bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring political discussions by Korean twitter users
Authors: Choi Myunggoon , Sang Yoonmo , Woo Park Han
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a network analysis of Twitter discussions about Myung-Bak Lee, a former president of South Korea, to gain a better understanding of the dynamics of the public opinion exchange on Twitter.

Design/methodology/approach

– Opinion leaders in the discussion network were identified by considering the longitudinal distribution of tweets containing the former president’s name, and three types of messages (“followings,” “mentions,” and “retweets”) were analyzed using data collected from November 1, 2011, to April 20, 2012. The sample included 26,150 Twitter users and 892,034 relationships reflecting three types of messages.

Findings

– The results indicate that the discussion about President Myung-Bak Lee was dominated by liberal Twitter users who already had considerable influence both online and offline. In addition, Twitter users were unlikely to interact with other users with opposing political views.

Research limitations/implications

– Almost all of the opinion leaders identified in the study held liberal political views, and liberal Twitter users dominated the discussion network. In addition, the Korean Twitter network showed the presence of the homophily phenomenon, implying that opinion leaders’ influence within the Twitter network was limited to other users sharing the same political views. Further, political views of opinion leaders were skewed toward a particular political stance without necessarily representing the opinion of the general public, possibly hindering the democratic process.

Originality/value

– This study tests the homophily thesis in the context of Twitter users in Korea and contributes to the literature on Twitter-based political discourse by identifying opinion leaders in Korean Twitter networks and examining the phenomenon of homophily within those networks.
Moderating role of religious beliefs on attitudes towards charities and motivation to donate
Authors: Teah Min , Lwin Michael , Cheah Isaac
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between image of charitable organizations, attitudes towards charities and motivation to donate. In addition, the study will investigate the moderating effects of religious beliefs on attitudes towards charities and motivation to donate.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data are collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Trained interviewers employed a mall-intercept method in downtown Kuala Lumpur over both weekdays and weekends. The scales are adapted from established sources.

Findings

– It was found that religious beliefs moderates the relationship between attitudes towards charities and motivation to donate. In addition, image of charitable organizations has a positive influence on attitudes towards charities. It was also found that both image of charitable organizations and attitudes towards charities influence motivation to donate.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is conducted within downtown Kuala Lumpur and is not generalizable across Malaysia and other countries. In addition, this study only looked at general religious beliefs, therefore findings are not specific to a religion. As a result, possible religious differences may be neglected. Lastly, the study only focused on donors and further studies need to be conducted on non-donors to further understand donation behaviour.

Practical implications

– The findings from the study provide valuable insights to charities, government bodies and policy makers as it highlights the linkages between image of charitable organizations, attitudes towards charities and the motivation to donate of past donors. Additionally, religious bodies can also use the findings to formulate communication strategies to benefit charities as well as the broader community.

Originality/value

– The study provides insights into the motivations of donors to donate to charities. More importantly, it also examines the influence of religious beliefs on donation behaviour, thus shedding insights on the opportunities for fundraising by charities.
A gentle reminder
Authors: M. Watson Ann
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to address how utilizing positive psychology can be beneficial when academic libraries are faced with obstacles and challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

– Opinion piece.

Findings

– Personal observations.

Originality/value

– Personal opinion and experience.
Where is the profit in a library team?
Authors: Steele Kirstin
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to resolve my aversion to the concept of teamwork.

Design/methodology/approach

– Opinion.

Findings

– There is a difference in how I perceive different groups referred to as teams, and in how I think each of those would function in a library setting.

Originality/value

– In a literature search about disliking teamwork or the word team, I found little to address my reaction to the concept, either in libraries or in the greater work world. The articles or editorials I did find had more to do with particular teambuilding exercises.
SociaLib: a collaborative digital library model platform using Web 2.0
Authors: Mitropoulos Sarandis , Dimitrios Baltasis George , Rodios Michalis , Douligeris Christos
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the SociaLib system, which is a collaborative digital library system. The system uses Drupal content management system to implement Web 2.0 functionalities and facilitate collaboration and cooperation between its users. It offers a variety of functions, like wikis, forums and it is also accessible from microbrowsers.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper starts with a reference to collaboration in Digital Libraries and states related work. Then, it introduces the SociaLib system, including implementation and functionalities. There is also an example of how such a system can be used in a real-world situation. Ideas for future work are also included.

Findings

– The system was evaluated using a usability questionnaire on a subject of 50 people. The results were promising, showing user acceptance and satisfaction.

