bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex responses to movement-based disease control: when livestock trading helps
Authors: Prentice Jamie C. , Marion Glenn , Hutchings Michael R. , McNeilly Tom N. , Matthews Louise
Published: January 2017

Livestock disease controls are often linked to movements between farms, for example, via quarantine and pre- or post-movement testing. Designing effective controls, therefore, benefits from accurate assessment of herd-to-herd transmission. Household models of human infections make use of
R
*
, the number of groups infected by an initial infected group, which is a metapopulation level analogue of the basic reproduction number
R
0
that provides a better characterization of disease spread in a metapopulation. However, existing approaches to calculate
R
*
do not account for individual movements between locations which means we lack suitable tools for livestock systems. We address this gap using next-generation matrix approaches to capture movements explicitly and introduce novel tools to calculate
R
*
in any populations coupled by individual movements. We show that depletion of infectives in the source group, which hastens its recovery, is a phenomenon with important implications for design and efficacy of movement-based controls. Underpinning our results is the observation that
R
*
peaks at intermediate livestock movement rates. Consequently, under movement-based controls, infection could be controlled at high movement rates but persist at intermediate rates. Thus, once control schemes are present in a livestock system, a reduction in movements can counterintuitively lead to increased disease prevalence. We illustrate our results using four important livestock diseases (bovine viral diarrhoea, bovine herpes virus, Johne's disease and
Escherichia coli
O157) that each persist across different movement rate ranges with the consequence that a change in livestock movements could help control one disease, but exacerbate another.
Effective delivery of volatile biocides employing mesoporous silicates for treating biofilms
Authors: Chan Andrea C. , Bravo Cadena Marimar , Townley Helen E. , Fricker Mark D. , Thompson Ian P.
Published: January 2017

Nanoparticulate delivery of biocides has the potential to decrease levels of exposure to non-target organisms, and miminize long-term exposure that can promote the development of resistance. Silica nanoparticles are an ideal vehicle since they are inert, biocompatible, biodegradable, and thermally and chemically stable. Encapsulation of biocides within nanoparticulates can improve their stability and longevity and maximize the biocidal potential of hydrophobic volatile compounds. Herein, we have shown that the plant secondary metabolites allyl isothiocyanate and cinnamaldehyde demonstrated increased antimicrobial activity against
Escherichia coli
in planktonic form, when packaged into mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Furthermore, the biocide-loaded nanoparticles showed activity against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
biofilms that have inherent resistance to antimicrobial agents. The delivery platform can also be expanded to traditional biocides and other non-conventional antimicrobial agents.
Antimicrobial peptide coatings for hydroxyapatite: electrostatic and covalent attachment of antimicrobial peptides to surfaces
Authors: Townsend Leigh , Williams Richard L. , Anuforom Olachi , Berwick Matthew R. , Halstead Fenella , Hughes Erik , Stamboulis Artemis , Oppenheim Beryl , Gough Julie , Grover Liam , Scott Robert A. H. , Webber Mark , Peacock Anna F. A. , Belli Antonio , Logan Ann , de Cogan Felicity
Published: January 2017

The interface between implanted devices and their host tissue is complex and is often optimized for maximal integration and cell adhesion. However, this also gives a surface suitable for bacterial colonization. We have developed a novel method of modifying the surface at the material–tissue interface with an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) coating to allow cell attachment while inhibiting bacterial colonization. The technology reported here is a dual AMP coating. The dual coating consists of AMPs covalently bonded to the hydroxyapatite surface, followed by deposition of electrostatically bound AMPs. The dual approach gives an efficacious coating which is stable for over 12 months and can prevent colonization of the surface by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Chimpanzees breed with genetically dissimilar mates
Authors: Walker Kara K. , Rudicell Rebecca S. , Li Yingying , Hahn Beatrice H. , Wroblewski Emily , Pusey Anne E.
Published: January 2017

Inbreeding adversely affects fitness, whereas heterozygosity often augments it. Therefore, mechanisms to avoid inbreeding and increase genetic distance between mates should be advantageous in species where adult relatives reside together. Here we investigate mate choice for genetic dissimilarity in chimpanzees, a species in which many females avoid inbreeding through dispersal, but where promiscuous mating and sexual coercion can limit choice when related adults reside together. We take advantage of incomplete female dispersal in Gombe National Park, Tanzania to compare mate choice for genetic dissimilarity among immigrant and natal females in two communities using pairwise relatedness measures in 135 genotyped chimpanzees. As expected, natal females were more related to adult males in their community than were immigrant females. However, among 62 breeding events, natal females were not more related to the sires of their offspring than immigrant females, despite four instances of close inbreeding. Moreover, females were generally less related to the sires of their offspring than to non-sires. These results demonstrate that chimpanzees may be capable of detecting relatedness and selecting mates on the basis of genetic distance.
A transverse isotropic viscoelastic constitutive model for aortic valve tissue
Authors: Anssari-Benam Afshin , Bucchi Andrea , Screen Hazel R. C. , Evans Sam L.
Published: January 2017

