bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of aboveground mass removal on toxicity of Geyers larkspur, with important implications for grazing management
Authors: Jablonski Kevin , Meiman Paul J.
Published: December 2018

The many species of larkspur (Delphinium spp. L.) are among the most dangerous poisonous plants on rangelands in the western United States, causing death losses estimated at 2-5% (up to 15%) per year for cattle grazing in larkspur habitat. Other effects, such as altered grazing management practices and consequent lost forage quantity and quality, are significant but poorly understood. Current best management practice recommendations are based on seasonal avoidance, with little evidence that this is practical or effective. Our ongoing research has presented evidence that instead it may be possible to manage grazing such that all cattle eat some larkspur, but none eat a fatal dose. This raises the question of the potential response of larkspur to being grazed. In this study we examine the response of Geyers larkspur (D. geyeri Greene ) to two seasons of 25% or 75% aboveground plant mass removal. The 75% treatment led to significantly lower alkaloid concentrations (mg/g) and pools (mg per plant), while the 25% treatment had a lesser effect. Combined with lessons from previous studies, this indicates that Geyers larkspur plants subject to aboveground mass removal such as may occur via grazing can be expected to become significantly less dangerous to cattle. We suggest that the mechanisms for this reduction are both alkaloid removal and reduced belowground root mass, as significant evidence indicates that alkaloids are synthesized and stored in the roots. These results continue to build support for our theory that the solution to the seemingly intractable challenge of larkspur poisoning lies not in avoidance but in the skill of managers and the wisdom of herds.
A VTA GABAergic neural circuit mediates visually evoked innate defensive responses
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Liu Xuemei , Chen Shanping , Zhang Zhijian , Liu Yu-anming , Montardy Quentin , Tang Yongqiang , Wei Pengfei , Liu Nan , Li Lei , He Xiaobin , Chen Chen , Bi Guoqiang , Feng Guoping , Xu Fuqiang , Wang Liping
Published: December 2018

Innate defensive responses are essential for animal survival and are conserved across species. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) plays important roles in learned appetitive and aversive behaviors, but whether it plays a role in mediating or modulating innate defensive responses is currently unknown. We report that GABAergic neurons in the mouse VTA (VTAGABA+) are preferentially activated compared to VTA dopaminergic (VTADA+) neurons when a threatening visual stimulus evokes innate defensive behavior. Functional manipulation of these neurons showed that activation of VTAGABA+ neurons is indispensable for looming-evoked defensive flight behavior and photoactivation of these neurons is sufficient for looming-evoked defensive-like flight behavior, whereas no such role can be attributed for VTADA+ neurons. Viral tracing and in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological recordings showed that VTAGABA+ neurons receive direct excitatory inputs from the superior colliculus (SC). Furthermore, we showed that glutamatergic SC-VTA projections synapse onto VTAGABA+ neurons that project to the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) and that the CeA is involved in mediating the defensive behavior. Our findings demonstrate that visual information about aerial threats access to the VTAGABA+ neurons mediating innate behavioral responses, suggesting a more general role for the VTA.
Interaction specificity of clustered protocadherins inferred from sequence covariation and structural analysis
Authors: Nicoludis John M. , Green Anna G. , Walujkar Sanket , May Elizabeth J. , Sotomayor Marcos , Marks Debora S. , Gaudet Rachelle
Published: December 2018

Clustered protocadherins are a large family of paralogous proteins that play important roles in neuronal development. The more than 50 clustered protocadherin isoforms have remarkable homophilic specificity for interactions between cellular surfaces that is controlled by a large antiparallel dimer interface formed by the first four extracellular cadherin (EC) domains. To understand how specificity is achieved between the numerous paralogs, we used a combination of structural and computational approaches. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that individual EC interactions are weak and go through binding and unbinding events, but together they form a stable complex through polyvalency. Using sequence coevolution, we generated a statistical model of interaction energy for the clustered protocadherin family that measures the contributions of all amino acid pairs in the interface. Our interaction energy model assesses specificity for all possible pairs of isoforms, recapitulating known pairings and predicting the effects of experimental changes in isoform specificity that are consistent with literature results. Our results show that sequence coevolution can be used to understand specificity determinants in a protein family and prioritize interface amino acid substitutions to reprogram specific protein-protein interactions.
Enteric Pathogen Diversity in Infant Foods in Low-income Neighborhoods Of Kisumu, Kenya
Authors: Tsai Kevin , Simiyu Sheillah , Mumma Jane , Aseyo Rose Evalyne , Cumming Oliver , Dreibelbis Robert , Baker Kelly
Published: December 2018