Originality/value

– This paper offer collaborative solutions to Digital Library users, helping them communicate and cooperate with colleagues on their research. The system uses Web 2.0 functions that enable the user to be more productive and also work mobile if he wishes.
Expectations versus experiences: librarians using open source integrated library systems
Authors: Singh Vandana
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper compares the technical support-related experiences with the expectations of librarians using open source Integrated Library Systems (ILS).

Design/methodology/approach

– A combination of surveys and triangulating interviews was conducted to obtain the results presented.

Findings

– The results of this study indicate that there are many channels of technical support available to librarians who use open source ILS. Also, these channels of technical support perform at acceptable levels according to the expectations of librarians using open source software.

Research limitations/implications

– The results presented in this study are self-reported expectations and experiences of librarians and not observed experiences.

Practical implications

– The results from this study will provide an insight to librarians contemplating adoption or migration to open source ILS. The results presented here will be useful in decision-making as well as developing a strategy for technical support based on the presented options.

Originality/value

– The interest in open source ILS has been observed and studied in the last decade, but the technical support of open source systems, which is a critical component of the adoption process, has not received much attention. This paper focuses specifically on the technical support for open source ILS and provides insight into the experiences of librarians.
Investigation of the volitional, non-volitional, emotional, motivational and automatic processes in determining golfers’ intention
Authors: Han Heesup , Hwang Jinsoo
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This study was designed with the aim to examine the formation of golfers’ intentions to play golf on traditional golf courses by considering the moderating impact of their outcome beliefs regarding the playing of screen golf. Other goals in this research were to test the mediating impact of desires and to identify the relative importance of study variables in generating intention within the proposed conceptual framework. The Model of Goal-directed Behavior (MGB) was utilized to make a precise prediction of golfers’ intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The dataset was developed by distributing surveys in person at screen-golf cafés. A structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to evaluate the fit of the proposed model and assess the hypothesized relationships. Tests for metric invariance were used to examine the moderating impact of outcome beliefs.

Findings

– Results from the SEM revealed that the proposed model predicted golfers’ intentions well, explaining significant amounts of variance. Desire acted as a significant mediator in the proposed conceptual framework. Compared to other study variables, both positive anticipated emotions and subjective norms had superior ability in generating golfers’ intentions to play real golf. Moreover, results from the test for metric invariance indicated that the intensity of golfers’ perceived benefits of playing screen golf affected their decision formation as a moderator, decreasing their intention to play real golf.

Originality/value

– Research considering the impact of screen golf on golfers’ decision-making processes is rare in the golf industry. Filling this gap, the present study successfully demonstrated that golfers’ decision formation is sufficiently explained by the MGB, and their perceived outcomes from playing screen golf represent a possible threat to the traditional golf industry.
Do perceived CSR initiatives enhance customer preference and loyalty in casinos?
Authors: Tingchi Liu Matthew , Anthony Wong Ipkin , Rongwei Chu , Tseng Ting-Hsiang
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to investigate how perceptions associated with corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives influence customers’ preference and loyalty in a controversial consumer market. The mediating effect of brand preference between perceived CSR initiatives and customer loyalty is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology in the current study involves the use of questionnaire surveys delivered to a convenience sample in the city of Macau in 2012. A total of 616 valid samples were collected among casino players in a high bet limit area in six major casinos. Regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses formulated for carrying the study forward.

Findings

– The findings indicated that customers’ brand preference can be enhanced by their perceptions on CSR. Two CSR initiatives (stakeholders and society) significantly increase loyalty intention, although to varying degrees. The impact of CSR on stakeholders has a stronger influence on customers’ brand preference. Another important finding of the current study is the fact that brand preference is a partial mediator of perceived CSR initiatives and customer loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

– This study verified the relationship among CSR initiatives perception, brand preference and loyalty intention in the context of the Macau gaming industry. Perceived CSR initiatives enhance customer loyalty. Additionally, this study found a partial mediating effect of brand preference between CSR perception and customer loyalty.

Practical implications

– Customer loyalty can be enhanced with companies’ appropriate investments in social responsibilities. Although a socially responsible brand image of a company is not guaranteed to be a competitive advantage that attracts more premium customers, there is a general consensus that it may result in the latter with appropriate CSR strategies involving the greatest attention directed toward improving stakeholders’ interests. From the marketing perspective, retaining premium customers with a higher brand preference level is a key to both long-term competitiveness and profitability.

