bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing public mental health and wellbeing through creative arts participation
Authors: Gillam Tony
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how participation in creative arts activity can enhance public mental health and wellbeing. It is informed by both the author’s clinical practice with service users and carers and by research.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is to draw selectively on research in the field of creativity, creative arts and wellbeing, focusing in particular on the use of music and creative writing, and to incorporate learning from clinical experience to explore what is understood about the health and wellbeing benefits of creative arts activity.

Findings

There is evidence that creative arts activity is beneficial to mental health and wellbeing. Arts activities that involve active participation appear to offer the greatest benefits. Creative arts participation can help people with diagnosed mental health difficulties to recover from mental illness. Moreover, creative arts activities can also promote wellbeing in the general population.

Research limitations/implications

The paper does not provide a comprehensive review of the literature in this field.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that if nurses and other mental health professionals are to play a full role in facilitating flourishing then they will need to learn more about using creative arts in practice and will need to become involved and encourage others to do so.

Social implications

The paper suggests it is important that creative arts activities should be participatory, so they become a vehicle not only for self-expression but also for participation in groups and communities, increasing connectedness and social inclusion.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a need for a wider understanding of the health and wellbeing benefits of creative arts activity.
Knowledge worker productivity: is it really impossible to measure it?
Authors: Iazzolino Gianpaolo , Laise Domenico
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose and discuss, from both a theoretical and empirical point of view, a methodology for measuring the productivity of knowledge workers, then giving a contribution to the question launched by P. Drucker at the end of last millennium. An application of the method on a real case of a knowledge-based firm is shown.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is both theoretical and empirical. At first, building also on Pulic’s theory of human capital efficiency (HCE) and on previous works by the same authors of this paper, a deep theoretical analysis is proposed. After, the explicit calculation of the knowledge worker productivity in a real case of a knowledge-based young firm has been carried out.

Findings

From a theoretical point of view, an inter-theory relationship between Drucker’s approach of sustainable strategies based on knowledge and the theory of HCE, mostly attributable to Pulic, has been constructed. From results of the application on the case study, it emerges that the calculation of the productivity of knowledge workers can be achieved and furthermore the result of the calculation can be the basis for the policy of rewarding within the firm.

Practical implications

The proposed methodology can support the s.c. knowledge-based firms to calculate the productivity of employees, a very practical problem for such kind of firms. Furthermore, the calculation of knowledge worker productivity is the basis for implementing a policy of rewarding employees.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper is to provide a practical methodology useful to calculate knowledge worker productivity. To do so, the link between Drucker’s and Pulic’s theories has been deeply analyzed and an inter-theory relationship has been constructed. The existence of such a relation, in the authors’ opinion, is necessary to provide a theoretical foundation for the methodology proposed.
Non-linear effects of environmental regulations on economic outcomes
Authors: Li Jiangtao , Ji Jianyue , Zhang Yi
Published: October 2018

Purpose

There is no conclusive whether environmental regulation is a constraint or an incentive to the production development. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the non-linear effects of environmental regulations on economic outcomes from the combined perspective of labor productivity and environmental regulation costs.

Design/methodology/approach

Under the assumption of maximizing the utility of residents and maximizing the profit of firms, this research introduces a mathematical model that incorporates the promotion effect of environmental regulations on labor productivity and the costs of environmental regulations. On this basis, the authors analyze the non-linear relationship between environmental regulations and economic outcomes theoretically. This paper also conducts an empirical test using the panel data of 28 provinces in China from 1998 to 2015 through threshold regression.

Findings

Theoretical analysis shows that environmental regulations impose both the environmental regulation cost effect and the compensation effect on the labor productivity enhancement. The ultimate impact of environmental regulation on economic outcomes depends on the comparison of these two effects. Under the different intensities of environmental regulation, the magnitude of these two effects may not be equal. The empirical results further confirm the nonlinear relationship between environmental regulations and economic outcomes.

Originality/value

Previous studies have neglected the role of environmental regulations in improving labor productivity. This work’s main contribution is to propose a novel framework to study the non-linear relationship between environmental regulation and the growth of economic outcomes from perspective of labor productivity and the costs of environmental regulations.
Generating mutual recovery in creative spaces
Authors: Stewart Victoria , Roennfeldt Helena , Slattery Maddy , Wheeler Amanda J.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Participation in creative activities have been linked with increased personal agency. The purpose of this paper is to address critical considerations in the development of community-based creative workshops for people experiencing severe and persistent mental illness and explores participant experiences of these workshops.

Design/methodology/approach

The workshops aimed to build the skills and capacities of participants and provide alternative ways to communicate identity and recovery stories. They were designed to provide a range of creative opportunities for participants (visual arts, writing, dance and music) and were facilitated by practising artists. In total, 11 participants attended ten creative workshops over three months. On completion, a focus group was conducted to gather participant views, experiences and outcomes of the workshops.

