bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of higher education on entrepreneurial intention and human capital
Authors: Passaro Renato , Quinto Ivana , Thomas Antonio
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of higher education on the emergence of entrepreneurial intention (EI) and human capital (HC) as a component of intellectual capital (IC) that strongly influences the entrepreneurial process.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of a literature review, a theoretical model that is focused on the theory of planned behaviour was defined to verify the impact of higher education on the development of EI and HC. To this end, the structural equation modelling methodology was applied to two samples of students and academics, which differ each other in terms of both education level and specific characteristics of entrepreneurship education activities.

Findings

The main results show that there are significant differences between the two considered samples. In particular, the level and specific characteristics of entrepreneurial education are the key factors for the development of EI and HC.

Practical implications

The research may be of relevance for universities and policy makers. Universities must devote more attention to training and practice-oriented entrepreneurial courses and collateral activities (projects, initiatives, actions), both for students (first mission) and academic aspiring entrepreneurs (third mission) to encourage the emergence of EI and HC formation. For policy makers, this study suggests the need to define policy guidelines and frameworks to support universities’ educational programmes and activities to strengthen the entrepreneurial process, so that they can be consistent with the EU and national entrepreneurship policies.

Originality/value

This explorative research intends to contribute to the scientific debate by filling the knowledge gap that is due to the very limited number of studies that analyse whether and how EI can mediate the relationship between higher education and HC as an IC component.
Developmental mentoring, affective organizational commitment, and knowledge sharing in public accounting firms
Authors: Curtis Mary B. , Taylor Eileen Z.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

This study aims to examine how public accounting firms can use developmental mentoring to increase knowledge sharing (KS) among employees directly and indirectly through affective organizational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a survey of public accounting professionals to elicit participants’ demographics and their perceptions of KS, mentoring relationships and organizational commitment in their workplace.

Findings

The findings support that two categories of challenges found in developmental mentoring, demonstrating dedication and resilience and career goal and risk orientation, are directly associated with increased KS and they, along with a third, measuring up to mentor’s standards, indirectly influence KS through their positive effect on organizational commitment. Applying social exchange theory, these challenges contribute to a reciprocal relationship between the protégé and mentor, which builds the relationship between the protégé and organization.

Practical implications

This study provides information about developmental mentoring that human resource professionals and managers in public accounting firms can use to address two persistent challenges facing them: increasing employees’ organizational commitment and encouraging employees to share their knowledge with others at work.

Originality/value

This study examines the concept of developmental mentoring, adopting three categories of mentoring challenges and applying them in the context of public accounting to examine their effect on KS.
Toward ontology of designer-user interaction in the design process: a knowledge management foundation
Authors: Park Jaehyun , Ramaprasad Arkalgud
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore an ontology of designer-user interaction with a knowledge management foundation. To address this research gap, the authors ask the following research question: what types of knowledge on designer-user interactions are associated with design function and approach in creating effective design outcomes in a collaborative design process?

Design/methodology/approach

Based on ontology of a knowledge management foundation and 99 design projects, the authors conceptualized the ontology of designer-user interaction, which considers design role, function, approach and outcome as a knowledge of designer-user interaction in the design process.

Findings

Based on this analysis, the authors theorize an ontology of designer-user interactions with five dimensions: participant, role, function, design approach and design outcome. Also, this study presents a case study of how this ontology could be applied into the actual projects.

Originality/value

In this study, the authors explore an ontology of designer-user interaction with a knowledge management foundation, because previous interdisciplinary design studies have not formalized the types of designer-user interaction. To address this research gap, the authors ask the following research question: What types of knowledge on designer-user interactions are associated with design function and approach in creating effective design outcomes in a collaborative design process?
Strategic knowledge management and evolving local government
Authors: Laihonen Harri , Mäntylä Sari
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The characteristics of new public management and new public governance are well known, but their impact on managerial knowledge needs and the implementation of knowledge management in local government remains unclear. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate the key elements of a public organization’s knowledge strategy and shows how knowledge management can support public management.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study on the application of an action research process was conducted to study how the City of Tampere in Finland aimed to overcome challenges in utilizing performance information by applying the ideas of knowledge management.

Findings

The study suggests that a holistic knowledge management strategy promotes the use of performance information by providing a systematic management framework for gathering and utilizing the information.

Practical implications

Four factors appear critical for strategic knowledge management in local government. First, it should be driven by the city’s strategy. Second, it should be carefully integrated into the general management system. Third, clear processes and responsibilities for refining the data are needed. Fourth, the quality of the data must be guaranteed. The results also emphasize the roles of management culture and continuous performance dialogue.

Originality/value

This paper makes two contributions. First, it extends the analysis of a knowledge management strategy to public management, and second, it provides a practical illustration of the development process, where knowledge was put into prime focus in developing public management.
The gender subtext of organizational learning
Authors: Raaijmakers Stephan , Bleijenbergh Inge , Fokkinga Brigit , Visser Max
Published: November 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to challenge the alleged gender-neutral character of Argyris and Schön’s theory of organizational learning (1978). While theories in organizational science seem gender neutral at the surface, a closer analysis reveals they are often based on men’s experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the method of gender subtext analysis, centering on gendering and its interaction with gender, class and race.