A new anisotropic viscoelastic model is developed for application to the aortic valve (AV). The directional dependency in the mechanical properties of the valve, arising from the predominantly circumferential alignment of collagen fibres, is accounted for in the form of transverse isotropy. The rate dependency of the valve's mechanical behaviour is considered to stem from the viscous (
η
) dissipative effects of the AV matrix, and is incorporated as an explicit function of the deformation rate (

λ
˙

). Model (material) parameters were determined from uniaxial tensile deformation tests of porcine AV specimens at various deformation rates, by fitting the model to each experimental dataset. It is shown that the model provides an excellent fit to the experimental data across all different rates and satisfies the condition of strict local convexity. Based on the fitting results, a nonlinear relationship between
η
and

λ
˙

is established, highlighting a ‘shear-thinning’ behaviour for the AV with increase in the deformation rate. Using the model and these outcomes, the stress–deformation curves of the AV tissue under physiological deformation rates in both the circumferential and radial directions are predicted and presented. To verify the predictive capabilities of the model, the stress–deformation curves of AV specimens at an intermediate deformation rate were estimated and validated against the experimental data at that rate, showing an excellent agreement. While the model is primarily developed for application to the AV, it may be applied without the loss of generality to other collagenous soft tissues possessing a similar structure, with a single preferred direction of embedded collagen fibres.
Euthecosomata (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Thecosomata). Taxonomic review
Authors: Rampal Jeannine
Published: January 2017

The Euthecosomata Meisenheimer, 1905, holoplanktonic Mollusca with coiled or straight shell were respectively classified in Limacinoidea Gray, 1847 and Cavolinioidea Gray, 1850. In a biometrical analysis (Rampal 1973) a first change had occurd in this last superfamily: the conica shell generaCreseisRang, 1828,BoasiaDall, 1889,StyliolaGray, 1850 andHyalocylisFol, 1875 were gathered into the Creseidae Rampal, 1973. Therefore it was necessary to carry on this study using molecular data. Our recent cladistic and molecular analyses as well as palaeontologic data led to a systematic and phylogenetic revision of the Euthecosomata: the Limacinoidea and of the Creseidae are not monophyletic, the other straight shells Euthecosomata are monophyletic (Corseet al.2013).

The Limacinoidea are invalidated; they are split into three families: Limacinidae Gray, 1847, Heliconoididae n. fam. and Thieleidae n. fam. The Creseidae Rampal, 1973 are validated but at least there are two generaCreseisRang, 1828 andBoasiaDall, 1889;StyliolaandHyalocylisare consideredincertae sedis.In the Cavoliniidae Gray, 1850 there are four subfamily: Cuvierininae Gray, 1850, Cliinae Jeffreys, 1869, Diacriinae n. subfam., Cavoliniinae Gray, 1850. The Creseidae Rampal, 1973 and the Cavoliniidae Gray, 1850 belong to the Cavolinioidea Gray, 1850. The species rank of most taxa is confirmed. New genera are proposed or reinstated:Telodiacrian. gen.,Hyalaeade Blainville, 1821,BoasiaDall, 1889. The fossilVaginellaDaudin, 1800 is included within the Cuvierininae Gray, 1847. The spiral fossilAltaspiratellaKorobkov, 1966 is no longer considered part of the Limacinidae Gray, 1847.

Two phylogenetic hypotheses are analysed. According to molecular analyses in COI there is the double emergency of straight shell from two coiled shell lineages; in 28S there is monophyly; this last hypothesis we have kapt is the most parsimonious but requires some reserve and new investigations (Corseet al.2013).
Active diffusion and advection in theDrosophilaooplasm result from the interplay of the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons
Authors: Drechsler Maik , Giavazzi Fabio , Cerbino Roberto , Palacios Isabel M.
Published: January 2017

Transport in cells occurs via a delicate interplay of passive and active processes, including diffusion, directed transport and advection. Despite progresses in super-resolution microscopy, discriminating and quantifying these processes is a challenge, requiring tracking of rapidly moving, sub-diffraction objects in a crowded, noisy environment. Here we use Differential Dynamic Microscopy with different contrast mechanisms to provide a thorough characterization of the dynamics in theDrosophilaoocyte. We study the movement of vesicles and the elusive motion of a cytoplasmic F-actin mesh, a known regulator of cytoplasmic flows. We find that cytoplasmic motility constitutes a combination of directed motion and random diffusion. While advection is mainly attributed to microtubules, we find that active diffusion is driven by the actin cytoskeleton, although it is also enhanced by the flow. We also find that an important dynamic link exists between vesicles and cytoplasmic F-actin motion, as recently suggested in mouse oocytes.
Dual RNA sequencing (dRNA-Seq) of bacteria and their host cells
Authors: Marsh James W. , Hayward Regan , Shetty Amol , Mahurkar Anup , Humphrys Michael S. , Myers Garry S. A.
Published: January 2017