Findings

The creative workshops supported the recovery of participants. The inclusion of peer mentors in the workshops was an important in facilitating connectedness.

Originality/value

This study advances the evidence that creative arts can support the psychological and social aspects of participants’ recovery journeys. Creative activities can promote positive self-identity and reduce self-stigma for people experiencing mental illness. It highlights the importance of using evidence in the design of creative workshops and supports the use of peer mentoring in group creative processes.
Reassessing and refining theory in qualitative accounting research
Authors: Taylor Lynda C.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper focuses on the role of theory in the process of doing qualitative accounting research. It discusses the role of theory in qualitative accounting studies, and provides and example of how theory can be reflected upon, reassessed and refined during a research process.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides an illustrative account of theorizing during the process of qualitative accounting research. The paper places specific emphasis on an abductive approach to theorizing. An abductive theoretical framework is used to reflect on the theorizing process.

Findings

The “findings” reflect on the use of theory and the process of theorizing during a research process. The paper finds that abduction may be a useful way of theorizing in qualitative accounting research because it encourages the researcher to remain open to alternative explanations of data, which may promote theoretical development. This paper does not report the accounting practices of an organization in the traditional sense, but illustrates how the empirical findings led to an initial theoretical framework being developed.

Practical implications

The paper is intended to be informative in showing how theory can be used and developed during research. It may be of value and interest to new and emerging researchers. It may also interest established researchers seeking to reflect on their use of theory in research.

Originality/value

There are few contributions that focus exclusively and explicitly on how theory is used and developed during the process of qualitative accounting research. Moreover, the abductive approach has received limited attention in accounting. This paper aims to address these gaps.
Fabrication of nanocellulose/PEGDA hydrogel by 3D printing
Authors: Tang Aimin , Wang Qinwen , Zhao Shan , Liu Wangyu
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Nanocellulose is characterised by favourable biocompatibility, degradability, nanostructure effect, high modulus and high tensile strength and has been widely applied in various fields. The current research in the field of new nanocellulose materials mainly focuses on the hydrogel, aerogel and the tissue engineering scaffold. All of these are three-dimensional (3D) porous materials, but conventional manufacturing technology fails to realise precise control. Therefore, the method of preparing structural materials using 3D printing and adopting the nanocellulose as the 3D printing material has been proposed. Then, how to realise 3D printing of nanocellulose is the problem that should be solved.

Design/methodology/approach

By adding the photosensitive component polyethyleneglycol diacrylate (PEGDA) in the aqueous dispersion system of nanocellulose, the nanocellulose was endowed with photosensitivity. Then, nanocellulose/PEGDA hydrogels were prepared by the additive manufacturing of nanocellulose through light curing.

Findings

The results showed that the nanocellulose/PEGDA hydrogels had a uniform shape and a controllable structure. The nanocellulose supported the scaffold structure in the hydrogels. Prepared with 1.8 per cent nanocellulose through 40 s of light curing, the nanocellulose/PEGDA hydrogels had a maximum compression modulus of 0.91 MPa. The equilibrium swelling ratio of the nanocellulose/PEGDA hydrogel prepared with 1.8 per cent nanocellulose was 13.56, which increased by 44 per cent compared with that of the PEGDA hydrogel without nanocellulose.

Originality/value

The paper proposed a method for rapidly prototyping the nanocellulose with expected properties, which provided a theoretical basis and technological reference for the 3D additive manufacturing of nanocellulose 3D structure materials with a controlled accurate architecture.
A novel approach of reliability-based topology optimization for continuum structures under interval uncertainties
Authors: Wang Lei , Xia Haijun , Yang Yaowen , Cai Yiru , Qiu Zhiping
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel non-probabilistic reliability-based topology optimization (NRBTO) method for continuum structural design under interval uncertainties of load and material parameters based on the technology of 3D printing or additive manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the uncertainty quantification analysis is accomplished by interval Taylor extension to determine boundary rules of concerned displacement responses. Based on the interval interference theory, a novel reliability index, named as the optimization feature distance, is then introduced to construct non-probabilistic reliability constraints. To circumvent convergence difficulties in solving large-scale variable optimization problems, the gradient-based method of moving asymptotes is also used, in which the sensitivity expressions of the present reliability measurements with respect to design variables are deduced by combination of the adjoint vector scheme and interval mathematics.

Findings

The main findings of this paper should lie in that new non-probabilistic reliability index, i.e. the optimization feature distance which is defined and further incorporated in continuum topology optimization issues. Besides, a novel concurrent design strategy under consideration of macro-micro integration is presented by using the developed RBTO methodology.