Pediatric diarrheal disease remains the 2nd most common cause of preventable illness and death among children under the age of five, especially in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). However, there is limited information regarding the role of food in pathogen transmission due to measuring infant food contaminations in LMICs. For this study, we examined the frequency of enteric pathogen occurrence and co-occurrence in 127 weaning infant foods in Kisumu, Kenya using a multi-pathogen rt-PCR diagnostic tool, and assessed household food hygiene risk factors for contamination. Bacterial, viral, and protozoa enteric pathogen DNA and RNA were detected in 62% of the infant weaning food samples collected, with 37% of foods containing more than one pathogen type. Multivariable generalized linear mixed model analysis indicated type of infant food best explained the presence and diversity of enteric pathogens in infant food, while most household food hygiene risk factors considered in this study were not significantly associated with pathogen contamination. Specifically, cow's milk was significantly more likely to contain a pathogen (adjusted Risk Ratio=14.4; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.78-116.1) and contained 2.35 more types of pathogens (adjusted Risk Ratio=2.35; 95% CI 1.67-3.29) than porridge. Our study demonstrates that infants in this low-income urban setting are frequently exposed to diarrhoeagenic pathogens in food and suggests that interventions are needed to prevent foodborne transmission of pathogens to infants.
Satellite DNA-containing gigantic introns in a unique gene expression program during Drosophila spermatogenesis
Authors: Fingerhut Jaclyn M , Moran Jessica V , Yamashita Yukiko
Published: December 2018

Intron gigantism, where genes contain megabase-sized introns, is observed across species, yet little is known about its purpose or regulation. Here we identify a unique gene expression program utilized for the proper expression of genes with intron gigantism. We find that two Drosophila genes with intron gigantism, kl-3 and kl-5, are transcribed in a spatiotemporal manner over the course of spermatocyte differentiation, which spans ~90 hours. The introns of these genes contain megabases of simple satellite DNA repeats that comprise over 99% of the gene loci, and these satellite-DNA containing introns are transcribed. We identify two RNA-binding proteins that specifically localize to kl-3 and kl-5 transcripts and are needed for the successful transcription or processing of these genes. We propose that genes with intron gigantism require a unique gene expression program, which may serve as a platform to regulate gene expression during cellular differentiation.
Determination of salivary cortisol in donkey stallions
Authors: SGORBINI MICAELA , Bonelli Francesca , Rota Alessandra , Aurich Christine , Ille Natascha , Camillo Francesco , Panzani Duccio
Published: December 2018

Salivary cortisol provides information about free plasma cortisol concentration and salivary sampling is a non-invasive well-tolerate procedure. The aim of this study was to validate a commercial enzyme immunoassay for the determination of salivary cortisol in donkeys.

Saliva samples were collected in 4 donkey stallions on thirteen non-consecutive days at 8:30 AM to avoid circadian variation. Animals were already accustomed to be handled. Saliva was collected by using a swab inserted at the angle of the lips, placed onto the tongue for 1 min and returned into a polypropylene tube. Tubes were centrifuged and at least 1 ml of saliva was aspirated from each sample and frozen at −20° C until analysis. A commercial enzyme immunoassay kit without extraction was used for determination of cortisol in saliva. Median cortisol concentrations with minimum and maximum value were calculated.

Recovery of cortisol standard in donkey saliva was 107.9% and serial dilution of donkey saliva samples with assay buffer resulted in changes in optical density parallel to the standard curve. Cross-reactivity of the antiserum was 10.4% with 11-deoxycortisol, 5.2% with corticosterone, 0.4% with 11-deoxycorticosterone, 0.2% with cortisone and <0.1% with testosterone, progesterone and estradiol. The intra-assay coefficient of variation was 10.7%, the inter-assay variation was 8.0% and the minimal detectable concentration was 0.01 ng/ml.

The results of the present study demonstrate the validity of a commercial kit to determine the concentration of cortisol in donkey saliva, as already reported in other species.
The loci of behavioral evolution:Fas2andtilBunderlie differences in pupation site choice behavior betweenDrosophila melanogasterandD. simulans
Authors: Pischedda Alison , Shahandeh Michael P. , Turner Thomas L.
Published: December 2018

The recent boom in genotype-phenotype studies has led to a greater understanding of the genetic architecture of a variety of traits. Among these traits, however, behaviors are still lacking, perhaps because they are complex and environmentally sensitive phenotypes, making them difficult to measure reliably for association studies. Here, we aim to fill this gap in knowledge with the results of a genetic screen for a complex behavioral difference, pupation site choice, betweenDrosophila melanogasterandD. simulans. In this study, we demonstrate a significant contribution of the X chromosome to the difference in pupation site choice behavior between these species. Using a panel of X-chromosome deletions, we screened the majority of the X chromosome for causal loci, and identified two regions that explain a large proportion of the X-effect. We then used gene disruptions and RNAi to demonstrate the substantial effects of a single gene within each region:Fas2andtilB. Finally, we show that differences intilBexpression underlie species differences in pupation site choice behavior, and that generally, pupation site choice behavior appears to be correlated with relative expression of this gene. Our results suggest that even complex, environmentally sensitive behaviors may evolve through changes to loci with large phenotypic effects.

