show the roles women leaders take on within the organisations and how this relates to becoming a container for issues and underlying anxieties and fears that arise within the South African higher education system. The women leaders take on roles which contain fear and insecurities with regard to racial belonging, segregation and inclusion, national belonging, gendered roles, marginalisation and connection through self and others, authority and decision making.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to autoethnographic experience descriptions of two academic women working in post-apartheid South African HEIs.

Practical implications

Presenting the self-described roles of two academics, the paper provides a critical perspective on issues of racialised and gendered roles, marginalisation and inclusion, authority and decision making, workplace stereotyping, gendering and racism, and thereby increases awareness about the impact of roles within the system’s context.

Originality/value

Presenting the self-described roles of two academics, the paper provides a critical perspective on issues of racialised and gendered roles, marginalisation and inclusion, authority and decision making, workplace stereotyping, gendering and racism, and thereby increases awareness about the impact of roles within the system’s context.
Examining associations between health, wellbeing and social capital: findings from a survey developed and conducted using participatory action research
Authors: Visram Shelina , Smith Sarah , Connor Natalie , Greig Graeme , Scorer Chris
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to employ innovative methods to examine the associations between personal wellbeing, self-rated health and various aspects of social capital within a socio-economically disadvantaged town in northern England.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was developed and administered with input from local stakeholders (including residents), using a participatory action research (PAR) approach. In total, 11 lay interviewers were trained to pilot and deliver the final survey, which was completed either in person or online. In total, 233 valid surveys were returned.

Findings

Respondents were aged between 17 and 87 years (mean 47.3, SD 17.4), 65.7 per cent were female and 46.2 per cent identified themselves as having a longstanding illness, disability or infirmity. Overall, respondents reported lower levels of personal wellbeing and social capital in comparison with UK averages, although free-text responses highlighted a strong sense of community spirit and pride in the town. Low wellbeing was strongly associated with poor health, social isolation and neighbourhood factors such as perceived lack of community safety and trust.

Research limitations/implications

PAR appears to be an acceptable approach in generating estimates of population characteristics associated with personal wellbeing.

Practical implications

The findings of this study may be used by policymakers to design services and interventions to better meet the needs of communities characterised by indicators of poor health and wellbeing.

Originality/value

This work constitutes part of a global trend to measure personal and societal wellbeing. A novel methodology has been used to examine the factors that influence wellbeing at a neighbourhood level.
Is knowledge that powerful? Financial literacy and access to finance
Authors: Hussain Javed , Salia Samuel , Karim Amin
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between financial literacy, access to finance and growth among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the Midlands region of the UK. It assesses whether financial literacy assists SMEs to overcome information asymmetry, mitigates the need for collateral, optimizes capital structure and improves access to finance.

Design/methodology/approach

To gain a deeper insight into the complex relationship between financial literacy, access to finance and growth, a qualitative research is carried out among SMEs that have operated for over five years or longer. Using the purposive sampling technique, 37 firms were selected based on size, location and characteristics, mainly from the city of Birmingham and the joining conurbations. Open-ended and a combination of dichotomous questions were used for the survey. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analyzed.

Findings

Financial literacy is an interconnecting resource that mitigates information asymmetry and collateral deficit when evaluating loan applications, therefore financial literacy should be part of school curriculum. The analysis suggests enhanced financial literacy, reduces monitoring cost and serves to optimize firms’ capital structure that positively impacts on SMEs growth. Financial management knowledge is recognized as the core resource that aids an effective decision making by owners of SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this research is the small sample that limits its generalization. Its findings could be enhanced by a larger sample and by conducting comparative studies in other regions or economies. SMEs growth is seen as a strategic policy to stimulate enterprise but the finance gap tends to constrain that objective. The UK Government’s effort to improve access to finance and to mitigate excessive collateral demands by lenders has proved elusive. This empirical research provides evidence that financial literacy enhances access to finance and, in turn, promotes growth potentials.