Originality/value

Uncertainty propagation analysis based on the interval Taylor extension method is conducted. Novel reliability index of the optimization feature distance is defined. Expressions of the adjoint vectors between interval bounds of displacement responses and the relative density are deduced. New NRBTO method subjected to continuum structures is developed and further solved by MMA algorithms.
What we have achieved in the design of 3D printed metal implants for application in orthopedics? Personal experience and review
Authors: Li Zuhao , Wang Chenyu , Li Chen , Wang Zhonghan , Yang Fan , Liu He , Qin Yanguo , Wang Jincheng
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest applications in terms of three-dimensional printed (3DP) metal implants in orthopedics, and, importantly, the design of 3DP metal implants through a series of cases operated at The Second Hospital of Jilin University were presented.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is available to practitioners who are use 3DP implants in orthopedics. This review began with the deficiency of traditional prostheses and basic concepts of 3DP implants. Then, representative 3DP clinical cases were summarized and compared, and the experiences using customized prostheses and directions for future potential development are also shown.

Findings

The results obtained from the follow-up of clinical applications of 3DP implants show that the 3D designed and printed metal implants could exhibit good bone defect matching, quick and safe joint functional rehabilitation as well as saving time in surgery, which achieved high patient satisfaction collectively.

Originality/value

Single center experiences of 3DP metal implants design were shared and the detailed technical points between various regions were compared and analyzed. In conclusion, the 3DP technology is infusive and will present huge potential to reform future orthopedic practice.
Mechanical properties of composite parts manufactured in FDM technology
Authors: Górski Filip , Kuczko Wiesław , Wichniarek Radosław , Hamrol Adam
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to study strength properties and accuracy of a new type of composites, in which matrix is manufactured additively, whereas infill is a polyurethane resin. The process of manufacturing these composites is invented and patented by authors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a method of manufacturing composites, which was then used to build samples for tensile and bending tests (according to ISO 572 and ISO 178 standards), as well as measurements of accuracy.

Findings

It was found that the method of composite manufacturing designed by the authors allows obtaining both stronger and cheaper parts in comparison with the traditional acrylonitrile butadiene styrene FDM parts.

Research limitations/implications

The research was limited to static tests only, and no dynamic tests were performed on the manufactured samples. The accuracy analysis is only a basic one.

Practical implications

Developed method allows to shorten the FDM process with simultaneous decrease of costs (in professional processes) and increase of strength of obtained products.

Originality/value

Application of composite materials presented in the paper will significantly expand possibilities of using FDM method to manufacture functional, strong parts able to carry higher loads. Application of different combinations of thermoplastic matrix materials with different resin infills will allow to control properties of obtained composites. The solution is currently subject of a patent.
Clear as a bell
Authors: Graff Daniel , Clark Mark A.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study reviews the construct of analogy as an individual communication mode, examining its relationship with cross-understanding in knowledge-diverse teams. The authors theorize that analogy use enhances team information processing beyond mere communication frequency through bridging knowledge differences across team members. The authors propose that analogies will have a direct relationship to knowledge application, and an indirect effect via cross-understanding. However, communication frequency will have only an indirect effect on knowledge application through cross-understanding.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors sampled a 49-member team with 14 subteams, yielding 146 usable dyadic relationships. Two mediation models were estimated while using linear mixed-effect models in SPSS.

Findings

The results confirm the importance of analogies and cross-understanding in teams, generally supporting the hypotheses. Mere communication frequency was not related to knowledge application, indicating that “how you say it” may be more important than how often a team member speaks.

Research limitations/implications

This research explored these constructs through a three-week project in a sample of graduate students working with a real-world client. Future research could explore the validity of this model in other organizational settings and test the analogy construct on the team level.

Practical implications

The effectiveness of team member communication should be measured not only as frequency but also in terms of analogies to transmit meaning.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to an understanding of teams as information processors by building empirical support for the utility of analogical communication in design teams, establishing the relationship of analogies to cross-understanding and knowledge application.
Tagatose as a Potential Nutraceutical: Production, Properties, Biological Roles, and Applications
Authors: Roy Sohini , Chikkerur Jayaram , Roy Sudhir Chandra , Dhali Arindam , Kolte Atul Puroshtam , Sridhar Manpal , Samanta Ashis Kumar
Published: October 2018