Author summary

Behaviors are complex traits that involve sensory detection, higher level processing, and a coordinated output by the nervous system. This level of processing is highly susceptible to environmentally induced variation. Because of their complexity and sensitivity, behaviors are difficult to study; as a result, we have very little understanding of the genes involved in behavioral variation. In this study, we use common laboratory fruit fly model, Drosophila, to address this gap and dissect the genetic underpinnings of an environmentally sensitive behavior that differs between species. We find that a significant amount of the phenotypic difference between species is explained by a single chromosome. We further show that just two genes on this chromosome account for a large majority of its effect, suggesting that the genetic basis of complex behavioral evolution may be simpler than anticipated. For one of these genes, we show that a species-level difference in gene expression is associated with the difference in behavior. Our results contribute to a growing number of studies identifying the genetic components of behavior. Ultimately, we hope to use these data to better predict the number, types, and effects of genetic mutations necessary for complex behaviors to evolve.
A new mini-triaxial cell for combined high-pressure and high-temperature in situ synchrotron X-ray microtomography experiments up to 400°C and 24 MPa
Authors: Voltolini Marco , Barnard Harold , Creux Patrice , Ajo-Franklin Jonathan
Published: December 2018

A new experimental triaxial cell for in situ synchrotron X-ray micro-computed tomography aimed at imaging small samples of (6 mm × 19 mm) at high temperatures (up to 400°C) and pressures (up to 24 MPa confining) is presented. The system has flow-through capabilities, independent axial and radial pressure control, and has been developed and tested at the 8.3.2. beamline at the Advanced Light Source. The characteristics of this new experimental rig are described, along with the challenges, mainly concerning the combination of X-ray transparency with vessel strength at high temperature, and solutions found during the development stage. An experiment involving oil shale pyrolysis under subsurface conditions, highlighting the importance of a device able to operate in this pressure and temperature range, is also introduced. The availability of this cell enables an unprecedented range of experiments in the Earth Sciences, with a special focus on subsurface geothermal processes.
k-Isocoronal tilings
Authors: Taganap Eduard , De Las Peñas Ma. Louise Antonette
Published: December 2018

In this article, a framework is presented that allows the systematic derivation of planar edge-to-edge k-isocoronal tilings from tile-s-transitive tilings, s ≤ k. A tiling {\cal T} is k-isocoronal if its vertex coronae form k orbits or k transitivity classes under the action of its symmetry group. The vertex corona of a vertex x of {\cal T} is used to refer to the tiles that are incident to x. The k-isocoronal tilings include the vertex-k-transitive tilings (k-isogonal) and k-uniform tilings. In a vertex-k-transitive tiling, the vertices form k transitivity classes under its symmetry group. If this tiling consists of regular polygons then it is k-uniform. This article also presents the classification of isocoronal tilings in the Euclidean plane.
Methyl 1-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylate
Authors: Furuya Tetsundo , Yagi Shiomi , Yamazaki Shu , Haraguchi Tomoyuki , Akitsu Takashiro , Mahesha Ninganayaka , Sagar Belakavadi K. , Yathirajan Hemmige S.
Published: December 2018

The title indole derivative, C11H11NO2, was synthesized from 1-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylic acid and methanol. The molecule is planar as it is situated on a mirror plane present in the space groupPbcm. In the crystal, molecules form three kinds of intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds, resulting in a sheet structure in theabplane. Parallel sheets interact by C—H...π stacking, stabilizing the crystal packing.
The global leadership capacity wheel
Authors: Turner John R. , Baker Rose , Schroeder Jae , Johnson Karen R. , Chung Chih-Hung
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to examine the definitions of global leadership and indigenous leadership, identify leadership capacities inherent in human resource development (HRD) and determine relationships of the three as a means to develop a model to aid and guide opportunities for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a two-stage integrative literature review of HRD, global and indigenous leadership literature, the grounded theory constant comparative method established 31 positive and 1 negative leadership domains, and respective capacities, and compare domains from literature.

Findings

The Global Leadership Capacity Wheel informs researchers of strengths and areas for additional research, has resulted in a more complete model of global leadership and calls for increased clarity for leadership capacity model development, especially for complex, global environments and local constructs and theories.

Research limitations/implications

Although the literature had adequate representation in the business and organizational acumen and managing people and relationships central global leadership domains, more research and reporting is required for managing self and indigenous leadership capacity development subdomains.

Practical implications

Leadership development is a high priority and core function of HRD. The Global Leadership Capacity Wheel provides a tool for scholars and practitioners to guide global leadership development programs and research.

