bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring online and offline shopping motivational values in Malaysia
Authors: Wong Rachel Mei Ming , Wong Shiet Ching , Ke Guek Nee
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to combine the elaboration likelihood model and hedonic/utilitarian values into a coherent model of shopping motivational values for online and offline Malaysian shoppers. Once these values were identified, they were compared to one another based on shopping channel, gender, and age group.

Design/methodology/approach

The Shopping Motivational Value Questionnaire was developed by the researcher after extensive literature review and measured the respondent’s perception toward shopping motivational values in both shopping channels. Data were collected from 306 Malaysians above the age of 21, and analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and pairwise t-test techniques.

Findings

The factor analysis revealed a three-factor model of shopping motivational values. Gratification Values were the most important to shoppers, followed by Essential and Societal Values. Shoppers perceived all these motivational values as important when shopping offline as compared to online, regardless of gender and age group.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the factor analysis revealed a three-factor model of shopping motivational values: Gratification Values which were the most important to shoppers, followed by Essential and Societal Values. These values were then compared to one another based on shopping channel, gender, and age group. Results indicate that shoppers perceived all these motivational values as important when shopping offline rather than online, regardless of gender and age group. Moreover, the perception of shoppers toward specific product categories and other shopping channels were not taken into account.

Originality/value

This study attempted to combine the elaboration likelihood model and hedonic and utilitarian values into a coherent model. A questionnaire was developed by the researcher with these two theoretical models as its foundation. Additionally, the shopping motivational values of this study have been formulated to be compatible to both shopping channels.
Identifying the hidden layers of cultural changes and pinpointing the contributing factors of cultural changes using the casual layered analysis
Authors: Mohammadi Mohsen , Eivazi Mohammad Rahim , Reza Goudarzi Gholam , Keshavarz Turk Einollah
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Various theoretical studies were carried out which attempted to identify impacting factors of cultural changes; however, these studies ignored the correlation among other affecting factors all together. In this paper, the authors aim not only to discuss the hidden layers that trigger the cultural changes but also to answer the questions of how to identify the main factors in each layer based on casual layered analysis (CLA), which could have a strong impact in shaping other layers’ factors? What are the dominant metaphors and worldviews that human beings are telling themselves about our universe that influences the future cultural changes?

Design/methodology/approach

To answer the questions of “how to identify the main factors in each layer,” the CLA methodology was used to investigate the underlying reasons. CLA takes into account four layers (litany, social systems, dominant discourse and worldviews and metaphors), which could be a tremendous help in identifying the mentioned factors.

Findings

The analysis shows that there are some contributing factors such as economy, technology, politics, society, environment, mass media, globalization and migration at the second layer – “social systems layer” – which may trigger cultural changes in first layer “litany”; in addition, in the third and deeper layer two dominant worldviews – materialist/secular and religious affecting the contributing factors in the second layer – were identified. Such worldviews are, in turn, supported by metaphors or perfect stories/myths of the deepest layer.

Originality/value

It can be concluded that because the cultural changes as a reality is composed of different layers, it is important to dig into different layers of reality to comprehend the significant shaping factors of that reality to visualize and make the better future.
Local community engagement in a festival in Indonesia
Authors: Sakitri Galih
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the patterns of local community engagement in a festival held in Indonesia to boost tourism development.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses in-depth interview and observation to answer the research problem.

Findings

The result reveals that the local community actively engaged in the festival, but not strategically or as per the planning process. The reasons were the local community’s lack of confidence and lack of ability.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides a case study of one festival area and the finding may not be applied generally.

Practical implications

The result indicates that the local government may encourage the local community by giving them motivation to raise their self-confidence and equipping them with training in basic principles of festival management. Then, the local government can engage them in the organizing committee. This would enable the local community to be strategically engaged in the festival.

Originality/value

This result identifies reasons for lack of local community engagement in an Indonesian festival.
Heritage in tourism organisations’ branding strategy: the case of a post-colonial, post-conflict and post-disaster destination
Authors: Seraphin Hugues , Yallop Anca C. , Capatîna Alexandru , Gowreesunkar Vanessa GB
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the link between history (heritage) and tourism marketing (destination branding). More specifically, the paper focusses on how heritage is used by private- and public-sector tourism organisations of post-colonial, post-conflict and post-disaster (PCCD) destinations in their branding strategy. In particular, the paper investigates how these organisations use heritage in their branding and logo design.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the paradigm of theory building and exploratory approach, this conceptual study is based on a narrative literature review and analysis of research and secondary data on Haiti. The study uses visual research methods to examine and reveal the basis and composition of logos of both private- and public-sector organisations in Haiti.