Nutraceuticals are gaining importance owing to their potential applications in numerous sectors including food and feed industries. Among the emerging nutraceuticals, d‐tagatose occupies a significant niche because of its low calorific value, antidiabetic property and growth promoting effects on beneficial gut bacteria. As d‐tagatose is present in minute quantities in naturally occurring food substances, it is produced mainly by chemical or biological means. Recently, attempts were made for bio‐production of d‐tagatose using l‐arabinose isomerase enzyme to overcome the challenges of chemical process of production. Applications of d‐tagatose for maintaining health and wellbeing are increasing due to growing consumer awareness and apprehension against modern therapeutic agents. This review outlines the current status on d‐tagatose, particularly its production, properties, biological role, applications, and the future perspectives.
Ethanol consumption following mild traumatic brain injury is related to blood‐brain barrier permeability
Authors: Poznanski Piotr , Lesniak Anna , Korostynski Michal , Sacharczuk Mariusz
Published: October 2018

Several preclinical and clinical studies that deal with the neuropathological consequences of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) have focused on unraveling its effect on ethanol drinking behavior. Previous reports describe changes in ethanol consumption, both in animal models of mTBI as well as in patients, after concussive brain injury. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are still poorly understood. In the present study, we used a unique model of mouse lines divergently selected for high (HA) or low (LA) swim stress‐induced analgesia to examine the effect of mTBI on ethanol drinking behavior. In comparison with LA mice, their HA counterparts exhibited increased blood‐brain barrier (BBB) permeability, lower basal alcohol preference, and lower level of stress‐induced ethanol intake. Here, we showed that mTBI attenuates voluntary ethanol intake in LA, but not in HA mice. Interestingly, BBB disruption after mannitol infusion also decreases the level of ethanol drinking behavior in this line. We conclude that in alcohol‐preferring LA mice, BBB disruption as a consequence of mTBI attenuates ethanol consumption. Our results suggest that the innate level of BBB integrity plays a pivotal role in regulation of ethanol consumption in mice showing differential endogenous opioid system activity.
Regulatory aspects of the development of drugs for metabolic bone diseases – FDA and EMA perspective
Authors: Kehoe Theresa , Blind Eberhard , Janssen Heidi
Published: October 2018

Regulation of medicines involves complex scientific and public health policies which are reflected in the regulatory approaches used by the European Medicines Agency and the United States Food and Drug Administration for the approval of products developed for metabolic bone diseases. For osteoporosis therapies, utilized by many patients, the approaches and existing guidance for product development of both agencies are similar; confirmatory studies for the approval of osteoporosis products can rely on well‐defined efficacy outcome parameters. Therapeutics for rare bone diseases, a rapidly expanding area, often require an individualized regulatory approach. This review outlines key aspects of these regulatory approaches applied by the two agencies for products for metabolic bone diseases.
The Middle East Needs to Rediscover its Market Roots
Authors: Sanandaji Nima
Published: October 2018

Enterprise, banking, free markets and free‐market economic policies are often assumed to have a relatively new Western origin. In fact, the practice of market exchange had already evolved 4,000 years ago in the ancient Middle East. Later, market‐based economies independently also developed in China and India. The oldest recorded intellectual support for free‐market economic policy is found in ancient Persia and China. Acknowledging the Eastern roots of capitalism is important at a time when Eastern cultures are moving towards a market renaissance.
Anti‐Competitive Market Distortions: A Typology
Authors: Singham Shanker A. , Rangan U. Srinivasa
Published: October 2018

Market distortions are seen in almost every country. These distortions are created by policymakers. Sometimes they are a response to genuine market failures. More often, though, these distortions are meant to tilt the field of competition and they have strong anti‐competitive effects. In this article we create a typology of such anti‐competitive market distortions (ACMDs) and show how each of them has strongly negative consumer welfare implications.
The Continuing Burden of Occupational Licensing in the United States
Authors: Carpenter Dick M. , Knepper Lisa , Sweetland Kyle , McDonald Jennifer
Published: October 2018

This study follows up an earlier study in which we examined the scope and burden of 102 occupational licensing laws in the United States for low‐ and moderate‐income occupations. Using data collected in 2017, findings indicate that the licences studied require of aspiring workers, on average, US$262 in fees, one exam, and about 12 months of education and training, plus minimum grade and age levels. Data also indicate striking disparities in requirements within and between occupations and within and between states. A comparison with licensing requirements in 2012 indicates that requirements have generally increased, with the greatest increase being in fees. Among states, Alaska and Hawaii saw the greatest increases in licensing requirements.
M‐Pesa and the ‘Market‐Led’ Approach to Financial Inclusion
Authors: Burns Scott
Published: October 2018