Practical implications

The results of this study advocate the provision of financial literacy at schools and target support for SMEs to acquire financial management skills in order to mitigate information asymmetry between lenders and borrowers.

Social implications

Findings suggest that financial literacy mediates access to finance, enables enterprises to use optimal financial structure to mitigate business failure, creates employment and reduces public sector support for social benefits.

Originality/value

This study is novel in that it examines financial literacy and its implications for access to finance and firm growth in the UK. The study is an effort to highlight the role of financial information in mitigating barriers to finance for SMEs.
High performance of quantum dots light-emitting diodes based on double transparent electrodes
Authors: Li Zhiwei
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find an effective route to fabricate high transparent top electrode in quantum dots light-emitting diodes (QLEDs).

Design/methodology/approach

Al-doped ZnO (AZO) top cathode with high transparency have been deposited by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) method at 140°C for 1 h. The products are studied by UV-vis spectrometer and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The electroluminescence spectra of QLED are recorded using an Ocean Optics high-resolution spectrometer (HR4000). The devices were measured under ambient conditions without encapsulation.

Findings

The AZO-based QLED shows excellent performance with high luminance and current efficiency.

Originality/value

The AZO obtained by ALD method is a promising cathode candidate for application in QLEDs.
Population composition and financial markets: evidence from Japan
Authors: Kawakatsu Hiroyuki , Oliver Mikiko
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relation between population composition and financial market variables in post-war Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

Cointegration and Granger causality tests are applied to annual data for the period 1948-2015.

Findings

Accounting for nonstationarity, this study finds long-run equilibrium relations between real financial price (stock and house) indices and the proportion of population in the prime earning (45-64) or retirement (65+) age. Granger causality tests that account for possibly nonstationary variables find some evidence of dynamic causation running from the 45-64 cohort to the real financial price indices. No such evidence is found for the 65+ cohort.

Originality/value

This study complements the existing literature primarily based on US data with analysis of Japanese data that has some unique population composition features.
A smarter process for managing and explaining organization design change
Authors: Vantrappen Herman , Wirtz Frederic
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Companies change their organizations continually. When such a change follows a change in company strategy, employees understand why it happens. However, organization changes occur much more frequently than strategy changes. Their seemingly haphazard nature breeds cynicism, while it shouldn’t: organization changes are perfectly normal, usually necessary and often for the better. The reason is that an organization design is never perfect. Designing an organization is a delicate exercise that considers diverging requirements, but at some point, you’ve got to decide, and go for the “least bad” design. The article lays out how to explain why such changes and cycles occur.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on their long advisory experience to propose three premises about organization design. They then describe the implications of these premises for managers who need to make and explain organization design changes.

Findings

Premise 1: There is no one-size-fits-all organization. Implication: Beware of adopting organizational hypes thoughtlessly; tailor the design to the specific situation, possibly on the basis of an “organizational health-check”. 10;Premise 2: There are usually good reasons why an organization is as it is. Implication: Beware of following a slash-and-burn approach; consider a gradual approach as the default, possibly on the basis of causal loop diagrams. 10;Premise 3: Organization is more than “structure”. Implication: Beware of isolated, simple-minded changes; include “processes”, “people”, “technology” and “culture”, as explained by various frameworks.

Practical implications

Alfred Chandler famously wrote that “structure follows strategy”. This article demonstrates that “structure begets structure”. Hence it is important for managers not to bungle an organization design change. To that purpose, they should be clear about the desired time to see the impact of the change and about the risk of change-induced organizational chaos.

Originality/value

The article contributes to good management practice by enabling managers to explain well why an organization change, even in the absence of a strategy change, does make sense. Managers’ ability to explain the benefits of change, and employees’ acceptance thereof, is a mark of organizational maturity.
Esteemed, dismissed and everyday hybridity
Authors: O’Connor Paul
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to respond to the circumstances that have made hybridity both a popular term in cultural analysis and a contested, problematic concept. It promotes the need to look at what has been dismissed in discussions of hybridity, namely, mundane and un-exotic examples of cultural mix.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a conceptual and interpretive approach to theoretical and empirical work that engages with the theme of hybridity.