Social implications

Understanding the relationships of leadership capacities from global and indigenous perspectives is helpful to examine cultural, identity and macro-contextual dimensions and their influence on leadership.

Originality/value

The Global Leadership Capacity Wheel provides a type of road-map, a holistic representation, in the context of developing global leaders in today’s complex environment.
Organisational culture and effectiveness
Authors: Mathew Jossy
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate the theorised relationship between organisational culture and effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data were collected through a five month ethnographic study in an Indian knowledge-intensive firm. It adopts the three-perspective framework of culture that encompasses integration, differentiation and fragmentation perspectives and a comprehensive examination of effectiveness.

Findings

Integrated, differentiated and fragmented perspectives of culture capture multiple organisational values and they affect effectiveness in varied ways. Appropriate cultures, although not sufficient conditions, are crucial for effectiveness, especially in knowledge-intensive firms. High levels of differentiation and fragmentation prevent the formation of strong cultures. This challenges organisational integration.

Practical implications

There is heightened need for the application of sophisticated HRM systems in the Indian software sector. Some context specific measures of effectiveness are documented.

Originality/value

Through an insightful evaluation of culture effectiveness theorisation till date, the paper amplifies current theorisation and illustrates the potential and limitations of organisational cultures in achieving effectiveness.
Hospital collaboration with a Housing First program to improve health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness
Authors: Wood Lisa , Wood Nicholas J.R. , Vallesi Shannen , Stafford Amanda , Davies Andrew , Cumming Craig
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Homelessness is a colossal issue, precipitated by a wide array of social determinants, and mirrored in substantial health disparities and a revolving hospital door. Connecting people to safe and secure housing needs to be part of the health system response. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This mixed-methods paper presents emerging findings from the collaboration between an inner city hospital, a specialist homeless medicine GP service and Western Australia’s inaugural Housing First collective impact project (50 Lives 50 Homes) in Perth. This paper draws on data from hospitals, homelessness community services and general practice.

Findings

This collaboration has facilitated hospital identification and referral of vulnerable rough sleepers to the Housing First project, and connected those housed to a GP and after hours nursing support. For a cohort (n=44) housed now for at least 12 months, significant reductions in hospital use and associated costs were observed.

Research limitations/implications

While the observed reductions in hospital use in the year following housing are based on a small cohort, this data and the case studies presented demonstrate the power of care coordinated across hospital and community in this complex cohort.

Practical implications

This model of collaboration between a hospital and a Housing First project can not only improve discharge outcomes and re-admission in the shorter term, but can also contribute to ending homelessness which is itself, a social determinant of poor health.

Originality/value

Coordinated care between hospitals and programmes to house people who are homeless can significantly reduce hospital use and healthcare costs, and provides hospitals with the opportunity to contribute to more systemic solutions to ending homelessness.
Workplace environment, employee satisfaction and intent to stay
Authors: Bangwal Deepak , Tiwari Prakash
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The hotel industry suffers from retaining its employees, and to retain their employees is a big challenge to the hotel industry. So, the purpose of this study is to examine the causal relationship between workplace design features of hospitality industry with employee job satisfaction and their intent to stay through empirical validation.

Design/methodology/approach

As per the objective of the study, three hypotheses were proposed based on a comprehensive literature review on workplace design features of the hospitality industry. The proposed relationships were examined by using structural equation modeling approach with AMOS 18 as prescribed by Hair et al. (1998).

Findings

Significant evidence was found in favor of proposed hypotheses. The result of hypothesis testing showed workplace design features of hospitality industry to positively influence employee’s intent to stay through job satisfaction.

Originality/value

While the employee satisfaction and commitment has been a significant research topic for more than decades, barely any research has been conducted that focuses specifically on workplace design features of a hospitality industry. This study tries to make a link between workplace design with the employee intent to stay through employee satisfaction. These links are rare from an Indian perspective.
An evaluation instrument and strategy implications of service attributes in LOHAS restaurants
Authors: Cheng Ching-Chan , Chang Ya-Yuan , Tsai Ming-Chun , Chen Cheng-Ta , Tseng Yu-Chun
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This study aims to develop a comprehensive LOHAS (lifestyles of health and sustainability) restaurant service quality scale by using a rigorous qualitative and quantitative research process to effectively measure the service quality of LOHAS restaurants. Moreover, this study aims to further identify the Kano quality characteristics and strategic meanings of service attributes in LOHAS restaurants.

Design/methodology/approach

This study designed the preliminary items of the service quality scale for LOHAS restaurants (LORSERV scale) based on relevant literatures and expert interview procedures. This study identified the goodness of fit of the questionnaire content, construct validity and validity of the LORSERV scale using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The moderated regression was conducted to identify the Kano quality characteristics and strategic meanings of each service attribute in LOHAS restaurants.

