bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The emergence and selection of reputation systems that drive cooperative behaviour
Authors: Schlaepfer Alain
Published: September 2018

Reputational concerns are believed to play a crucial role in explaining cooperative behaviour among non-kin humans. Individuals cooperate to avoid a negative social image, if being branded as defector reduces pay-offs from future interactions. Similarly, individuals sanction defectors to gain a reputation as punisher, prompting future co-players to cooperate. But reputation can only effectively support cooperation if a sufficient number of individuals condition their strategies on their co-players' reputation, and if a sufficient number of group members are willing to record and transmit the relevant information about past actions. Using computer simulations, this paper argues that starting from a pool of non-cooperative individuals, a reputation system based on punishment is likely to emerge and to be the driver of the initial evolution of cooperative behaviour. However, once cooperation is established in a group, it will be sustained mainly through a reputation mechanism based on cooperative actions.
The benefit of being still: energy savings during winter dormancy in fish come from inactivity and the cold, not from metabolic rate depression
Authors: Speers-Roesch Ben , Norin Tommy , Driedzic William R.
Published: September 2018

Winter dormancy is used by many animals to survive the cold and food-poor high-latitude winter. Metabolic rate depression, an active downregulation of resting cellular energy turnover and thus standard (resting) metabolic rate (SMR), is a unifying strategy underlying the persistence of organisms in such energy-limited environments, including hibernating endotherms. However, controversy exists about its involvement in winter-dormant aquatic ectotherms. To address this debate, we conducted simultaneous, multi-day measurements of whole-animal oxygen consumption rate (a proxy of metabolic rate) and spontaneous movement in a model winter-dormant marine fish, the cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus). Winter dormancy in cunner involved a dampened diel rhythm of metabolic rate, such that a low and stable metabolic rate persisted throughout the 24 h day. Based on the thermal sensitivity (Q10) of SMR as well as correlations of metabolic rate and movement, the reductions in metabolic rate were not attributable to metabolic rate depression, but rather to reduced activity under the cold and darkness typical of the winter refuge among substrate. Previous reports of metabolic rate depression in cunner, and possibly other fish species, during winter dormancy were probably confounded by variation in activity. Unlike hibernating endotherms, and excepting the few fish species that overwinter in anoxic waters, winter dormancy in fishes, as exemplified by cunner, need not involve metabolic rate depression. Rather, energy savings come from inactivity combined with passive physico-chemical effects of the cold on SMR, demonstrating that thermal effects on activity can greatly influence temperature–metabolism relationships, and illustrating the benefit of simply being still in energy-limited environments.
Brain-Score: Which Artificial Neural Network for Object Recognition is most Brain-Like?
Authors: Schrimpf Martin , Kubilius Jonas , Hong Ha , Majaj Najib J. , Rajalingham Rishi , Issa Elias B. , Kar Kohitij , Bashivan Pouya , Prescott-Roy Jonathan , Geiger Franziska , Schmidt Kailyn , Yamins Daniel L. K. , DiCarlo James J.
Published: September 2018

The internal representations of early deep artificial neural networks (ANNs) were found to be remarkably similar to the internal neural representations measured experimentally in the primate brain. Here we ask, as deep ANNs have continued to evolve, are they becoming more or less brain-like? ANNs that are most functionally similar to the brain will contain mechanisms that are most like those used by the brain. We therefore developed Brain-Score – a composite of multiple neural and behavioral benchmarks that score any ANN on how similar it is to the brain’s mechanisms for core object recognition – and we deployed it to evaluate a wide range of state-of-the-art deep ANNs. Using this scoring system, we here report that: (1) DenseNet-169, CORnet-S and ResNet-101 are the most brain-like ANNs. (2) There remains considerable variability in neural and behavioral responses that is not predicted by any ANN, suggesting that no ANN model has yet captured all the relevant mechanisms. (3) Extending prior work, we found that gains in ANN ImageNet performance led to gains on Brain-Score. However, correlation weakened at ≥ 70% top-1 ImageNet performance, suggesting that additional guidance from neuroscience is needed to make further advances in capturing brain mechanisms. (4) We uncovered smaller (i.e. less complex) ANNs that are more brain-like than many of the best-performing ImageNet models, which suggests the opportunity to simplify ANNs to better understand the ventral stream. The scoring system used here is far from complete. However, we propose that evaluating and tracking model-benchmark correspondences through a Brain-Score that is regularly updated with new brain data is an exciting opportunity: experimental benchmarks can be used to guide machine network evolution, and machine networks are mechanistic hypotheses of the brain’s network and thus drive next experiments. To facilitate both of these, we release Brain-Score.org: a platform that hosts the neural and behavioral benchmarks, where ANNs for visual processing can be submitted to receive a Brain-Score and their rank relative to other models, and where new experimental data can be naturally incorporated.
A remorin from Nicotiana benthamiana interacts with the Pseudomonas type-III effector protein HopZ1a and is phosphorylated by the immune-related kinase PBS1
Authors: Albers Philip , Üstün Suayib , Witzel Katja , Kraner Max , Börnke Frederik
Published: September 2018