Findings

The findings highlight how a celebration of hybridity has limited the ways in which the concept can be used for empirical work. It proposes the paradigm of everyday hybridity to work with practical examples of cultural hybridity.

Research limitations/implications

The implications are to decentre the Western bias that has theorised hybridity without exploring how the concept is relevant to other regions, such as East Asia.

Originality/value

The value of this work is in providing an audit of the concept of hybridity and a working paradigm for future qualitative research.
Gut microbiota alterations in moderate to severe acne vulgaris patients
Authors: Yan Hui‐Min , Zhao Hui‐Juan , Guo Du‐Yi , Zhu Pei‐Qiu , Zhang Chun‐Lei , Jiang Wei
Published: August 2018

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis affecting approximately 85% of adolescents. There are many factors contributing to the development of this ailment. A recent study indicated that gut microbiota takes part in the pathogenesis of acne. We aimed to investigate the link between acne vulgaris and gut microbiota. A total of 31 moderate to severe acne vulgaris patients and 31 healthy controls were enrolled. We collected their feces, and gut microbiota was evaluated by the hypervariable regions of 16SrRNAgenes through high‐throughput sequencing. We identified links between acne vulgaris and changes of gut microbiota. At the phylum level, Actinobacteria (0.89% in acne patients and 2.84% in normal controls,P= 0.004) was decreased and Proteobacteria (8.35% in acne patients and 7.01% in normal controls,P= 0.031) was increased. At the genus level,Bifidobacterium,Butyricicoccus,Coprobacillus,LactobacillusandAllobaculumwere all decreased. The observed difference in genera between acne patients and healthy controls provides a new insight into the link between gut microbiota changes and acne vulgaris risk.
Severe thiopurine‐induced leukocytopenia and hair loss in Japanese patients with defective NUDT15 variant: Retrospective case–control study
Authors: Kishibe Mari , Nozaki Hiroyoshi , Fujii Mizue , Iinuma Shin , Ohtsubo Sawa , Igawa Satomi , Kanno Kyoko , Honma Masaru , Kishibe Kan , Okamoto Kensaku , Ishida‐Yamamoto Akemi
Published: August 2018

Azathioprine (AZA)‐metabolizing enzyme gene polymorphism is strongly related to thiopurine‐induced leukocytopenia, which has not been well recognized in dermatological practice. We tried to see whether NUDT15 gene polymorphism can be the most susceptible genetic factor for AZA toxicity and the gene screening is beneficial to avoid the adverse events of AZA for the treatment of skin diseases. A retrospective study was carried out on 15 adult Japanese patients who were treated with AZA. Gene polymorphism of thiopurine‐metabolizing enzymes NUDT15 R139C, ITPA 94C>A, TPMT*2, TPMT*3B and TPMT*3C was analyzed. The single nucleotide polymorphisms were prospectively investigated in eight patients who were considered to have received AZA treatments. Two NUDT15 R139C homozygous patients developed agranulocytosis, severe thrombocytopenia and massive hair loss. The gene screening prior to AZA treatment identified one heterozygote of NUDT15 R139C and ITPA 94C>A, and three heterozygotes of ITPA 94C>A or TMPT*3C. Although this study was a retrospective single‐center case–control observational study that enrolled a small number of patients, NUDT15 R139C homozygosity is a genetic risk of thiopurine‐induced potentially fetal hematological abnormalities. To avoid serious adverse events, gene screening of thiopurine‐metabolizing enzymes, at least NUDT15 R139C, should be considered prior to administration in genetically predisposed populations, such as Japanese. We highlight that massive hair loss in the early period of the initiation of AZA would be a sign of impending severe myelotoxicity.
Novel Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Peptides Derived from Oncorhynchus mykiss Nebulin: Virtual Screening and In Silico Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Yu Zhipeng , Fan Yue , Zhao Wenzhu , Ding Long , Li Jianrong , Liu Jingbo
Published: August 2018