Findings

The dichotomous learning scheme of Argyris and Schön, in which a limited learning approach with alleged masculine values and interaction styles is opposed to an ideal learning approach with feminine values and interaction styles, is related to Bendl’s subtexts of feminization and of unconscious exclusion and neglect in organizational theories. To overcome the binary character of the theory, a gradient and contextualized approach to organizational learning is proposed.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to apply gender subtext analysis to theories of organizational learning and, thus, to analyze their gender subtext.
Organizational members as storywriters: on organizing practices of reflexivity
Authors: Gherardi Silvia , Cozza Michela , Poggio Barbara
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how organizational members became storywriters of an important process of organizational change. Writing became a practice designed to create a space, a time and a methodology with which to author the process of change and create a learning context. The written stories produced both the subjectivity of practical authors and reflexively created the con/text for their reproduction.

Design/methodology/approach

A storywriting workshop inspired by a processual and participatory practice-based approach to learning and knowing was held in a research organization undergoing privatization. For six months, 31 organizational members, divided into two groups, participated in writing one story per week for six weeks. The written story had to refer to a fact that had occurred in the previous week, thus prompting reflection on the ongoing organizational life and giving a situated meaning to the change process.

Findings

Storywriting is first and foremost a social practice of wayfinding, that is of knowing as one goes. Writing proved to be an effective practice that involved the authors, their narratives and the audiences in a shared experience where all these practice elements became connected and through their connection acquired agency.

Originality/value

Narrative knowledge has been studied mainly in storytelling, while storywriting by organizational members has received less attention. This paper explores storywriting both as a situated, relational and material practice and as the process that produces narratives which can be considered for their content and their style.
Non‐corticosteroid adherence and itch severity influence perception of itch in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Takeuchi Satoshi , Oba Junna , Esaki Hitokazu , Furue Masutaka
Published: November 2017

Topical corticosteroid phobia is an important problem in the treatment of atopic dermatitis as it can affect the ability to control disease severity and itch by reducing treatment adherence. Topical corticosteroid phobia often ends up even non‐corticosteroid adherence. As such, non‐corticosteroid adherence, disease severity and itch are likely to be associated with each other, but their relationship has yet to be thoroughly investigated. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate it in atopic dermatitis. Using data from 1190 participants in an Internet survey, we identified 255 non‐corticosteroid users and 225 with moderate to severe itch who were defined as non‐corticosteroid adherents. Corticosteroid users with the same itch categories (n = 878) served as controls. We also examined how itch severity affects the perception of itch in atopic dermatitis. Unexpectedly, non‐corticosteroid adherents were less sensitive to the conditions to elicit itch such as perspiring, commuting homeward, drinking alcohol and wearing woolen clothes compared with the control. We also found that patients with severer itch were more sensitive to itch during/after bathing, when lying in bed, commuting homeward, studying/working, drinking alcohol, undressing, getting up in the morning, after a meal, ingesting piquant foods and when they were unoccupied, angry, busy, nervous, sad or enjoying themselves. In conclusion, we found that non‐corticosteroid adherence and itch severity influence perception of itch in atopic dermatitis and discuss possible mechanisms underlying these results. The information obtained in this study may be useful for communication with and education of atopic dermatitis patients and their treatment in outpatient clinics.
The Future of Crime Data
Authors: Strom Kevin J. , Smith Erica L.
Published: November 2017

Research Summary

In this article, we describe the nation's move to a crime‐reporting system that is exclusively incident based. Such a change presents challenges for the “crime‐reporting pipeline” and for researchers in managing and analyzing these more intricate data. We highlight the shortcomings of the dominant system, the Uniform Crime Reporting Program's Summary Reporting System (SRS), and argue that the advantages of the National Incident‐Based Reporting System (NIBRS) qualify it to replace the SRS as one of the nation's primary sources for tracking and measuring crime. NIBRS is also discussed in light of the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), a source that complements a system that relies on law‐enforcement–generated crime data.

Policy Implications

The timing is right for a nationwide move toward NIBRS. The shift from aggregate crime counts to details on each crime incident has broad implications for justice policy. Use of a national incident‐based collection of crimes known to the police provides (a) a set of descriptive indicators of crime in the United States that are currently lacking, (b) benchmarking for progress and change, and (c) more purposeful comparisons across place and time. The shift also serves to professionalize the policing industry further and provides transparency on crime and how police respond to it. The greater understanding of the crime problem will allow our programs, policies, and resource allocations to be more deliberate and responsive.
Genetic variation of the hawthorn spider mite Amphitetranychus viennensis (Acari: Tetranychidae) in Korea
Authors: Choi Chee‐Wan , Shim Jae‐Kyoung , Jung Duck‐Oung , Lee Kyeong‐Yeoll
Published: November 2017