Findings

The findings of this paper suggest that capturing the essence of the destination is critical for any visual identification (i.e. logos), and that the visual identification can either adjust representation of past events to the time being (heritage) or move away from the past with clear expectations for the future. Such findings are reflected within the new marketing strategies adopted by the Haitian destination marketing organisation (DMO) and a private resort that we used as examples. Both moved from an idiosyncratic identity-based logo to a universal “sea-and-sun” stereotyped one that goes against heritage for which authenticity is the most important criterion.

Practical implications

The findings of this research may help destination managers in general, and DMOs in PCCD destinations in particular, to design logos aligned with their marketing and branding strategies. The findings of the paper may also assist industry experts in designing logos that communicate with potential tourists, by leveraging heritage to influence their emotion and decision making.

Originality/value

This paper represents one of the first papers in tourism research that examines branding strategies of both public and private sectors in the context of Haiti. The research contributes to the body of knowledge on heritage and destination marketing by exploring the role of heritage in the Caribbean area’s branding and marketing strategies.
Exploration and exploitation within supply networks
Authors: Gualandris Jury , Legenvre Hervé , Kalchschmidt Matteo
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and define the concept of purchasing ambidexterity in terms of two dimensions: balance dimension and combined dimension. The study proceeds to empirically examine the multiple performance effects generated for the buying firm and its key suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

Ambidexterity theory informs the authors’ conceptual model. To test the hypotheses, the authors collected survey data from 95 purchasing functions of medium and large European firms and applied various estimation techniques.

Findings

This research indicates that ambidexterity substantially varies across purchasing functions. Further, it discovers that a purchasing function’s ability to advance the combined magnitude of exploratory and exploitative activities represents an essential determinant of supplier efficiency, supplier product innovation, and buyer financial performance. Notably, this research also discovers that balancing the magnitudes of exploratory and exploitative activities on a relative basis produces negative effects on the innovativeness of the supply network.

Originality/value

Although ambidexterity theory has been applied to supply chain management, limited attention has been dedicated to purchasing ambidexterity. This gap led us to study how purchasing impacts the competitiveness of the buying firm and of its supply network by balancing and combining exploratory and exploitative activities. This research is the first to advance the notion of purchasing ambidexterity, unpack its underlying dimensions, and examine its multiple performance implications. Such a conceptual and empirical development presents new perspectives on how purchasing can help the buying firm and its supply network to strengthen their competitiveness.
Supply chain integration, risk management and manufacturing flexibility
Authors: Chaudhuri Atanu , Boer Harry , Taran Yariv
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of internal integration, external integration (EI), and supply chain risk management (SCRM) on manufacturing flexibility, and the moderating effect of SCRM on the relationships between internal and EI, respectively, and manufacturing flexibility.

Design/methodology/approach

Using hierarchical regression, data are analyzed from a sample of 343 manufacturing plants in Asia collected in 2013-2014 as part of the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey (IMSS VI).

Findings

Internal integration and SCRM have a direct effect on manufacturing flexibility. SCRM moderates the relationship between EI and flexibility.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed to generalize beyond the flexibility performance of discrete manufacturing firms in Asia.

Practical implications

To benefit from EI and increase their flexibility performance, manufacturing firms need to implement different mechanisms of SCRM to prevent and deal with supply chain risks including those associated with supply chain integration.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the body of knowledge on the relationships between internal integration, EI, SCRM, and manufacturing flexibility.
Missing performance management and measurement aspects in performance-based contracting
Authors: Glas Andreas H. , Henne Florian U. , Essig Michael
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Performance-based contracting (PBC) is a business model for the adaptive and innovative delivery of product-service systems. In PBC, the provider is paid according to the service performance with the aim of providing monetary incentives to safeguard possible outcomes as much as possible for the PBC customer. Performance measurement and its management are crucial for PBC success and, in particular, for the pay-for-performance link. However, the literature on PBC performance management is rather sparse, and there has been no systematic review on the topic. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to fill that gap and to present a comprehensive and systematic review of performance measurement and management in the PBC context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds on a literature review based on a sample of 102 subject-relevant articles from academic journals. The content analysis follows a two-step procedure. First, the articles are coded following a process-based research framework. Second, the content of each process step is assessed in a qualitative text analysis.

Findings

The results show a surprising scarcity of papers that explicitly address performance management topics in the context of PBC. Only the topics of performance specification and performance indicators are broadly addressed, whereas in all of the other areas, e.g., strategic alignment, data capture and reporting, only limited specific findings could be found.

Research limitations/implications

The paper concludes that future research on performance management in PBC should expand its theoretical framework and empirical efforts in four specific proposed directions.