The plasma membrane is at the interface of plant-pathogen interactions and thus many bacterial type-III effector proteins (T3Es) target membrane-associated processes to interfere with immunity. The Pseudomonas syringae T3E is a host cell plasma membrane (PM)-localized effector protein that has several immunity associated host targets but also activates effector triggered immunity (ETI) in resistant backgrounds. Although HopZ1a has been shown to interfere with early defense signaling at the PM, no dedicated plasma membrane-associated HopZ1a target protein has been identified until now. We show here, that HopZ1a interacts with the PM-associated remorin protein NbREM4 from Nicotiana benthamiana in several independent assays. NbREM4 re-localizes to membrane sub-domains after treatment with the bacterial elicitor flg22 and transient overexpression of NbREM4 in N. benthamiana induces the expression of a subset of defense related genes. We can further show that NbREM4 interacts with the immune-related receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase PBS1 and is phosphorylated by PBS1 on several residues in vitro. Thus, we conclude that NbREM4 is associated with early defense signaling at the PM. The possible relevance of the HopZ1a/NbREM4 interaction for HopZ1a virulence and avirulence functions is discussed.
Translation in the “contact zone” between accounting and human resource management
Authors: Ejiogu Amanze Rajesh , Ejiogu Chibuzo
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of the process through which ideas are translated across disciplines. It does this by focussing on how the idea that people are corporate assets was translated between the accounting and human resource management (HRM) disciplines.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the interpretation of a historical case study of the travel of ideas between the accounting and HRM disciplines. Translation is used as an analytical lens as opposed to being the object of the study and is theorised drawing on insights from the Scandinavian Institutionalist School, Skopos theory and linguistic translation techniques.

Findings

Translation by individual translators involved the translator stepping across disciplinary boundaries. However, translation performed by interdisciplinary teams occurs in the “contact zone” between disciplines. In this zone, both disciplines are, at once, source and target. Ideas are translated by editing and fusing them. In both cases, translation is value laden as the motives of the translators determine the translation techniques used. Legitimacy and gravitas of the translator, as well as contextual opportunities, influence the spread of the idea while disciplinary norms limit its ability to become institutionalised. Also, differential application of the same translation rule leads to heterogeneous outcomes.

Originality/value

This is the first accounting translation study to use the theories of the Scandinavian Institutionalist School or indeed combine these with linguistic translation techniques. It is also the first study in accounting which explores the translation of ideas across disciplines.
Data-driven innovation: switching the perspective on Big Data
Authors: Trabucchi Daniel , Buganza Tommaso
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The pervasive spread of digital technologies brought an incredible boost in data availability. Companies are dealing with massive amount of data that wait to be exploited. At the same time, scholars are providing different strategies and methods to help companies capture the value embedded in their data to foster innovation and improve the efficiency of existing processes. In these research studies, data are the by-product of something else, and they are a silent asset that needs to be exploited. What if data might be considered the final goal? The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on an exploratory multiple case study analysis, on the basis of three cases used as an illustration for new ideas. In particular, the gathered data are analyzed according to models previously presented in the literature review, building on and expanding them.

Findings

The research proposes a data-driven approach to innovation, offering a peculiar view of the innovation process. The trigger point is the need of data that let begin the entire development process of a complex system. In this perspective, the application that data are a by-product of the entire innovation process and not the primary output is peculiar since the vast majority of the literature consider data as the by-product of the primary product.

Research limitations/implications

Future research is needed to assess the replicability of the model outside the mobile app industry and to measure its performances. Nevertheless, this paper provides insights both for scholars and managers, enlarging the discussion on digital innovation and digital business models.

Practical implications

The results provide a development process to foster innovation relying on the need of data as the trigger point, guiding entrepreneurs and managers in the building process of the entire digital system.

Originality/value

Previous research studies often considered Big Data (BD) in innovation as a way to enlarge the current product offer or to make the innovation process more effective or efficient; this paper changes the perspective by considering BD as the trigger and the enabler of the entire digital innovation process.
Boundary integration and innovative work behavior among nursing staff
Authors: Yasir Muhammad , Majid Abdul
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of boundary integration (BI) on innovative work behavior (IWB) of nursing staff. Furthermore, in order to understand the constructive role of BI, this study also examines the mediating role of work-to-family enrichment (WFE) and moderating role of co-worker and supervisor support.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 786 nurses and 144 doctors (nurse supervisors) through self-administered questionnaires from public sector hospitals in Pakistan. Descriptive statistics, correlation, Baron and Kenny approach (Causal steps approach), PROCESS Macro (Normal Test Theory) developed by Hayes and hierarchical regression approaches were used to analyze the collected data that provide several interesting results for the formulated hypotheses.

