bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Banks’ lending to public and private sectors and house prices: does bank ownership matter?
Authors: Gholipour Hassan F. , Oikarinen Elias , Tajaddini Reza
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the interaction between banks’ lending to public and private sectors and house prices using data from the Iranian banking system including, commercial government-owned banks (CGBs), specialized government-owned banks and private banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use quarterly data from the second quarter of 2004 to the first quarter of 2016 and apply structural vector autoregression models.

Findings

The results show that: a positive shock to the loan supply to the private sector triggers a positive response from house prices; a positive shock to the loan supply to the public sector does not trigger a positive response from house prices; house price appreciations contribute significantly to banks’ lending to the public sector but not lending to the private sector; each loan supply by three different types of banks influences house prices positively; and CGBs’ lending to the private sector does not respond to house price shocks.

Originality/value

Although the relationship between banks’ lending and house prices is well-established in the literature, existing studies have not yet examined whether bank ownership matters for the link between banks’ lending and house prices.
Analyzing client-led innovation enablers in Australian construction projects
Authors: Fernando Sam , Panuwatwanich Kriengsak , Thorpe David
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This research examined how Australian construction projects perform in the area of client-led innovation. The purpose of this paper is to test the influence of a set of enablers in promoting the innovative performance of construction projects and examine how Australian construction projects perform in relation to innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was developed and distributed to over 300 construction industry practitioners to obtain perceptions of industry practitioners regarding client-led enablers to promoting innovation at the project level, with 131 valid responses received. The data from the survey were subjected to statistical analyses including mean comparisons, using the Mann–Whitney U-test and Kruskal Wallis Test.

Findings

This research identified a number of enablers that clients can employ in construction projects to enhance innovative performance. It also revealed that the innovative performance of construction projects in Australia appears to be above average, although the perceived level is not too high. The main finding of the research is that Australian clients could achieve higher outcomes from construction projects by promoting innovativeness in their projects, especially by promoting innovativeness in their own organizations and providing incentives/rewards and other support for innovative activities in projects.

Originality/value

Past research focusing on client-led enablers at the project level is limited. This research identified a number of enablers that clients can employ to achieve greater benefits from their projects through innovation.
Bridging the gap between theory and design
Authors: Bergquist Daniel , Hempel Christine A. , Lööf Green John
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to describe an exploratory research and design process that uses illustrative techniques to bridge the gap between theoretical principles of systems ecology, stakeholder input and a workable physical planning strategy for Ultuna Campus in Uppsala, Sweden.

Design/methodology/approach

Stakeholder interviews provide the empirical basis for this exploratory design process, in conjunction with landscape analysis, and review of previous proposals for campus development. Central principles of self-organizing systems are selected and concretized as visionary hypotheses in a physical context. Preliminary design concepts and plans illustrate sustainable systems while supporting new functional programmatic requirements: housing, industry-research collaboration, transportation and community-integrated landscapes.

Findings

The result is a proposal based on regenerative landscape design, envisioning campus Ultuna as a coherent whole.

Research limitations/implications

A large-scale modern building program is already underway at Ultuna, and rapid urbanization in the surrounding region coupled with projected growth on campus suggests future intensification of university lands. A master plan to be implemented until 2040 is now in the preliminary design phase. Ultuna is home to significant cultural and ecological landscapes, and a holistic approach is called for.

Practical implications

Illustrative techniques suggest ways to synthesize knowledge by creating future scenarios that are workable in practice.

Social implications

Global challenges call for designs that enhance environmental and human resources and their capacity to regenerate over time. Sustainability objectives are particularly crucial when envisioning university campuses; the environment serves as a laboratory for researchers, teachers, students and residents of the surrounding community.

Originality/value

This paper describes an innovative process for bridging ecological principles, stakeholder perspectives and practical design strategies for sustainable campuses.
Teachers’ adoption of 1:1 iPad implementation in the classroom
Authors: Lestari Neysa Nadia , Indrasari Stephanie Yuanita
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine teachers’ efficacy to use iPad for teaching, their perceived impact of 1:1 iPad implementation in the classroom and the role of both variables in predicting teachers’ adoption of the iPad.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper opted for multiple linear regression analysis of the data from a total of 91 teachers (44 male and 47 female). All participating teachers are from upper-middle-class private schools who have been using iPad in their classrooms for at least three months. All three variables being studied are measured using instruments developed by the researcher and self-rated by participating teachers: iPad-Teaching Efficacy (iTE), Perceived Impact of iPad in the Classroom (iPI) and iPad Actual Use for Teaching (iAU). All three instruments have good internal reliability and validity, with an alpha coefficient of 0.97, 0.92 and 0.93 respectively.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights about factors contributing to teachers’ technology adoption (specifically iPad) in the classroom. It suggests that teachers’ efficacy significantly predicts their actual use of the iPad for teaching, but teachers’ perceived impact of the implementation does not.