Originality/value

The paper provides an up-to-date review that is focused on performance management and measurement in the emerging context of PBC.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of municipal solid waste management among highland residents in Northern Thailand
Authors: Laor Pussadee , Suma Yanasinee , Keawdounglek Vivat , Hongtong Anuttara , Apidechkul Tawatchai , Pasukphun Nittaya
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Chiang Rai is the northernmost province of Thailand. Municipal solid wastes (MSWs) was generated 430,828.2 ton/y in this area; however, only 24 percent of waste was properly disposed, and 43 percent of waste was properly managed. The purpose of this paper is to explore knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of highland residents in order to provide a basis for the development of waste management in the study area.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mae Fah Luang district, Thailand, from November 2016 to January 2017. A random sample of 451 respondents constituted the study population. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire. Pearson Correlation and χ2 were applied to identify the association among variables.

Findings

Overall, 73 percent of respondents had high level of knowledge; 85 percent of respondents showed neutral attitude; and 59 percent of respondents performed moderate practice on MSW management. The results highlighted that age and education levels were statistically significant associated with KAP levels on MSW management at (p=0.05).

Originality/value

The respondents who have good knowledge also have a good level of practice; and those who have good attitude also have a good level of practice. Socio-demographic factors and suitable way to promote an effective MSW management should be considered.
New product selling challenges (key insights in the ICT sector)
Authors: Sharma Archana , Sagar Mahim
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify crucial and new product selling challenges in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector for the companies operating in Business to Business (B2B) sales setting.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses qualitative techniques of focus group discussion, semi-structure interviews and thematic content analysis to explore crucial and new product selling challenges. Total interpretive structuring modeling (TISM) is used to create a hierarchy amongst the factors and interpret the relationships amongst them.

Findings

This study identifies crucial challenges for the ICT sector. The TISM framework helped in identifying variables and explained the relationship between the identified variables.

Research limitations/implications

The findings may have been affected by the small size of the sample, the research was restricted to Indian market only and the result would have varied across cultures and different domains.

Practical implications

Companies in the ICT sector are eager to develop new products but fail to sell it. Salespeople play a crucial role in diffusing the new product in the market. Addressing the challenges faced by salespeople will improve not only the sales of the new product but also the overall the operational efficiency of the sales force.

Social implications

Although several studies have suggested that sales force is the major contributing factor to new product success, few studies have focused on the role of salespeople in new product launch, particularly with respect to challenges in new product selling.

Originality/value

This is the first study to identify new product selling challenges in the ICT sector.
Safety and efficacy of nivolumab in Japanese patients with malignant melanoma: An interim analysis of a postmarketing surveillance
Authors: Kiyohara Yoshio , Uhara Hisashi , Ito Yoshihiko , Matsumoto Noritake , Tsuchida Tetsuya , Yamazaki Naoya
Published: February 2018

A postmarketing surveillance study is ongoing to evaluate nivolumab treatment for Japanese patients with malignant melanoma and accumulate data on all adverse events (AE) and efficacy. In this interim analysis, we evaluated data from approximately 100 Japanese medical institutions obtained from the nivolumab approval date in Japan (4 July 2014) through 3 July 2016. Patients were monitored during the first 12 months of treatment. Nivolumab was administrated by i.v. infusion (2 mg/kg every 3 weeks). A total of 680 and 610 patients were evaluated for safety and efficacy, respectively. The incidences of adverse drug reactions (ADR) and grade 3 or higher ADR were 53.53% and 12.35%, respectively. Predominant ADR included hypothyroidism (11.32%) and abnormal enzyme activity, such as increase of aspartate aminotransferase (7.79%), alanine aminotransferase (6.76%), alkaline phosphatase (6.18%) and γ‐glutamyltransferase (5.44%). Grade 3 or higher ADR of special interest with an incidence of 1% or higher were hepatic function disorder (2.50%), colitis/diarrhea (2.06%) and infusion reaction (1.32%). No cases of encephalitis or venous thromboembolism, other AE of special interest, were observed. The estimated median overall survival was 379 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 290–not reached [NR]) in the overall population, NR (95% CI, 305–NR) for cutaneous melanoma and 340 days (95% CI, 275–NR) for mucosal melanoma. The improvement rate based on the antitumor response at the last evaluation was 22.2% (131/590 patients). No new safety concerns were raised, and serious ADR of special interest were infrequent. Nivolumab showed equivalent efficacy in patients with mucosal melanoma and those with cutaneous melanoma.
Novel splice site mutation in the LIPH gene in a patient with autosomal recessive woolly hair/hypotrichosis: Case report and published work review
Authors: Mizukami Yukari , Hayashi Ryota , Tsuruta Daisuke , Shimomura Yutaka , Sugawara Koji
Published: February 2018