Findings

The results indicated that the LORSERV scale included seven dimensions (internal sense of happiness, transitiveness, environment, healthy catering, service commitment, green practicability and thoughtfulness), for a total of 33 items. According to the results of the Kano model, the seven service attributes were categorized into the attractive quality. A total of 25 service attributes were categorized into the one-dimensional quality, and one service attribute was categorized into the must-be quality.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study is that the scale could facilitate operators of LOHAS restaurants to effectively understand customer perceptions of service quality and serve as a reference to upgrade and improve service quality. The identification of Kano quality characteristics for each service attribute is conducive for LOHAS restaurants to understand the strategic meanings of each service attribute and can serve as a reference to make distinctive service strategies to reach sustainable operations.
Investigating the roles of hotel brand relationship norms in generating relationship satisfaction and commitment
Authors: S. Sreejesh , Sarkar Juhi Gahlot , Sarkar Abhigyan , M.R. Anusree
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how consumers’ satisfaction and commitment towards hotel brands can be impacted by the consumers’ prevailing brand relationship norms.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through experimental design and analysed using MANCOVA, structural equation modelling and Preacher and Hayes’ (2008) techniques.

Findings

The study findings indicate that the egoistic norms positively impact brand attachment styles/orientations, and the attachment orientations in turn negatively impact hotel brand satisfaction and commitment through the mediation of brand trust. Findings also reveal that altruistic norms have no significant impact on the attachment styles, but altruism impacts brand trust positively, which in turn positively impacts satisfaction and commitment.

Originality/value

This research adds value by examining how different consumer–brand association norms differently impact final brand satisfaction and commitment outcomes through creating healthy versus detrimental consumer–brand attachments.
Empowering leadership and LMX as the mediators between leader’s personality traits and constructive voice behavior
Authors: Jada Umamaheswara Rao , Mukhopadhyay Susmita
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to uncover the impact of leader’s personality traits, agreeableness conscientiousness and neuroticism, on employee’s constructive voice behavior via proposed sequential mediating impact of the empowering leadership and leader–member exchange (LMX).

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model was examined by using the data collected from 262 service executives based in an Indian private sector, using the partial least square structural equation modeling method. This study uses SPSS Process macro (serial mediation model) to analyze the data collected.

Findings

Results of the study indicated the positive association of agreeableness and conscientiousness with empowering leadership, while neuroticism was found to be negatively related. The results also provided support for the mediating effect of the LMX between empowering leadership and constructive voice behavior. Further, the authors theorized and verified the sequential mediation model proposing the indirect effect between leader’s personality traits and constructive voice.

Research limitations/ implications

Self-reported measures were used for data collection which suffers from the limitation of socially biased responses. Lack of large sample size inhibits us from drawing widely accepted generalization.

Practical implications

The authors suggest that consideration of the personality traits might assist and help organizations in choosing empowering leaders. This assumes importance as notable indirect impact of empowering leadership on constructive voice (promotive voice and prohibitive voice) has been observed. The findings also suggest the nurturing quality that LMX plays an important role in facilitating constructive voice.

Originality/value

This study is first of its kind in understanding the mediating mechanism between empowering leadership and constructive voice. This study further explored serial mediation (i.e. empowering leadership and LMX together) between leader’s personality and constructive voice.
Analysis of capital formation and foreign aid nexus in Nigeria
Authors: Orji Anthony , Ogbuabor Jonathan E. , Anthony-Orji Onyinye Imelda , Mbonu Chibudem O.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The issue of foreign aid has continued to gain renewed economic cum political attention in the early years of the twenty-first century. At a summit, popularly known as the Millennium Summit, which took place in 2000, there was an agreement by the international community concerning some goals known as the Millennium Development Goals which were targeted to be reached by the year 2015 but have now been replaced by the Sustainable Development Goals. Against this background, it becomes pertinent to ascertain the contributions and impact of foreign aid in the form of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) on capital formation in Nigeria. This is an area of foreign aid studies that has been ignored by many researchers. Most studies are seen delving into analyzing the aid-growth nexus without evaluating the transmission link through which foreign aid transmits to affect economic growth. There is paucity of studies on the aid-capital nexus. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical method used was autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model.

Findings

The empirical results from the ARDL model estimations show that foreign aid, which is proxied by ODA, has a positive and significant impact on capital formation in Nigeria for the years under analysis. The result of the Granger causality test shows that a bi-directional granger causality exists between foreign aid and gross fixed capital formation (GFCF).

Originality/value

Empirical results from the ARDL model estimations show that foreign aid, which is proxied by ODA, has a positive and significant impact on capital formation in Nigeria for the years under analysis. The result of the Granger causality test shows that a bi-directional Granger causality exists between foreign aid and GFCF. It is therefore recommended that government should make serious efforts toward the implementation and effective utilization of foreign aid. Appropriate policy measures that would monitor the maximum and effective utilization of foreign aid are also required.
Deployment of a charging network based on a cost-benefit model and the CFSFDP algorithm
Authors: Yao Can Zhong , Luo Jie
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This research aims to focus on the problem of optimizing the layout of charging stations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors estimate the total number of charging stations by the number of existing gas stations using clustering by fast search-and-find of density peaks (CFSFDP) algorithm.