Practical implications

These research findings play an important role in designing a program for technology adoption in schools, especially in Indonesia.
Climate responsive buildings: a comfort assessment of buildings on KNUST campus, Kumasi
Authors: Koranteng Christian , Simons Barbara , Essel Charles
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The ever-increasing demand and consumption of energy and the effects of global warming with its long-term comrade, climate change, is obvious today than ever before. In today’s world, naturally-ventilated buildings hardly provide the satisfaction that occupants need and wish for. It’s on this backdrop that the study aims to investigate how responsive buildings on the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana campus are to its warm humid climate and assess students thermal comfort levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative approach was adopted for the study. Empirical investigation was carried out using the survey approach. In total, 14 buildings (offices, classrooms and halls of residences) were assessed using the Mahoney Tables. Again, subjective thermal perceptions of occupants in the halls of residences was sought. A total of 214 valid questionnaires were used for the analysis.

Findings

Adaptive principles like the Mahoney Tables are not followed in recent years. Even where these principles have been followed, indoor spaces were still found to be uncomfortable. In total, 58 per cent of the occupants in all the three halls of residence voted in the comfort band: an indication unacceptable sensations. Warm sensation votes (44 per cent) was more than cool sensation votes (29 per cent). In warm sensation, 39 per cent of the subjects preferred cooler environment. The occupants felt that opening windows and the use of fans could keep them comfortable. Moreover, 48 per cent of the subjects voted that their fans and windows were effective.

Originality/value

The papers contribution to the body of knowledge is the provision of empirical evidence in the field of adaptive designs and thermal comfort. There is a strong indication from the results that human activities in terms of blatant disregard for laid down design principles coupled with the worsening situation of global warming is making interior spaces ever uncomfortable.
Modelling the influence of healthcare facilities management service quality on patients satisfaction
Authors: Amankwah Oti , Choong Weng-Wai , Mohammed Abdul Hakim
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Facilities management (FM) professionals state that adopting FM will positively support core service delivery and ensure customer satisfaction. Evidences of such claim are important as it will enhance the rationale for institutionalising prudent FM service quality in hospitals in Ghana. This paper aims to assess the mediating effect of healthcare FM service quality on patients’ satisfaction and overall healthcare delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a cross-sectional study involving adult patients at the Physician outpatient departments and Polyclinics of Komfo Anokye, Tamale and Cape Coast Teaching hospitals in Ghana. A questionnaire survey using a well-structured five-point likert scale based on the SERVQUAL dimensions and Healthcare core service dimensions rooted in the FM framework was used to collect data from 660 patients. Smart PLS was used to analyse the data of 622 valid questionnaires.

Findings

The study results revealed that FM service quality mediates the relationship between patients’ satisfaction and three of the constructs under core healthcare delivery. That is, (the quality of healthcare delivery, the quality of healthcare personnel and the adequacy of healthcare resources) – surprisingly, the fourth construct (the quality of administration process) was not supported.

Originality/value

There is no or at best very limited studies on the contribution of healthcare FM on patients satisfaction of core healthcare delivery in Ghana. Therefore, this study will enrich and contribute to knowledge in healthcare FM in general and that of a developing African country in particular.
Open data for tourism: the case of Tourpedia
Authors: Lo Duca Angelica , Marchetti Andrea
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to describe Tourpedia, a website about tourism, built on open data provided by official government agencies. Tourpedia provides data under a public license.

Design/methodology/approach

Tourpedia is built upon a modular architecture, which allows a developer to add a new source of data easily. This is achieved through a simple mapping language, namely, Tourpedia mapping language, which maps the original open data set model to the Tourpedia data model.

Findings

Tourpedia contains more than 70.000 accommodations, downloaded from open data provided by Italian, French and Spanish regions.

Research limitations/implications

Tourpedia presents some limitations. First, extracted data are not homogeneous and often they are incomplete or wrong. Second, Tourpedia contains only accommodations. Finally, at the moment Tourpedia covers only some Italian, French and Spanish regions.

Practical implications

The most important implication of Tourpedia concerns the construction of a single access point for all Italian, French and Spanish open data about accommodations. In addition, a simple mechanism for the integration of new sources of open data is defined.

Social implications

The current version of Tourpedia opens also the road to three new possible social scenarios. First, Tourpedia could be transformed into an open source of updated information about tourism. Second, Tourpedia could be empowered to support tours, which include some tourist attractions and/or events and suggest the nearest accommodations. Finally, Tourpedia may help tourists to discover unknown places.