Amphitetranychus viennensis (Zacher) is a serious economic pest of various fruit trees. Due to its restricted geographic distribution in Asia and Europe, it is an important quarantine species in the North American countries. Despite its significance in agricultural damage and quarantine, the genetic diversity of this species has not been studied in detail. In this study, we determined the nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA in A. viennensis collected from various regions of Korea. Variations in the COI and ITS2 sequences of the Korean samples ranged up to 6.92 and 4.02 %, respectively. A sequence comparison showed that the Korean samples were divided into two groups, one comprising the Geoje and Jinju samples, and the other comprising all samples except for the Geoje/Jinju samples. In most samples, except for the Geoje/Jinju samples, variations in both COI and ITS2 sequences were less than 1.04 and 0.99 %, respectively. However, the variations between two groups were 6.23–6.92 % and 3.02–4.02 %, respectively. In addition, the phylogenic analysis performed with sequences in the GenBank database showed that the samples from Geoje/Jinju, which are located in the southern region of Korea, were most similar to the Japanese samples, but the others were most similar to those of China and Taiwan. Thus, our study suggests that two genetically different groups of A. viennensis exist in Korea.
Comparative studies of critical physiological limits and vulnerability to environmental extremes in small ectotherms: How much environmental control is needed?
Authors: HOFFMANN Ary A. , SGRÒ Carla M.
Published: November 2017

Researchers and practitioners are increasingly using comparative assessments of critical thermal and physiological limits to assess the relative vulnerability of ectothermic species to extreme thermal and aridity conditions occurring under climate change. In most assessments of vulnerability, critical limits are compared across taxa exposed to different environmental and developmental conditions. However, many aspects of vulnerability should ideally be compared when species are exposed to the same environmental conditions, allowing a partitioning of sources of variation such as used in quantitative genetics. This is particularly important when assessing the importance of different types of plasticity to critical limits, using phylogenetic analyses to test for evolutionary constraints, isolating genetic variants that contribute to limits, characterizing evolutionary interactions among traits limiting adaptive responses, and when assessing the role of cross generation effects. However, vulnerability assessments based on critical thermal/physiological limits also need to take place within a context that is relevant to field conditions, which is not easily provided under controlled environmental conditions where behavior, microhabitat, stress exposure rates and other factors will differ from field conditions. There are ways of reconciling these requirements, such as by taking organisms from controlled environments and then testing their performance under field conditions (or vice versa). While comparisons under controlled environments are challenging for many taxa, assessments of critical thermal limits and vulnerability will always be incomplete unless environmental effects within and across generations are considered, and where the ecological relevance of assays measuring critical limits can be established.
The Real Effects of Real Earnings Management: Evidence from Innovation
Authors: Bereskin Frederick L. , Hsu Po‐Hsuan , Rotenberg Wendy
Published: November 2017

We examine the consequences of real earnings management from an innovation perspective and investigate the patent output of firms likely to be managing earnings through altering their R&D expenditures. We find that R&D cuts related to earnings management lead to fewer patents, less influential patent output, and lower innovative efficiency compared to other R&D cuts. Our results thus suggest that real earnings management may obstruct firms’ technological progress and highlight the potential costs of managerial manipulation of R&D expenditures to alter reported earnings.
Better together: Integrating and fusing multispectral and radar satellite imagery to inform biodiversity monitoring, ecological research and conservation science
Authors: Schulte to Bühne Henrike , Pettorelli Nathalie
Published: November 2017

The availability and accessibility of multispectral and radar satellite remote sensing (SRS) imagery are at an unprecedented high. These data have both become standard source of information for investigating species ecology and ecosystems structure, composition and function at large scales. Since they capture complementary aspects of the Earth's surface, synergies between these two types of imagery have the potential to greatly expand research and monitoring opportunities. However, despite the benefits of combining multispectral and radar SRS data, data fusion techniques, including image fusion, are not commonly used in biodiversity monitoring, ecology and conservation.

To help close this application gap, we provide for the first time an overview of the most common SRS data fusion techniques, discussing their benefits and drawbacks, and pull together case studies illustrating the added value for biodiversity research and monitoring.

Integrating and fusing multispectral and radar images can significantly improve our ability to assess the distribution as well as the horizontal and vertical structure of ecosystems. Additionally, SRS data fusion has the potential to increase opportunities for mapping species distribution and community composition, as well as for monitoring threats to biodiversity. Uptake of these techniques will benefit from more effective collaboration between remote sensing and biodiversity experts, making the reporting of methodologies more transparent, expanding SRS image processing capacity and promoting widespread open access to satellite imagery.