Excessive concentrations of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) can give rise to high blood pressure, and is harmful to the body. ACE inhibitory peptides from food proteins are considered good sources of function food. However, the preparation of ACE inhibitory peptides by classical method faces many challenges. Three novel ACE inhibitory peptides were identified by in silico methods, and showed potent activity against ACE in vitro. The simulation hydrolysis of nebulin was performed with ExPASy PeptideCutter program. Potential activity, solubility, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity properties of generated peptides were predicted using program online. Molecular docking displayed that EGF, HGR, and VDF were docked into the S1 and S2 pockets of ACE. Meanwhile, Phe and Arg at the C‐terminal enhance ACE affinity. The IC50 values of EGF, HGR, and VDF were 474.65 ± 0.08, 106.21 ± 0.52, and 439.27 ± 0.09 μM, respectively. Three peptides EGF, HGR, and VDF from Oncorhynchus mykiss nebulin were identified, and the molecular mechanism between ACE and peptides was clarified using in silico methods. The results suggested that Oncorhynchus mykiss nebulin would be an attractive raw material of antihypertensive nutraceutical ingredients.

Practical Application

This study has shown the potential of Oncorhynchus mykiss nebulin as good sources for producing ACE inhibitory peptides. According to this finding, in silico approach is the feasible way for prediction and identification of food‐derived ACE inhibitory peptides in emerging nutraceutical field.
Hot Off the Press: Validation of the Pediatric NEXUS II Head Computed Tomography Decision Instrument for Selective Imaging of Pediatric Patients with Blunt Head Trauma
Authors: Heitz Corey , Morgenstern Justin , Bond Christopher , Milne William K.
Published: August 2018

This is a validation of a preplanned secondary analysis of the NEXUS II Head computed tomography (CT) decision instrument, focusing on the pediatric population. A total of 1,018 patients less than 18 years old, who underwent head CT imaging for blunt head trauma, were included. The decision instrument correctly identified all patient (27/27) who required neurosurgical intervention and 48 of 49 patients who had clinically significant head injury on CT imaging.
Comprehensive insight into functional interaction between GNB3 C825T and eNOS T‐786C, G894T gene polymorphisms and association with susceptibility to diabetic erectile dysfunction
Authors: Ben Khedher M. R. , Abid M. , Jamoussi K. , Hammami M.
Published: August 2018

Background

No study has assessed the possible involvement of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) T‐786C and G894T and G‐protein β3 subunit (GNB3) C825T polymorphisms with susceptibility to diabetic vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (VED) in North African subjects.

Objectives

Our aim was to evaluate the interaction and association between these gene polymorphisms and this disorder.

Materials and methods

A total of 164 type 2 diabetes patients with VED diagnosed with penile color Doppler ultrasonography and 148 age‐matched healthy volunteers were genotyped for the rs1799983 (G894T) and rs2070744 (T‐786C) of the eNOS gene and the rs5443 (C825T) of the GNB3 gene using the PCR‐RFLP method.

Results

A significant association of the eNOS G894T (p = 0.005) and T‐786C (p = 0.02) with altered susceptibility to VED was observed. The risk also holds for the G894T and T‐786C eNOS gene polymorphisms when excluding patients with dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases (p = 1.7·10−4 and p = 3.2·10−5, respectively). The univariate odds ratio associated with CC alleles of the eNOS T‐786C revealed a four times increased risk for VED (OR = 4.04; 95% CI = 1.53–10.67; p = 0.006). VED risk was also associated with the G894T variant under dominant model (p = 0.002) and the T‐786C variant under recessive model (p = 0.004). Furthermore, the concomitant presence of the combined genotypes of the 894T and 786T strongly affected the predisposition to VED (p = 0.007).