Originality/value

Tourpedia constitutes an access point for data sets providers, application developers and tourists because it provides a unique website.
What impacts do behaviour-based and buffer-based management mechanisms have on enterprise agility?
Authors: Fayezi Sajad , O’Loughlin Andrew , Zutshi Ambika , Sohal Amrik , Das Ajay
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of behaviour-based and buffer-based management mechanisms on enterprise agility using the lens of the agency theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on data collected from 185 manufacturing enterprises using a survey instrument. The authors employ structural equation modelling for data analysis.

Findings

The results of this study show that buffer-based mechanisms used for dealing with agency uncertainty of supplier/buyer not only have a positive impact on agility of enterprises, but are also contingent on the behavioural interventions used in the relationship with a supplier/buyer. Behaviour-based mechanisms also positively impact enterprise agility through mitigating the likelihood of supplier/buyer opportunism.

Practical implications

This study demonstrates that buffer- and behaviour-based management mechanisms can be used as complementary approaches against agency uncertainties for enhancing enterprise agility. Therefore, for enterprises to boost their agility, it is vital that their resources and capabilities are fairly distributed across entities responsible for creating buffers through functional flexibility, as well as individuals and teams dealing with stakeholder engagement, in particular, suppliers and buyers.

Originality/value

The authors use the lens of the agency theory to assimilate and model characteristic agency uncertainties and management mechanisms that enhance enterprise agility.
The interplay between SME owner-managers and the brand-as-a-person
Authors: Centeno Edgar , Cambra-Fierro Jesus , Vazquez-Carrasco Rosario , Hart Susan J. , Dinnie Keith
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the largely unexplored conceptualisation of the brand-as-a-person metaphor in small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by examining its potential relation with the SME owner-manager, the pathways to its creation and development and the intuitive nature of this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A grounded theory approach was used, and data were collected through a set of 36 semi-structured interviews with 30 SME owner-managers in various sectors in Mexico.

Findings

The results indicate that SME owner-managers intuitively humanise their brands. The study revealed four pathways to develop the brand-as-a-person metaphor in the SME context: through personality traits, tastes and preferences, abilities and knowledge and values, all suggesting that SMEs’ brand-as-a-person metaphors are largely an extension of their owner-managers.

Research limitations/implications

The paper presents a theoretical framework that illustrates the four pathways to the creation and development of brand-as-a-person that are derived from the brand’s relationship with the SME owner-manager. The results of cross-industry semi-structured interviews are limited to a single culture context.

Practical implications

SME owner-managers should first undertake an introspective personal assessment of their intuitive and conscious decision-making, as SME owner-managers often make decisions in an intuitive way. The results suggest that they should act in a more conscious, responsible and rational way when formulating their brand strategies.

Originality/value

This is the first study to clarify the profound influence of SME owner-managers’ personal characteristics, including personality traits, tastes and preferences, abilities and knowledge and values, on the brand-as-a-person metaphor. This study also confirms the intuitive learning strategy formulation of SME owner-managers’ branding practices and SMEs’ need for a more rational approach to branding.
Suicide-related disclosure: implications for inclusion and recovery
Authors: Sheehan Lindsay , Oexle Nathalie , Bushman Michael , Fulginiti Anthony , Frey Laura M.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

People who have lived experiences with suicide often struggle with concealable stigmatized identities that threaten their inclusion and recovery. While disclosure of a stigmatized identity can promote support and recovery and therefore prevent suicide, it may also present distinct risks. The purpose of this paper is to summarize key issues in suicide-related disclosure, suggest theoretical models for describing suicide-related disclosure and identify research needs.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper discusses the existing literature on disclosure of concealable stigmatized identities, then explores research on disclosure of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt and suicide loss. Theoretical models (disclosure processes model and interpersonal theory of suicide) that can be employed in understanding suicide-related disclosure are explored. Finally, the paper suggests areas for future research, including longitudinal research to identify strategic disclosure practices that can lead to greater inclusion and recovery.

Findings

Research on suicide-related disclosure should differentiate between disclosure of past and current suicidality, incorporate theoretical frameworks and examine approaches for preparing potential confidants and disclosers for the disclosure process.