In the context of a global biodiversity crisis, being able to track subtle changes in the biosphere across adequate spatial and temporal extents and resolutions is crucial. By making key parameter estimates derived from SRS data more accurate, SRS data fusion promises to become a powerful tool to help address current monitoring needs, and could support the development of essential biodiversity variables.
DLP1‐dependent mitochondrial fragmentation and redistribution mediate prion‐associated mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal death
Authors: Li Chaosi , Wang Di , Wu Wei , Yang Wei , Ali Shah Syed Zahid , Zhao Ying , Duan Yuhan , Wang Lu , Zhou Xiangmei , Zhao Deming , Yang Lifeng
Published: November 2017

Mitochondrial malfunction is a universal and critical step in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases including prion diseases. Dynamin‐like protein 1 (DLP1) is one of the key regulators of mitochondrial fission. In this study, we investigated the role of DLP1 in mitochondrial fragmentation and dysfunction in neurons using in vitro and in vivo prion disease models. Mitochondria became fragmented and redistributed from axons to soma, correlated with increased mitochondrial DLP1 expression in murine primary neurons (N2a cells) treated with the prion peptide PrP106–126 in vitro as well as in prion strain‐infected hamster brain in vivo. Suppression of DLP1 expression by DPL1 RNAi inhibited prion‐induced mitochondrial fragmentation and dysfunction (measured by ADP/ATP ratio, mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial integrity). We also demonstrated that DLP1 RNAi is neuroprotective against prion peptide in N2a cells as shown by improved cell viability and decreased apoptosis markers, caspase 3 induced by PrP106–126. On the contrary, overexpression of DLP1 exacerbated mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death. Moreover, inhibition of DLP1 expression ameliorated PrP106–126‐induced neurite loss and synaptic abnormalities (i.e., loss of dendritic spine and PSD‐95, a postsynaptic scaffolding protein as a marker of synaptic plasticity) in primary neurons, suggesting that altered DLP1 expression and mitochondrial fragmentation are upstream events that mediate PrP106–126‐induced neuron loss and degeneration. Our findings suggest that DLP1‐dependent mitochondrial fragmentation and redistribution plays a pivotal role in PrPSc‐associated mitochondria dysfunction and neuron apoptosis. Inhibition of DLP1 may be a novel and effective strategy in the prevention and treatment of prion diseases.
Antimicrobial properties of calcium hydroxide dressing when used for long‐term application: A systematic review
Authors: Sharma Garima , Ahmed Hany Mohamed Aly , Zilm Peter S. , Rossi‐Fedele Giampiero
Published: November 2017

This review aims to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of calcium hydroxide against endodontic pathogens when used for 7 days or longer. A systematic electronic literature search was performed in the PubMed, Embase and EBSCO Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source databases using appropriate key words to identify investigations written in the English language that examined the association between the contact time of intracanal calcium hydroxide dressing and its antimicrobial properties. There were no exclusions based on study design. The search yielded 6993 publications. After duplicate removal, 5913 publications were identified and 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results showed that the antimicrobial effect of calcium hydroxide for contact times ranging between seven and 45 days is comparable. Two studies demonstrated contradictory findings when exposure was extended to more than 45 days. Future studies are warranted to investigate and optimise calcium hydroxide application for longer periods and identify the potential benefits of its use in clinical settings.
Transcriptome and defence response in Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves to feeding by Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae): a stealthy psyllid does not go unnoticed
Authors: Patton MacKenzie F , Arena Gabriella D , Salminen Juha‐Pekka , Steinbauer Martin J , Casteel Clare L
Published: November 2017

Plants utilise diverse defences to deter herbivore feeding. In response, insect herbivores have evolved an equally impressive array of strategies to counter plant defences and promote successful nutrient acquisition. Cardiaspina psyllids induce premature senescence in eucalypt leaves, increasing the nutritional value of the plant for the insect. Interestingly, eucalypt leaves colonised by another group of psyllids, Glycaspis, do not exhibit any observable symptoms of premature senescence, suggesting that different mechanisms are at work. The aim of this study was to investigate the transcriptional and polyphenolic profiles of Eucalyptus camaldulensis (river red gum) leaves in response to feeding by Glycaspis brimblecombei. We used RNA sequencing to evaluate the global gene expression of E. camaldulensis leaves after Glycaspis immature feeding compared with uninfested leaves. Polyphenolic profiles were investigated by using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry from the same leaf material. We observed that 413 transcripts were differentially expressed between uninfested and infested leaves. There were few changes in polyphenol profiles among treatments, although psyllid feeding increased quercetin glucoside and pentagalloylglucose content. Overall, the analysis reveals that E. camaldulensis responses to Glycaspis immatures involve several potential mechanisms, including changes in defence responses, signal transduction and plant redox status. Candidate genes identified in this study can be examined in future experiments to understand their role in eucalypt–psyllid interactions.
Fall risk assessment tools for use among older adults in long‐term care settings: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Nunan Susan , Brown Wilson Christine , Henwood Timothy , Parker Deborah
Published: November 2017

Objective

To conduct a systematic review of published fall risk assessment tools (FRATs) tested for predictive validity among older adults in long‐term care (LTC).

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using five databases. Only studies reporting on sensitivity and specificity values, conducted in LTC on populations primarily aged over 60 years, were considered.