Bacterial pathogens subvert host cells by manipulating cellular pathways for survival and replication; in turn, host cells respond to the invading pathogen through cascading changes in gene expression. Deciphering these complex temporal and spatial dynamics to identify novel bacterial virulence factors or host response pathways is crucial for improved diagnostics and therapeutics. Dual RNA sequencing (dRNA-Seq) has recently been developed to simultaneously capture host and bacterial transcriptomes from an infected cell. This approach builds on the high sensitivity and resolution of RNA-Seq technology and is applicable to any bacteria that interact with eukaryotic cells, encompassing parasitic, commensal or mutualistic lifestyles. We pioneered dRNA-Seq to simultaneously capture prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression profiles of cells infected with bacteria, usingin vitro Chlamydia-infected epithelial cells as proof of principle. Here we provide a detailed laboratory and bioinformatics protocol for dRNA-seq that is readily adaptable to any host-bacteria system of interest.
Myosin II activity is not required forDrosophilatracheal branching morphogenesis
Authors: Ochoa-Espinosa Amanda , Harmansa Stefan , Caussinus Emmanuel , Affolter Markus
Published: January 2017

TheDrosophilatracheal system consists of an interconnected network of monolayered epithelial tubes that ensures oxygen transport in the larval and adult body. During tracheal dorsal branch (DB) development, individual DBs elongate as a cluster of cells, led by tip cells at the front and trailing cells in the rear. Branch elongation is accompanied by extensive cell intercalation and cell lengthening of the trailing stalk cells. While cell intercalation is governed by Myosin II (MyoII)-dependent forces during tissue elongation in theDrosophilaembryo leading to germ-band extension, it remained unclear whether MyoII plays a similar active role during tracheal branch elongation and intercalation. Here, we use a nanobody-based approach to selectively knock-down MyoII in tracheal cells. Our data shows that despite the depletion of MyoII function, tip cells migration and stalk cell intercalation (SCI) proceeds at a normal rate. Therefore, our data confirms a model in which DB elongation and SCI in the trachea occurs as a consequence of tip cell migration, which produces the necessary forces for the branching process.

Summary statement

Branch elongation duringDrosophilatracheal development mechanistically resembles MyoII-independent collective cell migration; tensile forces resulting from tip cell migration are reduced by cell elongation and passive stalk cell intercalation.

Abbreviations

DB

Dorsal branch

DC

Dorsal closure

E-Cad

E-Cadherin

GBE

Germ-band extension

MRLC

Myosin regulatory light chain

MyoII

Myosin II

SCI

stalk cell intercalation

Sqh

Spaghetti squash

Sxll

Sex lethal

TC

Tip cell

Tr

Tracheomere
Building containerized workflows using the BioDepot-workflow-builder (Bwb)
Authors: Hung Ling-Hong , Hu Jiaming , Meiss Trevor , Ingersoll Alyssa , Lloyd Wes , Kristiyanto Daniel , Xiong Yuguang , Sobie Eric , Yeung Ka Yee
Published: January 2017

We present the BioDepot-workflow-builder (Bwb), a software tool that allows users to create and execute reproducible bioinformatics workflows using a drag-and-drop interface. Graphical widgets represent Docker containers executing a modular task. Widgets are then graphically linked to build bioinformatics workflows that can be reproducibly deployed across different local and cloud platforms. Each widget contains a form-based user interface to facilitate parameter entry and a console to display intermediate results. Bwb provides tools for rapid customization of widgets, containers and workflows. Saved workflows can be shared using Bwb’s native format or exported as shell scripts.
Software solutions for reproducible RNA-seq workflows
Authors: Meiss Trevor , Hung Ling-Hong , Xiong Yuguang , Sobie Eric , Yeung Ka Yee
Published: January 2017

Computational workflows typically consist of many tools that are usually distributed as compiled binaries or source code. Each of these software tools typically depends on other installed software, and performance could potentially vary due to versions, updates, and operating systems. We show here that the analysis of mRNA-seq data can depend on the computing environment, and we demonstrate that software containers represent practical solutions that ensure the reproducibility of RNAseq data analyses.
MmpL3 is the flippase for mycolic acids in mycobacteria
Authors: Xu Zhujun , Meshcheryakov Vladimir A , Poce Giovanna , Chng Shu-Sin
Published: January 2017

