bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fashion leadership and intention toward clothing product-service retail models
Authors: Lang Chunmin , Armstrong Cosette M. Joyner
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify whether fashion leadership is an obstacle or catalyst to consumers’ purchasing intention in sustainable clothing product-service systems (CPSS), which include sale of redesigned clothing, clothing repair/alteration service, clothing renting, clothing swapping and style consultancy service.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study examined the causal relationship between fashion leadership and intentions to engage in CPSS. By applying the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study also considered self-interest and social values in consumers’ intention to adopt CPSS. A series of multiple regression analyses and structural equation modeling were conducted on data collected from 431 females in the USA through an online survey.

Findings

A significantly positive influence of fashion leadership on consumers’ intention to engage in each CPSS retail model was found; and demographics, including age, income and education have moderating influences on these relationships. Furthermore, the results also confirmed positive relationships between fashion leadership with attitude and subjective norms as well as overall intention to adopt CPSS. Several implications related to the present study were discussed.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind in several aspects; first, affirming the argument that fashion need not contradict sustainability; second, extending TPB model by adopting fashion leadership as the external factor; third, providing new CPSS retail models advocating less material consumption by increasing product longevity and utilizing intangible services. Current studies mainly focus on the synthesis of general benefits of product-service systems (PSS) and how PSS are operated. Existing studies on CPSS primarily focus on consumer preferences and motivations in only a few exploratory qualitative studies. This is the first time that a quantitative study has been conducted to determine the interrelationship between the individual personal characteristic, fashion leadership and the intention to adopt PSS in the clothing industry.
Reflections on introducing a Leavers’ Preparation Group in an intellectual disability secure service
Authors: Hickman Gareth , Booth Nicola , Hoang Thuy
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the introduction of a Leavers’ Preparation Group in an Intellectual Disability (ID) Secure Service. In the context of reductions in ID inpatient beds and reductions in restrictive practices, discharge and transfers out of hospital settings are increasing. The current group was established to provide support and preparation for service users as they approach discharge/transfer from hospital. The current paper provides example outcome data and reflects on the experience and learning points in delivering such interventions in secure contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The Leavers’ Preparation Group is an eight-session preparatory, recovery focussed group intervention focussing on supporting service users as they approach discharge/transfer to lower levels of security. The intervention has a multi-disciplinary approach, focussing on psychosocial aspects of current and future risk reduction.

Findings

Overwhelmingly service users reported that they experienced the group as positive and beneficial. Personal reflections of the authors are offered on service user attitudes to discharge/transfer, the contextual impact of restrictive systems and the benefits of this type of group intervention.

Originality/value

This paper reports on clinical practice, which involves multi-disciplinary intervention, co-production with service users and relevant stakeholders, and provides a description of the group intervention. It also offers critical reflection on tensions in this area of service provision, such as control and choice, freedom and responsibility, limitations and restrictions and power imbalances.
Water used to be infinite: a Brazilian tale of climate change
Authors: Santos Joaquim Rocha dos , Franco Eduardo Ferreira , Carvalho Hamilton Coimbra , Armenia Stefano , Pompei Alessandro , Medaglia Carlo Maria
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impacts of different policies to address the water supply crisis experienced by the metropolitan region of Sao Paulo during 2013 to 2015 and evaluate the resilience of its water supply system for the coming years.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used in this study is based on the system dynamics simulation paradigm, combined with empirical data obtained from the regional water authority.

Findings

The results from the simulations suggest that the first layer of sustainability of the water supply in the region strongly depends on how the system’s operator responds to crises, in particular how it balances policies acting on the supply and demand for the resource.

Practical implications

Severe water crises typically make salient the perception that water is a finite and public resource. Long-term, sustainable management of the system requires a paradigm shift from widespread, old-fashioned beliefs that water is an infinite resource. It also requires active management to increase the system’s preparedness to withstand events caused by climate change.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the system dynamics and water resource management literature by presenting an integrative model to evaluate the resilience of a particular water supply system. Although there are previous studies on this subject, the present one focuses on the role that the water authority plays in a crisis and especially on a specific combination of policies to address an episode of crisis in a system unprepared for it.
CEO incentive pay around performance declines
Authors: Canil Jean , Rosser Bruce
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The authors study stock and option grants around abrupt performance declines for continuing CEOs and find that firms facing abrupt financial declines grant more options than stock, while firms facing operational decline grant more stock than options. Firms making these adjustments just prior to performance declines outperform those that do not for three years following the decline and are less likely to engage in asset restructuring. To establish causality, the authors exploit compensation changes instigated by FAS 123R accounting regulation in 2005 that mandated stock option expensing. The result is robust to numerous tests, including rebalancing of incentives and CEO turnover. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

To establish causality, the authors exploit compensation changes instigated by FAS 123R accounting regulation in 2005 that mandated stock option expensing.

Findings

Firms making these adjustments just prior to performance declines outperform those that do not for three years following the decline and are less likely to engage in asset restructuring. The result is robust to numerous tests, including rebalancing of incentives and CEO turnover.