Inclusive financial systems play a critical role in fostering economic growth and development. However, the question of what is the best means of achieving this has long been a puzzle. In this article, I use the mobile money revolution in Sub‐Saharan Africa to show that the greatest examples of financial development have come from nations embracing a market‐led approach that removes repressive regulations and gives entrepreneurs the freedom to discover innovative ways to access the unbanked. Comparing the successes and failures of mobile money across the continent over the past decade, I argue that the best predictor of whether a country will reap the benefits of these transformative innovations is whether its government embraces a laissez‐faire, or ‘enabling’, regulatory approach that encourages entrepreneurship and experimentation.
Managing risk in the public sector – The interaction between vernacular and formal risk management systems
Authors: Carlsson‐Wall Martin , Kraus Kalle , Meidell Anita , Tran Patrik
Published: October 2018

This paper examines the management of risk in a large public sector organization. Accounting research on “new” risk management in the public sector has focused on how formal risk management systems emerge through a top–down approach, primarily driven by external demands. Our study contributes to this body of work by detailing the emergence and operation of vernacular risk management systems, that is, systems self‐generated by organizational actors in the context of their work and not officially sanctioned within the organizational hierarchy (cf., Kilfoyle, Richardson & MacDonald, 2013). In this, we theorize how such systems interact with formal risk management systems, thereby also contributing to other disciplines such as crisis management and project management. Drawing on Fischer and Ferlie (2013), we detail how several vernacular systems co‐exist and have different interaction modes with the formal risk management system, and consider how these modes of interaction also change over time. Finally, our results highlight the link between the operation of “new” risk management and inter‐organizational relationships, demonstrating that such relationships can be an important asset to build on in risk management work.
Relationship between recruitment of Japanese sardine (Sardinops melanostictus) and environment of larval habitat in the low‐stock period (1995–2010)
Authors: Nishikawa Haruka
Published: October 2018

Stock level of Japanese sardine (Sardinops melanostictus) was high from 1980s to early 1990s and low from late 1990s to 2000s. The warm and cold water masses in the vicinity of the Kuroshio axis from winter to early spring used to be critical for the recruitment in the high‐stock period, because most of the larvae were distributed there. However, the environmental fluctuation might not affect the recruitment in the low‐stock period. Some studies reported that spawning location and spawning season, and hence the larval habitat, differ depending on the stock level. Three points were investigated in this study: (a) how spawning location and spawning season shifted from the late 1990s, (b) confirmation of the distribution area of larvae in the recent low‐stock period and (c) whether the water temperature in the vicinity of the Kuroshio axis was still related to the recruitment in the low‐stock period. The spawning location and spawning season clearly changed after 1995. Consequently, particle tracking experiments suggested that the larvae appeared in the vicinity of the Kuroshio axis from winter to early spring decreased. Nevertheless, only the ambient temperature of larvae that appeared in the vicinity of the Kuroshio axis from winter had a significant negative correlation with an index of the recruitment in the low‐stock period. It is suggested that the warm and cold masses in the vicinity of the Kuroshio axis are critical for the recruitment regardless of the stock level.
Translation, transcultural adaptation, and validation of two questionnaires on shared decision making
Authors: Ruiz Yanzi María Victoria , Barani Mariela Silvia , Franco Juan Victor Ariel , Vazquez Peña Fernando Ramón , Terrasa Sergio Adrian , Kopitowski Karin Silvana
Published: October 2018

Objective

To translate, transcultural adapt, and validate the “CollaboRATE” measure and the “Ask 3 Questions” intervention in Argentina, allowing us to quantify the degree of use and implementation of shared decision making (SDM).

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting and Participants

Data were collected in an academic hospital in Buenos Aires. Physician–patient pairs were invited to participate following their scheduled outpatient visits.

Measurements

Two processes were carried out as follows: (a) The translation and transcultural adaptation process, in which translations were produced and then adapted to Spanish. (b) The validation process, in which questionnaires were completed by patient–physician pairs, the results of which were subsequently analysed. Reliability (Cronbach's alpha) and construct validity (principal component analysis) were assessed.

Results

The final Spanish versions of “CollaboRATE” and “Ask 3 Questions” were tested in a primary care sample of 56 participants. Both instruments presented adequate reliability and validity. Internal consistency yielded a Cronbach's alpha of 98.3 for the “CollaboRATE” measure and 0.77 and 0.69 for the patients and physicians versions of the “Ask 3 Questions” intervention. Principal components analysis showed eigenvalues of first component >1.