Discussion and Conclusion

Our study gave a comprehensive insight into functional interaction between GNB3 and eNOS gene polymorphisms and suggests that the eNOS G894T and T‐786C variants are strong predisposing factors of VED susceptibility within men with type 2 diabetes.
What if Edward Abbey's “Monkey Wrench Gang” had Succeeded? The Ghosts of Glen Canyon Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Smith Laura
Published: August 2018

Across the fiction and non‐fiction writings of Edward Abbey (1927–1989), the anticipated restoration of Glen Canyon on the Colorado River is a recurring theme. This article employs Abbey's polemic for the removal of Glen Canyon Dam to critique contemporary debates on dam decommissioning, water politics, and ecological restoration in Glen Canyon on the Utah–Arizona border. The endeavours (and fantasies) of Abbey's fictional quartet of eco‐saboteurs reveal his radical and anarchical imaginings on how to remove the dam, yet his non‐fiction works often suggest why Glen Canyon should be restored. The politicisation of Abbey's philosophy is explored through (1) organisational, institutional responses to the question of draining Lake Powell reservoir and decommissioning the dam, and (2) how the ideology of Abbey's fictional gang is recast—and plays out—in the actions of environmental activists. This article argues that Abbey remains an important voice in the battle to restore the Glen.
Association between dopamine receptor gene polymorphisms and effects of risperidone treatment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ma Lingyue , Zhang Xiaodan , Xiang Qian , Zhou Shuang , Zhao Nan , Xie Qiufen , Zhao Xia , Zhou Ying , Cui Yimin
Published: August 2018

Background

The effect of risperidone treatment in patients with schizophrenia varies according to the dopamine receptor genes. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between genes of the dopamine receptors (D1, D2, and D3) and the effect of risperidone treatment.

Methods

Three electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were searched for relevant cohort or case‐control studies published before 9 May 2018. A systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed for qualitative and quantitative assessment of the relationship between the dopamine receptors D1, D2, and D3 (DRD1, 2, and 3) and the effect of risperidone treatment. The summary odds ratio (OR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) in a random‐effects model were used to measure these relationships.

Results

Twelve studies involving 24 SNPs were included. DRD2 (Ser311Cys, rs1801028 Ser/Ser) significantly lowered the improvement rate (determined by the PANSS score) unlike Ser/Cys (WMD: −11.58, 95% CI: −17.35 to −5.18). For Asian patients, A241G (rs1799978) AA carriers showed greater improvement after risperidone therapy (P < 0.05). The polymorphisms of 141C Ins/Del (rs1799732), T939C (rs6275), rs6277, and TaqID (rs1800498) may also influence the treatment effect. TaqIA (rs1800497) and TaqIB (rs17294542) were not associated with the rate of response to risperidone. DRD3 was not associated with an improvement in the PANSS total score; however, Ser9Gly might be related to a change in negative symptoms. No significant effect of DRD1 (rs5326, rs4867798, rs4532, and rs11749676) was found.

Conclusions

Our result supported the hypothesis that DRD2 affected risperidone treatment. DRD1 had no significant effect on the response to risperidone, whereas DRD3 might be associated with an improvement in negative symptoms. Larger observational studies are warranted to verify these findings and identify other genetic factors involved.
Grit and self‐discipline as predictors of effort and academic attainment
Authors: Hagger Martin S. , Hamilton Kyra
Published: August 2018

Background

Beyond ability, traits related to perseverance, such as grit and self‐discipline, are associated with adaptive educational outcomes. Few studies have examined the independent effects of these traits on outcomes and the mechanisms involved.

Aims

This study estimated parameters of a process model in which grit‐perseverance of effort (grit‐effort) and consistency of interest (grit‐interest) dimensions and self‐discipline were independent predictors of students’ science grades. The effect of the grit‐effort on grades was expected to be mediated by students’ self‐reported effort on optional out‐of‐school science learning activities.

Sample

Secondary school students (N = 110) aged between 12 and 14 years.