Originality/value

Several studies examine the relationship between poor performance and compensation of newly appointed CEOs. But firms regularly employ retention or incentive plans when experiencing distress to prevent critical employees from leaving when they are most needed (Goyal and Wang, 2017). Employee turnover results in a loss of continuity coupled with high search and training costs for replacement personnel. Beneish et al. (2017) find that 57 percent of CEOs associated with intentional misreporting retain their jobs, implying the costs of removing CEOs is high, especially if the incumbent CEO has a strong track record relative to industry peers prior to the period before the misreporting begins. The board fires the CEO if future firm value under the CEO is expected to be lower than under the best alternative CEO less adjustment costs (e.g. search costs, severance pay).
Sustainability metrics for commercial buildings in Sweden
Authors: Sundfors David Olof Fredrik , Bonde Magnus
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Environmental rating systems typically focus on building characteristics at a specific point in time; but from investment and valuation perspectives, actual performance over time should be the most important thing. Newly constructed commercial buildings today usually come with a high degree of technically advanced installations and a wide range of monitoring possibilities. This provides us with the possibility of monitoring a building’s in-use performance. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how frontrunners in the Swedish green building market actually monitor their new buildings, and look for similarities in that area.

Design/methodology/approach

By investigating a selected case study, conducting a survey and follow-up interviews among Swedish real estate companies and finally studying the available industry information, this paper considers what key performance indicators real estate developers choose to monitor as well as how they go about collecting and using the data. By doing this, we can get an idea of what is already monitored and to what extent. The case study also provides an insight into what is technologically possible.

Findings

A comparison of the gathered data from this study is then made with information that investors and property valuers would be expected to be interested in. The results show that these data are, to a large extent, information that the frontrunners already gather, but it is not made publicly available. One area where important information is lacking, however, is data about indoor climate.

Research limitations/implications

The study is solely focussed on commercial buildings in Sweden and also on real estate owners with a high sustainability profile.

Originality/value

This paper presents a starting point in introducing the research area of the continued sustainability performance of our built environment. In order to understand and improve the environmental performance over time of our buildings and the connection to potential value, it is important to know what we can and should monitor.
Critical performance factors of public sector organizations in concession-based public-private partnership projects
Authors: Opawole Akintayo , Jagboro Godwin Onajite , Kajimo-Shakantu Kahilu , Olojede Betty Oluwafunso
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate critical factors that impact public sector organizations’ (PSOs) performance in PPP contracts with a view to improving their capabilities toward efficient project delivery and attracting more private sector investments.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology is a quantitative approach which commenced with an in-depth literature review that provided the basis for identification of the variables that were evaluated through a structured questionnaire. Respondents were professionals from stakeholders’ organizations that had been involved in PPP contracts in the Southwestern region of Nigeria selected using respondent driven sampling technique. These include industrial practitioners from governmental-based organizations (ministries, agencies, corporations/parastatals, etc.), private developers/concessionaires, law firms, and banks, among others. Data collected were analyzed using mean, relative significance index) and factor analysis.

Findings

The critical performance factors of PSOs in concession contracts clustered under nine components. These were technical, legal, political, finance, market maturity, economic, procurement process, performance guarantee and degree of regulation. PSOs’ capability development measure in countries newly experimenting with concession model is expected to focus on these factors for improved project delivery.

Research limitations/implications

The study provided implications for capabilities improvement, legislation and policy making with respect to PPP transactions in countries newly experimenting with PPP contracts. This is highly significant to improving the capabilities of PSOs and attraction of more private sector partnership in infrastructure delivery through the concession model.

Practical implications

The study provided implication for capabilities improvement, legislation and policing with respect to PPP transactions in countries newly experimenting with PPP contracts. This is highly significant to improving the capabilities of PSOs and attraction of more private sector partnership in infrastructure delivery through concession model.

Originality/value

Previous studies on PPP performance had either focused on the projects or generalized the performance assessment to PSOs and private investors. This study extended the researches on PPP performance by revealing factors specific to the public sector stakeholders.
Carrot or stick: CSR disclosures by Southeast Asian companies
Authors: Arena Claudia , Liong Ronald , Vourvachis Petros
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Motivated by legitimacy theory, this paper aims to examine comprehensively corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure in Southeast Asian (Association of Southeast Asian Nations [ASEAN]) countries with the aim of disentangling whether such disclosures are the result of a proactive stance or a reaction to regulations.

Design/methodology/approach

After a content analysis of CSR stand-alone reports that relies on the Global Reporting Initiative as the basis for comparison, a multivariate analysis is carried out while controlling for firm-specific incentives and industry, country and year fixed effects.

Findings

The paper finds that CSR disclosure increased across the entire ASEAN. Although this increase cannot be directly ascribed to the introduction of regulations in Indonesia and Malaysia, the latter may have impacted choices of disclosure media. In countries where reporting requirements have become mandated, mandatory reporters show low levels, and voluntary reporters high levels, of CSR disclosure. The paper also finds that the attainment of CSR awards is related to disclosure. Additional analyses reveal a substitution effect between voluntary and mandatory incentives in countries with high levels of law enforcement.