Autosomal recessive woolly hair is a relatively rare hereditary hair disorder characterized by sparse, short, curly hair. This condition is known to be caused by mutations in the LIPH gene, LPAR6 gene or KRT25 gene. In the Japanese population, most patients with autosomal recessive woolly hair carry one of two founder mutations in the LIPH gene, c.736T>A (p.Cys246Ser) or c.742C>A (p.His248Asn). However, occasionally, individuals with this condition carry compound heterozygous mutations, typically one founder mutation and another mutation. In this study, we describe a patient with a compound heterozygous mutation in the LIPH gene at c.736T>A and c.1095‐3C>G. The latter mutation created a novel splice site. This was the fourth splice site mutation to be described in the LIPH gene. Furthermore, we performed an in vitro transcription assay in cultured cells, and demonstrated that the c.1095‐3C>G mutation led to a frame‐shift, which created a premature termination codon at the protein level (p.Glu366Ilefs*7). Finally, we summarized the mutations previously reported for the LIPH gene. Our findings provide further clues as to the molecular basis of autosomal recessive woolly hair.
Energetic fitness: Field metabolic rates assessed via 3D accelerometry complement conventional fitness metrics
Authors: Grémillet David , Lescroël Amélie , Ballard Grant , Dugger Katie M. , Massaro Melanie , Porzig Elizabeth L. , Ainley David G.
Published: February 2018

Evaluating the fitness of organisms is an essential step towards understanding their responses to environmental change. Connections between energy expenditure and fitness have been postulated for nearly a century. However, testing this premise among wild animals is constrained by difficulties in measuring energy expenditure while simultaneously monitoring conventional fitness metrics such as survival and reproductive output.

We addressed this issue by exploring the functional links between field metabolic rate (FMR), body condition, sex, age and reproductive performance in a wild population.

We deployed 3D accelerometers on 115 Adélie penguinsPygoscelis adeliaeduring four breeding seasons at one of the largest colonies of this species, Cape Crozier, on Ross Island, Antarctica. The demography of this population has been studied for the past 18 years. From accelerometry recordings, collected for birds of known age and breeding history, we determined the vector of the dynamic body acceleration (VeDBA) and used it as a proxy forFMR.

This allowed us to demonstrate relationships amongFMR, a breeding quality index (BQI) and body condition. Notably, we found a significant quadratic relationship between mean VeDBAduring foraging andBQIfor experienced breeders, and individuals in better body condition showed lower rates of energy expenditure.

We conclude that usingFMRas a fitness component complementary to more conventional fitness metrics will yield greater understanding of evolutionary and conservation physiology.

Aplain language summaryis available for this article.
Family of origin experiences on relationship satisfaction: a mediation model
Authors: Chen Ruoxi , Busby Dean M.
Published: February 2018

This study tested a mediation model of the intergenerational transmission process of the relationship satisfaction of four ethnic groups in the US: Whites, Blacks, Latinos, and Asians. The influence of past relationships is a positive mediator of the effect of family of origin on relationship satisfaction for all four groups, and low neuroticism is a positive mediator of this effect for Whites, Blacks, and Latinos, but not Asians. The effect of family of origin experiences on relationship satisfaction and the effects of the two mediators vary in ways that could be attributed to cultural differences between the four groups. This mediation model offers plausible explanations of the mechanisms governing the intergenerational transmission of relationship satisfaction and, in particular, elevates the significance of past relationships' influence in this process. The findings are discussed with a focus on cultural differences and implications for relationship education and clinical practice.

Practitioner points

FoO experiences affect one's current relationship satisfaction through past relationships' influence and neuroticism

Resolving past relationship issues may reduce the negative effect of FoO experiences

Helping individuals reduce their neuroticism may enhance therapeutic approaches applying an FoO lens to current relationships

Therapy should pay attention to differences in the intergenerational transmission process of relationship experiences according to ethnic group
Resisting the 'Long‐Arm' of the State? Spheres of Capture and Opportunities for Autonomy in Community Governance
Authors: O’Hare Paul
Published: February 2018

Efforts to promote community empowerment within regeneration management have been persistently critiqued. Particular concern regards the potential capture of civic organizations into the sphere of influence of more powerful governance stakeholders, leaving communities marginalized and frustrated. Although such ‘capture’ is a discernible threat, this article presents a more nuanced perspective demonstrating the scope for community‐based organizations to dissent from seemingly inexorable regimes of power. The article details a series of tensions that emerged across the evolution of a community‐led regeneration partnership. It then outlines how civil society organizations challenge ‘partnership orthodoxies’, seeking autonomy albeit nested within—and relative to—formal bureaucratic and administrative regimes. Community partners can therefore assume a hybridity of capture and autonomy—or a mutuality—that is rarely acknowledged by accounts that critique regeneration governance.
Fair chances and hard work? Families making sense of inequality and opportunity in 21st‐century Britain
Authors: Snee Helene , Devine Fiona
Published: February 2018