Findings

Results indicated that BI among nursing staff is positively related to doctors’ rating of innovative behaviors. Moreover, WFE mediates the relationship of BI and IWB. Furthermore, the results also confirmed that the relationship between BI and IWB is stronger among those nurses who frequently received support from co-workers and supervisors.

Originality/value

Employees’ involvement in innovative work is of crucial importance for organization’s strength, especially in health care sector. Although researchers have identified various antecedents of nurses’ IWB, however, it is still unclear how BI influences IWB. Moreover, this study focuses on another important element of workplace support and argues that nurses who can successfully manage work and family matters through the integration of boundaries have greater opportunities to achieve enrichment and respond more effectively to demonstrate IWB.
Understanding undergraduates’ money management behaviour: a study beyond financial literacy
Authors: Bamforth Jill , Jebarajakirthy Charles , Geursen Gus
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The money management behavior of undergraduates determines their smooth transition into adulthood. Economic, social and psychological factors also affect undergraduates’ money management behavior. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how undergraduates manage and respond to economic, social and psychological factors affecting their money management behavior, and to examine whether this response changes as they make progress in their degree.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a qualitative exploratory approach, this study examined Australian undergraduates as they face many challenges to their money management behavior. The data were collected using six focus group discussions, held in three Australian universities, in which 47 undergraduates participated.

Findings

The findings have shown that their approach to manage spending, income, saving, peer relationships and stress changes as they make progress in their degree. However, they shared similar approaches to investment, followed parental money management advice and used technology for cost reduction, irrespective of the progress in their degree.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted with the data collected from a relatively small sample of respondents and was limited only to undergraduates. Moreover, this study was conducted in Australia, indicating that some of the results might be specific to the Australian context.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can be utilized by governments, financial institutions, educational institutions and parents who are interested in inculcating prudent money management behavior in undergraduates.

Originality/value

This study extends the scope of the literature beyond financial literacy, and has shown how undergraduates respond to economic, social and psychological aspects relating to money management behavior and how these responses vary as they make progress in their degree. This study has applied a qualitative exploratory approach, in contrast to quantitative methods which have generally been applied for studies relating to undergraduates’ money management behavior.
Type and wearing method-dependent COP and muscle fatigue measurement of baby carriers for the development of smart baby carriers
Authors: Lee Heeran , Hong Kyung Hwa
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the center of pressure (COP) changes depending on the type and wearing method of baby carriers, which is fundamental research for the development of smart baby carriers. In addition, the most comfortable and least burdensome type and method of wearing baby carriers is suggested.

Design/methodology/approach

The COP and muscle fatigue were measured depending on the three types and wearing method of baby carriers. And then, the subjective stability, comfort, and fatigue were analyzed.

Findings

The results of this study show that horizontal changes to the COP are greater and when baby carriers are worn loosely, subjective comfort is worse. Furthermore, when the shoulder straps are worn loosely, the center of mass moves downwards, lowering the muscle fatigue of the shoulders, but greatly raising the muscle fatigue of the waist and thighs. Comparison of the shapes of baby carriers showed that X-type produced greater muscle fatigue in the shoulders, waist, and thighs, as well as greater subjective fatigue in the shoulders. However, subjective fatigue in the waist decreases when baby carriers without waist support are worn.

Originality/value

It is expected that changes in COP values based on the type and method of wearing baby carriers will be applied as fundamental data for the development of automatic-adjusting smart baby carriers that prevent muscular pain and concentrated pressure.
Linking the Critical Chain Project Management literature
Authors: Luiz Octaviano Rojas , Souza Fernando Bernardi de , Luiz João Victor Rojas , Jugend Daniel
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the state of the art in Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM), outlining the CCPM literature to date, in an effort to guide future studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a bibliometric analysis using Scopus and Web of Science databases. The authors identified the principal journals, articles and authors regarding the research theme, as well as the authors elaborated co-citation and co-occurrence network maps to support the analysis.

Findings

The authors described five co-citation clusters: Fundamentals of Critical Chain, Scheduling, Operations Research, Multi-project and Network, and General Project Management. The most frequently occurring keywords were: “project management,” “critical chain,” “scheduling” and “theory of constraints.” Observing the distribution, the expression “project management” occupied a central position, connecting two other clusters, represented by the keywords “scheduling” and “critical chain.” The authors proposed an evolutive framework for the CCPM state of the art in three stages, according to the most frequent topics identified: Conceptual, Deepening of Applications and Methodological Maturity.