The defining feature of the mycobacterial outer membrane (OM) is the presence of mycolic acids (MAs), which in part render the bilayer extremely hydrophobic and impermeable to external insults, including many antibiotics. While the biosynthetic pathway of MAs is well studied, the mechanism(s) by which these lipids are transported across the cell envelope is(are) much less known. MmpL3, an essential inner membrane (IM) protein, is implicated in MA transport, but its exact function has not been elucidated. It is believed to be the cellular target of several anti-mycobacterial compounds; however, evidence for direct inhibition of MmpL3 activity is also lacking. Here, we establish that MmpL3 is the MA flippase at the IM of mycobacteria, and is the molecular target of BM212, a 1,5-diarylpyrrole compound. We develop assays that selectively access mycolates on the surface ofMycobacterium smegmatisspheroplasts, allowing us to monitor flipping of MAs across the IM. Using these assays, we establish the mechanism-of-action of BM212 as a potent MmpL3 inhibitor, and employ it as a molecular probe to demonstrate the requirement for functional MmpL3 in the transport of MAs across the IM. Finally, we show that BM212 binds MmpL3 directly and inhibits its activity. Our work provides fundamental insights into OM biogenesis and MA transport in mycobacteria. Furthermore, our assays serve as an important platform for accelerating the validation of small molecules that target MmpL3, and their development as future anti-tuberculosis drugs.
Laminin α1 orchestrates VEGFA functions in the ecosystem of colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Mammadova-Bach E. , Rupp T. , Spenlé C. , Jivkov I. , Shankaranarayanan P. , Klein A. , Pisarsky L. , Méchine-Neuville A. , Cremel G. , Kedinger M. , De Wever O. , Ambartsumian N. , Robine S. , Pencreach E. , Guenot D. , Goetz J.G. , Simon-Assmann P. , Orend G. , Lefebvre O.
Published: January 2017

Tumor stroma remodeling is a key feature of malignant tumors and can promote cancer progression. Laminins are major constituents of basement membranes that physically separate the epithelium from the underlying stroma. By employing mouse models expressing high and low levels of the laminin α1 chain (LMα1), we highlighted its implication in a tumorstroma crosstalk, thus leading to increased colon tumor incidence, angiogenesis and tumor growth. The underlying mechanism involves attraction of carcinoma-associated fibroblasts by LMα1, VEGFA expression triggered by the complex integrin α2β1-CXCR4 and binding of VEGFA to LM-111, which in turn promotes angiogenesis, tumor cell survival and proliferation. A gene signature comprising LAMA1, ITGB1, ITGA2, CXCR4 and VEGFA has negative predictive value in colon cancer. Together, this information opens novel opportunities for diagnosis and anti-cancer targeting.
A High Quality Assembly of the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Genome Reveals the Structure of Two Sex Determination Regions
Authors: Conte Matthew A , Gammerdinger William J , Bartie Kerry L , Penman David J , Kocher Thomas D
Published: January 2017

We report a high-quality assembly of the tilapia genome, a perciform fish important in aquaculture around the world. A homozygous clonal XX female Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was sequenced to 44X coverage using Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) SMRT sequencing. Dozens of candidatede novoassemblies were generated and an optimal assembly (contig NG50 of 3.3Mbp) was selected using principal component analysis of likelihood scores calculated from several paired-end sequencing libraries. Comparison of the new assembly to the previousO. niloticusgenome assembly reveals that recently duplicated portions of the genome are now well represented. The overall number genes in the new assembly increased by 27.3%, including a 67% increase in pseudogenes. The new tilapia genome assembly correctly represents two recentvasagene duplication events that have been verified with BAC sequencing. At total of 146Mbp of additional transposable element sequence are now assembled, a large proportion of which are recent insertions. Large centromeric satellite repeats are assembled and annotated in cichlid fish for the first time. Finally, the new assembly identifies the long-range structure of both an ~9Mbp XY sex-determination region on LG1 inO. niloticus, and a ~50Mbp WZ sex-determination region on LG3 in the related speciesO. aureus.This study highlights the use of long read sequencing to correctly assemble recent duplications and to characterize repeat-filled regions of the genome.
Supporting decision-making in service supplier selection using a hybrid fuzzy extended AHP approach
Authors: Secundo Giustina , Magarielli Donato , Esposito Emilio , Passiante Giuseppina
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Service supplier selection is a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem assuming a strategic role for the competitiveness of high-tech manufacturing companies. Nevertheless, especially for service quality evaluation, there is little empirical evidence of the practical usefulness of MCDM methodologies. Aiming to cover this gap between theoretical approaches and empirical applications, the purpose of this paper is to propose a fuzzy extended analytic hierarchy process (FEAHP) approach for service supplier evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

A hybrid approach which combines some of the strengths of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and of the fuzzy set theory is presented, as organized into five steps. A case study is used to evaluate the applicability in a real company context.

Findings

The usability of the approach is demonstrated in an aerospace company for solving the supplier selection problem of a business software whose applications are still in infancy: a Test Data Management System (TDMS). The illustrative application contains both “general” criteria to be used for other service supplier selection contexts as well as service-specific criteria related to software selection.

Research limitations/implications

Even if the application regards the selection of a software supplier, the methodology can be generically extended to other services’ selection in complex manufacturing industries through the personalization of some criteria.

Practical implications

Implications can be derived both for business managers involved into the decision-making process and for suppliers identifying the most promising features of software quality.