Practical implications

The evidence suggests that the introduction of regulations can be effective in improving the level and breadth of CSR reporting only in the presence of institutions that ensure the enforcement of the disclosure regulations.

Social implications

The evidence suggests that organizations are reluctant to report on issues such as child labor, human rights and corruption. Organizations opportunistically employ related disclosure strategies that deviate from the underlying CSR performance.

Originality/value

The paper analyzes not only the level and breadth of CSR disclosure but also the motivation for its use across the still under-investigated ASEAN area, thus allowing an examination of the influence of institutional incentives above and beyond the firm-specific factors that drive CSR activities.
Effects of ski lift ticket discounts on local tourism demand
Authors: Falk Martin , Scaglione Miriam
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a first evaluation of the effectiveness of the early bird discount on ski lift tickets by estimating the impact on hotel overnight stays of the Saas-Fee destination.

Design/methodology/approach

The difference-in-differences (DID) approach is used to compare winter sport destinations with and without the price reduction before and after the introduction of the price discount. The sample is composed of the 54 largest Swiss winter sport destinations for the seasons 2013/2014 and 2016/2017.

Findings

DID estimations show an increase in overnight stays of Swiss residents by 50 per cent as compared to the control group. Quantile regression estimations for the conditional upper part of the overnight stays distribution reveal a lower average treatment effect of 38 per cent. However, DID estimates for total overnight stays (domestic and foreign) are much smaller – about 17 per cent – indicating that the price reductions are not effective in attracting foreign visitors. Results are not sensitive when taking into account a large number of control variables (elevation, size and snow making capacity).

Research limitations/implications

As tourists visiting winter sport destinations are interested in a mix of activities, lift ticket revenues or number of skier days should be used as an alternative outcome measure.

Practical implications

As positive effects on local tourism demand are mainly limited to Swiss tourists, such price strategies should be carefully considered. In the long term, the skiing market will stagnate or even shrink for several reasons (population ageing, climate change and changes in leisure preferences).

Originality value

This paper provides a first quantitative evaluation of price discounts in tourism research. Knowledge about the discounts and consumers reactions to sales promotions are of great interest to marketing managers in today’s competitive ski market.
Function of AT1 and AT2 receptors in atrial contractions from spontaneous hypertensive and diabetic‐induced streptozotocin rats
Authors: Musial Diego Castro , Miranda‐Ferreira Regiane , Padin Juan Fernando , Arranz‐Tagarro Juan Alberto , Parra‐Vitela Alberto J. , Jurkiewicz Aron , Garcia Antonio Garcia , Jurkiewicz Neide Hyppolito
Published: July 2018

Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are diseases that are strongly correlated. A major factor in this correlation is the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), with the peptide angiotensin II being a key component. This study analyzed the impact of Angiotensin Type 1 receptor (AT1R) and Angiotension Type 2 receptor (AT2R) in atrial function.

Main methods

To perform the experiments, Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY), diabetic streptozotocin‐induced WKY rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were used, and stimulation of cardiovascular function was done by means of the following drugs: angiotensin II, novokinin and the antagonists losartan and PD123177. We also measured the systolic blood pressure (SBP).

Results

An increase in AT1R function was observed in diabetic and hypertensive rats (18% in right atria [RA] and 11% in left atria [LA]). We also observed an increase in calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum in right atria of diabetic rats (31%) and in right atria of hypertensive rats (35%). On the other hand, a decreased response of AT2R in diabetic and hypertensive rats was observed, this decreased response was greater in hypertensive rats (RA, 10%; LA, 12%). These results have demonstrated a dysfunction of the RAS that may contribute to the common dysfunctions of the cardiovascular system in diabetic and hypertensive rats.
The plant compound rosmarinic acid induces a broad quorum sensing response in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
Authors: Fernández Matilde , Corral‐Lugo Andrés , Krell Tino
Published: July 2018

The interference of plant compounds with bacterial quorum sensing (QS) is a major mechanism through which plants and bacteria communicate. However, little is known about the modes of action and effects on signal integrity during this type of communication. We have recently shown that the plant compound rosmarinic acid (RA) specifically binds to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa RhlR QS receptor. To determine the effect of RA on expression patterns, we carried out global RNA‐seq analysis. The results show that RA induces the expression of 128 genes, amongst which many virulence factor genes. RA triggers a broad QS response because 88% of the induced genes are known to be controlled by QS, and because RA stimulated genes were found to be involved in all four QS signalling systems within P. aeruginosa. This finding was confirmed through the analysis of transcriptional fusions transferred to wt and a rhlI/lasI double mutant. RA did not induce gene expression in the rhlI/lasI/rhlR triple mutant indicating that the effects observed are due to the RA‐RhlR interaction. Furthermore, RA induced seven sRNAs that were all encoded in regions close to QS and/or RA induced genes. This work significantly enhances our understanding of plant bacteria interaction.
Anaerobic degradation of phenanthrene by a sulfate‐reducing enrichment culture
Authors: Himmelberg Anne M. , Brüls Thomas , Farmani Zahra , Weyrauch Philip , Barthel Gabriele , Schrader Wolfgang , Meckenstock Rainer U.
Published: July 2018