Discussion and Conclusions

We obtained valid and reliable Spanish versions of the “CollaboRATE” measure and the “Ask 3 Questions” intervention. These versions can be used for the assessment of SDM in clinical visits, and to obtain new information which could help the monitoring of its implementation.
Radioprotective effects of roxadustat (FG‐4592) in haematopoietic system
Authors: Zhang Pei , Du Jicong , Zhao Hainan , Cheng Ying , Dong Suhe , Yang Yanyong , Li Bailong , Gao Fu , Sun Xuejun , Cai Jianming , Liu Cong
Published: October 2018

Background

Ionizing radiation often causes severe injuries to radiosensitive tissues, especially haematopoietic system. Novel radioprotective drugs with low toxicity and high effectiveness are required. Prolyl hydroxylases domain (PHD) inhibitors have been reported to protect against radiation‐induced gastrointestinal toxicity. In this study, we demonstrated the protective effects of a PHD inhibitor, roxadustat (FG‐4592), against radiation‐induced haematopoietic injuries in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Tissue injuries were evaluated by Haematoxilin‐Eosin (HE) staining assay. HSCs were determined by flow cytometry with the Lin−Sca‐1+c‐Kit+ (LSK) phenotype. Cell apoptosis was determined by Annexin V/PI staining assay. Immunofluorescence was performed to measure radiation‐induced DNA damage. A western blot assay was used to detect the changes of proteins related to apoptosis.

Results

We found that FG‐4592 pretreatment increased survival rate of irradiated mice and protected bone marrow and spleen from damages. Number of bone marrow cells (BMCs) and LSK cells were also increased both in irradiated mice and recipients after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). FG‐4592 also protected cells against radiation‐induced apoptosis and double strand break of DNA.

Conclusions

Our data showed that FG‐4592 exhibited radioprotective properties in haematopoietic system both in vivo and in vitro through up‐regulating HIF‐1α, indicating a potential role of FG‐4592 as a novel radioprotector.
Liberal Intergovernmentalism in the Councils of the EU: A Baseline Theory?
Authors: Naurin Daniel
Published: October 2018

How has the research on the European Council and the Council of the EU engaged with Moravcsik's theory on liberal intergovernmentalism (LI)? This article analyzes 25 years of Council research. Most of this literature does not refer to LI, and a majority of the references that are made raise critique against LI. However, compared to other major works on European integration, LI is by far the most important source in the Council literature. Furthermore, a closer look at the most significant challenges raised against LI indicates that its account of intergovernmental bargaining in the EU is not in serious question. On the other hand, few studies provide systematic tests of the key assumptions of LI with regards to interstate bargaining. As a result, the self‐proclaimed status of LI as a baseline theory is confirmed in the Council literature more by implicit, somewhat reluctant, consent than by overt support.
The interpretive contribution of the baseline serum cortisol concentration of the ACTH stimulation test in the diagnosis of pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism in dogs
Authors: Nivy Ran , Refsal Kent R. , Ariel Ella , Kuzi Sharon , Yas‐Natan Einat , Mazaki‐Tovi Michal
Published: October 2018

Background

Current recommendation for performing the ACTH stimulation test (ACTHST) for diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) advocates the collection of baseline serum cortisol concentration (BC), but no references for interpretation of its results exist.

Objective

Evaluate the contribution of BC of the ACTHST to the diagnosis of HAC.

Animals

Fifty‐four dogs were evaluated for suspected HAC at a referral hospital.

Methods

Records of dogs that had been evaluated by ACTHST for suspected HAC were reviewed. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analyses were used to assess the performance of BC, post‐stimulation serum cortisol concentrations (PC), post‐to‐baseline cortisol concentration difference (DeltaC) and quotient (RatioC) for the diagnosis of HAC by comparing the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of PC to each of the other tests.

Results

The AUC of PC (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92; 95% CI, 0.81‐0.98) was significantly higher than AUCs of BC (0.70; 95% CI, 0.56‐0.82;P= .01) and RatioC (0.55; 95% CI, 0.41‐0.69;P< .001), and was not significantly different from AUC of DeltaC (0.86; 95% CI, 0.74‐0.94;P= .09). An optimal cutoff value of 683 nmol/L (24.8 μg/dL) for PC yielded a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 94%, respectively, and a cutoff value of 718 nmol/L (26.0 μg/dL) yielded a specificity of 100% with of 81% sensitivity for the diagnosis of pituitary‐dependent HAC.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

The PC had good discriminatory ability for the diagnosis of HAC. It was comparable to DeltaC, whereas BC and RatioC were ineffective. Current recommendations to collect samples for BC appear redundant.
Impaired mental health status in patients with chronic kidney disease is associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate decline
Authors: Onishi Yasuhiro , Uchida Haruhito A , Takeuchi Hidemi , Kakio Yuki , Sugiyama Hitoshi , Wada Jun , Shimada Noriaki , Tokumasu Hironobu , Fukushima Masaki , Asano Kenichiro
Published: October 2018

Aim

Deteriorated health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) is associated with increased risk for death in both chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients; however, the impact of HRQOL on CKD progression is not well investigated.