Originality/value

The originality consists in the combination into a hybrid approach of the strong points of the AHP with the fuzzy set; the inclusion of multiple perspectives of decision criteria for service supplier selection, basically the “software product” and “supplier” ones; a real empirical application to test and demonstrate the efficacy and the practical utility of the proposed approach.
A methodology for the semantic and structural restructuring of BPMN models
Authors: Khlif Wiem , Ben-Abdallah Hanêne , Ben Ayed Nourchène Elleuch
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Restructuring a business process (BP) model may enhance the BP performance and improve its understandability. So-far proposed restructuring methods use either refactoring which focuses on structural aspects, social network discovery which uses semantic information to guide the affiliation process during its analysis, or social network rediscovery which uses structural information to identify clusters of actors according to their relationships. The purpose of this paper is to propose a hybrid method that exploits both the semantic and structural aspects of a BP model.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method first generates a social network from the BP model. Second, it applies hierarchical clustering to determine the performers’ partitions; this step uses the social context which specifies features related to performers, and two new distances that account for semantic and structural information. Finally, it applies a set of behavioral and organizational restructuring rules adapted from the graph optimization domain; each rule uses the identified performers’ partitions and the business context to reduce particular quality metrics.

Findings

The efficiency of the proposed method is illustrated through well-established complexity metrics. The illustration is made through the development of a tool that fully supports the proposed method and proposes a strategy for the application of the restructuring rules.

Originality/value

The proposed method has the merit of combining the semantic and structural aspects of a Business Process Modeling Notation model to identify restructuring operations whose ordered application reduces the complexity of the initial model.
Human resource education in the Middle East region
Authors: Dirani Khalil M. , Hamie Christine Silva
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of human resource development (HRD) education in Middle Eastern countries. In particular, the authors discuss the current state of HRD education, country readiness and challenges that hinder HRD progress in Middle Eastern countries. They argue that HRD programs need to prepare young employees for leadership roles through adapting constructivist pedagogy, including problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of this paper followed a qualitative approach. The authors conducted in-depth interviews with five HRD experts in Middle Eastern countries and conducted integrative literature review and secondary data analysis.

Findings

Data analysis provided an overview of HRD education, looked at options individuals interested in HRD education might have, provided views on constructivism vs instructivism as education pedagogies and discussed cultural factors that impede critical reflection in the workplace.

Research limitations/implications

To understand how to introduce constructivist elements to instructivist learning cultures, and to sustain it, HRD scholars in the Middle Eastern countries need to diminish the misalignment between instructional philosophies of trainers, trainees and national or institutional systems.

Practical implications

Understanding how policy, resources, infrastructure and culture influence learning expectations is vital to introducing innovative training activities or scaling them up to other workshops and systems.

Originality/value

This research sheds light on HRD education in the Middle Eastern countries; provides an overview of employment challenges and opportunities to improve workplace learning; and provides scholars, practitioners and other stakeholders interested in HRD with suggestions to develop successful workforce education.
Stage-based healthy lifestyles program for non-college young adults
Authors: Walsh Jennifer , Kattelmann Kendra , White Adrienne
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the feasibility of implementing a healthy lifestyles intervention to maintain or achieve healthy weight for low-income young adults in vocational education.

Design/methodology/approach

Non-randomized, quasi-experimental feasibility test of a ten-week intervention with follow-up assessment designed using PRECEDE-PROCEED. A convenience sample included low-income young adults (n=165), 18-24 years recruited from two vocational training facilities. The intervention had weekly: online educational modules, targeting the non-dieting approach through healthful eating, and physical activity; and messages to promote fruit and vegetable intake, increased physical activity and stress management. Anthropometrics were measured, and an online survey on physical activity and eating behavior (e.g. self-regulation, self-instruction, emotional eating) was administered at baseline, post-, and follow-up.

Findings

At baseline, males were overweight and females were obese based on average BMI; no significant change in BMI, food intake, physical activity, or stress management were noted following the intervention. Eating behavior changed in treatment vs control group; food self-regulation was higher (p=0.025) for high use treatment group compared to the control group.

Practical implications

Lifestyle interventions are critical for low-income young adults who are overweight or obese by 18-24 years of age. Young adults who engage in such interventions can make food behavior changes that can have a mediating effect on healthy weight management. Models like PRECEDE-PROCEED are vital to success when working toward sustainable programs within communities.

Originality/value

Few healthy lifestyle programs have been reported for low-income, non-college young adults, specifically with a largely male population, and none with PRECEDE-PROCEED.
Food and nutrition education in private Indian secondary schools
Authors: Rathi Neha , Riddell Lynn , Worsley Anthony
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The current Indian secondary school curriculum has been criticised for its failure to deliver relevant skills-based food and nutrition education for adolescents. The purpose of this paper is to understand the views of adolescents, their parents, teachers and school principals on the present food and nutrition curriculum and the role of the schools in developing food skills.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were held with 15 students aged 14-15 years, 15 parents, 12 teachers and ten principals in ten private schools in Kolkata, India. The interview questions were primarily based on the content, merits and demerits of the curriculum. The digitally recorded data were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

Findings

All the 52 interviewees observed that the food and nutrition curriculum created awareness in students about the importance of healthy eating. However, they also described certain weaknesses of the curriculum. These included lack of practical assignments, an out-dated and a limited curriculum, which failed to initiate critical thinking and was contradicted by sales practices in the school food environment. The interviewees prioritised the inclusion of food skills in the curriculum.