Anaerobic degradation processes are very important to attenuate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in saturated, anoxic sediments. However, PAHs are poorly degradable, leading to very slow microbial growth and thus resulting in only a few cultures that have been enriched and studied so far. Here, we report on a new phenanthrene‐degrading, sulfate‐reducing enrichment culture, TRIP1. Genome‐resolved metagenomics and strain specific cell counting with FISH and flow cytometry indicated that the culture is dominated by a microorganism belonging to the Desulfobacteraceae family (60% of the community) and sharing 93% 16S rRNA sequence similarity to the naphthalene‐degrading, sulfate‐reducing strain NaphS2. The anaerobic degradation pathway was studied by metabolite analyses and revealed phenanthroic acid as the major intermediate consistent with carboxylation as the initial activation reaction. Further reduced metabolites were indicative of a stepwise reduction of the ring system. We were able to measure the presumed second enzyme reaction in the pathway, phenanthroate‐CoA ligase, in crude cell extracts. The reaction was specific for 2‐phenanthroic acid and did not transform other isomers. The present study provides first insights into the anaerobic degradation pathways of three‐ringed PAHs. The biochemical strategy follows principles known from anaerobic naphthalene degradation, including carboxylation and reduction of the aromatic ring system.
Multiscale Modeling for Food Drying: State of the Art
Authors: Welsh Zachary , Simpson Matthew J. , Khan Md Imran H. , Karim M. A.
Published: July 2018

Plant‐based food materials are mostly porous in nature and heterogeneous in structure with huge diversity in cellular orientation. Different cellular environments of plant‐based food materials, such as intercellular, intracellular, and cell wall environments, hold different proportions of water with different characteristics. Due to this structural heterogeneity, it is very difficult to understand the drying process and associated morphological changes during drying. Transport processes and morphological changes that take place during drying are mainly governed by the characteristics of and the changes in the cells. Therefore, to predict the actual heat and mass transfer process that occurs in the drying process and associated morphological changes, development of multiscale modeling is crucial. Multiscale modeling is a powerful approach with the ability to incorporate this cellular structural heterogeneity with microscale heat and mass transfer during drying. However, due to the huge complexity involved in developing such a model for plant‐based food materials, the studies regarding this issue are very limited. Therefore, we aim in this article to develop a critical conceptual understanding of multiscale modeling frameworks for heterogeneous food materials through an extensive literature review. We present a critical review on the multiscale model formulation and solution techniques with their spatial and temporal coupling options. Food structure, scale definition, and the current status of multiscale modeling are also presented, along with other key factors that are critical to understanding and developing an accurate multiscale framework. We conclude by presenting the main challenges for developing an accurate multiscale modeling framework for food drying.
Audit of Hemodialysis in Children Weighing Less than 20 kg in an African Pediatric Nephrology Unit
Authors: Keenswijk Werner , Sinclair Gina , Benetton Marian , du Plessis Mandi , Nourse Peter , Reddy Deveshni , McCulloch Mignon
Published: July 2018

Peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation remain the preferred choices for renal replacement therapy in young children. These options, however, are not always feasible, and hemodialysis (HD) is therefore an accepted alternative. In small children presenting with end‐stage renal disease, HD presents several challenges and is often unavailable in lower‐ and middle‐income countries. To assess these challenges and outcomes of maintenance HD in young children, we performed an audit of children below 20 kg with end‐stage renal disease, receiving HD for ≥4 weeks, from 1 January 2008 to 31 July 2016 at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital. We identified 15 children weighing 6.8–18.5 kg (mean 12.9 kg ±3.5 SD) and aged 11.5–105 months (mean 52.2 months±4.2 SD) at HD initiation. Mean duration of HD was 11.8 months (range 1–61.5 months ± 16.9 SD). Seven children underwent successful transplantation, two patients died, and four currently still receive HD. Two patients, while on HD, relocated to other centers. An average of 2.6 (range 1–5) different vascular accesses was required per patient. Technical difficulties were the most common cause of central‐line removal (81%), while catheter‐associated bacteremia was 1.1/1000 catheter days. Frequent problems were intradialytic hypotension, growth stunting, and interdialytic hypertension. HD in lower‐ and middle‐income countries is feasible in small children but presents with certain challenges. Advocacy with lobbying for funding and development of “child‐friendly” dialysis equipment and specialized centers with highly skilled personnel are the cornerstones of successful pediatric HD programs in less‐resourced centers.
Effects of Mixing Ratio and pH on the Electrostatic Interactions of Hydrolyzed Alaska Pollock Protein and κ‐Carrageenan
Authors: Cui Xiao , Yu Fanqianhui , Xue Yong , Zhang Tao , Ji Lei , Wang Yuming , Xue Changhu
Published: July 2018