In British social mobility discourse, the rhetoric of fair access can obscure wider issues of social justice. While socio‐economic inequalities continue to shape young people's lives, sociological work on class dis‐identification suggests social class is less obviously meaningful as a source of individual and collective identity. This paper considers subjective understandings of the post‐16 education and employment landscape in this context, drawing on qualitative research exploring the aspirations of young men and women as they completed compulsory education in north‐west England, and the hopes their parents had for their future. It shows how unequal access to resources shaped the older generation's expectations for their children, although this was rarely articulated using the explicit language of class. Their children recognized they faced a difficult job market but embraced the idea that success was possible through hard work. Both generations drew moral boundaries and made judgments based on implicit classed discourses about undeserving others, while at the same time disavowing class identities. There was a more explicit recognition of gender inequality among the parents framed with reference to hopes for greater freedom for their daughters. Opportunities and inequalities were thus understood in complex and sometimes contradictory ways.
The role of NFκB in the three stages of pregnancy – implantation, maintenance, and labour: a review article
Authors: Sakowicz A
Published: February 2018

The transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) controls the expression of over 400 genes, some of which are associated with reproductive events. During implantation, immune cells accumulate in the maternal–fetal interface; they secrete inflammatory mediators under the control of NFĸB, the level of which also rises. NFĸB is then downregulated to maintain gestation, but its level rises again before birth to manage prostaglandin, cytokine, and chemokine synthesis, and to stimulate uterine contraction. This review summarises the current state of knowledge about NFκB and its role in the molecular regulation of processes related to pregnancy development.

Tweetable abstract

This review examines the current state of knowledge about role of NFκB in the development of pregnancy.
A Case of Self‐Enucleation in an Incarcerated Patient: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Davis Lauren E. , Tripathi Samidha
Published: February 2018

Self‐enucleation is a severe form of self‐injurious behavior which presents as an ophthalmologic and psychiatric emergency. It is usually known to occur with untreated psychosis, however, there have been reports of self‐enucleation across various psychopathologies. We review a case documenting self‐enucleation in the forensic setting in a patient with an unusual presentation and cluster of psychotic symptoms. Literature was reviewed using PubMed/Medline databases with key terms: “forensic science,” “forensic psychiatry,” “auto‐enucleation,” “self‐enucleation,” “Oedipism,” “self‐harm.” This case is unique as it offers an alternative presentation to those most commonly depicted in current literature, helps highlight the sparsity of literature depicting self‐enucleation in the forensic setting, and stimulates discussion around various potential differential diagnoses, management strategies and complications of self‐enucleation within the forensic setting. It is prudent to emphasize need for aggressive and collaborative treatment for the forensic population regardless of psychopathology, presentation, or propensity for secondary gain.
Head‐to‐head comparison of the heart rate variability between the bisoprolol transdermal patch and bisoprolol fumarate tablet
Authors: Sairaku Akinori , Nakano Yukiko , Shiode Nobuo , Suenari Kazuyoshi , Oda Nozomu , Ono Koichi , Kihara Yasuki
Published: February 2018

Aim

The bisoprolol transdermal patch is a newly developed β‐blocker designed to deliver its pharmaceutical ingredient through the skin surface. We aimed to compare the bisoprolol transdermal patch and bisoprolol fumarate tablet using the heart rate variability (HRV).

Method

Eligible hypertensive patients received a 2‐week administration with a 2.5 mg bisoprolol fumarate tablet, followed by 24‐hour Holter monitoring. The tablet was then switched to a 4 mg bisoprolol transdermal patch, and after 2 weeks of its administration, the Holter monitoring was repeated. Both drugs were given once daily. Endpoint was any alteration in the HRV caused by a change in the administration route for bisoprolol.

Results

There was no difference in the 24‐hour time‐domain and frequency‐domain HRV measurements before and after the drug switching among patients recruited (N = 30). However, the switching significantly altered the time‐course curves of the hourly HRV measurements, including the mean normal‐to‐normal (NN) interval (P = .004), standard deviation of the NN index (P < .001), high frequency component (P = .01), and low frequency component (P = .003). Those alternations were attributed to the slower heart rate and more decreased short‐term autonomic fluctuation resulting from the administration of the bisoprolol transdermal patch, which were observed later than 12 hours after the drug initiation. No adverse events were noted throughout the study period.