Originality/value

– This study investigates how premium customers’ perceived CSR initiatives of a casino influence their loyalty intention, and also examines how brand preference, as a mediator, influences the relationship between perceived CSR and loyalty intention. Extending the realm of CSR study to understand the linkage between CSR and customer behaviors is also important because multiple theories predict different benefits, and assessing the value of CSR, therefore, requires multiple approaches. Finally, evidence from the research is significant for researchers and practitioners, especially when working on conflicting issues.
Attractor landscapes and reaction functions in escalation and de-escalation
Authors: G. Pruitt Dean , Nowak Andrzej
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast two formal models of escalation and de-escalation: the attractor landscape model and the S-shaped reaction function model. Also, the paper aims to enumerate conditions that affect the shape and location of reaction functions and, hence, the stability of less and more escalated states.

Design/methodology/approach

– Both models are presented together with geometric proofs of the main assertions of the second model. Overlap and comparative strengths of the models are reviewed. Parts of the social science literature are synthesized in a discussion of the antecedents of stability.

Findings

– Though derived from totally different traditions, these models are similar in their basic assumptions and predictions. Each model has value. The attractor landscape model is easier to grasp and contains a concept of resistance to escalation that is not found in the S-shaped reaction function model. The latter model looks at individual parties rather than the dyad as a whole and, thus, offers an explanation for most of the phenomena described by the former model. It also allows identification of many variables that affect the shape and location of reaction functions and, hence, can be viewed as antecedents of escalation and de-escalation.

Research limitations/implications

– Seven testable hypotheses are presented in the Conclusions section. Laboratory tasks for testing such hypotheses have yet to be developed and there is only one study employing real-life measures. However, it is clear that once research on these phenomena really begins, new variables will be found that moderate the strength of the effects hypothesized.

Practical implications

– The models provide concepts for thinking about how to avoid runaway escalation and promote runaway de-escalation. The variables mentioned in the hypotheses suggest ways to diminish the likelihood of runaway escalation and can also be used for constructing measures of the likelihood of that phenomenon. The theories also imply that when the likelihood of runaway escalation increases, disputants should be doubly careful to avoid initiating escalative behavior.

Originality/value

– The article is original in that the S-shaped reaction function model is refined and further developed and the proofs are new. The comparison between the models is also new, as is most of the enumeration of conditions affecting the stability of low and high escalation. The value of the article is to provide concepts and theory for thinking about escalation and de-escalation, and testable hypotheses for studying these phenomena.
Employee loyalty and organizational performance: a critical survey
Authors: Guillon Olivia , Cezanne Cécile
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to clarify the relationship between employee loyalty and organizational performance. It starts with the idea that the employee loyalty creates value for the organization. This statement is widely endorsed in the literature although there is little consensus on the definition of loyalty. The paper proposes a refined synthesis of the literature on the link between employee loyalty and organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper addresses the question of whether there is a robust positive link between employee loyalty and organizational performance. The paper starts by reviewing the various, sometimes divergent, approaches to employee loyalty in the literature and then compare the different indicators of loyalty in relation to their relevance to different indicators of performance.

Findings

– The paper provides a critical overview of the different existing conceptions of employee loyalty. It points out ambiguity about both the theoretical contours of the concept, and practical means of making it a source of value for the organization. The paper shows that the link between employee loyalty and performance varies according to the type of indicators used.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper highlights a variety of indicators for employee loyalty to their firm and for organizational performance. But much research remains to be conducted, notably on the managerial levers that might consolidate or improve organizational performance.

Originality/value

– This paper fulfills an identified need to survey a fragmented theoretical field of analysis.
Beyond statistics: a new rhetoric for investment theory
Authors: Pistorius Thomas
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse the current rhetoric of predictability in investment theory. After making the case for unpredictability, a new rhetoric for investment theory is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

– McCloskey's project of the rhetoric of economics provides the background and approach for the author's investigation. In particular the author will use the notions of metaphor, prediction, discourse analysis, and virtue ethics.

Findings

– The current rhetoric equals the original rhetoric in the seminal work of Markowitz. The current rhetoric is based on predictability and rational behaviour. The proposed new rhetoric for investment theory denies predictability. The new rhetoric aims to cope with statistics by stressing that statistics is supportive but not decisive: handling investment theory is about judgements, combining virtues with historical and theoretical insights.

Practical implications

– The investigation of the rhetoric of investment theory has practical relevance because the theory constitutes investment practice, and can put financial wealth at risk. The new rhetoric for investment theory invites practitioners and researchers to reflect on the epistemology of investment theory, and its consequences for the field.

Originality/value

– The rhetoric of investment theory is to the author's knowledge not yet analysed in the literature. The rhetorical analysis of the current rhetoric and the proposal of a new rhetoric aim to contribute to the literature on the rhetoric of investment theory.
Framing financial culture – rhetorical struggles over the meaning of “Liborgate”
Authors: Just Sine Nørholm , Mouton Nico
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The meaning of scandals like “Liborgate” is not given beforehand; it is constructed in the course of framing contests. The purpose of this paper is to provide a nuanced framework for understanding such framing contests by re-conceptualizing them as rhetorical struggles.