In order to widen the application of Alaska Pollock salt‐soluble protein and improve the properties of κ‐carrageenan (KC), we evaluated whether the electrostatic interaction between KC and hydrolyzed protein (HP) improved the solubility of salt‐soluble proteins and assessed acid hydrolysis‐induced changes in the viscosity of KC. Moreover, we determined the effects of pH, KC, and HP mixing weight ratio (R, from 1:8 to 8:1) on the properties of mixtures. ζ‐Potential results demonstrated that there were electrostatic interactions between KC and HP. Results of solution transmission and precipitation diagram analysis demonstrated that increasing the ratio of KC in KC–HP mixtures expanded the pH range of HP water solubility and prevented HP from precipitating, even at pH values around the pI. The highest viscosity of the solution measured by rheology analysis occurred at pH 3.5, and the ratio of KC:HP (R) was 1:1. These findings suggested that Alaska Pollock protein could be modified appropriately for use in acidic solutions and semisolid foods; moreover, KC–HPs have a potential application as thickeners in acid condition.

Practical Application

These findings suggested that Alaska Pollock protein could be modified appropriately for use in acidic solutions and semisolid foods and that KC–HP may have applications as a new acid thickener.
Hypocholesterolemic Effects of Capsaicinoids and Lactobacillus plantarum Swun5815 Combined by Inhibiting Cholesterol Synthesis and Increasing Bile Acid and Sterols Excretion on Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Ren Ting , You Yuming , Luo Yuanli , Wang Yuanwei , Liu Xiong
Published: July 2018

This study evaluated the hypocholesterolemic effects and potential metabolism of single and combined administrations of capsaicinoids and Lactobacillus plantarum SWUN5815 in ovariectomized rats. Forty female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into 5 treatment groups. One group was sham‐operated (with 1 mL/100 g BW physiological saline), and the 4 other groups were double‐ovariectomized: OVX–CON (with 1 mL/100 g BW physiological saline), OVX–CAP (with 1 mL/100 g BW physiological saline and fed with food containing 0.08 g/kg capsaicinoids), OVX–L. P. (with 1 mL 2 × 109 cfu/mL/100 g BW L. plantarum SWUN5815), and OVX–CAP + L. P. (with 1 mL 2 × 109 cfu/mL/100 g BW L. plantarum SWUN5815 and fed with food containing 0.08 g/kg capsaicinoids). Rats were sacrificed after 6 weeks of feeding. Results showed that the combination of capsaicinoids and L. plantarum significantly decreased the total cholesterol, triglyceride and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol of plasma, total cholesterol and lipid accumulation of liver in ovariectomized rats without affecting food intake. Bile acid contents in the fecal excrement and small intestines were significantly increased by the combination compared with the individual effects. However, the mRNA levels of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG‐CoA R), farnesoid X receptor (FXR), ileum bile acid binding protein (IBABP), and apical sodium‐dependent bile acids transporter (ASBT) significantly decreased. Liver X receptor also remarkably increased. Therefore, these genes potentially affect cholesterol metabolism by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis and promoting excretion of bile acid. The protective effects of the combination of capsaicinoids and L. plantarum SWUN5815 on the intestines were significant in ovariectomized rats.
Early life esophageal acid exposure reduces expression of NMDAR1 in the adult rat dorsal hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex: Potential relationship with hyperlocomotion
Authors: Zhang Wei Fang , Wang Xin , Wang Kun , Duan Li Ping
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVE

Early life esophageal acid exposure causes long‐term molecular alterations in the rostral cingulate cortex; however, whether it induces behavioral changes remains unverified. Little is known about the molecular changes resulting from this event in the developing hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). This study aimed to investigate the influence of early life esophageal acid exposure on spontaneous locomotor behavior and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR), expression in these brain regions of adult rats.

METHODS

Male Sprague–Dawley rats were administered with an esophageal acid or saline infusion once per day (postnatal days 7–14). Some of these rats were given acute esophageal acid rechallenge in adulthood (postnatal day 60). The spontaneous locomotor behavior and expressions of esophageal epithelial caludin‐1 and NMDAR subunits in the dorsal hippocampus (DH), ventral hippocampus (VH) and mPFC of the adult rats were recorded.

RESULTS

Neonatal esophageal acid stimulation caused long‐term impairment of the tight junctions in the adult esophagus. Simultaneously, hyperlocomotion and reduced expression of NMDAR1 subunits in both the DH and mPFC were observed, but not in the VH regions. Adult acute acid rechallenge reversed the decreased NMDAR1 expression in the DH and mPFC. The glycine ligand to NMDAR1 subunits was also changed.