Originality/value

This paper highlights issues unique to the disclosure of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and to suicide loss.
Recovery and self-identity development following a first episode of psychosis
Authors: Cogan Nicola Ann , Schwannauer Matthias , Harper Sean
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The onset of psychosis typically develops during adolescence, a crucial period for beginning the transition from family to independence and developing a stable sense of self. Recovery amongst adolescents experiencing early onset psychosis has not yet been investigated with reference to its influence on self-identity. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact living with early onset psychosis has on self-identity for adolescents in recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

A purposive sample of ten adolescents aged between 16 and 18 years from an Early Intervention Service in the Scottish National Health Service were recruited. All had experienced at least one episode of psychosis and were within three years of first contact with the service. Semi-structured interviews were adopted to capture adolescents’ perspectives concerning their experiences of recovery from psychosis and the impact on self-identity. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.

Findings

Qualitative analysis of adolescents’ accounts revealed how recovery from psychosis involves working with individual explanatory frameworks concerning uncertain identities and status ambiguity, a decrease in referent points and unfavourable social comparisons (emphasising loss, grief and self-criticism).

Research limitations/implications

Supporting adolescents experiencing early psychosis involves education, rebuilding relationships with self and others and providing access to psychotherapeutic interventions to aid self-identity development when needed.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in the importance of identity, recovery, human reconnection, advocacy and community reintegration for adolescents experiencing psychosis. Public mental health campaigns to tackle the stigma surrounding psychosis are essential to assisting adolescents in developing their sense of self through their recovery journeys.
Capturing the value of peer support: measuring recovery-oriented services
Authors: Barrenger Stacey L. , Stanhope Victoria , Miller Emma
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the gap between recovery-oriented processes and clinical outcomes in peer support, an exemplar of recovery-oriented services, and offer suggestions for bridging this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint is a brief review of literature on peer support services and gaps in outcome measurement towards building an evidence base for recovery-oriented services.

Findings

Clinical outcomes like hospitalizations or symptoms remain a focus of research, practice and policy in recovery-oriented services and contribute to a mixed evidence base for peer support services, in which recovery-oriented outcomes like empowerment, self-efficacy and hopefulness have more evidentiary support. One approach is to identify the theoretical underpinnings of peer support services and the corresponding change mechanisms in models that would make these recovery-oriented outcomes mediators or process outcomes. A better starting point is to consider which outcomes are valued by the people who use services and develop an evaluation approach according to those stated goals. User driven measurement approaches and more participatory types of research can improve both the quality and impact of health and mental health services.

Originality/value

This viewpoint provides a brief review of peer support services and the challenges of outcome measurement in establishing an evidence base and recommends user driven measurement as a starting point in evaluation of recovery-oriented services.
Who drives successful online conversations? Unveiling the role of first user response
Authors: Won Ye-Eun , Kang Jiwon , Choi Daejin , Park Eunil , Han Jinyoung
Published: June 2019

Purpose

With the rapidly improving communication technologies, a growing number of people communicate with each other in online environments. In particular, social networking services (SNSs) are one of the widely used and common places that enable active communication among users. To understand what drives successful online conversations in SNSs, this study aims to explore the roles of posts and first comments in successful online conversations.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the purpose, the data of news-related channels in Reddit were collected and analyzed.

Findings

The study found that successful conversations tend to have the post and first comment with high scores. Also, the first comments in successful online conversations tend to be easier than those in other conversations.

Originality/value

The results reveal that successful online conversations can be generated not only with empathic posts but also with touching or attractive first comments. In other words, users are likely to participate in an online conversation that starts with an empathic post and first comment. Moreover, both practical and theoretical implications are presented.
How motivational orientations are related to ambidexterity
Authors: Caniëls Marjolein C.J. , Assen Marcel F. van
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Whereas many studies address ambidexterity at the organizational level, much less is known about individual level ambidexterity. Moreover, there is a lack of thorough understanding of how motivational orientations are related to individual level ambidexterity. Yet, it is crucial to have an understanding of what motivates employees who perform explorative and exploitative activities. This study aims to empirically test the link between the constellation of motivational orientations of employees and their ambidexterity.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use polynomial regression analysis and surface response analysis to analyze data from 103 employees employed in one Dutch organization. Polynomial regressions allow for analyzing linear and nonlinear direct and interactive effects between different motivational orientations in relation to individual level ambidexterity.

Findings

For individual ambidexterity, it is important to have an assessment orientation that is balanced with a locomotion orientation. Alternatively, people high on only locomotion orientation or only assessment orientation are also ambidextrous.

Originality/value

Insights into the motivational orientation of employees in relation to ambidexterity help to advance the theoretical understanding of how employees may enhance their individual ambidexterity.
Absorptive capacity and technology: influences on innovative firms
Authors: Martinez-Sanchez Angel , Perez-Perez Manuela , Vicente-Oliva Silvia
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between agile production (flexible production technology) and absorptive capacity.