Design/methodology/approach

– A conceptual framework that combines modern framing theory, and classical stasis theory is applied to the rhetorical struggles over the meaning of “Liborgate.”

Findings

– While rhetorical struggles over “Liborgate” overtly center on the issue of who is to blame, an analysis of the argumentative relations between competing frames leads to the conclusion that this political “blame game” is related to struggles over how to define the scandal, how to conceptualize its causes, and policy recommendations. Banks may have lost the battle of “Liborgate,” but the war over the meaning of financial culture is far from over.

Originality/value

– The paper is theoretically and methodologically original in its combination of the theories of framing and stasis, and it provides analytical insights into how sense is made of financial culture in the wake of the financial crisis.
Discourse phronesis in organizational change: a narrative analysis
Authors: Jansson Noora
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how discursive practices are involved in organizational change.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research scrutinizes organizational change by combining discourse and practice approaches. A case study at a public university hospital is conducted with a narrative analysis method.

Findings

– The key finding of this research is that discursive practices are involved in organizational change through discourse phronesis. Discourse phronesis is a socially and contextually developed phenomenon, and hence discursive practices are particular within context. The case study revealed four particular discursive practices as examples of discourse phronesis: field practices, mandate practices, priority practices and word practices.

Practical implications

– The results of this research advance awareness of the concealed power within discursive practices and, more importantly, invite practitioners to pursue the intellectual virtue of discourse phronesis while implementing organizational change. Discourse phronesis may be utilized as a gateway to advance change goals and to translate various discourses and actions that otherwise might remain unexplained.

Originality/value

– Although extensively studied, organizational change has not previously been directly approached through discourse phronesis, and by doing so this empirical research provides novelty value to both organizational change research and discourse analysis. By introducing the concept of discourse phronesis, this research offers scholars an alternative lens, the intellectual practicality lens, through which to approach organizational change and perhaps to develop new understandings of the great challenges that organizational change complexities usually generate.
Project specification: creativity and rhetoric in scientific research
Authors: Nadal-Burgues Nuria
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify different types of project in relation to their degree of specification and the creative possibilities that more highly specified projects offer researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents the limitations of project management methods when managing research in relation to creativity. If projects are rigorously formulated and fulfill the requirements of project management, they may be compared to a mechanical task in which active decision making no longer applies. The conceptual framework develops the study of the spaces of creativity that research projects offer based on intentional action in which the notion of project is considered to be more flexible than that of more traditional approaches, and the notion of judgment is seen as a source of creativity. The empirical research presents the study of two scientific projects and compares their degree of the goal and task specification, the time required to specify them and how creativity emerges from routinized activities.

Findings

– The spaces of creative possibilities in projects are related in two ways: first, these spaces are related to a critical view of the concepts of repeated action and routines, and second, they are related to the ways researchers use projects and the methods of project management not only as a method but also as a form of rhetoric.

Originality/value

– Constituting a contribution to organizational change and innovation theory that enlarges the concept of project and brings understanding of how researchers define their projects, confront project specifications and are creative in a constrained framework.
Athletic identity – or an autoethnography of almost losing a leg
Authors: Zavattaro Staci
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to use autoethnography to explore notions of self-identity formation and projection. The author uses the stages of grief as an analytical tool to explain athletic identity formation and personal effects when an injury removed that part of her self.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses autoethnography, a self-reflective, qualitative methodology meant to engage the researcher's personal experience, which then is potentially adapted and understood by others in similar situations. Autoethnography might pair personal research with existing analytical frameworks and theories, as this story does.

Findings

–The author realized that losing, even temporarily, self-identifying characteristics (here, athletic identity) affects self-esteem, social interactions, and future motion-based endeavors, for fear of starting the cycle of grief again.

Originality/value

– The paper is valuable, as many people are “weekend warrior” athletes that identity as a runner, cyclist, triathlete, weight lifter, or general gymgoer. Someone might sustain an injury that leaves him or her feeling similar to the author – and can help them understand the importance of athletic identity. The paper also shows how a well-known framework, stages of grief, can be used not solely as an explanatory tool but an analytical one as well.
Political reflexivity in post-bushfire research
Authors: Gibbs Lisa , MacDougall Colin , Block Karen
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– Post-disaster research presents particular challenges for the qualitative researcher due to the wider contextual demands of media attention, public debates and intense scrutiny of policy and service delivery. It highlights the importance of reflexive practice to identify and address any unintended influences on the research processes and outcomes. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper the authors present three case studies of post-bushfire research to demonstrate how the authors adopted a reflexive approach to address external pressures on the conduct and presentation of the research.