Conclusion

The pattern of the autonomic modulation may vary depending on either a transdermal or oral administration even though an equivalent dose of bisoprolol is given.
Growth yield and selection of nosZ clade II types in a continuous enrichment culture of N2O respiring bacteria
Authors: Conthe Monica , Wittorf Lea , Kuenen J. Gijs , Kleerebezem Robbert , Hallin Sara , van Loosdrecht Mark C.M.
Published: February 2018

Nitrous oxide (N2O) reducing microorganisms may be key in the mitigation of N2O emissions from managed ecosystems. However, there is still no clear understanding of the physiological and bioenergetic implications of microorganisms possessing either of the two N2O reductase genes (nosZ), clade I and the more recently described clade II type nosZ. It has been suggested that organisms with nosZ clade II have higher growth yields and a lower affinity constant (Ks) for N2O. We compared N2O reducing communities with different nosZI/nosZII ratios selected in chemostat enrichment cultures, inoculated with activated sludge, fed with N2O as a sole electron acceptor and growth limiting factor and acetate as electron donor. From the sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, FISH and quantitative PCR of nosZ and nir genes, we concluded that betaproteobacterial denitrifying organisms dominated the enrichments with members within the family Rhodocyclaceae being highly abundant. When comparing cultures with different nosZI/nosZII ratios, we did not find support for (i) a more energy conserving N2O respiration pathway in nosZ clade II systems, as reflected in the growth yield per mole of substrate, or (ii) a higher affinity for N2O, defined by μmax/Ks, in organisms with nosZ clade II.
Light and scanning electron microscopy of the olfactory mucosa in the rufous sengi (Elephantulus rufescens)
Authors: Kavoi B. M.
Published: February 2018

Sengis are eutherian insectivores belonging to superorder Afrotheria, a recently defined clade of mammals that diverged from other placentals over 100 million years ago. In this study, a histological and ultrastructural analysis was carried out on the olfactory mucosa (OM) of the rufous sengi (Elephantulus rufescens) and the data were compared with those reported earlier in the dog (Canis familiaris) and the sheep (Ovis aries), whose dietary lifestyles are carnivorous and herbivorous, respectively. Qualitatively, the microstructure of the sengi's OM was basically similar to that of the other eutherian mammals except for differences in the pattern of cilia projection from the dendritic knobs of the olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) and distribution of Bowman's glands within the lamina propria of the OM. On morphometry, significant differences (p < .05) were recorded with respect to olfactory epithelial (OE) thickness between the sengi (65.4 ± 2.6 μm) and the other species. ORN packing density and cilia number/ORN knob varied markedly only between the sengi (73.8 ± 5.4 mm−2 × 103 and 15 ± 4, respectively) and the sheep. No remarkable differences were noted in regard to ORN bundle diameters between sengis (62.7 ± 12.5 μm) and the other species. The observed differences in OM structural refinement may be attributed to olfactory function demand levels related to feeding lifestyles and ecology. Myrmecophagous insectivory, social monogamy, absentee maternal care and exposed sheltering habits are behavioural features that may warrant substantial OM modification in sengis.
Population ecology of the giant forest hog, Hylochoerus meinertzhageni in Chebera Churchura National Park, Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Aemro , Bekele Afework , Balakrishnan Mundanthra
Published: February 2018

Population, feeding habit, distribution and activity patterns of the giant forest hog (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni) were studied in Chebera Churchura National Park (CCNP), Ethiopia, using line transect sample counts. Population estimate of the hogs was 845 individuals. Among the counted individuals, 42.4% were males and 57.6% were females. Among them, 32.8% were adults, 26.9% were subadults, and 40.3% were piglets. Large sounders of up to 20 individuals were seen during the wet season. They were seen in all habitat types in CCNP with higher abundance in the riverine vegetation. Availability of food, green vegetation cover and water were factors governing distribution of forest hogs in the study area. Grass was the major food item of the hogs (90%), mainly of Panicum sp., Acalypha psilostachya, Cissapelos rigidifolia, Psilotrichum gnaphalobryum and Abutilon ceclii. Feeding was the major activity for which 49.7% of the active daytime was used. Resting (lying down, standing and wallowing) was the next major activity, for which they spent 38.8% of the daytime, followed by other activities (11.5%). Morning and late afternoon activity peaks were more intensive during the dry season. This female‐biased giant forest hog population is expected to sustain in CCNP.
ATP‐binding cassette subfamily A, member 4 intronic variants c.4773+3A>G and c.5461‐10T>C cause Stargardt disease due to defective splicing
Authors: Jonsson Frida , Westin Ida Maria , Österman Lennart , Sandgren Ola , Burstedt Marie , Holmberg Monica , Golovleva Irina
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) represent a group of progressive conditions affecting the retina. There is a great genetic heterogeneity causing IRDs, and to date, more than 260 genes are associated with IRDs. Stargardt disease, type 1 (STGD1) or macular degeneration with flecks, STGD1 represents a disease with early onset, central visual impairment, frequent appearance of yellowish flecks and mutations in the ATP‐binding cassette subfamily A, member 4 (ABCA4) gene. A large number of intronic sequence variants in ABCA4 have been considered pathogenic although their functional effect was seldom demonstrated. In this study, we aimed to reveal how intronic variants present in patients with Stargardt from the same Swedish family affect splicing.