Design/methodology/approach

We use a database of 1,864 Spanish industrial firms from the Survey of Business Strategies (the largest Spanish database of its kind). Our theoretical approach is based on the resource-based view and the dynamic capabilities perspective. The methodology includes descriptive statistics analysis and lineal regression with moderator effect.

Findings

High-agile firms with greater absorptive capacity are more innovative and better performers than low-agile firms. Absorptive capacity moderates the relationship between flexible production technology and innovation performance.

Research limitations/implications

This is a cross-sectional study, which may limit the establishment of causal relationships. We give evidence to the importance of studying absorptive capacity in the agile production implementation process.

Practical implications

There are several managerial implications. First, agile production systems should be integrated into the firm’s innovation system because the continuous improvement of agile production has to be reinforced by the outputs of external knowledge and in-house innovation activities. Second firms that use external sources of knowledge to improve production processes could leverage that benefit better, not only in Operations but also in innovation performance. The adoption of flexible production technology cannot be kept apart from the firm´s organizational learning processes based on external knowledge. Our results also support the contribution of clusters of collaborative firms to improve their production processes throughout absorptive capacity and thus the implementation of agile production systems.

Originality/value

This is the first study, to the best of our knowledge, has involved the role of absorptive capacity, as an internal capability/competence, to influence the relationship between agility/flexible technology and innovation performance.
Team psychological formulation to create a shared understanding of distress: a qualitative study in an older people’s mental health inpatient setting
Authors: Tarran-Jones Abi , Summers S.J. , Dexter-Smith Sarah , Craven-Staines Sarah
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Team psychological formulation is an organisational intervention aimed at developing a shared understanding of a person’s mental health difficulties. There is a lack of evidence regarding the therapeutic value of this approach for older people. The purpose of this paper is to explore how older people and their carers experience a cognitive-behavioural approach to team psychological formulation, within a mental health inpatient service in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis was undertaken. In total, 13 participants were interviewed: five older people/carer dyads, two lone older people and one lone carer.

Findings

Three overarching themes emerged: “Emotional impact of formulation” captured the mixed emotions that the process evoked in participants. “Making sense?” reflected the therapeutic value that participants experienced and what held them back from making gains in their recovery. “Disempowered people trapped in a biomedical world” illustrated the negative aspects of ward care, which hindered recovery.

Research limitations/implications

The findings provide insights into the therapeutic value of team psychological formulation and the difficulties in facilitating the process effectively. More consistency is required to ensure that team formulation is standardised. Further research into the outcomes of the approach for older people is recommended.

Practical implications

Recommendations are proposed for how team psychological formulation can be conducted effectively, using the mnemonic “SETUP”.

Originality/value

This study focussed on older people’s and their carers’ own perspectives regarding the team psychological formulation approach.
Predictable patterns following large price changes and volume
Authors: Parthasarathy Srikanth
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the short horizon stock behavior following large price shocks in the Indian stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

The author followed the methodology developed by Pritamani and Singhal (2001) to the short horizon stock behavior following large price shocks. Multivariate regression has also been used to test the robustness of the evidenced results.

Findings

The abnormal return following large one-day price changes were not found to be important. However, large price one-day changes, conditioned with volume, evidenced significant reversals and momentum over the following 20-day period. Large price changes accompanied by low volume exhibited significant reversals and suggests significant economic profits. The large price changes accompanied by high volume exhibited continuations.

Research limitations/implications

Large price changes accompanied by low volume exhibited significant reversals and suggested significant economic profits. The large price changes with high volume exhibited continuations. The contrarian strategy of buying low-volume one-day losers and selling one-day winners produced significant short horizon economic profits in the Indian stock market directly contradicting the efficient market hypothesis and has behavioral implications.

Practical implications

In this paper, the author has unearthed significant simple profitable trading strategies based on reversals and continuation following large one-day price changes with potential for significant economic profits.

Originality/value

This paper provides a practical framework for profitable trading strategies based on reversals and continuation following large one-day price changes with a potential for significant economic profits. The analysis of short horizon stock behavior following large price shocks conditional on volume based on the chosen methodology has not been attempted so far in the Indian stock market.
Recent Advances in Food Thawing Technologies
Authors: Cai Luyun , Cao Minjie , Regenstein Joe , Cao Ailing
Published: June 2019