Findings

– There are various types of reflexivity identified in the literature to identify influences on the research participant and the research findings arising, for example, from the way the researcher shapes the research findings (personal reflexivity), and the influence of the research process (epistemological reflexivity). In this paper the authors argue for a different reflexivity: one that is political and has a direct influence on the researcher.

Practical implications

– Adoption of political reflexivity is an important tool in post-disaster research to ensure that external influences do not undermine the integrity of the research processes, findings and dissemination.

Originality/value

– The importance of reflexivity in research is well recognized as a means of addressing power and unintended influences on research participants and research processes. The authors introduce the notion of political reflexivity to this debate in recognition of the need to address the potential for research findings and reports to be compromised by political agendas.
Support for the Far Right in the 2014 European Parliament Elections: A Comparative Perspective
Authors: HALIKIOPOULOU DAPHNE , VASILOPOULOU SOFIA
Published: October 2014

The May 2014 European Parliament (EP) elections were characterised by the success of far‐right Eurosceptic parties, including the French Front National, UKIP, the Danish People's Party, the Hungarian Jobbik, the Austrian FPÖ, the True Finns and the Greek Golden Dawn. However, a closer look at the results across Europe indicates that the success of far‐right parties in the EP elections is neither a linear nor a clear‐cut phenomenon: (1) the far right actually declined in many European countries compared to the 2009 results; (2) some of the countries that have experienced the worst of the economic crisis, including Spain, Portugal and Ireland, did not experience a significant rise in far‐right party support; and (3) ‘far right’ is too broad an umbrella term, covering parties that are too different from each other to be grouped in one single party family.
Talking the Talk: Immigration Policy Since 1962
Authors: FELDMAN DAVID
Published: October 2014

Immigration policy has repeatedly failed to fulfil the ambitions of its advocates. Successive governments have neither willed the means nor been open about the obstacles in their way to restricting immigration. Disappointing results have contributed to disillusionment with the political system and help to create the ground on which UKIP has prospered.
Britain First: The ‘Frontline Resistance’ to the Islamification of Britain
Authors: ALLEN CHRIS
Published: October 2014

The British National Party and English Defence League forged new frontiers in British political spaces in relation to anti‐Islam, anti‐Muslim ideologies. Whereas the former sought to do so in formal political arenas, the latter did so as a street‐level movement. With the subsequent waning of both, Britain First has emerged seemingly to fill the political void they left. In many ways, Britain First combines the strategies and actions of the parties that preceded it, at both the formal and street levels. This article considers what is known about Britain First, about its history, development and its ideology, and how this is manifested in terms of its political strategies and actions. This includes such activities as standing for European elections and also undertaking ‘Christian patrols’ and mosque ‘invasions’. The article considers how Britain First, while having some similarities with the BNP and EDL, is more confrontational and militaristic and is informed by apocalyptic Christianity.
Production of a transglutaminase from Zea mays in Escherichia coli and its impact on yoghurt properties
Authors: Li Hongbo , Cui Yanhua , Zhang Lanwei , Luo Xue , Fan Rongbo , Xue Chaohui , Wang Shumei , Liu Wenli , Zhang Shuang , Jiao Yuehua , Du Ming , Yi Huaxi , Han Xue
Published: October 2014

A gene from Zea mays coding a TGase was expressed in E. coli and identified by Western blotting. Under optimal expression conditions, the production and specific activity of refolded TGZ were 1.41 mg/L and 0.34 U/mg. The activated TGZ was employed to cross‐link milk proteins. The yoghurt treated with TGZ showed a lower syneresis, higher apparent viscosity and texture than untreated yoghurt. The properties of TGZ‐treated sample were better than those of MTG‐treated samples, so TGZ may have potential as an additive in yoghurt manufacture.
The need for multipurpose prevention technologies in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Abdool Karim S , Baxter C , Frohlich J , Abdool Karim Q
Published: October 2014

Women bear a disproportionate burden of the HIV epidemic in sub‐Saharan Africa and account for about 60% of all adults living with HIV in that region. Young women, including adolescent girls, unable to negotiate mutual faithfulness and/or condom use with their male partners are particularly vulnerable. In addition to the high HIV burden, women in Africa also experience high rates of other sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. The development of technologies that can simultaneously meet these multiple sexual reproductive health needs would therefore be extremely beneficial in the African setting.
Microbicides and their potential as a catalyst for multipurpose sexual and reproductive health technologies
Authors: Abdool Karim Q , Baxter C , Abdool Karim S
Published: October 2014