Originality/value

This research adopts a systematic approach based on bibliometric tools, which allows a more rigorous organization of the literature. Co-citation and keyword co-occurrence maps provide evidence of how the main themes in CCPM relate. Besides, the presented historical framework allows new research in CCPM to be directed to the most recent topics of interest that have gaps to be explored.
A Triple-A supply chain measurement model: validation and analysis
Authors: Marin-Garcia Juan A. , Alfalla-Luque Rafaela , Machuca Jose A.D.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish definitions and dimensions of Triple-A supply chain (SC) variables based on a literature review and to validate a Triple-A SC measurement model using a worldwide multiple informant sample.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a literature review, Triple-A SC variables (agility, alignment and adaptability) are conceptualized and a list of possible items is created for their measurement. An international 309 plant sample is used to validate the convergent and criterion validities of the composites proposed to measure Triple-A SC.

Findings

Contributions to the literature: clarification of Triple-A SC variable concepts; identification of key dimensions of Triple-A SC variables; development of a validated Triple-A SC measurement scale for future empirical research and industrial applications.

Research limitations/implications

A rigorously validated instrument is needed to measure Triple-A SC variables and enable researchers to credibly test theories regarding causal links between capabilities, practices and performance.

Practical implications

Proposal of a scale for use by managers of different functions to analyze Triple-A SC deployment in the company.

Originality/value

The only Triple-A SC scale used in the previous literature has serious limitations: scales were not taken from an extended literature review; data were collected from single respondents in a single country. This is the first validated Triple-A SC measurement model to overcome these limitations.
Homo prostheticus? Intercorporeality and the emerging adult-smartphone assemblage
Authors: Marchant Caroline , O’Donohoe Stephanie
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Young people’s attachment to their smartphones is well-documented, with smartphones often described as prostheses. While prior studies typically assume a clear human/machine divide, this paper aims to build on posthuman perspectives, exploring intercorporeality, the blurring of human/technology boundaries, between emerging adults and their smartphones. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on assemblage theory, this interpretive study uses smartphone diaries and friendship pair/small group discussions with 27 British emerging adults.

Findings

Participants in this study are characterized ashomo prostheticus, living with and through their phones, treating them as extensions of their mind and part of their selves as they navigated between their online and offline, private and social lives.Homo prostheticuswas part of a broader assemblage or amalgamation of human and non-human components. As these components interacted with each other, the assemblage could be strengthened or weakened by various technological, personal and social factors.

Research limitations/implications

These qualitative findings are based on a particular sample at a particular point in time, within a particular culture. Further research could explore intercorporeality in human–smartphone relationships among other groups, in other cultures.

Originality/value

Although other studies have used prosthetic metaphors, this paper contributes to understanding of smartphones as aprosthesesin the lives of emerging adults, highlighting intercorporeality as a key feature ofhomo prostheticus. It also uses assemblage theory to contextualizehomo prostheticusand explores factors strengthening or weakening the broader human–smartphone assemblage.
Consequences of consumers’ emotional responses to government’s green initiatives
Authors: Anand Ila Mehrotra , Gaur Sanjaya Singh
Published: September 2018

Purpose

A government’s green initiatives are meant to prevent or reduce harm to society. Such initiatives can elicit positive emotions that may lead to generating a supportive public response to the government. The purpose of this paper is to understand the consumers’ emotional response to government’s actions toward making the society sustainable.

Design/methodology/approach

The scenario-based experimental design is used in this study where one between-subjects manipulation is created for the government’s green actions, and one between-subjects control condition is created. A total of 140 respondents were assigned to experimental and 121 respondents were assigned to control groups using judgmental sampling. Partial least squares based structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis was used for the testing of both structural and measurement model.

Findings

Positive emotions (i.e. gratitude, pride and happiness) that are evoked by the manipulated scenario are found to have a direct impact on the consumers’ outcome behavior (i.e. positive word of mouth, identification with the government, interest in green initiatives of the government and interest in the government’s actions to grow the nation).