Results

Fifteen papers were included and three different categories of FRATs emerged: multifactorial assessment tools, functional mobility assessments and algorithms. Several FRATs showed moderate‐to‐good predictive validity and reliability, with the Modified Fall Assessment Tool and the Peninsula Health Falls Risk Assessment Tool (PHFRAT) also demonstrating good feasibility.

Conclusion

Evidence for the best choice of FRAT for use in LTC remains limited. Further research is warranted for the PHFRAT, recommended for use in LTC by best practice guidelines, before its establishment as the tool of choice for these clinical settings.
Elevated plasma and vitreous levels of leucine‐rich‐α2‐glycoprotein are associated with diabetic retinopathy progression
Authors: Chen Chong , Chen Xia , Huang Hengye , Han Changjing , Qu Yuan , Jin Huiyi , Niu Tian , Zhang Yuan , Liu Kun , Xu Xun
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To investigate the association of plasma and vitreous leucine‐rich‐α2‐glycoprotein (LRG1) with diabetic retinopathy (DR) progression.

Methods

A total of 86 outpatients and 33 inpatients were recruited. Outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were classified as T2DM without DR (n = 22), nonproliferative DR (NPDR) (n = 20) and proliferative DR (PDR) (n = 22) based on international clinical DR severity scales. A total of 86 plasma and 33 vitreous samples were collected and subjected to enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The diagnostic value of plasma LRG1 was tested using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

Plasma LRG1 in PDR patients (9025 ± 1870 pg/ml) was significantly increased as compared with controls (5975 ± 2022 pg/ml), T2DM without DR (6550 ± 2359 pg/ml) and NPDR patients (6550 ± 2359 pg/ml) (p < 0.0001). Vitreous LRG1 in PDR patients was elevated by approximately 4.3‐fold than that in controls (562.1 ± 273.5 ng/ml versus 130.0 ± 102.8 ng/ml, p = 0.000). The area under the ROC curve value for plasma LRG1 was 0.786 (p < 0.0001). The maximal Youden index was 0.4372 and the optimal cut‐off value of LRG1 was 7357.043 pg/ml with 81.82% sensitivity and 61.90% specificity.

Conclusion

Plasma and vitreous LRG1 levels were elevated in patients with PDR. Leucine‐rich‐α2‐glycoprotein (LRG1) might be a potential risk‐warning marker for PDR.
Parsimony analysis of unaligned sequence data: some clarifications
Authors: Ospina‐Sarria Jhon Jairo , Cabra‐García Jimmy
Published: November 2017

De Laet (2015) claimed that minimization of ad hoc hypotheses of homoplasy does not lead to a preference for trivial optimizations when analysing unaligned sequence data, as claimed by Wheeler (2012; see also Kluge and Grant, 2006). In addition, De Laet asserted that Kluge and Grant's (2006) parsimony rationale is internally inconsistent in terms of Baker's (2003) theoretical framework. We argue that De Laet used extraneous presuppositions to critique Wheeler's position and, as such, his criticism should be considered cautiously in terms of its scope. Finally, we demonstrate that considering Kluge and Grant's parsimony rationale as inconsistent rests on De Laet's misunderstanding of the ideographic character concept and the consequences of relating it to Baker's rationale.
Evaluation of antimicrobial and dyeing properties of walnut (Juglans regia L.) green husk extract for cosmetics
Authors: Beiki Tavoos , Najafpour Ghasem D. , Hosseini Morteza
Published: November 2017

Walnut green husk is one of the main waste products from walnut and could be used as a source of natural dyeing compounds such as juglone. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effective use of walnut green husk extract as a natural hair dye. Dyeing properties, fastness and antimicrobial behaviours of dyed hair and also a skin irritation test for natural hair dye on rat skin were examined. When the extract was mixed with ascorbic acid as a developer, ferrous sulphate as a mordant, and Aloe vera extract used as a secondary mordant and also a cosmetic ingredient, the reaction resulted in a dark‐brown colour on hair samples. The dyed hair exhibited appropriate colour strength having excellent morphology for a hair surface coated with dye molecules. In addition, the dyed hair possessed good resistance to washing and daylight fastness, without any irritant properties as shown in a rat model, although high concentrations of iron‐based mordant may be problematic for long‐term usage. This paper also suggests the use of natural mordants such as lactic and oxalic acids to avoid any probable risks. Walnut green husk extract was an appropriate natural hair dyeing agent in practice and showed maximum antimicrobial activity compared with semi‐synthetic and commercial hair dyes. The results demonstrated that walnut green husk can be used as an economical, valuable, eco‐friendly and safe source of dyeing and antimicrobial agents for cosmetic products.
Arambarria the pathogen involved in canker rot of Eucalyptus, native trees wood rots and grapevine diseases in the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Pildain M. B. , Pérez G. A. , Robledo G. , Pappano D. B. , Rajchenberg M.
Published: November 2017