There is an urgent need for technologies to prevent sexual acquisition of HIV infection in young women in sub‐Saharan Africa. After two decades of 11 pivotal trials of seven products, anti‐retroviral‐based topical microbicides are showing promise. Building on the CAPRISA 004 trial findings, several trials of new anti‐viral agents, novel delivery mechanisms and combination/multipurpose products that address challenges of adherence and meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of men and women, including preventing HIV infection, are underway.
Making the case for multipurpose prevention technologies: the socio‐epidemiological rationale
Authors: Boonstra H , Barot S , Lusti‐Narasimhan M
Published: October 2014

This paper summarises the public health rationale for multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) by examining recent epidemiological data and trends in sexual and reproductive health indicators. MPTs are products that combine protection against unintended pregnancy, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The successful introduction of new woman‐controlled MPTs provides a compelling response to the multiple sexual and reproductive health risks that women face worldwide.
Beyond HIV microbicides: multipurpose prevention technology products
Authors: Malcolm RK , Boyd P , McCoy CF , Murphy DJ
Published: October 2014

Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) that aim to simultaneously prevent unintended pregnancy, HIV‐1 infection and other sexually transmitted infections are among the most innovative and complex products currently in development within women's sexual and reproductive health care. In this review article, MPTs are placed within the wider context of combination products, combination drug products and multi‐indication products. The current MPT product landscape is mapped and assessed with reference to existing products for the corresponding single indications, before identifying the gaps in the current MPT product pipeline and highlighting priority products and challenges moving forward.
Promoting reproductive options for HIV‐affected couples in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Mmeje O , Cohen CR , Murage A , Ong'ech J , Kiarie J , van der Poel S
Published: October 2014

HIV‐affected couples face unique challenges that require access to information and reproductive services to prevent HIV transmission to the uninfected partner and offspring while allowing couples to fulfil their reproductive goals. In regions of high HIV prevalence in sub‐Saharan Africa, HIV‐affected couples require multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) to enhance their reproductive healthcare options beyond contraception and prevention of HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to include assistance in childbearing. The unique characteristics of the condom and its accepted use in conjunction with safer conception interventions allow HIV‐serodiscordant couples an opportunity to maintain reproductive health, prevent HIV/STI transmission, and achieve their reproductive goals while timing conception. Re‐thinking the traditional view of the condom and incorporating a broader reproductive health perspective of HIV‐affected couples into MPT methodologies will impact demand, acceptability and uptake of these future technologies.
Brief sexuality communication—a behavioural intervention to advance sexually transmitted infection/HIVprevention: a systematic review
Authors: Cooper B , Toskin I , Kulier R , Allen T , Hawkes S
Published: October 2014

Background

Throughout the last decade substantial research has been undertaken to develop evidence‐based behaviour change interventions for sexual health promotion. Primary care could provide an opportunistic entry for brief sexual health communication.

Objectives

We conducted a systematic review to explore opportunistic sexual and reproductive health services for sexual health communication delivered at primary health care level.

Search strategy

We searched for studies on PubMed, ProQuest,CINAHL, Jstor, Scopus/Science Direct, Cochrane database of systematic reviews,EBSCO,CINAHL, PsychoInfo, and Web of Knowledge. Both published and unpublished articles were reviewed.

Selection criteria

All randomised controlled trials and controlled clinical trials were included. Participants of all ages, from adolescence onwards were included. Brief (10–60 minutes) interventions including some aspect of communication on sexual health issues were included.

Data collection and analysis

Data were extracted by two reviewers independently using a standardised form. Interventions differed from each other, hence meta‐analysis was not performed, and results are presented individually.

Main results

A total of 247 articles were selected for full‐text evaluation, 31 of which were included. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)/HIVwere less often reported in the intervention group compared with the control group. Condom use was higher in most studies in the intervention group. Numbers of sexual partners and unprotected sexual intercourse were lower in the intervention groups.

Conclusions

There is evidence that brief counselling interventions have some effect in the reduction and prevention ofSTIs/HIV. Some questions could not be answered, such as the effect over time and in different settings and population groups.
The increase of sexually transmitted infections calls for simultaneous preventive intervention for more effectively containing HIV epidemics in China
Authors: Zheng N , Guo Y , Padmadas S , Wang B , Wu Z
Published: October 2014

Objective

To identify the priority public health challenges with respect to the development of multipurpose prevention technologies in China.

Design

Review of published literature, databases of state and local disease control agencies and unpublished data relating to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Setting

China.

Population

General and migrant populations.

Methods

Review of published data, government reports and databases of China Disease Control agencies, and our unpublished studies.