Practical implications

The emerging evidence suggests the need for the development of a skills-focussed food and nutrition curriculum to encourage healthy eating behaviours among adolescents.

Originality/value

Most of the work on food and nutrition education has come from developed nations – this is the first study in the Indian context of the secondary school food and nutrition curriculum.
Effect of nature of the game on ad-persuasion in online gaming context
Authors: Vashisht Devika , S. Sreejesh
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of nature of advergame and moderating roles of game-product congruence and need for cognition (NFC) on gamers’ ad-persuasion from attention and elaboration perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 (nature of game: fast or slow)×2 (game-product congruence: high or low)×2 (NFC: high or low) between measures design is used. In total, 224 graduate students participated in the study. A 2×2×2 between subjects ANOVA is used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that slow-paced advergames result in high persuasion than fast-paced advergames. A 2 way-interaction indicates that for a slow-paced advergame, low game-product congruence result in high persuasion than in high game-product congruence. Furthermore, findings reveal that for a slow-paced advergame with low game-product congruence, subjects with high NFC report high persuasion than subjects with low NFC. For a fast-paced advergame with low game-product congruence, subjects with high NFC report high persuasion than subjects with low NFC.

Practical implications

The findings of the study are very important for advertising practitioners as selection of media that fit the advertised product with reference to the content of the media is a planning strategy that has been widely used by media planners. Thus, if high brand recall and recognition is the primary goal for advertisers, then, slow-paced advergames with low-congruent brand placements can be considered a better media strategy for in-game advertising. Furthermore, advertising managers can design advergames by taking into account NFC factor to make sure that the implementation has the strongest positive effect on consumers’ persuasion. Furthermore, advertising managers can design advergames by taking into account NFC factor to make sure that the implementation has the strongest positive effect on consumers’ persuasion.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature of non-traditional online advertising, specifically advergaming context by exploring the impact of nature of game and game-product congruence on gamers’ ad-persuasion. Also, this study is the first attempt toward understanding the moderating role of NFC on gamers’ ad-persuasion in the context of online advertising.
In the name of others: an investigation of earnings management motives in Egypt
Authors: Makhaiel Nargis , Sherer Michael
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Previous literature on earnings management (EM) indicates that managers are motivated to adjust reported income to serve their own self-interests, and to try and influence capital markets. However, previous research has failed to provide an appropriate theoretical underpinning for EM and has ignored the effect of cultural and environmental factors on shaping managers’ motivations. Therefore the purpose of this paper is to draw on interpretive methodology and new institutional sociology (NIS) theory to identify the external factors that motivate managers of Egyptian companies to use EM to modify financial statements.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted an interpretative methodology and interview methods. Interviewees were conducted with 34 participants, who were divided into four different categories; executives, financial analysts, auditors and stock exchanges’ authorities.

Findings

This paper provides empirical evidence on the range of external factors that motivate Egyptian corporate executives to adjust the earnings number in financial statements. These external factors include the expectations of investors, lenders and employees, the impact of stock exchange listing rules, beating an earnings target, and the privatisation of key state-owned companies.

Research limitations/implications

The authors recognise that the paper has a number of limitations. The research is concerned solely with EM in Egypt and, therefore, it would not be safe to generalise the results to other contexts, even in the Middle East. Further research on the behaviour of managers towards EM in other countries would be useful to test validity of the results reported in this paper.

Originality/value

The principal contribution of this paper is to build on the previous EM literature to include external factors within the Egyptian context which motivate Egyptian managers to manage the earnings of companies in an upward direction. It adds additional EM motives to available literature including: employees, stock exchange’s rules, privatisation and meeting industrial norms. Also, the paper provides evidence of the effect of concentrated share ownership on managers’ likelihood to engage in EM behaviour. The paper also extends NIS theory to recognise the importance of the interplay between institutional and economic environment by including economic reform, and non-financial providers as factors that can explain the EM behaviour.
Stimulating learning by empowering leadership
Authors: Li Mingze , Zhang Pengcheng
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to answer the theoretical and practical calls for an examination of the multi-level effects of empowering leadership on creativity. In addition, it attempts to link empowering leadership to creativity from the perspective of information processing, which is different from traditional mechanisms of psychology.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the perspective of information processing, the authors tested how and why different levels of empowering leadership may relate to team and individual creativity. Multi-source data were collected from 62 team leaders and 295 team members. Statistical methods, such as the hierarchical linear model, hierarchical regression analysis, and bootstrapping tests, were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results show that team and individual learning mediate the effects of empowering leadership on creativity at the team and individual levels. Interestingly, the authors also found that team learning negatively moderates the indirect and positive effect of individual empowering leadership on individual creativity.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is that the authors used cross-section data instead of longitudinal data to analyze the causal relationship. As such, the results may not truly reveal the causality.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that empowering leadership is important for stimulating both individual and team learning; thus, it benefits different levels of creativity. In addition, the results also suggest that there are interplay between different level mechanisms, and empowering team leader should trade-off individual and team learning effects in order to promote both team and individual creativity effectively.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a multi-level and cross-level analysis of empowering leadership and creativity. It clarifies how empowering leadership stimulates individual and team creativity at different levels simultaneously.
Evolution of copper resistance in the kiwifruit pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae through acquisition of integrative conjugative elements and plasmids
Authors: Colombi Elena , Straub Christina , Künzel Sven , Templeton Matthew D. , McCann Honour C. , Rainey Paul B.
Published: January 2017