Arambarria (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota) is a monotypic genus recently described to accommodate specimens from the Patagonian forests of Argentina wrongly assigned in the past to Inocutis jamaicensis. On the basis of a wide sampling of strains and phylogenetic analysis inferred from combined sequences including the nuc rDNA ITS1‐5.8‐ITS2 region, 28S rDNA D1‐D2 domains and partial sequences of translation elongation factor 1‐a (tef1‐α), we demonstrate that this genus is associated with an important canker rot of eucalypt plantations in Uruguay, to wood rots of many native and exotic hosts, and to “hoja de malvón” and chlorotic leafroll of grapevines diseases in Central Chile, Central Argentina and Uruguay, formerly assigned to I. jamaicensis and/or Fomitiporella sp. The combined phylogenetic analysis showed the existence of three closely related clades that corresponded to (1) the Pampas of Uruguay and Argentina (“uruguay” clade), (2) the Monte, Chaco Serrano and Yungas forests of Argentina (“cognata” clade) and (3) the Patagonian Andes forests and Chilean Province (“destruens” clade). Lack of morphological differences between taxa from the three clades, their occurrence in both native and exotic hosts, previous results showing interfertility between isolates from Uruguay and Argentina, and the lack of full support in the concatenated ITS + 28S + tef1‐α analysis, prevents us to distinguish and describe three different taxa; the proper name of the taxon being Arambarria cognata comb. nov. A fourth, distinctly separated clade corresponded to South African strains isolated from vineyards representing an undescribed taxon associated with Esca grapevine disease in that country. Arambarria is shown to be unrelated to Inocutis, with which it was confused in the past and, so far, remains restricted to the Northern Hemisphere in America (Mexico, Jamaica and the USA).
Reliability and clinical features associated with the IPSG MRI tibiotalar and subtalar joint scores in children, adolescents and young adults with haemophilia
Authors: Brunel T. , Lobet S. , Deschamps K. , Hermans C. , Peerlinck K. , Vandesande J. , Pialat J.‐B.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To assess the reliability of the IPSG MRI scale for tibiotalar (TTJ) and subtalar joint (STJ) changes in young haemophilic patients, correlating MRI findings with functional scores and 3D‐rearfoot kinematics.

Methods

A total of 37 haemophilic patients underwent bilateral MRI of the footankle, clinical evaluation and quantitative assessment of their 3D‐rearfoot kinematics during walking. TTJ and STJ soft tissues were assessed twice along with osteochondral changes by two radiologists using the IPSG MRI scale. Inter‐ and intra‐observer reproducibility of MRI scoring were tested by means of kappa statistics. Correlational analyses were performed between MRI findings and the Haemophilia Joint Health Score 2.1 (HJHS) and 3D‐rearfoot kinematic data.

Results

The intra‐reader reliability of MRI scoring was good to excellent (Kappa: 0.62‐1), whereas the inter‐reader reliability was moderate to good (Kappa: 0.54‐0.79). Weak yet significant correlations were found between the frontal plane rearfoot range of motion (ROM) during loading response of gait and STJ score, as well as between frontal plane rearfoot ROM during the terminal stance phase and the rearfoot osteochondral lesions.

Conclusion

The IPSG score appears applicable to not only the TTJ but also the STJ. Contrary to TTJ lesions, those of the STJ do not correlate with the HJHS but do with 3D‐rearfoot kinematic data.
Outer dense fibers stabilize the axoneme to maintain sperm motility
Authors: Zhao Wenlong , Li Zhengzheng , Ping Ping , Wang Guishuan , Yuan Xiaobing , Sun Fei
Published: November 2017

Outer dense fibers (ODFs), as unique accessory structures in mammalian sperm, are considered to play a role in the protection of the sperm tail against shear forces. However, the role and relevant mechanisms of ODFs in modulating sperm motility and its pathological involvement in asthenozoospermia were unknown. Here, we found that the percentage of ODF defects was higher in asthenozoospermic samples than that in control samples and was significantly correlated with the percentage of axoneme defects and non‐motile sperm. Furthermore, the expression levels of ODF major components (Odf1, 2, 3, 4) were frequently down‐regulated in asthenozoospermic samples. Intriguingly, the positive relationship between ODF size and sperm motility existed across species. The conditional disruption of Odf2 expression in mice led to reduced sperm motility and the characteristics of asthenozoospermia. Meanwhile, the expression of acetylated α‐tubulin was decreased in sperm from both Odf2 conditional knockout (cKO) mice and asthenozoospermic men. Immunofluorescence and biochemistry analyses showed that Odf2 could bind to acetylated α‐tubulin and protect the acetylation level of α‐tubulin in HEK293T cells in a cold environment. Finally, we found that lithium elevated the expression levels of Odf family proteins and acetylated α‐tubulin, elongated the midpiece length and increased the percentage of rapidly moving sperm in mice. Our results demonstrate that ODFs are beneficial for sperm motility via stabilization of the axoneme and that hypo‐expression of Odf family proteins is involved in the pathogenesis of asthenozoospermia. The lithium administration assay will provide valuable insights into the development of new treatments for asthenozoospermia.
Flow properties of coarse and fine sugar powders
Authors: Santos Luana Cristina dos , Condotta Rodrigo , Ferreira Maria do Carmo
Published: November 2017