Originality/value

The research contributes to the literature on the social sustainability by examining the impact of emotional responses to the government’s green initiatives. This study shows that positive emotions can be evoked in the context of environmental quality by sending the right message to the consumers (i.e. the general public in this case).
Predicting the quality of health web documents using their characteristics
Authors: Oroszlányová Melinda , Teixeira Lopes Carla , Nunes Sérgio , Ribeiro Cristina
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The quality of consumer-oriented health information on the web has been defined and evaluated in several studies. Usually it is based on evaluation criteria identified by the researchers and, so far, there is no agreed standard for the quality indicators to use. Based on such indicators, tools have been developed to evaluate the quality of web information. The HONcode is one of such tools. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of web document features on their quality, using HONcode as ground truth, with the aim of finding whether it is possible to predict the quality of a document using its characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The present work uses a set of health documents and analyzes how their characteristics (e.g. web domain, last update, type, mention of places of treatment and prevention strategies) are associated with their quality. Based on these features, statistical models are built which predict whether health-related web documents have certification-level quality. Multivariate analysis is performed, using classification to estimate the probability of a document having quality given its characteristics. This approach tells us which predictors are important. Three types of full and reduced logistic regression models are built and evaluated. The first one includes every feature, without any exclusion, the second one disregards the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission variable, due to it being a quality indicator, and the third one excludes the variables related to the HONcode principles, which might also be indicators of quality. The reduced models were built with the aim to see whether they reach similar results with a smaller number of features.

Findings

The prediction models have high accuracy, even without including the characteristics of Health on the Net code principles in the models. The most informative prediction model considers characteristics that can be assessed automatically (e.g. split content, type, process of revision and place of treatment). It has an accuracy of 89 percent.

Originality/value

This paper proposes models that automatically predict whether a document has quality or not. Some of the used features (e.g. prevention, prognosis or treatment) have not yet been explicitly considered in this context. The findings of the present study may be used by search engines to promote high-quality documents. This will improve health information retrieval and may contribute to reduce the problems caused by inaccurate information.
Operating energy demand of various residential building typologies in different European climates
Authors: Cody Brian , Loeschnig Wolfgang , Eberl Alexander
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The work described below compares three very different residential typologies in terms of their energy performance in operation. The purpose of this paper is to identify the influence of building typologies and corresponding urban morphologies on operational energy demand and the potential for building integrated energy production.

Design/methodology/approach

Two of the typologies studied are apartment buildings while the third comprises single-family homes located on small plots. An important factor under consideration is the insertion into the respective urban design configuration so that mutual shading of the buildings and the ensuing impact on energy performance is evaluated. Heating and cooling demands, as well as the potential for building-integrated electricity production were investigated for four different European climates in a dynamic thermal simulation environment.

Findings

The results show that the investigated apartment buildings have a lower operational energy demand than the single-family home in all climates. This advantage is most pronounced in cool climate conditions. At the same time the investigated single-family home has the highest potential for building integrated renewable energy production in all climates. This advantage is most pronounced in low latitudes.

Originality/value

The study builds up on generic buildings that are based on a common urban grid and are easily comparable and scalable into whole city districts. Still, these buildings are planned into such detail, that they provide fully functional floor plans and comply with national building regulations. This approach allows us to draw conclusions on the scale of individual buildings and at an urban scale at the same time.
Bisphenol A: Food Exposure and Impact on Human Health
Authors: Almeida Susana , Raposo António , Almeida‐González Maira , Carrascosa Conrado
Published: September 2018

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial compound used extensively to produce synthetic polymers, such as epoxy resins, which are incorporated into the inner coating of metal cans, and also to manufacture polycarbonates with applications in bottles, including bottles of water. Several studies have reported on the transfer of this compound to food. Regarding human exposure to BPA, food intake can be considered the most serious among all the routes, not only because it potentially reaches more people in different age groups (including infants, an especially vulnerable group), but also because it inadvertently occurs over long time periods. BPA is considered an endocrine disruptor and several studies have proposed a relationship between exposure to BPA and the appearance of adverse health effects, such as cancer, infertility, diabetes, and obesity, among others. In 2015 however, the European Food Safety Authority concluded in its last scientific opinion that this compound does not pose any risk to the exposed population's health. Therefore, the EU regards BPA as an authorized product to be used as food contact material. Although BPA intake through food is apparently below the set limits, research into BPA and its potential negative effects is still ongoing. This review contains the most recent in vitro and in vivo studies on BPA toxicity and its harmful effects on health, and it intends to address human exposure to BPA, namely through dietary exposure and its impact on human health.
Predictors of nutrition care process and terminology use, applicability and importance within Asia‐Pacific dietitians
Authors: O'Sullivan Therese A. , Lo Johnny , Vivanti Angela
Published: September 2018

Aim

Many dietitians are yet to incorporate the Nutrition Care Process and Terminology (NCPT) into practice. The present study investigated factors predicting (i) NCPT use, (ii) perceived importance of NCPT implementation and (iii) perceived NCPT applicability to personal dietetic practice among dietitians in the Asia‐Pacific region.

Methods

Dietetic association members from Australia, New Zealand and Singapore were invited to participate in an online survey assessing NCPT implementation, knowledge, and self‐rated familiarity, attitudes, benefits, concerns, barriers, and enablers. Forward stepwise logistic regression used all factors to identify predictive dietetic characteristics for current NCPT use, importance or applicability to practice.