Horizontal gene transfer can precipitate rapid evolutionary change. In 2010 the global pandemic of kiwifruit canker disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) reached New Zealand. At the time of introduction, the single clone responsible for the outbreak was sensitive to copper, however, analysis of a sample of isolates taken in 2015 and 2016 showed that a quarter were copper resistant. Genome sequences of seven strains showed that copper resistance – comprising czc/cusABC and copABCD systems – along with resistance to arsenic and cadmium, was acquired via uptake of integrative conjugative elements (ICEs), but also plasmids. Comparative analysis showed ICEs to have a mosaic structure, with one being a tripartite arrangement of two different ICEs and a plasmid that were isolated in 1921 (USA), 1968 (NZ) and 1988 (Japan), from P. syringae pathogens of millet, wheat and kiwifruit respectively. Two of the Psa ICEs were nearly identical to two ICEs isolated from kiwifruit leaf colonists prior to the introduction of Psa into NZ. Additionally, we show ICE transfer in vitro and in planta, analyze fitness consequences of ICE carriage, capture the de novo formation of novel recombinant ICEs, and explore ICE host‐range.
Distribution and ecological preferences of the freshwater lineage LimA (genus Limnohabitans) revealed by a new double hybridization approach
Authors: Shabarova Tanja , Kasalický Vojtěch , Šimek Karel , Nedoma Jiří , Znachor Petr , Posch Thomas , Pernthaler Jakob , Salcher Michaela M.
Published: January 2017

The ecological relevance and factors shaping dynamics of Limnohabitans sp. have been largely studied by fluorescence in situ hybridization with a 16S rRNA probe targeting the R‐BT group (lineages LimBCDE), but not lineage LimA. Consequently, ecology and distribution of LimA remained unknown. We developed a double hybridization strategy using a novel 23S rRNA probe specifically targeting LimA and LimE that in combination with the existing R‐BT probe can discriminate LimA populations. This technique was applied for more than 1000 samples from 46 freshwater sites including long‐term data sets from oligo‐mesotrophic Lake Zurich, CH and meso‐eutrophic Římov reservoir, CZ. LimA was ubiquitously distributed and highly abundant. Observed ecological preferences of LimA in Lake Zurich were in general similar to already reported for Limnohabitans with highest numbers in surface waters during growing seasons. Three times higher densities of LimA were detected in Římov reservoir, where they were significantly more abundant at the riverine zone especially after flood events that introduced fresh terrestrial DOM (dissolved organic matter). Moreover, statistical analyses of biological and physicochemical parameters obtained from small dynamic water bodies confirmed a correspondence between LimA and allochthonous DOM, in opposite to R‐BT that was more related to algal primary production.
Labour induction near term for women aged 35 or over: an economic evaluation
Authors: Walker KF , Dritsaki M , Bugg G , Macpherson M , McCormick C , Grace N , Wildsmith C , Bradshaw L , Smith GCS , Thornton JG
Published: January 2017

Objective

Induction of labour at 39 weeks for nulliparous women aged 35 years and over may prevent stillbirths and does not increase caesarean births, so it may be popular. But the overall costs and benefits of such a policy have not been compared.

Design

A cost–utility analysis alongside a randomised controlled trial (the 35/39 trial).

Setting

Obstetric departments of 38 UK National Health Service hospitals and one UK primary‐care trust.

Population

Nulliparous women aged 35 years or over on their expected due date, with a singleton live fetus in a cephalic presentation.

Methods

Costs were estimated from the National Health Service and Personal Social Services perspective and quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) were calculated based on patient responses to the EQ‐5D at baseline and 4 weeks.

Main outcome measures

Data on antenatal care, mode of delivery, analgesia in labour, method of induction, EQ‐5D (baseline and 4 weeks postnatal) and participant‐administered postnatal health resource use data were collected.

Results

The intervention was associated with a mean cost saving of £263 and a small additional gain in QALYs (though this was not statistically significant), even without considering any possible QALY gains from stillbirth prevention.

Conclusion

A policy of induction of labour at 39 weeks for women of advanced maternal age would save money.