Methods

The splicing of the ABCA4 gene was studied in human embryonic kidney cells, HEK293T, and in human retinal pigment epithelium cells, ARPE‐19, using a minigene system containing variants c.4773+3A>G and c.5461‐10T>C.

Results

We showed that both ABCA4 variants, c.4773+3A>G and c.5461‐10T>C, cause aberrant splicing of the ABCA4 minigene resulting in exon skipping. We also demonstrated that splicing of ABCA4 has different outcomes depending on transfected cell type.

Conclusion

Two intronic variants c.4773+3A>G and c.5461‐10T>C, both predicted to affect splicing, are indeed disease‐causing mutations due to skipping of exons 33, 34, 39 and 40 of ABCA4 gene. The experimental proof that ABCA4 mutations in STGD patients affect protein function is crucial for their inclusion to future clinical trials; therefore, functional testing of all ABCA4 intronic variants associated with Stargardt disease by minigene technology is desirable.
Children living in the slums of Bangladesh face risks from unsafe food and water and stunted growth is common
Authors: Mostafa Ishita , Naila Nurun Nahar , Mahfuz Mustafa , Roy Manoj , Faruque Abu S.G. , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: February 2018

Aim

This study investigated the microbial quality of food and water consumed by children in four slums in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, together with the associated risk factors.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study took place from December 2015 to May 2016 and focused on 360 children under the age of five. We recorded household food security, namely adequate food for a healthy life, socio‐economic and nutritional status, hygiene and feeding practices. Food and water samples were analysed.

Results

We found that 63% of the children were malnourished and 58% were stunted. Yeast and moulds were detected in 86% of the food samples and coliforms in 73%. All the water samples were contaminated with faecal coliforms, yeasts and moulds and Staphylococcus. Food insecurity affected 83% of households. Children were twice as likely to be malnourished if they were born with a perceived low birthweight or their mothers did not wash their hands with soap after cleaning the child's bottom following defecation. Exclusively breastfed children were less likely to develop malnutrition.

Conclusion

Children from the Dhaka slums were frequently stunted and malnourished and contaminated food and water was common. Integrated efforts are essential to create public awareness about hygiene.
Effects of a rice diet and phytase addition on growth performance, tissue weights, phosphorus and nitrogen retention, and on liver threonine dehydrogenase, malic enzyme and fatty acid synthase activities in broiler chicks
Authors: Fujimoto Hiroya , Fujita Nozomi , Takada Ryozo
Published: February 2018

This experiment was conducted to clarify the nutritional functions of rice and phytase addition for broiler chicks. Thirty‐six 7‐day‐old male chicks (ROSS 308 strain) were assigned to one of the four treatment groups: corn‐ or rice‐based diet groups and each diet with added phytase (2000 phytase units/kg diet) groups (corn + P or rice + P groups). The non‐phytate phosphorus (npP) content in the diets with added phytase was approximately half of the requirement. Body weight gain and feed intake in the rice group was significantly higher than those in the corn group. Breast and thigh muscle weights and nitrogen retention in the rice group were significantly higher than that in the corn group. Although the efficiency of phosphorus retention (%) in the corn + P group was significantly higher than that in the corn group, no significant difference was observed between the rice and rice + P groups. Liver threonine dehydrogenase activity in the corn group was significantly higher than in the other three groups. These results indicate that rice is superior to corn as a starter diet in broiler chicks, and that phytase action in the rice‐based diet was less than that in the corn‐based diet.
Seed density is more effective than multi‐trait limiting similarity in controlling grassland resistance against plant invasions in mesocosms
Authors: Yannelli Florencia A. , Karrer Gerhard , Hall Rea , Kollmann Johannes , Heger Tina
Published: February 2018

Question

Disturbed areas offer great opportunities for restoring native biodiversity, but they are also prone to invasion by alien plants. Following the limiting similarity hypothesis, we address the question of whether or not similarity of plant functional traits helps developing seed mixtures of native communities with high resistance to invasive species at an early stage of restoration.

Location

Centre of Greenhouses and Laboratories Dürnast, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany.

Methods

Using a system of linear equations, we designed native communities maximizing the similarity between the native and two invasive species according to ten functional traits. We used native grassland plants, two invasive alien species that are often problematic in disturbed areas (i.e., Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Solidago gigantea) and trait information obtained from databases. The two communities were then tested for resistance against establishment of the two invaders separately in a greenhouse experiment. We measured height of the invasive species and above‐ground biomass, along with leaf area index, 4 and 8 months after sowing respectively.

Results

Both invasive species were successfully reduced by the native community designed to suppress S. gigantea dominated by small‐seeded species. These results could be considered as partial support for the limiting similarity hypothesis. However, given the success of this mixture against both invasive species, suppression was better explained by a seed density effect resulting from the smaller seed mass of the native species included in this mixture. Further, the dominance of a fast‐developing competitive species could also contribute to its success.