CONCLUSIONS

Peripheral visceral stimulation such as esophageal acid exposure during cerebral development induces increased locomotor activity, which may be related to the alteration of central sensitivity via NMDAR1 subunit reduction in the DH and mPFC. The impairment of tight junctions in the esophageal epithelium may contribute to the formation of central neuroplasticity.
Epidemiology of prediabetes and diabetes in Namibia, Africa: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Adekanmbi Victor T. , Uthman Olalekan A. , Erqou Sebhat , Echouffo‐Tcheugui Justin B. , Harhay Meera N. , Harhay Michael O.
Published: July 2018

Background

Diabetes is a leading cause of progressive morbidity and early mortality worldwide. Little is known about the burden of diabetes and prediabetes in Namibia, a Sub‐Saharan African (SSA) country that is undergoing a demographic transition.

Methods

We estimated the prevalence and correlates of diabetes (defined as fasting [capillary] blood glucose [FBG] ≥126 mg/dL) and prediabetes (defined by World Health Organization [WHO] and American Diabetes Association [ADA] criteria as FBG 110–125 and 100–125 mg/dL, respectively) in a random sample of 3278 participants aged 35–64 years from the 2013 Namibia Demographic and Health Survey.

Results

The prevalence of diabetes was 5.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.2–6.2), with no evidence of gender differences (P = 0.45). The prevalence of prediabetes was 6.8% (95% CI 5.8–8.0) using WHO criteria and 20.1% (95% CI 18.4–21.9) using ADA criteria. Male sex, older age, higher body mass index (BMI), and occupation independently increased the odds of diabetes in Namibia, whereas higher BMI was associated with a higher odds of prediabetes, and residing in a household categorized as “middle wealth index” was associated with a lower odds of prediabetes (adjusted odds ratio 0.71; 95% credible interval 0.46–0.99). There was significant clustering of prediabetes and diabetes at the community level.

Conclusions

One in five adult Namibians has prediabetes based on ADA criteria. Resources should be invested at the community level to promote efforts to prevent the progression of this disease and its complications.
Boundary strength analysis: Combining colour pattern geometry and coloured patch visual properties for use in predicting behaviour and fitness
Authors: Endler John A. , Cole Gemma L. , Kranz Alexandrea M.
Published: July 2018

Colour patterns are used by many species to make decisions that ultimately affect their Darwinian fitness. Colour patterns consist of a mosaic of patches that differ in geometry and visual properties. Although traditionally pattern geometry and colour patch visual properties are analysed separately, these components are likely to work together as a functional unit. Despite this, the combined effect of patch visual properties, patch geometry, and the effects of the patch boundaries on animal visual systems, behaviour and fitness are relatively unexplored.

Here, we describe boundary strength analysis (BSA), a novel way to combine the geometry of the edges (boundaries among the patch classes) with the receptor noise estimate (ΔS) of the intensity of the edges. The method is based upon known properties of vertebrate and invertebrate retinas. The mean andSDof ΔS(mΔS,sΔS) of a colour pattern can be obtained by weighting each edge class ΔSby its length, separately for chromatic and achromatic ΔS. This assumes those colour patterns, or parts of the patterns used in signalling, with largermΔSandsΔS, are more stimulating and hence more salient to the viewers.BSAcan be used to examine both colour patterns and visual backgrounds.

Boundary strength analysis was successful in assessing the estimated conspicuousness of colour pattern variants in two species, guppiesPoecilia reticulataand Gouldian finchesErythrura gouldiae, both polymorphic for patch colour, luminance and geometry. The 3D representations of the ΔSof patch edges (Fort Diagrams) of both species show that there is little or negative geometric correspondence between the chromatic and achromatic edges. All individuals havemΔS > 1.5 for both chromatic and achromatic measures, indicating the high within‐pattern contrast expected for display signals. In contrast from what one would expect from sexual selection, all guppies havemΔSless than expected from random contacts between all pairs of patch colour/luminance classes. The correlation between chromatic and luminance ΔSis negative in both species but zero when correlating all possible kinds of edges between the colours of each species and morph, indicating nonrandom colour geometry.

The pattern difference between chromatic and achromatic edges in both species reveals the possibility that chromatic and achromatic edges could function differently. The smaller than random expectedmΔSvalues in guppies suggests an anti‐predator function because guppies are never found without predators. Moreover,mΔScould vary with predation intensity within and among species.BSAcan be applied to any colour pattern used in intraspecific and interspecific behaviour. Seven predictions and four questions about colour patterns are presented.

In species which are very convex in cross‐section, both chromatic and luminancemΔSchange with viewing angle; geometry of signalling is as important as signal geometry.
In situ and invasive melanoma in a high‐risk, New Zealand, population: A population‐based study
Authors: Elwood J Mark , Kim Stella J‐H , Ip Ken H‐K , Oakley Amanda , Rademaker Marius
Published: July 2018

Background

Few population‐based studies assess both invasive and in situ melanoma. We document all patients with a first biopsied melanoma in a general population in New Zealand (NZ).

Methods

All residents in a defined area of New Zealand with a biopsy showing a new primary invasive or in situ melanoma from 2010 to 2012 were identified, 974 patients; analysis used multivariate methods.