Serious quality deterioration can occur with suboptimal thawing, and thus innovative thawing technologies may have an important role in improving the final quality of frozen foods. In recent years, although several new thawing technologies have been extensively studied, such as ultra‐high pressure assisted thawing, ultrasound‐assisted thawing, high‐voltage electrostatic field thawing, ohmic thawing, and radio frequency thawing, more research is needed to make them more applicable to thawing of food industrially. A better evaluation of the impact of thawing is needed to help move new thawing technologies forward. This review discusses the principles involved, the applications to different types of foods, modeling of the various processes, new evaluation techniques, and patents obtained for the different systems. The benefits and weaknesses of these systems are also discussed to provide a more complete review of these new thawing techniques. This review will, hopefully, encourage additional work that may help reach the goal of having better food thawing systems.
Selective and stable elimination of endosymbionts from multiple‐infected whitefly Bemisia tabaci by feeding on a cotton plant cultured in antibiotic solutions
Authors: Zhao Dong‐Xiao , Zhang Zhi‐Chun , Niu Hong‐Tao , Guo Hui‐Fang
Published: June 2019

The maternally heritable endosymbiont provides many ecosystem functions. Antibiotic elimination of a specific symbiont and establishment of experimental host lines lacking certain symbionts enable the roles of a given symbiont to be explored. The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) in China harbors obligate symbiont Portiera infecting each individual, as well as facultative symbionts, such as Hamiltonella, Rickettsia and Cardinium, with co‐infections occurring relatively frequently. So far no studies have evaluated the selectivity and efficacy of a specific symbiont elimination using antibiotics in whiteflies co‐infected with different symbionts. Furthermore, no success has been achieved in establishing certain symbiont‐free B. tabaci lines. In this study, we treated Hamiltonella‐infected B. tabaci line, Hamiltonella‐Rickettsia‐co‐infected line and Hamiltonella‐Cardinium co‐infected line by feeding B. tabaci adults with cotton plants cultured in water containing rifampicin, ampicillin or a mixture of them, aiming to selectively curing symbiont infections and establishing stable symbiont‐free lines. We found ampicillin selectively eliminated Cardinium without affecting Portiera, Hamiltonella and Rickettsia, although they coexisted in the same host body. Meanwhile, all of the symbionts considered in our study can be removed by rifampicin. The reduction of facultative symbionts occurred at a much quicker pace than obligate symbiont Portiera during rifampicin treatment. Also, we measured the stability of symbiont elimination in whitefly successive generations and established Rickettsia‐infected and Cardinium‐infected lines which are absent in natural populations. Our results provide new protocols for selective elimination of symbionts co‐existing in a host and establishment of different symbiont‐infected host lines.
Molecular cloning and characterization of SOCS2 from the mealworm beetle Tenebrio molitor
Authors: Kim Bo Bae , Patnaik Bharat Bhusan , Jo Yong Hun , Bang In Seok
Published: June 2019

The suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) family of proteins negatively regulate cytokine receptor signaling via the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway. In this study, we discovered the SOCS2 homolog in the mealworm beetle Tenebrio molitor (TmSOCS2). The full‐length ORF sequence of TmSOCS2 was cloned, and expression pattern in the insect's developmental stages and tissues were investigated. TmSOCS2 encodes 254 amino acid polypeptide consisting of the conserved Src homology 2 (SH2) and SOCS box domains. The amino acid sequence of TmSOCS2 showed maximum 77% identity and minimum evolutionary distance of 0.228 with SOCS2 protein of another related beetle, Tribolium castaneum (TcSOCS2). In the phylogenetic tree, TmSOCS2 and TcSOCS2 formed a separate cluster showing evolutionary relatedness with the hemipteran bug Lygus hesperus SOCS2 (LhSOCS2). TmSOCS2 mRNA was maximally expressed in the egg stage of the insect. High relative expression of TmSOCS2 was observed in the Malpighian tubules during the insect's larval and adult stages. TmSOCS2 mRNA expression was significantly (P < 0.05) upregulated by E. coli challenge in the fat body tissue of T. molitor larvae. In hemocytes, early expression (at 3–6 h) of TmSOCS2 mRNA was observed after S. aureus and C. albicans challenge. Discovery and expression analysis of the SOCS2 homolog from the mealworm beetle T. molitor support transcript's putative involvement in the insect innate immune responses.
Late‐onset malalignment of the great toenails
Authors: Wang Charlie Yue , Kern Johannes , Howard Anne
Published: June 2019