The densification dynamics and flow properties of powdery to granular varieties of commercial sugars were obtained. Samples of granular sugar (GS), refined (RS) sugar, a raw type VHP sugar (VS), and icing sugar (IS) were characterized concerning particle morphology, size distribution, loose and tapped bulk densities. Primary particles of IS sugar have a mean size (D50) of 77 μm and they agglomerate into larger size granules with intraparticle voidage. The RS, GS and VS sugars have D50 equal to 286 μm, 537 μm, and 696 μm, respectively. The RS sugar revealed some irregular and rough agglomerates, while the other samples were composed of flat and well‐defined crystals. After full compaction, the initial bulk volume of the IS sugar was reduced by 25%, of the RS sugar by 18%, of the GS and VS sugars by about 10%. The IS sugar was the sample with poorest flowability, based on a Hausner ratio equal to 1.33. Compared to the others, this sugar variety presented a higher bed porosity and a smaller tapped density. In spite of its irregular shaped particles, the RS sugar compacted easily and achieved the same tapped density of samples with well‐defined granular particles. A slower compaction kinetic was observed for the coarser sugar—VS (D50 = 696 μm). Finally, the static and dynamic repose angles increased from the granular (GS and VS) to the powdery sugars (RS and IS), but for the latter ones the values were not significantly different in spite of the mean sizes decreased from 206 μm in the RS sugar to 77 μm in the IS. A more relevant difference was observed in the dynamic repose angle for the powdery sugar and the difference between the dynamic and static repose angles increased as the mean particle size was reduced. According to their repose angles, the flowability would be classified as good (GS and VS) or fair (RS and IS). The densification dynamics of all sugars were fitted with good accuracy to an empirical equation.

Practical applications

Powder flow is influenced by the presence of fines contained in the bulk powder, by the particles' size distribution and by their morphological characteristics. To meet the different needs of customers, a number of sugar varieties are marketed, including the granulated white sugar, the brown raw sugars and the powdery refined sugars. Every sugar variety behaves differently in operations such as packing, transport, and discharge from silos and hoppers. As sugar manufacturing plants deal with materials in a broad range of sizes and shapes, data of basic flow indicators for different sugar varieties obtained under standardized and comparable conditions may be useful for predicting the performance of a processing plant and monitoring the product quality attributes and for designing equipment as well.
Designing and application of a shell and tube heat exchanger for nanofluid thermal processing of liquid food products
Authors: Jafari Seid Mahdi , Saramnejad Farinaz , Dehnad Danial
Published: November 2017

One of the most commonly used types of heat exchangers is the shell and tube heat exchanger. It has been well established that applications of nanofluids in shell and tube heat exchangers are a competitive alternative for common industrial fluids such as hot water. However, conventional applications of nanofluids are restricted to nonfood industries. So, for the first time, this study aimed to design a shell and tube heat exchanger through Kern method for food applications and involving different equations and calculations in detail, to deploy intelligent thermal equipment and PLC section for controlling the performance of shell and tube heat exchanger, and finally, to apply that heat exchanger for two food products, that is, watermelon and tomato juice, in order to survey the extent to which this equipment, by using nanofluids rather than common hot water systems, can improve temperature–time profile of food systems and diminish their energy consumption. Kern method could accurately estimate the number of tubes, tube pitch, baffle spacing, tubes per pass, as well as shell‐side, tube‐side, and overall heat transfer coefficients while maintaining pressure drops in acceptable ranges. Application of 2 and 4% alumina nanofluids, instead of hot water, decreased thermal processing time of watermelon juice by 24.14 and 51.72%; similarly, these reduction rates were 22.3 and 48.76% for tomato juice processing. Consequently, energy consumption rates of watermelon juice processing dwindled to 24.64 and 48.34% and of tomato juice to 22.3 and 48.76% through deployment of 2 and 4% Al2O3, compared to hot water, respectively.

Practical applications

Fluids with suspended particles of nanometals or oxidized metals benefit from better heat transfer properties. There is limited research dealing with effects of adding nanoparticles to conventional thermal fluids for fruit juices processing. So, the goal of this research was to introduce nanofluid technology for thermal processing of food products, increasing heat transfer efficiency in shell and tube exchangers by nanofluids and frugality in energy consumption for pasteurization, reducing thermal processing duration and better quality retention of food products.
Chicken fillets subjected to UV‐C and pulsed UV light: Reduction of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria, and changes in sensory quality
Authors: McLeod Anette , Hovde Liland Kristian , Haugen John‐Erik , Sørheim Oddvin , Myhrer Kristine S. , Holck Askild L.
Published: November 2017