Results

A total of 377 dietitians (5%–55% of national dietetic memberships surveyed) completed at least one survey question. In logistic regression models, independent positive predictors of current NCPT users were knowledge (P = 0.003), confidence to implement (P = 0.036), confidence to write nutrition diagnoses (P = 0.002) and experiencing managerial support (P = 0.004). Not seeing a reason to change was a significant negative predictor of NCPT use (P = 0.003). An independent positive predictor of dietitians viewing NCPT implementation as important was feeling that it will improve patient care (P < 0.001), while negative predictors were seeing minimal benefit in changing (P < 0.001) and a preference to continue with current routine (P = 0.015). Independent positive predictors of dietitians viewing NCPT as applicable to their practice were NCPT knowledge (P = 0.009), seeing the value of NCPT (P < 0.001) and attendance at workshops or conferences (P = 0.014).

Conclusions

NCPT implementation may be enhanced thorough activities building confidence, gaining managerial corroboration and demonstration of NCPT benefits, including improved patient care.
Effects of Maillard Reaction Products on Sensory and Nutritional Qualities of the Traditional French Baguette
Authors: Jouquand Céline , Niquet‐Léridon Céline , Jacolot Philippe , Petit Noémie , Marier David , Gadonna‐Widehem Pascale
Published: September 2018

The goals of this study were to evaluate the effect of baking time on the Maillard reaction products (MRPs) generated in the crust of the traditional French baguette and to estimate their impact on its sensory characteristics, its acrylamide content, and its bifidogenic effect. Melanoidins, volatile compounds, and acrylamide were evaluated in the crust of traditional French baguettes baked between 12 and 22 min at 225 °C. The increase in melanoidins was positively correlated to the baking time, while volatile compounds only increased until 18 min. The acrylamide content was estimated to be below 18 μg/kg, which confirms the findings of EFSA that bread is not a main contributor to dietary acrylamide. A descriptive sensory analysis showed that the baking time positively affected the sensory quality of the crust. The consumer test revealed the same trend and the panelists favorably judged the well‐baked baguettes based on a better crust flavor and crispness. The bifidogenic effect of the crust and the crumb from the baguettes baked 22 min was evaluated on the in vitro growth of Bifidobacterium adolescentis. The results demonstrated that the crumb and the crust had exactly the same bifidogenic impact, therefore not caused by melanoidins.

Practical Application

The consumption of bread in France has decreased since 2007, although bread is considered by French people as “healthy” and essential to maintain a balanced diet. The current study evaluated the global qualities of the French baguette in order to highlight its high sensory quality and its beneficial effect by inducing a possible growth of bifidobacteria, even in well‐baked baguettes. These findings allow the French bakery industry to develop an argument to promote its technical know‐how and to help consumers choose healthier and tastier bread. Moreover, this study provided some recommendations of baking processes to maintain a high sensory quality of the French baguette and limit the formation of undesirable compounds, such as acrylamide, in the crust.
Combination of Multilocus Sequence Typing and GS‐PCR Reveals an Association of Pandemic Vibrio parahaemolyticus Clone with Clinical and Seafood Isolates
Authors: Zhou Min , Chen Wanyi , Shi Chunlei , Wang Hongxun , Shi Xianming
Published: September 2018

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a global leading cause of seafood‐borne bacterial gastroenteritis. Clinical, seafood, and environmental V. parahaemolyticus isolates from the eastern coast of China were analyzed for their virulence, and for phenotypic and molecular traits. The frequency of pandemic isolates was 50.9% among clinical isolates and 42.8% among seafood isolates as confirmed by group‐specific polymerase chain reaction (GS‐PCR). Serological analysis indicated that O3:K6, O1:K25, O1:KUT, O3:K68, and O4:K68 were the predominant serotypes among these pandemic isolates. It is worth noting that the pandemic serotypes were not exclusively identified from clinical samples. Rather, they were also isolated from seafood samples. It was also shown by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) typing that isolates from clinical (59), seafood (28), and environmental samples (18) were grouped into 17, 23, and 17 sequence types (STs), respectively. We updated 17 STs in the MLST database. ST‐3 and ST‐189 were the dominant ones among clinical isolates. Interestingly, ST‐3 was also the most abundant among seafood isolates, and represented a significant risk to food safety due to the clear association with tdh and the GS‐PCR marker. A minimum‐evolution (ME) tree generated from the concatenated sequences of the 7 loci of the 54 STs uncovered phylogenetic relationships between seafood and clinical isolates. The MLST results also indicated a high degree of nucleotide diversity in recA that had the greatest influence on the phylogenetic relationships. Our findings provided new insight into the phylogenic relationship among pandemic V. parahaemolyticus isolates from various samples and enhanced the MLST database as well as microbiological risk assessment.