Findings

This paper reveals the relationship between the distance and the population. Priority should be given to the short-distance and high-frequency travel charging needs in the city, followed by low frequency and travel, which can improve the use efficiency of the whole charging network.

Originality/value

First, the total number of charging stations is estimated by the number of existing gas stations. This method can fully consider the growth potential of charging vehicles instead of the traditional cars. Besides, the cost-benefit method is proposed to explore the marginal coverage distance of the city’s charging network and can be used to reveal the relationship between the distance and the population.
Leases as inhibitors of best practice in service charge management
Authors: Holt Andrew Derek , Eccles Timothy Stephen
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The relationship between the owner and an occupier of a commercial property is determined by the lease, inasmuch as it sets out the legally enforceable duties and obligations of each party. However, it is only that, a legal framework; it is not a practical management handbook on how best to operate the premises and generate an amicable business relationship. The purpose of this paper is to consider the role of the lease in reinforcing and disrupting the generation of best practice within real estate management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines actual leases to understand the service charge and how data pertinent to it is collected, disseminated and interpreted by both parties in carrying out their activities within and about the property. This is then benchmarked against provisions of the Service Charge Code of Practice.

Findings

Despite a number of incarnations of a code of practice on service charges during the lifetime of the leases examined, the research finds a troublingly small uptake of its ideas within new leases.

Practical implications

The findings predict future problems in the practical management of multi-tenanted properties, coupled with a call that leases are written to the Code’s requirements.

Originality/value

No such lease examination has been undertaken to date.
How rewards fuel or fail innovation
Authors: Kuczmarski Susan , Kuczmarski Thomas
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of our research is to explore how rewards serve to fuel a collaborative culture, energize and motivate team members and nurture innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 30 in-depth, qualitative interviews were conducted with executives – high-tech, low-tech and no-tech.

Findings

The following findings emerged from the field research: rewards can be both financial, such as bonuses and incentives, and non-financial, such as extra vacations or other gifts. Huge internal personal benefits accrue from setting up a reward structure, including increased pride, peer recognition, higher self-confidence, greater job satisfaction and enhanced self-accomplishment. When we recognize others, it can impact an individual's self-worth on a profound level. It is described as feedback that sinks into the core.

Originality/value

Three milestones have been outlined throughout the innovation process where opportunities for recognition can exist: upon recognizing insights for identifying a problem, after understanding and overcoming difficulties encountered during creative solution generation and when recognizing and activating the benefits accrued from pinpointing solutions to the problem.
Review article: A primer for clinical researchers in the emergency department: Part VII. Considering a research higher degree in emergency medicine: How does it work, where to start, what to consider
Authors: Babl Franz E , Curtis Nigel , Dalziel Stuart R
Published: December 2018

In this series we address important topics for clinicians who participate in research or are considering research as part of their career path in emergency medicine. While much emergency research is successfully done by clinicians without a research higher degree (RHD), undertaking a master's degree or doctorate allows a research topic to be pursued in greater depth. It also provides a solid basis for a future research career in terms of research quality, advanced skills, academic progression and track record, as well as eligibility for grants and RHD supervision. The decision to undertake a RHD is not an easy one, and requires consideration of the time and cost involved, as well as the impact on a clinician's life plans. However, the expertise provided through a RHD often ultimately complements clinical training and establishes an excellent foundation for future research and career. This article provides an overview of RHDs and what to consider before embarking on one.
Optimization of Processing Condition of Instant Rice to Lower the Glycemic Index
Authors: Ritudomphol Onvara , Luangsakul Naphatrapi
Published: December 2018

White rice is classified as having a low to high glycemic index (GI) depending on its amylose:amylopectin ratio. High GI food can be detrimental to diabetics since they can rapidly increase the glucose level in blood during digestion. Instant rice is increasing in popularity and is produced by dehydrating whole grain cooked rice, therefore, to make it more suitable for diabetics, the effect of the processes involved in the production on GI were tested. The objective was to optimize cooking temperature and the ratio of water to rice to reduce in vitro starch digestibility and GI of instant rice made from three Thai rice cultivars (Hom Mali (KDML105), Pathumthani Fragrant (PT) and Sao Hai (SH)) that had different amylose contents. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the cooking conditions. The rapidly digestible starch (RDS) content and estimated glycemic index (eGI) decreased as cooking temperature decreased and the ratio of water to rice increased. The decrease in RDS content was associated with the increase in both slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) contents. The microstructure of instant rice kernels after cooking at higher temperature or lower volumes of water showed larger voids and a less compact surface, which facilitated enzymatic accessibility and increased starch digestibility. Rice cooked at higher temperature (90 °C) showed lower peak viscosity and breakdown in pasting properties, compared with lower temperature 82 °C. The optimal cooking condition for producing lower GI instant rice was cooking at 82 °C with 1.9‐fold water volume.