Great toenail malalignment is characterised by lateral deviation of the longitudinal axis of the nail plate with respect to the hallux, and is usually post‐traumatic, iatrogenic or due to congenital malalignment of the great toenails. We present cases of great toenail malalignment with onset in adolescence or young adulthood without preceding nail surgery or acute trauma. We postulate that this may represent a late‐onset presentation of congenital malalignment of the great toenails.
Expression of miR‐100 and miR‐138 as prognostic biomarkers in non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Blanca Ana , Sanchez‐Gonzalez Alvaro , Requena Maria J. , Carrasco‐Valiente Julia , Gomez‐Gomez Enrique , Cheng Liang , Cimadamore Alessia , Montironi Rodolfo , Lopez‐Beltran Antonio
Published: June 2019

microRNA alterations are involved in bladder cancer tumorigenesis. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the potential role of miR‐100 and miR‐138 as prognostic biomarkers in Ta/T1 non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). We assessed a quantitative RT‐PCR analysis of miR‐100 and miR‐138 in 50 bladder tumor samples (stage Ta/T1) and four healthy adjacent tissues. Western blot analysis was used to measure protein expression of FGFR3 and cyclin D3 in order to know whether these targets can be regulated by miR‐100 and miR‐138, respectively. The statistical analysis included non‐parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis) and univariate survival analysis by Kaplan–Meier method and the log‐rank test. Low expression of miR‐138 characterized recurrent tumors (p = 0.043), and higher expression levels were associated with longer recurrence‐free survival (p = 0.012). However, low miR‐100 expression correlated with longer progression‐free survival (marginal significance; p = 0.053) and cancer‐specific overall survival (p = 0.006). Additionally, higher levels of miR‐100 were associated with negative FGFR3 protein expression (p = 0.032) and higher levels of miR‐138 were associated with positive cyclin D3 protein expression (p = 0.037). Our results support miR‐138 and miR‐100 as prognostic biomarkers in patients with NMIBC.
The impact of caseload midwifery, compared with standard care, on women's perceptions of antenatal care quality: Survey results from the M@NGO randomized controlled trial for women of any risk
Authors: Allen Jyai , Kildea Sue , Tracy Mark B. , Hartz Donna L. , Welsh Alec W. , Tracy Sally K.
Published: June 2019

Background

The measurement and interpretation of patient experience is a distinct dimension of health care quality. The Midwives @ New Group practice Options (M@NGO) randomized control trial of caseload midwifery compared with standard care among women regardless of risk reported both clinical and cost benefits. This study reports participants’ perceptions of the quality of antenatal care within caseload midwifery, compared with standard care for women of any risk within that trial.

Methods

A trial conducted at two Australian tertiary hospitals randomly assigned participants (1:1) to caseload midwifery or standard care regardless of risk. Women were sent an 89‐question survey at 6 weeks postpartum that included 12 questions relating to pregnancy care. Ten survey questions (including 7‐point Likert scales) were analyzed by intention to treat and illustrated by participant quotes from two free‐text open‐response items.

Results

From the 1748 women recruited to the trial, 58% (n = 1017) completed the 6‐week survey. Of those allocated to caseload midwifery, 66% (n = 573) responded, compared with 51% (n = 444) of those allocated to standard care. The survey found women allocated to caseload midwifery perceived a higher level of quality care across every antenatal measure. Notably, those women with identified risk factors reported higher levels of emotional support (aOR 2.52 [95% CI 1.87‐3.39]), quality care (2.94 [2.28‐3.79]), and feeling actively involved in decision‐making (3.21 [2.35‐4.37]).

Conclusions

Results from the study show that in addition to the benefits to clinical care and cost demonstrated in the M@NGO trial, caseload midwifery outperforms standard care in perceived quality of pregnancy care regardless of risk.
Beliefs about sharing illness experiences: Development of a scale and relationship with symptoms of fibromyalgia
Authors: Wroe Abigail L. , Bowers Hannah M.
Published: June 2019

Objectives

The aim of the current research was to evaluate, in people with fibromyalgia, the extent to which beliefs about sharing illness experiences are associated with functioning and distress, and to explore the mediating role of illness behaviours. A new scale was designed to address this.

Design

The Beliefs about Sharing Illness Experiences (BASIE) scale was developed, and initial tests of reliability and validity were conducted. A cross‐sectional design was used to determine relationships, including mediation analyses.

Methods

Individuals with fibromyalgia (n = 147) and a comparison group of individuals without fibromyalgia (n = 47) completed questionnaires online. Construct validity was assessed by comparing these two groups. Convergent validity was assessed through correlations with the BASIE and measures of support‐seeking and self‐sacrifice. Correlation analyses were used to determine relationships with illness behaviours and outcome measures (distress and global impact). Mediation analyses were used to test the indirect effects of illness behaviours.

Results

The BASIE was correlated with expected convergent measures and had good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .939). Individuals with fibromyalgia had significantly higher scores than the comparison group. There was a direct relationship between BASIE scores and outcomes, in terms of functioning and distress. The relationship between BASIE scores and functioning was partially mediated by personal/emotional support‐seeking and all‐or‐nothing behaviours, and not by symptom‐related support‐seeking or limiting behaviours.