Practical Application

Pandemic V. parahaemolyticus isolates have become a serious public health concern. This study demonstrated the characteristics of clinical and seafood V. parahaemolyticus isolates, and determined the phylogenetic relatedness among them. These results can be used for microbiological risk assessment in China.
The Challenges of DNA Extraction in Different Assorted Food Matrices: A Review
Authors: Sajali Nurhayatie , Wong Sie Chuong , Hanapi Ummi Kalthum , Abu Bakar @ Jamaluddin Suhaili , Tasrip Nor Asmara , Mohd Desa Mohd Nasir
Published: September 2018

High‐quality DNA extracts are imperative for downstream applications in molecular identification. Most processed food products undergo heat treatments causing DNA degradation, which hampers application of DNA‐based techniques for food authentication. Moreover, the presence of inhibitors in processed food products is also problematic, as inhibitors can impede the process of obtaining high qualities and quantities of DNA. Various approaches in DNA extraction and factors in structure and texture of various food matrices affecting DNA extraction are explained in this review.
New Insights into the Late Triassic Nadigangri Formation of Northern Qiangtang, Tibet, China: Constraints from U‐Pb Ages and Hf Isotopes of Detrital and Magmatic Zircons
Authors: LI Xueren , WANG Jian , CHENG Leli , FU Xiugen , WANG Yuke
Published: September 2018

We report here U‐Pb age and in situ Hf isotopic results for detrital and magmatic zircons from one conglomerate and four tuffite samples from the Late Triassic Nadigangri Formation across the North Qiangtang depression, Tibet. Coupled with previously published data in the region, this paper proposes new insights into the geochronological framework for the Nadigangri Formation. The deposition ages of tuffite from top to bottom in the Woruo Mountain, Quem Co and Dongqu River, are 203 Ma, 226 Ma, 221.5 Ma and 221.1 Ma, respectively. The detrital zircons yield a younger cluster of ages of 201.5–225 Ma from the conglomerate of the Quem Co Formation. The Late Triassic Nadigangri Formation defines a temporal range approximately between 201 and 225 Ma (Norian‐Rhaetian), including three predominant groups of 220–225 Ma, 210–217 Ma and 201–205 Ma, which correspond with the three main rifting episodes of initial rifting, further rifting and final rifting. Positive εHf(t) value and low model ages in younger detrital zircons suggests a juvenile character. However, the Hf isotopes of magmatic zircons display the presence of reworked ancient crust with 1.1–1.8 Ga. These results provide strong constraints not only on the temporal range of the Late Triassic Nadigangri Formation, but also on the onset of the Qiangtang Mesozoic rift basin.
Net Stable Funding Requirement under Basel III: Loan Portfolio Growth Matters
Authors: L'Huillier Barbara , Rizwan Muhammad Suhail , Ashraf Dawood
Published: September 2018

This paper evaluates the perceived stability‐enhancing role of the net stable funding ratio (NSFR) requirement under Basel III and its impact on the balance sheets of banks. Using data from 647 banks located in 47 countries from 2003 to 2013, we find that the NSFR would have played a financial stability‐enhancing role if it had been implemented during the sample period. However, the NSFR requirement would also have had a loan portfolio shrinkage affect and increases the possibility of sub‐optimal loan portfolio selection. Our results suggest that there are costs and benefits to implementing the NSFR requirement.
Rumen responses to dietary supplementation with cashew nut shell liquid and its cessation in sheep
Authors: Kang Sungchhang , Suzuki Ryo , Suzuki Yutaka , Koike Satoshi , Nagashima Kyo , Kobayashi Yasuo
Published: September 2018

Rumen responses to cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) were evaluated in a feeding study. Four wethers were fed a hay and concentrate diet for 4 weeks (pre‐CNSL period), and then fed the same diet supplemented with low and high levels of CNSL for 2 weeks each (L‐CNSL and H‐CNSL periods respectively). The diet was then reverted to the unsupplemented control diet for another 2 weeks (post‐CNSL period). Rumen parameters were monitored in each feeding period. CNSL, regardless of the two levels tested, did not show any adverse effects on total short chain fatty acid concentration and dry matter digestibility in the rumen. Propionate proportion increased in the H‐CNSL period, while methane production potential, acetate and butyrate proportions, viscosity, foam formation and its stability, and ammonia concentration decreased. Values of these parameters returned to those in the unsupplemented control period after cessation of CNSL supplementation. Clone library analysis of 16S rRNA genes revealed the following shifts in the H‐CNSL period. For bacteria, Firmicutes was frequently detected, while Bacteroidetes and Spirochetes were not. For archaea, Methanobrevibacter wolinii was predominant. These results indicate that CNSL could be a methane inhibitor and propionate enhancer by altering the rumen microbial community.
Long‐term outcomes and quality of life following ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract for high transsphincteric fistulas
Authors: Sun X.‐L. , Wen K. , Chen Y.‐H. , Xu Z.‐Z. , Wang X.‐P.
Published: September 2018

Aim

Published outcomes following ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) for high transsphincteric fistulas (HTFs) are equivocal probably because most trials are small and comprise mixed patient populations. The aim of this study was to highlight the long‐term efficacy of LIFT for HTFs in a large homogeneous sample and to determine the risk factors that contribute to non‐healing resulting in failure and recurrence.