Tweetable abstract

A policy of induction of labour at 39 weeks of gestation for women of advanced maternal age would save money.
Constitutive NOS uncoupling and NADPH oxidase upregulation in the penis of type 2 diabetic men with erectile dysfunction
Authors: Musicki B. , Burnett A. L.
Published: January 2017

Erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) involves dysfunctional nitric oxide (NO) signaling and increased oxidative stress in the penis. However, the mechanisms of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) dysregulation, and the sources of oxidative stress, are not well defined, particularly at the human level. The objective of this study was to define whether uncoupled eNOS and nNOS, and NADPH oxidase upregulation, contribute to the pathogenesis of ED in T2DM men. Penile erectile tissue was obtained from 9 T2DM patients with ED who underwent penile prosthesis surgery for ED, and from six control patients without T2DM or ED who underwent penectomy for penile cancer. The dimer‐to‐monomer protein expression ratio, an indicator of uncoupling for both eNOS and nNOS, total protein expressions of eNOS and nNOS, as well as protein expressions of NADPH oxidase catalytic subunit gp91phox (an enzymatic source of oxidative stress) and 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal [4‐HNE] and nitrotyrosine (markers of oxidative stress) were measured by western blot in this tissue. In the erectile tissue of T2DM men, eNOS and nNOS uncoupling and protein expressions of NADPH oxidase subunit gp91phox, 4‐HNE‐ and nitrotyrosine‐modified proteins were significantly (p < 0.05) increased compared to control values. Total eNOS and nNOS protein expressions were not significantly different between the groups. In conclusion, mechanisms of T2DM‐associated ED in the human penis may involve uncoupled eNOS and nNOS and NADPH oxidase upregulation. Our description of molecular factors contributing to the pathogenesis of T2DM‐associated ED at the human level is relevant to advancing clinically therapeutic approaches to restore erectile function in T2DM patients.
The role of female directors in promoting CSR practices: An international comparison between family and non‐family businesses
Authors: Rodríguez‐Ariza Lázaro , Cuadrado‐Ballesteros Beatriz , Martínez‐Ferrero Jennifer , García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María
Published: January 2017

This article analyzes a panel of 550 international firms, for the period 2004 to 2010, to compare the role of female directors in family and non‐family firms in promoting responsible practices. Many studies have associated the presence of women on the board with a higher degree of socially responsible commitment. However, we found that this is much less so in family firms than in non‐family firms. In family firms, corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment does not vary significantly with the presence of female directors, as the latter tend to behave in accordance with the family orientation toward CSR. This orientation depends on the stakeholders being addressed, with greater social responsibility shown toward external stakeholders than internal ones.
TOPK (T‐LAK cell‐originated protein kinase) inhibitor exhibits growth suppressive effect on small cell lung cancer
Authors: Park Jae‐Hyun , Inoue Hiroyuki , Kato Taigo , Zewde Makda , Miyamoto Takashi , Matsuo Yo , Salgia Ravi , Nakamura Yusuke
Published: January 2017

T‐lymphokine‐activated killer cell‐originated protein kinase (TOPK) plays critical roles in cancer cell proliferation as well as maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSC). Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has highly aggressive phenotype, reveals early spread to distant sites, and results in dismal prognosis with little effective treatment. In this study, we demonstrate that TOPK expression was highly upregulated in both SCLC cell lines and primary tumors. Similar to siRNA‐mediated TOPK knockdown effects, treatment with a potent TOPK inhibitor, OTS514, effectively suppressed growth of SCLC cell lines (IC50; 0.4–42.6 nM) and led to their apoptotic cell death. TOPK inhibition caused cell morphologic changes in SCLC cells, elongation of intercellular bridges caused by cytokinesis defects or neuronal protrusions induced by neuronal differentiation in a subset of CSC‐like SCLC cells. Treatment with OTS514 suppressed forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) activity, which was involved in stemness of CSC. Furthermore, OTS514 treatment reduced CD90‐positive SCLC cells and showed higher cytotoxic effect against lung sphere‐derived CSC‐like SCLC cells. Collectively, our results suggest that targeting TOPK is a promising approach for SCLC therapy.
How to define successful transition? An exploration of consensus indicators and outcomes in young adults with chronic conditions
Authors: Sattoe J. N. T. , Hilberink S. R. , van Staa A.
Published: January 2017

Background

In this short report, we use data from a previous cohort study to explore the relationship between five out of eight consensus indicators for successful transition and patient‐reported outcomes in young adulthood.

Methods

Data came from a 6‐year cohort study that consisted of a survey among 518 young adults with various chronic conditions and a review of their electronic patient records. Associations between five indicators for successful transition and background variables and patient‐reported outcomes were explored with Spearman's r. Significant variables were included in stepwise (logistic) regression analyses with transition outcomes as dependent variables.

Results

The indicators relate to some extent to better healthcare‐related transition outcomes, but not to autonomy in participation. The explained variance of the models varied from 9.7% to 26.4%. The change in explained variance after adding indicators varied from 2% to 16%.

Conclusions

The challenge of translating the definition of transition into holistic indicators remains. The current consensus indicators are a good start, but there is more to transition than transfer.