Main outcome measures

Reported STI incidence, particularly HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and genital herpes, and the migrant population with respect to disease transmission.

Results

We found that the reported STI incidence increases along with that of HIV and showed significant geographic overlap with HIV. Economic migrant workers may facilitate the spread of STIs, including HIV.

Conclusions

To more effectively contain the HIV epidemic, it is imperative to develop preventive measures to simultaneously target HIV and other STIs. We recommend that the development of multipurpose prevention technologies in China should target HIV and STIs.
Evaluation of common cocklebur Xanthium strumarium leaf extract as post‐harvest grain protectant of black gram against pulse beetle Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) and isolation of crude compound
Authors: Roy Balaram , Amin Md Ruhul , Jalal Shah , Kwon Yong Jung , Suh Sang Jae
Published: October 2014

The pulse beetle Callosobruchus chinensis L. is considered the most important stored grain pest of black gram Vigna mungo Hepper in Bangladesh and other tropical and subtropical countries. Bioactive compounds derived from plants can be used to control of the pulse beetle as a potential alternative to synthetic insecticides. Therefore, aqueous extracts of common cocklebur Xanthium strumarium L. leaf was examined for insecticidal properties against C. chinensis. The extracts showed toxicity, repellent properties, inhibited fecundity and adult emergence of the insects, and protected grains. Insect mortality was accounted highest (72.6%) with 4% extract at 4 days after treatment. The beetles showed highest repellency rate (58.0%) with 4% concentration at 1 hour exposure; however insect repellency decreased with time. The beetles exerted the lowest fecundity and grain damage and produced the lowest number of offspring when they were reared on grains treated with 4% extract. The insecticidal compounds present in common cocklebur leaf were extracted in chloroform and ethanol, and isolated by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and spectral studies (1H‐NMR and IR), which identified the presence of aromatic ester, n‐hexyl salicylate or o‐hydroxy‐n‐hexyl‐benzoate and a long‐chain ketone. Therefore, naturally occurring X. strumarium and its derivatives may be potential components for integrated management of C. chinensis.
Characteristics and Functionality Enhancement by Glycosylation of Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) Seed Protein
Authors: Horax Ronny , Hettiarachchy Navam , Chen Pengyin
Published: October 2014

Seeds of ripe bitter melon (Momordica charantia) contain approximately 30% protein. However, this protein, which is less functional than soy protein, may have desirable functionalities as a food ingredient after modification. Bitter melon seed protein isolate (BMSPI) was prepared under optimal extraction conditions (defatted meal to 1.3 M NaCl was 1:10 w/v; pH 9.0) and its functional properties were investigated before and after modification by glycosylation. Glycosylation was conducted at varying relative humidities (50%/65%/80%) and temperatures (40 °C/50 °C/60 °C) using a response surface central composite design. Degree of glycosylation (DG) ranged from 39.3 to 52.5%, 61.7 to 70.9%, and 81.2 to 94.8% at 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C, respectively (P values < 0.0001). Denaturation temperatures of all DGs ranged from 111.6 °C to 114.6 °C, while unmodified/native BMSPI had a value of 113.2 °C. Surface hydrophobicity decreased to approximately 60% when the DG was maximal (94.8%). Solubility decreased almost 90% when the DG was maximal in comparison to the native BMSPI (62.0%). Emulsifying activity increased from 0.35 to 0.80 when the DGs were ≥80%, while emulsion stability increased from 63 to 72 min when the DGs were greater than 70%. A similar trend was observed with foaming capacity and foaming stability of the glycosylated proteins. This glycosylated BMSPI with improved emulsifying and foaming properties could be used as an ingredient in food products where such properties are required.
Identification of a definite diabetic cardiomyopathy in type 2 diabetes by comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation: A cross‐sectional comparison with non‐diabetic weight‐matched controls
Authors: Ofstad Anne Pernille , Urheim Stig , Dalen Håvard , Orvik Elsa , Birkeland Kåre I , Gullestad Lars , W Fagerland Morten , Johansen Odd Erik , Aakhus Svend
Published: October 2014

Background

Subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is prevalent in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). As obesity has been proposed as one causal factor in the disease process, this could bias the reported prevalences. We wanted to characterize echocardiographic LV dysfunction in obese T2DM subjects as compared to non‐diabetic obese controls.

Methods

One hundred patients with T2DM without clinical signs of heart failure (29% females, mean ± SD age 58.4 ± 10.5 years, body mass index (BMI) 30.1 ± 5.5 kg/m2, blood pressure (BP) 141 ± 18/83 ± 9 mmHg) and 100 non‐diabetic controls (29% females) matched for age (58.6 ± 10.5 years), BMI (29.8 ± 4.0 kg/m2) and systolic BP (140 ± 14 mmHg) underwent echocardiography and color tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Diastolic function was evaluated with conventional Doppler recordings and early (e′) and late (a′) myocardial velocities. The ratio between early transmitral filling (E) and the corresponding myocardial tissue velocity (e′) served as an index of LV filling pressure.