Methods

We aimed to evaluate the association between HRQOL and CKD progression in Japanese patients with CKD. One hundred and three outpatients who visited the department of nephrology at our hospital (mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR); 32.1 ± 11.2 mL/min per 1.73 m2) between April 2007 and March 2012 were enrolled in this study. The primary outcome was 30% decline of eGFR or ESRD. We assessed HRQOL of all participants at baseline, including the physical component summary (PCS), the mental component summary (MCS) and the role/social component summary (RCS), using SF‐36. Based on the baseline score of PCS, MCS and RCS, we divided all subjects into two groups by median.

Results

We studied 66 men (64.1%) and 37 women aged 61.7 ± 10.0 years old. During approximately 2.5 years of follow‐up period, 59 patients (57.3%) reached 30% eGFR decline or ESRD. Cox regression analyses demonstrated that lower MCS score was significantly associated with CKD progression (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.04–3.21, P = 0.035), but that lower PCS score and RCS score were not (HR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.39–1.25, P = 0.223; HR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.54–1.67, P = 0.854, respectively).

Conclusion

We found that impaired mental health was associated with CKD progression. The evaluation of the mental health should be performed in the patients with CKD.
Vasopressin augments TNBS‐induced colitis through enteric neuronal V1a receptor‐mediated COX‐2‐dependent prostaglandin release from mast cells in mice
Authors: Dou Dandan , Chen Lixin , Di Hong , Song Zhuoran , Li Shirui , Bu Xinjie , Dai Qing , Wang Shuai , Li Jing Xin , Zhu Xiaolong , Jing Haiyan
Published: October 2018

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a functional disorder with chronic and relapsing clinical features. Vasopressin (VP) is a hormone responsible for water and stress homeostasis and also regulates gastrointestinal inflammation and motility. We explored whether VP was related to IBD pathogenesis and its possible pathway.

Methods

Colitis was induced by 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) in mice. The disease activity and colonic damage were evaluated through a scoring system. Locations of the V1a receptor were revealed by immunochemistry method in colon. Ussing chamber technique was performed for the electrophysiological characterization by using rat ileum. The (Arg8)‐Vasopressin (AVP)‐evoked short‐circuit current (Isc) was recorded in the presence of conivaptan (V1a and V2 receptor antagonist), tolvaptan (V1b receptor antagonist), tetrodotoxin (TTX), atropine, cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors (indomethacin, nonspecific COX antagonist; SC560, COX‐1 antagonist; NS560, COX‐2 antagonist), and a stabilizer of mast cell (cromolyn sodium), respectively.

Key Results

TNBS resulted in the obvious loss of body weight and tissue damages in mice. AVP significantly aggravated the TNBS‐induced colitis, which was attenuated by conivaptan but not tolvaptan. V1a receptors were found immunopositive in neurons among the enteric nervous system. AVP evoked a pulsatile response in Isc. Its amplitude, frequency, and cycle duration were around 8‐15 µA/cm2, 10‐11 mHz, and 1.5 minutes, respectively. Notably, the AVP‐evoked change in Isc was abolished by TTX, atropine, conivaptan, indomethacin, NS560, and cromolyn sodium, respectively.

Conclusions and Inferences

VP‐V1a receptor played the proinflammatory role in TNBS‐induced colitis by promoting COX‐2‐dependent prostaglandin release from mucosal mast cells, which was mediated by the cholinergic pathway.
Gender and Agenda Diversity: Cognitive Differences in Representatives’ Information Processing
Authors: Murat Yildirim Tevfik
Published: October 2018

A growing body of research examines the role of information processing on decision making in a variety of organizational settings such as authoritarian and democratic governments, subnational organizations, and market systems. Although an increasing number of scholars point to the importance of cognitive capacities of individuals in explaining macrophenomena, scant attention has been devoted to how individual human beings process incoming information. Utilizing original datasets of parliamentary speeches and the biographies of 1,100 members of parliament (MPs) who served in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey between 2002 and 2011, I explore female–male differences in MPs’ issue attention in the parliament. Drawing together the literatures on political agenda setting, gender studies, and cognitive psychology, I argue that women’s higher potential for empathic response to societal issues (i.e., lower cognitive threshold of urgency for social problems) leads them to speak about a wider range of issues facing society and find strong support for this hypothesis. The conclusion considers potential implications of these findings.
Ownership and Membership: Practices and Experiences of Neighbourhood Residents in the Wijsgeren Community Garden in Amsterdam
Authors: Spierings Bas , Van Liempt Ilse , Maliepaard Emiel
Published: October 2018