Practical Application

Rice has a high glycemic index (GI) that makes it unsuitable for consumption by many people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Therefore, preparation of an instant rice product with a lower GI would ensure the product was beneficial to a wider range of the population.
Effects of Antecedent Streamflow and Sample Timing on Trend Assessments of Fish, Invertebrate, and Diatom Communities
Authors: Zuellig Robert E. , Carlisle Daren M.
Published: December 2018

Detecting trends in biological attributes is central to many stream monitoring programs; however, understanding how natural variability in environmental factors affects trend results is not well understood. We evaluated the influence of antecedent streamflow and sample timing (covariates) on trend estimates for fish, invertebrate, and diatom taxa richness and biological condition from 2002 to 2012 at 51 sites distributed across the conterminous United States. A combination of linear regression and Kendall‐tau test for trends were used to evaluate covariate influence on trend estimates. Adjusting for covariates changed the magnitude of trend estimates in two‐thirds of cases on average by 21%, most often reducing the estimated magnitude of the trend. Additionally, covariates influenced the interpretation of over one‐third of trend estimates by either strengthening or weakening trends after adjustment. Our findings clearly indicate that antecedent streamflow and sample timing influences trend estimates and subsequent interpretation. Accounting for covariates during trend analysis will enhance stream monitoring programs by providing a better understanding and interpretation of estimated changes in biological endpoints at monitored sites. Failure to account for antecedent streamflow and sample timing may lead to mischaracterization of a trend and/or misunderstanding of potential causes.
Hyperactivation of Nrf2 increases stress tolerance at the cost of aging acceleration due to metabolic deregulation
Authors: Tsakiri Eleni N. , Gumeni Sentiljana , Iliaki Kalliopi K. , Benaki Dimitra , Vougas Konstantinos , Sykiotis Gerasimos P. , Gorgoulis Vassilis G. , Mikros Emmanuel , Scorrano Luca , Trougakos Ioannis P.
Published: December 2018

Metazoans viability depends on their ability to regulate metabolic processes and also to respond to harmful challenges by mounting anti‐stress responses; these adaptations were fundamental forces during evolution. Central to anti‐stress responses are a number of short‐lived transcription factors that by functioning as stress sensors mobilize genomic responses aiming to eliminate stressors. We show here that increased expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor (Nrf2) in Drosophila activated cytoprotective modules and enhanced stress tolerance. However, while mild Nrf2 activation extended lifespan, high Nrf2 expression levels resulted in developmental lethality or, after inducible activation in adult flies, in altered mitochondrial bioenergetics, the appearance of Diabetes Type 1 hallmarks and aging acceleration. Genetic or dietary suppression of Insulin/IGF‐like signaling (IIS) titrated Nrf2 activity to lower levels, largely normalized metabolic pathways signaling, and extended flies’ lifespan. Thus, prolonged stress signaling by otherwise cytoprotective short‐lived stress sensors perturbs IIS resulting in re‐allocation of resources from growth and longevity to somatic preservation and stress tolerance. These findings provide a reasonable explanation of why most (if not all) cytoprotective stress sensors are short‐lived proteins, and it also explains the build‐in negative feedback loops (shown here for Nrf2); the low basal levels of these proteins, and why their suppressors were favored by evolution.
Prehospital Double Sequential Defibrillation: A Matched Case–Control Study
Authors: Mapp Julian G. , Hans Alan J. , Darrington Anthony M. , Ross Elliot M. , Ho Calvin C. , Miramontes David A. , Harper Stephen A. , Wampler David A. ,   the Prehospital Research and Innovation in Military and Expeditionary Environments (PRIME) Research Group
Published: December 2018

Objectives

The goal of our study was to determine whether prehospital double sequential defibrillation (DSD) is associated with improved survival to hospital admission in the setting of refractory ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/pVT).

Methods

This project is a matched case–control study derived from prospectively collected quality assurance/quality improvement data obtained from the San Antonio Fire Department out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) database between January 2013 and December 2015. The cases were defined as OHCA patients with refractory VF/pVT who survived to hospital admission. The control group was defined as OHCA patients with refractory VF/pVT who did not survive to hospital admission. The primary variable in our study was prehospital DSD. The primary outcome of our study was survival to hospital admission.