Results

T2DM patients had more concentric hypertrophy with a relative wall thickness of 0.42 ± 0.07 vs controls 0.38 ± 0.07, P < 0.001. The T2DM group had signs of diastolic dysfunction with lower E/A ratio (0.91 ± 0.27 vs. 1.12 ± 0.38, P < 0.001), deceleration time (195 ± 49 vs 242 ± 72 ms, P < 0.001), e′ (5.7 ± 2.0 vs. 6.6 ± 1.8 cm/s, P = 0.001), and a′ (6.5 ± 2.0 vs. 7.6 ± 1.5 cm/s, P < 0.001) compared to the controls, and higher E/e′ (13.3 ± 4.7 vs. 11.1 ± 3.5, P < 0.001). Thus, there were indications of pseudo normalization and increased filling pressure in the T2DM group, whereas the controls had evidence for relaxation abnormalities without elevated filling pressure.

Conclusion

Compared to a non‐diabetic obese group, more advanced subclinical impairment of diastolic function was seen in T2DM.
Inflammatory optic disc edema due to Sarcoidosis mimicking malignant hypertension
Authors: Sharma Aman , Sagar Vinay , Singla Veenu , Sharma Kusum , Singh Ramandeep , Singh Surjit , Gupta Amod
Published: October 2014

A common ocular manifestation of sarcoidosis is anterior uveitis. Posterior uveitis is uncommon and optic disc edema is rare. We report one such case in which the initial presentation was mimicking malignant hypertension as the patient had a recent record of high blood pressure. However, the painful progressive vision loss due to optic disc edema, along with anterior uveitis, and histological proof of non‐caseating granulomas on transbronchial lung biopsy clinched the diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis. There was complete resolution of signs and symptoms with institution of steroids. There was also probable cardiac involvement. This case highlights the fact that all disc edemas in a diabetic and hypertensive patients is not just due to malignant hypertension, even if there is a recent history of elevated blood pressure.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound in rheumatology inKorea: targeted ultrasound initiative survey
Authors: Kang Taeyoung , Wakefield Richard J. , Emery Paul
Published: October 2014

Aim

In collaboration with the Targeted Ultrasound Initiative (TUI), to conduct the first study in Korea to investigate current practices in ultrasound use among Korean rheumatologists.

Methods

We translated theTUIGlobal Survey into Korean and added questions to better understand the specific challenges facing rheumatologists in Korea. To target as many rheumatologists in Korea as possible, we created an on‐line version of this survey, which was conducted from March to April 2013.

Results

Rheumatologists are in charge of ultrasound in many Korean hospitals. Rheumatologists in hospitals and private clinics use ultrasound to examine between one and five patients daily; they use ultrasound for diagnosis more than monitoring and receive compensation of aboutUS$30–50 per patient. There are marked differences in the rates of ultrasound usage between rheumatologists who work in private practice compared with tertiary hospitals. Korean rheumatologists not currently using ultrasound in their practice appear eager to do so.

Conclusion

This survey provides important insights into the current status of ultrasound in rheumatology in Korea and highlights several priorities; specifically, greater provision of formal training, standardization of reporting and accrual of greater experience among ultrasound users. If these needs are addressed, all rheumatology departments in Korea are likely to use ultrasound or have access to it in the future.
enaR: An r package for Ecosystem Network Analysis
Authors: Borrett Stuart R. , Lau Matthew K.
Published: October 2014

Network analysis is a useful approach for investigating complex and relational data in many fields including ecology, molecular and evolutionary biology.

Here, we introduce enaR , an r package for Ecosystem Network Analysis (ENA). ENA is an analytical tool set rooted in ecosystem ecology with over 30 years of development that examines the structure and dynamics of matter and energy movement between discrete ecological compartments (e.g. a food web).

In addition to describing the primary functionality of the package, we highlight several features including a library of 100 empirical ecosystem models, the ability to analyse and compare multiple models simultaneously, and connections to other ecological network analysis tools in r.
An ancient Arabian zodiac. The constellations in the Safaitic inscriptions, Part I
Authors: Al‐Jallad Ahmad
Published: October 2014

This contribution identifies a previously unrecognised mode of reckoning time in the inscriptions‐the stars. Twelve zodiacal constellations are identified, along with the constellations Orion and the Pleiades.