City governments worldwide have embraced urban agriculture, including community gardening, for the multiple societal benefits which they promise. Many academic studies have also emphasised and celebrated the benefits of community gardening but the debate surrounding it increasingly takes a more critical stance by also paying attention to the societal drawbacks. This paper aims to further enrich this more critical debate by analysing processes of social inclusion and social exclusion in and around the community garden in the Wijsgeren neighbourhood of Amsterdam. By looking at the practices and experiences of both gardeners and non‐gardeners, processes of inclusion and exclusion are unravelled in terms of ownership and membership of the community garden. In so doing, exclusionary barriers based on non‐ownership and non‐membership are pinpointed in particular.
Teaching Approaches and Practices of Student Teachers in Early Childhood Education: A Convergent Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Veziroglu-Celik Mefharet , Acar Ibrahim Hakki
Published: October 2018

This study examined the teaching approaches and practices of student teachers in early childhood education using a convergent parallel mixed methods design. The participants were 112 student teachers for the quantitative strand and 29 randomly selected student teachers for the qualitative strand of the study. Participants reported on their teaching approaches in the quantitative strand, and video recordings of teaching practices of student teachers were used in the qualitative strand of the study. Quantitative data were analyzed using cluster analyses, and qualitative data were analyzed using an observational coding of behaviors, following that which the quantitative and qualitative results were merged. Cluster analyses showed that student teachers to be categorized into three groups (traditional, constructivist, and mixed) that reflect their teaching approaches. The qualitative analyses from the video recordings consistently showed that student teachers reflected their perceptions of teaching approaches in their practice. Findings from the current study highlight the importance of understanding student teachers’ teaching approaches and practices in early childhood.
The Relationship between Elementary School Students’ Reading Comprehension and Reading Motivation
Authors: Kuşdemir Yasemin , Bulut Pınar
Published: October 2018

Reading is an important language skill whose main purpose is comprehension. In the reading process, visible symbols must be perceived and interpreted in the brain. Once the reading skill has been acquired, it can become a tool for having access to information, analyzing and interpreting it. All of these depend on the reading comprehension skill. Thus, evaluation of reading comprehension is one of the subjects to which great importance is attached. Particularly the evaluation of the level of students’ reading comprehension is a subject of great interest for many researchers. In this regard, the current study aimed to investigate the relationship between the Turkish elementary school students’ reading comprehension and reading motivation. At the end of the study, it was found that there is a positive, medium and significant correlation between the students’ levels of reading comprehension determined with cloze tests made up of both narrative and informative texts and reading motivation. In addition, a positive, medium and significant correlation was found between the students’ levels of reading comprehension determined with open-ended questions made up of both narrative and informative texts and reading motivation. Increase in the students’ reading motivation affects their reading comprehension positively and significantly. Furthermore, reading motivation explains 12-13% of the total variance in their reading comprehension.
A Study on Teacher Candidates’ Self-Efficacy, Motivation and Affection Levels for Children
Authors: Demirtaş Vesile Yildiz
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this research is to reveal the levels of affection for children, teaching motivations and self-efficacy beliefs of the teacher candidates studying in special education, pre-school and primary school teaching departments based on their gender, classroom and academic branches to showcase the correlations between the levels of the teachers’ affection for children, their self-efficacy beliefs and teaching motivations. The study group was determined with the criterion sampling method. 368 teacher candidates participated in this study: 108 from special education department, 136 from pre-school department and 136 from primary school teacher department. The data were collected by means of ‘Barnett Liking Children, Teaching Motivations and Perception of Teacher Self-efficacy Scales’. The data were analyzed using independent group t-tests, one –way analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation analysis and simple linear regression analysis. The results show that the teacher candidates from the three departments have a high level of affection for children. Their motivations to teach and self-efficacy beliefs are higher than the average value. It is revealed that there is an average positive correlation between liking children and teacher self-efficacy in using teaching strategies. However, the data results disclosed that the teacher candidates’ self-efficacy beliefs, students’ participation, teaching motivations, and teaching strategies predict their affection for children significantly and positively. Teacher candidates should be enabled to establish direct experiences with the group they shall work with in order to develop the self-efficiency beliefs of them.
Deployment in wireless sensor networks by parallel and cooperative parallel artificial bee colony algorithms
Authors: Aslan Selcuk
Published: October 2018

Increasing number of cores in a processor chip and decreasing cost of distributed memory based system setup have led to emerge of a new work theme in which the main concern focused on the parallelization of the well-known algorithmic approaches for utilizing the computational power of the current architectures. In this study, the performances of the conventional parallel and cooperative model based parallel Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithms on the deployment problem related to the wireless sensor networks were investigated. The results obtained from the experimental studies showed that parallelized ABC algorithm with the cooperative model is capable of finding similar or better coverage ratios with the increased convergence speeds than its serial counterpart and parallelized implementation in which the emigrant is chosen as the best food source in the current subcolony.