Results

Of 3,469 consecutive OHCA patients during the study period, 205 OHCA patients met the inclusion criterion of refractory VF/pVT. Using a predefined algorithm, two blinded researchers identified 64 unique cases and matched them with 64 unique controls. Survival to hospital admission occurred in 48.0% of DSD patients and 50.5% of the conventional therapy patients (p > 0.99; odds ratio = 0.91, 95% confidence interval = 0.40–2.1).

Conclusion

Our matched case–control study on the prehospital use of DSD for refractory VF/pVT found no evidence of associated improvement in survival to hospital admission. Our current protocol of considering prehospital DSD after the third conventional defibrillation in OHCA is ineffective.
Understanding barriers to effective management of influenza outbreaks by residential aged care facilities
Authors: Huhtinen Essi , Quinn Emma , Hess Isabel , Najjar Zeina , Gupta Leena
Published: December 2018

Objective

To identify the perceived barriers to the implementation of the Australian national guidelines on influenza outbreak management with Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) residential aged care facility (RACF) staff.

Methods

All SLHD RACFs were invited to participate in a telephone interview. The questionnaire collected information about demographic characteristics and participants' level of agreement with statements regarding perceived barriers to implementing the national guidelines for influenza outbreak management.

Results

Twenty‐eight of 61 RACFs (46%) participated in the study. The three most common barriers identified were as follows: scepticism towards staff influenza vaccination (n = 13, 46%); the effort required to read the national guidelines (n = 11, 39%); and lack of infrastructure to physically separate residents during an outbreak (n = 10, 36%).

Conclusions

We recommend implementing and evaluating programmes which address misconceptions about influenza vaccination amongst RACF staff. Further, all RACF staff, including care staff, should receive targeted education on the role of infection control in influenza outbreak management.
We need to treat pregnant women as adults
Authors: Dietz Hans P. , Callaghan Sascha
Published: December 2018

Since the mid‐90s, Australian law has required doctors to disclose material risks of proposed treatment. Medical practitioners have had two decades to adapt, and, by and large, patient autonomy is acknowledged and respected by obtaining ‘informed consent’. While problems with obtaining consent do surface in medico‐legal litigation, practitioners are generally aware of the need to do so and usually comply with requirements. However, not in obstetrics. Here, even if material risk of a serious adverse event in an attempt at vaginal birth in a given case is over 50% (as it would be in the case of a 35‐year‐old primigravida at 41 + 3) obtaining informed consent is the exception rather than the rule. This degree of paternalism is not just unethical and immoral. It is illegal – and it needs to change.
Antiresorptive agents' bone‐protective and adjuvant effects in postmenopausal women with early breast cancer
Authors: Chukir Tariq , Liu Yi , Farooki Azeez
Published: December 2018

Potent antiresorptive drugs (bisphosphonate and denosumab) are often used to protect bone health in postmenopausal breast cancer patients. In addition, clinical trials have shown that these drugs increase disease‐free survival, though the mechanism of adjuvant benefit is largely unknown. Here we review the bone health and adjuvant data for both classes of antiresorptive drugs and highlight differences in their pharmacology. Inhibition of bone resorption is vitally important to protect against osteoporotic fractures, and may also contribute to adjuvant survival benefits by making the bone microenvironment less amenable to breast cancer metastasis. After a course of therapy, stoppage of bisphosphonates yields a persistent antiresorptive effect, whereas discontinuation of denosumab causes a rebound increase in bone resorption markers and a loss of bone mineral density to baseline levels. Whether the potential adjuvant benefits of denosumab are also rapidly lost after drug discontinuation deserves further investigation.
Collective Bargaining and the Evolution of Wage Inequality in Italy
Authors: Devicienti Francesco , Fanfani Bernardo , Maida Agata
Published: December 2018

Italian male wage inequality has increased at a relatively fast pace from the mid‐1980s until the early 2000s, while it has been persistently flat since then. We analyse this trend, focusing on the period of most rapid growth in pay dispersion. By accounting for worker and firm fixed effects, it is shown that workers' heterogeneity has been a major determinant of increased wage inequalities, while variability in firm wage policies has declined over time. We also show that the growth in pay dispersion has entirely occurred betweenlivelli di inquadramento, that is, job titles defined by national industry‐wide collective bargaining institutions, for which specific minimum wages apply. We conclude that the underlying market forces determining wage inequality have been largely channelled into the tight tracks set by the centralized system of industrial relations.
Memories, Drama and Dreamers: Proposals to Address the Representation of the Latin World in the Face of the Telenovela Crisis
Authors: Morante Luís Fernando Morales
Published: December 2018

The broadcast of the Latin American telenovela in the United States has been approached from many perspectives. One approach is the study of how the Latin reality is perceived through stories, themes and iconographic elements. This article analyses the different forms of representation of reality as promotors of the identification, production of mental images and memory to maintain the interest of the spectators. A series of initiatives have been proposed so that the stories are more in line with the tastes and expectations of a complex, multicultural and multigenerational audience.