Conclusion

Beliefs about sharing illness experiences may be a key factor in maintaining cycles of distress and symptoms in people with fibromyalgia, together with all‐or‐nothing behaviours and personal/emotional support‐seeking.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Maintenance of fibromyalgia is likely to be a complex autopoietic relationship including symptoms, beliefs, behaviours, and emotions.

Research suggests possible roles of beliefs about unacceptability of emotions and beliefs around interpersonal situations, and behaviours in social situations as well as limiting and all‐or‐nothing behaviours.

People with fibromyalgia may experience stigma, sometimes resulting in secrecy around their condition and symptoms.

What does this study add?

The BASIE is a 21‐item questionnaire that measures beliefs around sharing illness experiences.

Individuals with fibromyalgia hold stronger beliefs around unacceptability of sharing illness experiences.

These beliefs are related to functioning and distress, partially mediated by illness behaviours.
The role of the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide in pathological calcification
Authors: Castelblanco Mariela , Nasi Sonia , Pasch Andreas , So Alexander , Busso Nathalie
Published: June 2019

Calcification is the deposition of minerals, mainly hydroxyapatite, inside the cell or in the extracellular matrix. Physiological calcification is central for many aspects of development including skeletal and tooth growth; conversely, pathological mineralization occurs in soft tissues and is significantly associated with malfunction and impairment of the tissue where it is located. Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain calcification. However, this research area lacks a more integrative, systemic, and global perspective that could explain both physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we propose such an integrated explanation. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a newly recognized multifunctional gasotransmitters and tis actions have been studied in different physiological and pathological contexts, but little is known about its potential role on calcification. Interestingly, we found that H2S promotes calcification under physiological conditions and has an inhibitory effect on pathological processes. This makes H2S a potential therapy for diseases related to pathological calcification.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Hydrogen Sulfide in Biology & Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visithttp://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.4/issuetoc
The folding of sport space into carceral space: On the making of prisoners’ experiences and lives
Authors: Norman Mark , Andrews Gavin J.
Published: June 2019

Sport and exercise are prominent activities in the daily routines of prisoners around the world, yet the spatial significance of these activities in carceral environments has not been deeply investigated. With a focus on the experiences of former federal prisoners in Canada, this paper addresses this scholarly gap by bringing together emerging trends in the literatures on sociology of sport, sports geography, and carceral geography to investigate the complex social meanings of prison sport and exercise. Specifically, we explore the folding of sports space into carceral space, often with the effect of reinforcing violent and exclusionary situations, but which also helps construct alternative spatial and temporal realities. Indeed, our overarching theoretical analysis considers how prisoners use sport to produce space in ways that assert a limited degree of agency over their daily lives and temporarily transcend their unpleasant conditions of confinement. By drawing from diverse theoretical frameworks and literatures, we advance novel arguments about the socio‐spatial significance of sport in prisons and raise some important questions for further research.
Novel TRRAP mutation causes autosomal dominant non‐syndromic hearing loss
Authors: Xia Wenjun , Hu Jiongjiong , Ma Jing , Huang Jianbo , Wang Xu , Jiang Nan , Zhang Jin , Ma Zhaoxin , Ma Duan
Published: June 2019

Hereditary non‐syndromic hearing loss is the most common inherited sensory defect in humans. More than 40 genes have been identified as causative genes for autosomal dominant non‐syndromic hearing loss (ADNSHL), but there are many other candidate genes that remain to be discovered. We aimed to identify the causative gene mutation for post‐lingual progressive ADNSHL in a Chinese family. Whole‐exome sequencing, bioinformatic analysis, and Sanger sequencing were used to verify the co‐segregation of a novel pathogenic variant (NM_ 001244580, c.511C>T, p.Arg171Cys) in the TRansformation/tRanscription domain‐Associated Protein gene associated with hearing loss in a three‐generation Chinese family with ADNSHL). Additionally, three more novel variants of transformation/transcription domain associated protein (TRRAP) were detected in 66 sporadic cases of hearing loss. Morpholino oligonucleotides knockdown and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 knockout zebrafish were constructed to validate the genetic findings. Knockdown or knockout of TRRAP resulted in significant defects in the inner ear of zebrafish, indicating that TRRAP plays an important role in inner ear development. In conclusion, TRRAP (NM_ 001244580, c.511C>T, p.Arg171Cys) co‐segregated with hearing loss in a Chinese family with ADNSHL, and TRRAP deficiency caused hearing disability in zebrafish, suggesting TRRAP is a gene associated with ADNSHL.