Methods

The study adopted a correlational design with measures taken on three occasions. Students completed self‐report measures of grit and self‐discipline early in the semester and effort on optional out‐of‐school learning activities 5 weeks later. Students’ science grades were collected at the end of the semester. Data were analysed using Bayesian path analyses using non‐informative and informative priors derived from previous research.

Results

Consistent with predictions, we found effects of grit‐effort on science grades mediated by effort, and self‐discipline on grades. Contrary to predictions, we also found an effect of self‐discipline on grades mediated by effort. Zero was a credible value for direct effects of grit‐effort on grades, and grit‐interest on effort and grades.

Conclusions

Results suggest grit‐effort and self‐discipline relate to effort on educational activities linked to better grades. The direct effect of self‐discipline on grades suggests that it may be related to other activities that determine science attainment.
Opposing roles of CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the stimulant and rewarding effects of cocaine
Authors: Gobira Pedro H , Oliveira Ana C , Gomes Julia S , da Silveira Vivian T , Asth Laila , Bastos Juliana R , Batista Edleusa M , Issy Ana C , Okine Bright N , de Oliveira Antonio C , Ribeiro Fabiola M , Del Bel Elaine A , Aguiar Daniele C , Finn David P , Moreira Fabricio A
Published: August 2018

Background and Purpose

The endocannabinoids anandamide and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) bind to CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the brain and modulate the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway. This neurocircuitry is engaged by psychostimulant drugs, including cocaine. Although CB1 receptor antagonism and CB2 receptor activation are known to inhibit certain effects of cocaine, they have been investigated separately. Here, we tested the hypothesis that there is a reciprocal interaction between CB1 receptor blockade and CB2 receptor activation in modulating behavioural responses to cocaine.

Experimental Approach

Male Swiss mice received i.p. injections of cannabinoid‐related drugs followed by cocaine, and were then tested for cocaine‐induced hyperlocomotion, c‐Fos expression in the nucleus accumbens and conditioned place preference. Levels of endocannabinoids after cocaine injections were also analysed.

Key Results

The CB1 receptor antagonist, rimonabant, and the CB2 receptor agonist, JWH133, prevented cocaine‐induced hyperlocomotion. The same results were obtained by combining sub‐effective doses of both compounds. The CB2 receptor antagonist, AM630, reversed the inhibitory effects of rimonabant in cocaine‐induced hyperlocomotion and c‐Fos expression in the nucleus accumbens. Selective inhibitors of anandamide and 2‐AG hydrolysis (URB597 and JZL184, respectively) failed to modify this response. However, JZL184 prevented cocaine‐induced hyperlocomotion when given after a sub‐effective dose of rimonabant. Cocaine did not change brain endocannabinoid levels. Finally, CB2 receptor blockade reversed the inhibitory effect of rimonabant in the acquisition of cocaine‐induced conditioned place preference.

Conclusion and Implications

The present data support the hypothesis that CB1 and CB2 receptors work in concert with opposing functions to modulate certain addiction‐related effects of cocaine.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on 8th European Workshop on Cannabinoid Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.10/issuetoc
Longitudinal Continuity in Understanding and Production of Giving‐Related Behavior From Infancy to Childhood
Authors: Juvrud Joshua , Bakker Marta , Kaduk Katharina , DeValk Josje M. , Gredebäck Gustaf , Kenward Benjamin
Published: August 2018

Infants have an early understanding of giving (the transfer of an item by one agent to another), but little is known about individual differences in these abilities or their developmental outcomes. Here, 9‐month‐olds (N = 59) showing clearer neural processing (Event‐related potential, ERP) of a give‐me gesture also evidenced a stronger reaction (pupil dilation) to an inappropriate response to a give‐me gesture, and at 2 years were more likely to give in response to a give‐me gesture. None of the differences in understanding and production of giving‐related behaviors were associated with other sociocognitive variables investigated: language, gaze‐following, and nongiving helping. The early developmental continuity in understanding and production of giving behavior is consistent with the great importance of giving for humans throughout the life span.