Conclusions

There was no unequivocal support for the limiting similarity hypothesis in terms of the traits selected. Instead we found that increasing seeding density of native species and selecting species with a fast vegetative development is an effective way to suppress invasive plants during early stages of restoration. If limiting similarity is used to design communities for restoration, early life‐history traits should be taken into account.
Population pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics of apixaban in Japanese adult patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ueshima Satoshi , Hira Daiki , Kimura Yuuma , Fujii Ryo , Tomitsuka Chiho , Yamane Takuya , Tabuchi Yohei , Ozawa Tomoya , Itoh Hideki , Ohno Seiko , Horie Minoru , Terada Tomohiro , Katsura Toshiya
Published: February 2018

Aims

This study aimed to analyse the effects of genetic polymorphisms in drug transporters and metabolizing enzymes, and clinical laboratory data on the pharmacokinetic parameters of apixaban.

Methods

Data were collected from 81 Japanese patients with atrial fibrillation. Pharmacogenomic data were stratified by ABCB1, ABCG2 and CYP3A5 polymorphisms. The pharmacokinetic profile of apixaban was described by a one‐compartment model with first‐order absorption. Population pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted using a nonlinear mixed effect modelling (NONMEM™) program.

Results

The nonlinear relationship between oral clearance (CL/F) of apixaban and creatinine clearance (Ccr) was observed. The population mean of CL/F for a typical patient (Ccr value of 70 ml min−1) with the CYP3A5*1/*1 and ABCG2 421C/C or C/A genotypes was estimated to be 3.06 l h−1. When Ccr values were set to the typical value, the population mean of CL/F was 1.52 times higher in patients with the CYP3A5*1/*1 genotype compared with patients with the CYP3A5*1/*3 or *3/*3 genotype, while the population mean of CL/F was 1.49 times higher in patients with the ABCG2 421C/C or C/A genotype compared with patients with the ABCG2 421A/A genotype. However, no covariates affected the population mean of the apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) of apixaban. The population mean of Vd/F was estimated to be 24.7 l.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that the ABCG2 421A/A and CYP3A5*3 genotypes and renal function are intrinsic factors affecting apixaban pharmacokinetics. These findings may provide useful information for precision medicine using apixaban, to avoid the risk of adverse reactions.
Saudi Arabian children's reasoning about religion‐based exclusion
Authors: Alsamih Munirah , Tenenbaum Harriet R.
Published: February 2018

This study examined how Saudi Arabian children (M = 10.50 years, SD = 1.61, Range = 8–10 years) evaluate peer exclusion based on religion when the perpetrator of exclusion was a peer or a father. Children believed that it was more acceptable for fathers than for peers to enforce exclusion and were more likely to use social conventional reasons to justify exclusion when the perpetrator was a father. The discussion focuses on how social domain theory needs to take children's cultural community into account.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Research suggests that children do not defer to authority in making decisions about peer exclusion.

Children tend to believe that authority figures should not order peer exclusion because it is a moral decision.

What does this study add?

Unlike children in other collectivist countries, children in Saudi Arabia support peer exclusion ordered by a father more than a peer.

Saudi children use social conventional reasoning to justify fathers' support for peer exclusion.
Addressing challenges in gaining informed consent for a research study investigating falls in people with intellectual disability
Authors: Ho Portia , Downs Jenny , Bulsara Caroline , Patman Shane , Hill Anne‐Marie
Published: February 2018

Accessible Summary

People with intellectual disability do not often take part in research.

When people with intellectual disability are thinking about taking part in research, it is important that they are given support to participate in the decision‐making.

This study describes how an informed consent process was developed for people with intellectual disability and how it is working in a current study.

Background

People with intellectual disability encounter substantial healthcare discrepancies, yet are under‐represented in research. While people with intellectual disability can make valuable contributions to research and consequently improve their quality of life, researchers encounter multiple challenges including them in research. One challenge is to support them in making an informed decision to participate in research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe and reflect on a consent procedure used while gaining informed consent, when recruiting potential participants into an ongoing study.

Methods

A systematic and holistic consent procedure, underpinned by ethical guidelines, was developed and used alongside recommended strategies to engage people with intellectual disability in a research study.

Results

Only three participants (7.5%) were deemed capable of consenting independently, while 37 participants (92.5%) required the support of a proxy. Of these 37 participants, 22 participated in the consent process, while 15 depended mainly on their caregiver to make decisions for them. Adapted communication strategies were found to facilitate a person who has an intellectual disability's participation in the consent procedure. The adapted written information sheets were of secondary importance.

Conclusion

The consent procedure was a respectful means of determining a person's capacity to consent and indicating where there was a need for proxy consent. Appropriate communication strategies and the inclusion of familiar caregiver(s) were critical components for facilitating the person with an intellectual disability to participate in the consent procedure.