We have compared the efficacy of continuous ultraviolet (UV‐C) (254 nm) and pulsed UV light in reducing the viability of Salmonella Enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp., Brochothrix thermospacta, Carnobacterium divergens, and extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase producing E. coli inoculated on chicken fillet surface. Fluences from 0.05 to 3.0 J/cm2 (10 mW/cm2, from 5 to 300 s) used for UV‐C light resulted in average reductions from 1.1 to 2.8 log cfu/cm2. For pulsed UV light, fluences from 1.25 to 18.0 J/cm2 gave average reductions from 0.9 to 3.0 log cfu/cm2. A small change in the odor characterized as sunburnt and increased concentration of volatile compounds associated with burnt odor posed restrictions on the upper limit of UV treatment, however no sensory changes were observed after cooking the meat. Treatments under modified atmosphere conditions using a UV permeable top film gave similar or slightly lower bacterial reductions.

Practical applications

Ultraviolet (UV) light may be used for decontaminating the surface of food products and reduce viability of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. Exposure of raw chicken fillet surface to various doses of continuous UV‐C or pulsed UV light proposed in the present work represent alternatives for microbiological improvement of this product. Chicken fillets can be treated in intact packages covered with UV permeable top film, thus avoiding recontamination of the meat. UV‐C light treatment is a low cost strategy with low maintenance, whereas pulsed UV light involves more elaborate equipment, but treatment times are short and less space is required. Both methods can be helpful for producers to manage the safety and quality of chicken fillets.
Ultra‐high temperature metamorphism recorded in Fe‐rich olivine‐bearing migmatite from the Khondalite Belt, North China Craton
Authors: Lobjoie Cyril , Lin Wei , Trap Pierre , Goncalves Philippe , Li Qiuli , Marquer Didier , Bruguier Olivier , Devoir Arnaud
Published: November 2017

We document the first occurrence of Fe‐rich olivine‐bearing migmatitic metapelite in the Khondalite Belt, North China Craton. Petrological analyses revealed two exotic assemblages of orthopyroxene+spinel+olivine and orthopyroxene+spinel+cordierite. Phase relation modelling suggests that these assemblages are diagnostic of ultra‐high temperature (UHT) metamorphism in the Fe‐rich system, with temperatures from 1,000 to 1,050°C at 0.6 GPa. U–Th–Pb SIMS analyses on zircon reveal a similar age of c. 1.92 Ga for the olivine‐bearing migmatite and an adjacent gabbronoritic intrusion that is therefore identified as the heat source for the UHT metamorphism. These results, coupled with additional analysis of the famous Tuguiwula sapphirine‐bearing granulite, lead to a re‐appraisal of the P–T path shape and heat source for the UHT metamorphism. We suggest that UHT metamorphism, dated between 1.92 and 1.88 Ga, across the whole Khondalite belt, proceeded from a clockwise P–T evolution with an initial near‐isobaric heating path at ~0.6–0.8 GPa, and a maximum temperature of 1,050°C followed by a cooling path with minor decompression to ~0.5 GPa. Considering our results and previous works, we propose that the orogenic crust underwent partial melting at temperature reaching 850°C and depth of ~20 to ~30 km during a period of c. 30 Ma, between 1.93 and 1.90 Ga. During this time span, the partially molten crust was continuously intruded by mafic magma pulses responsible for local greater heat supply and UHT metamorphism above 1,000°C. We propose that the UHT metamorphism in the Khondalite belt is not related to an extensional post‐collisional event, but is rather syn‐orogenic and associated with mafic magma supplies.
Established and novel measures of upper limb impairment in children with Charcot‐Marie‐tooth disease type 1A and riboflavin transporter deficiency type 2
Authors: Cornett Kayla M.D. , Menezes Manoj P. , Bray Paula , Halaki Mark , Burns Joshua
Published: November 2017

Hand function is a problem in patients with Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) and Riboflavin Transporter Deficiency type 2 (RTD2). However, a detailed understanding of upper limb involvement in these conditions is lacking. The aim of this pilot study was to compare hand and upper limb function between children with CMT1A, RTD2 and healthy controls using established and novel outcome measures. Three age‐and sex‐matched groups of four children (5–15 years, 1 male/group) with CMT1A, RTD2, and healthy controls were assessed for function, strength, and sensation. Fatigue and muscle activity of the FDI was also assessed using a submaximal contraction at 40% of the participants' maximal voluntary contraction. Functional measures were most affected in children with RTD2 followed by children with CMT1A, compared to healthy controls. Strength was similarly impaired in CMT1A and RTD2 compared to controls (p < 0.05). Sensation was significantly impaired in RTD2 compared to CMT1A and controls (p = 0.008). While time to fatigue did not differ between groups, a decline in muscle activity while force remained constant showed that controls compensated with other muscles during the fatigue task while children with CMT1A and RTD2 did not have this compensatory ability. Children with CMT1A and RTD2 exhibited marked hand/upper limb impairment. These results suggest the upper limb should be a focus of rehabilitative therapy in affected children using sensitive outcome measures of strength and sensation, as well as functional activities of daily living, which are most relevant to the patient.