Method

A retrospective study was performed which assessed patients with HTFs treated by LIFT without prior loose setons from September 2012 to December 2017. Continence function was evaluated by the Wexner incontinence scale and anal manometry. Quality of life was assessed by using the faecal incontinence quality of life (FIQL) scale with four domains: lifestyle, coping, depression and embarrassment.

Results

Seventy patients with HTFs underwent 71 LIFT procedures. The primary healing rate was 81.7% with a median follow‐up duration of 16.5 (range 4.5–68) months. The healing rates of mature and immature fistulas were 83.7% and 77.3%, respectively. Two patients suffered failure with an unhealed intersphincteric wound. Recurrence occurred in 11 patients. Incontinence of flatus, present in four patients before surgery, improved postoperatively. Two patients undergoing LIFT combined with fistulotomy complained of flatus incontinence after surgery. No significant differences between preoperative and postoperative Wexner score, maximum resting pressure and maximum squeeze pressure were detected. The FIQL was improved in lifestyle, coping and depression. No risk factor for non‐healing was found.

Conclusion

LIFT has a promising long‐term outcome for HTFs, with negligible impairment on continence and improved quality of life.
Fourteen‐month‐old infants track the language comprehension of communicative partners
Authors: Forgács Bálint , Parise Eugenio , Csibra Gergely , Gergely György , Jacquey Lisa , Gervain Judit
Published: September 2018

Infants employ sophisticated mechanisms to acquire their first language, including some that rely on taking the perspective of adults as speakers or listeners. When do infants first show awareness of what other people understand? We tested 14‐month‐old infants in two experiments measuring event‐related potentials. In Experiment 1, we established that infants produce the N400 effect, a brain signature of semantic violations, in a live object naming paradigm in the presence of an adult observer. In Experiment 2, we induced false beliefs about the labeled objects in the adult observer to test whether infants keep track of the other person's comprehension. The results revealed that infants reacted to the semantic incongruity heard by the other as if they encountered it themselves: they exhibited an N400‐like response, even though labels were congruous from their perspective. This finding demonstrates that infants track the linguistic understanding of social partners. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://youtu.be/pQUv8yFhnbk.
Geography, geopolitics, and policy in the performance of transition economies
Authors: Sachs Jeffrey D.
Published: September 2018

The economic performance of the transition economies as of 2015 is well explained by three variables: (1) years of membership in the EU; (2) physical distance from the heart of the EU economy, taken to be Dusseldorf; and (3) annual revenues from oil and gas production, reflecting natural resource deposits. These three factors account for around 86 percent of the variation in per capita income across the 28 transition economies, and reflect the interplay of domestic policy, geopolitics, geography and natural resources.
Quantifying flows and economies of informal e‐waste hubs: Learning from the Israeli–Palestinian e‐waste sector
Authors: Davis John‐Michael , Garb Yaakov
Published: September 2018

Despite increasing academic attention and the pressing development and environmental importance of informal e‐waste economies in the global South, there remains a dearth of reliable quantitative data to guide theory and appropriate policy responses. We illustrate this problem through a review of the thin and patchy data presented in existing studies that attempt to quantify the flows and economic impact of informal e‐waste hubs. We then describe a way forward through our analysis of a less well known e‐waste hub in south‐west Hebron, Palestine, which provides a methodological model for robust and systematic quantification. We achieved this by leveraging the relatively closed regional‐geographic nature of this hub, triangulating several approaches used in studies of the informal economy (anecdotal/ethnographic, micro‐ and macro‐level data), and contrasting data before and after a key shift in the sector. Our study shows how this hub, though barely registering in official economic and trade data, houses a large, vital and differentiated cluster of businesses, which have processed almost half of Israel's e‐waste for over a decade, and constitute an important export sector and local economic contributor. In 2015, even operating at levels 40% below those sustained over the prior decade, the hub imported and processed 16–25,000 tonnes of e‐waste, creating 381 enterprises, 1,098 jobs and US$28.5 million gross value added to the Palestinian economy. This study demonstrates methodological approaches for studying informal e‐waste flows and economies and the substantive insights these produce, and argues for the relevance of both to analogous hubs across the global South.