Results

Age‐standardised incidence rates were 34.3 in females (F) and 41.4 in males (M) for invasive, 20.9 F and 27.6 M for in situ, and 55.2 F and 69.0 M for total melanoma. More in situ melanoma occurred in older patients and on the head and neck. Geometric mean Breslow thickness for invasive was 0.78 mm F and 0.85 mm M, with thicker lesions at ages over 60 and on the lower limb; there was no significant relationship with sex, distance from care or social deprivation assessed from residential address. Nodular melanomas (15%) were more frequent in older and male patients, and on the limbs, and were thicker. The estimated cumulative risk for melanoma is 4.4% F and 4.6% M by age 70. The body site distribution and sex differences were consistent with sun exposure patterns. Estimated incidence of melanoma in New Zealand in 2018 is 2500 invasive and 1700 in situ cases.

Conclusions

Assessing both in situ and invasive melanoma expands the clinical picture, better estimating health care demand and costs. Results suggest that in situ disease is a more slowly growing lesion than the early phase of invasive disease. The features of thicker or nodular melanoma show priorities for prevention and early detection.
A new Luminex‐based peptide assay to identify reactivity to baked, fermented, and whole milk
Authors: Sackesen Cansin , Suárez‐Fariñas Mayte , Silva Ronaldo , Lin Jing , Schmidt Stephanie , Getts Robert , Gimenez Gustavo , Yilmaz Ebru A. , Cavkaytar Ozlem , Buyuktiryaki Betul , Soyer Ozge , Grishina Galina , Sampson Hugh A.
Published: July 2018

Background

The majority of children with cow's milk allergy (CMA) tolerate baked milk. However, reactivity to fermented milk products such as yogurt/cheese has not been previously evaluated. We sought to determine whether children with CMA could tolerate yogurt/cheese and whether a patient's IgE and IgG4‐binding pattern to milk protein epitopes could distinguish clinical reactivity.

Methods

Four groups of reactivity were identified by Oral food challenge: baked milk reactive, fermented milk reactive, whole milk reactive, and outgrown. sIgE and sIgG4 binding to milk protein epitopes were assessed with a novel Luminex‐based peptide assay (LPA). Using machine learning techniques, a model was developed to predict different degrees of CMA.

Results

The baked milk reactive patients demonstrated the highest degree of IgE epitope binding, which was followed sequentially by fermented milk reactive, whole milk reactive, and outgrown. Data were randomly divided into two groups with 75% of the data utilized for model development (n = 68) and 25% for testing (n = 21). All 68 children used for training were correctly classified with models using IgE and IgG4 epitopes. The average cross‐validation accuracy was much higher for models using IgE plus IgG4 epitopes by LPA (84.8%), twice the performance of the serum component proteins assayed by UniCAP (41.9%). The performance of the model on “unseen data” was tested using the 21 withheld patients, and the accuracy of IgE was 86% (AUC = 0.89) while of IgE+IgG4 model was 81% (AUC = 0.94).

Conclusion

Using a novel high‐throughput LPA, we were able to distinguish the diversity of IgE/IgG4 binding to epitopes in the varying CMA phenotypes. LPA is a promising tool to predict correctly different degrees of CMA.
Elastin Stabilization Through Polyphenol and Ferric Chloride Combined Treatment for the Enhancement of Bioprosthetic Heart Valve Anticalcification
Authors: Jin Wanyu , Guo Gaoyang , Chen Liang , Lei Yang , Wang Yunbing
Published: July 2018

The lifetime of bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs) is limited by the mechanical damage and calcification. The major components of BHVs are collagen and elastin. Collagen could be well protected by glutaraldehyde (GLUT) crosslinking, while elastin is not stabilized and has a high risk of degradation, which could lead to the calcification of BHVs. We aimed to develop methods for stabilizing elastin and decreasing calcification. We investigated the combined tannic acid (TA) or epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) with ferric chloride to stabilize elastin and prevent calcification. We found that the amount of TA/EGCG bound to elastin was in a time‐dependent pattern and this reaction showed better efficiency in acidic condition and ethanol‐water mixed solvents. Moreover, Fe3+ could compete with Ca2+ to bind to polyphenol, which could reduce the calcium deposition on BHVs. Cytotoxicity test showed that all extracts from different treatments had similar cell viabilities (85–100%). Through the combined treatments of polyphenol and ferric chloride, the pericardium had a better resistance to elastase degradation and more excellent anticalcification performance.
MicroRNA‐21 and microRNA‐214 play important role in reproduction regulation during porcine estrous
Authors: Tian Mi , Zhang Xu , Ye Pengfei , Tao Qiangqiang , Zhang Liang , Ding Yueyun , Chu Mingxing , Zhang Xiaodong , Yin Zongjun
Published: July 2018

Normal estrous cycle is crucial for porcine reproduction, and microRNA is closely related to regulation of estrous cycle in porcine ovaries. In this study, we found that the expression of miR‐214 in porcine ovaries was higher than in many other tissues, and miR‐21 expression in ovaries was significantly higher than in the uterus and pituitary. Meanwhile, miR‐21 was upregulated and miR‐214 was downregulated in the ovaries of high litter size (YH) pigs compared with low litter size (YL) pigs. Moreover, the lowest expression of miR‐21 and miR‐214 occurred on Days 14 and 7 of the estrous cycle and was expressed at greater levels in the granulosa cells of subordinate follicles than in dominant follicles on Day 3 of the estrous cycle. Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR‐21 and miR‐214 might target several genes that involved in the mTOR signaling, apoptosis, and steroid biosynthesis pathways, and they play important roles in maintaining the porcine estrous cycle. The qPCR and western blot analysis indicated that miR‐214 inhibited the expression of SCARB1 gene in the transcriptional level, but not affected the SCARB1 gene's protein level. Our research findings indicated that miR‐21 and miR‐214 played important roles in reproduction regulation during porcine estrous.
Invasive Asclepias syriaca can have facilitative effects on native grass establishment in a water‐stressed ecosystem
Authors: Szitár Katalin , Kröel‐Dulay György , Török Katalin
Published: July 2018

Question

What is the effect of invasive common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.) on the germination and early establishment of native grass species during open sand grassland vegetation recovery in old‐fields?

Location

Fülöpháza Sand Dune Area, Hungary.

Methods

A small‐scale experiment was carried out in a sandy old‐field infested with Asclepias. We designated 36 2 m × 2 m plots in patches of Asclepias. We seeded two native grass species Festuca vaginata and Stipa borysthenica in 12 plots each (a third of the plots was left unseeded). We applied repeated mechanical removal of Asclepias shoots on half of the plots for two growing seasons. The number and above‐ground cover of the two grass seedlings were evaluated for two growing seasons.

Results

The number and above‐ground cover of Festuca and Stipa seedlings did not increase after applying Asclepias shoot removal during the 2 years of the study. We found lower seedling number and cover of Festuca in plots with Asclepias shoot removal in the second year, when a severe summer drought occurred at the study site. The number and cover of the Stipa seedlings did not differ between plots with Asclepias shoot removal and control plots throughout the experiment.

Conclusions

We did not find any negative effects of the presence of the invasive Asclepias during open sand grassland regeneration in terms of germination and early establishment of the dominant grass species. We even detected a nurse effect of Asclepias on Festuca, where the shade of Asclepias may have mitigated the unfavourable abiotic conditions for Festuca caused by summer drought. This mitigation was not observed in the case of Stipa, which can better tolerate summer droughts. Our results suggest that Asclepias control is not required for a successful open sand grassland restoration in the early phase of vegetation recovery, and restoration efforts should focus on the mitigation of propagule limitation of native grasses. However, further information is needed about the effects of Asclepias on other elements of the biota and in later phases of secondary succession.
My Correspondence with Milton Friedman about the Social Responsibilities of Business
Authors: Carson Thomas L.
Published: July 2018

In 1992, I sent Milton Friedman a draft of my 1993 paper “Friedman's Theory of Corporate Social Responsibility.” He and I corresponded at length. My 1993 paper argues that Friedman's published formulations of his theory are not equivalent and that they prescribe different courses of action in many possible cases. In our correspondence, Friedman conceded that his two formulations of his theory are inconsistent and, at my suggestion, he endorsed a modified version of the view he presented in Capitalism and Freedom as the preferred version of his theory. This modified theory is an important formulation of his position. In one of his letters to me, Friedman writes: “I agree that corporate executives might have duties to the general public which sometimes outweigh their duties to the shareholders.” I argue that this creates major problems for his theory. I also answer Friedman's published response to one of my criticisms.
Putting the Pieces Back Together: Moral Intensity and Its Impact on the Four‐component Model of Morality
Authors: Moores Trevor T. , Smith H. Jeff , Limayem Moez
Published: July 2018

A large body of research has examined the relationship between moral intensity (MI) and the four‐component model of morality, typically, by separating MI into its constituent dimensions and regressing them individually against the four‐component model. This approach, however, violates the definition of MI as a single construct. To correct this problem, we develop and test a model of the impact of MI as a single, 6‐item formative construct. We find that when MI is taken into account, moral recognition is not significant. MI does, however, serve as a strong trigger for judgment. We also determine that splitting MI into multiple factors does not significantly affect the results, confirming the assertion that MI is a single, coherent construct.
Do Actions Speak Louder than Words? An Exploratory Study on CSR
Authors: Dare Julia
Published: July 2018

This research investigates various firm motives for practicing corporate social responsibility (CSR). More precisely, it examines whether a firm's primary motive for undertaking CSR is related to the type of actions performed. Such exploratory research is overdue following more than 40 years of scholarly contention on the financial rewards of doing (and looking) good. By uncovering and measuring specific aspects of CSR, I offer an initial understanding of interactions within firm CSR operations. Theory on types of CSR have surfaced, yet empirical studies are few. In this research, I address this disparity by using original quantitative measures of both motive and type. The outcomes of this investigation challenge certain extant notions of CSR, while introducing a measure of objectivity in some long‐standing debates among scholars and corporate stakeholders.