bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relative Weighting of Semantic and Syntactic Cues in Native and Non-Native Listeners’ Recognition of English Sentences
Authors: Shi Lu-Feng , Koenig Laura L.
Published: January 2016

Objective:

Non-native listeners do not recognize English sentences as effectively as native listeners, especially in noise. It is not entirely clear to what extent such group differences arise from differences in relative weight of semantic versus syntactic cues. This study quantified the use and weighting of these contextual cues via Boothroyd and Nittrouer’s j and k factors. The j represents the probability of recognizing sentences with or without context, whereas the k represents the degree to which context improves recognition performance.

Design:

Four groups of 13 normal-hearing young adult listeners participated. One group consisted of native English monolingual (EMN) listeners, whereas the other three consisted of non-native listeners contrasting in their language dominance and first language: English-dominant Russian-English, Russian-dominant Russian-English, and Spanish-dominant Spanish-English bilinguals. All listeners were presented three sets of four-word sentences: high-predictability sentences included both semantic and syntactic cues, low-predictability sentences included syntactic cues only, and zero-predictability sentences included neither semantic nor syntactic cues. Sentences were presented at 65 dB SPL binaurally in the presence of speech-spectrum noise at +3 dB SNR. Listeners orally repeated each sentence and recognition was calculated for individual words as well as the sentence as a whole.

Results:

Comparable j values across groups for high-predictability, low-predictability, and zero-predictability sentences suggested that all listeners, native and non-native, utilized contextual cues to recognize English sentences. Analysis of the k factor indicated that non-native listeners took advantage of syntax as effectively as EMN listeners. However, only English-dominant bilinguals utilized semantics to the same extent as EMN listeners; semantics did not provide a significant benefit for the two non-English-dominant groups. When combined, semantics and syntax benefitted EMN listeners significantly more than all three non-native groups of listeners.

Conclusions:

Language background influenced the use and weighting of semantic and syntactic cues in a complex manner. A native language advantage existed in the effective use of both cues combined. A language-dominance effect was seen in the use of semantics. No first-language effect was present for the use of either or both cues. For all non-native listeners, syntax contributed significantly more to sentence recognition than semantics, possibly due to the fact that semantics develops more gradually than syntax in second-language acquisition. The present study provides evidence that Boothroyd and Nittrouer’s j and k factors can be successfully used to quantify the effectiveness of contextual cue use in clinically relevant, linguistically diverse populations.
Practitioner Perceptions of Patients Wearing Decorative Contact Lenses Purchased Through Unauthorized Sellers
Authors: Gaiser Hilary , Ho Connie , Janier Nicole , Wee Amy , Johnson Catherine , Watanabe Ronald
Published: January 2016

Objectives:

To describe practitioner experiences regarding ocular complications in patients wearing decorative contact lenses, and to investigate the compliance of unauthorized distributors of decorative contact lenses to current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations. Also, to provide data to support a more targeted public health approach to reducing the incidence of illegal contact lens sales and associated ocular complications.

Methods:

An institutional review board–approved online survey was distributed through mass email to a list of 98 optometrists in the Boston, MA area. Concurrently, an empirical evaluation of independent, online decorative contact lens sellers who were not associated with FDA-approved contact lens manufacturers was performed to determine their adherence to FDA and FTC guidelines. The first 18 noncoincidental websites that resulted from a Google search for “costume contact lens sellers” and “cosmetic contact lens sellers” were examined as to the brands and parameters of lenses being sold, whether or not a valid prescription was required or verified, and if consumer education was provided.

Results:

Twenty-two optometrists completed the online survey. Seventy-seven percent of respondents reported having patients with complications from decorative contact lenses that were purchased both legally and illegally. The most common age group for complications was 18 to 25 years (61%). One third of complications were seen in first-time lens wearers, half of whom never received proper care instructions or were unaware that care instructions existed. One quarter of the lenses were purchased illegally with unlicensed stores being the most common place of purchase. Of the 18 online sites examined, 72% of sellers failed to adhere to FTC and FDA regulations.

Conclusions:

A significant number of individuals who obtain contact lenses illegally from unauthorized sources are young adults. Most unauthorized sellers reviewed did not adhere to the proper protocol for selling contact lenses or instruct their customers on proper lens wear and care. A significant percentage of optometrists responding to the survey reported complications associated with contact lenses purchased through unauthorized sources, suggesting that the risk of contact lens–related complications increases when the lenses are purchased from one of these sources.
Infliximab for IgG4-Related Orbital Disease
Authors: Karim Faiz , Paridaens D. , Westenberg L. E. H. , Guenoun J. , Verdijk R. M. , van Hagen P. M. , van Laar J. A. M.
Published: January 2016

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic fibroinflammatory condition with unclear pathophysiology. It may occur as a single organ disorder, but multiorgan presentation is common and can mimic several conditions. The preferred therapy consists of steroids, but definite maintenance strategy remains unclear. The authors describe a case of a 61-year-old woman, initially diagnosed with idiopathic orbital inflammation refractory to multiple immunosuppressive agents. The disease was complicated with epilepsy, vision loss, and trismus. Treatment with various immunosuppressive agents was unsuccessful. Eventually the patient was effectively treated with infliximab. This is the second case of IgG4-RD treated with a TNF-blocker documented in literature and the first description to demonstrate its superiority over steroid sparing agents. Although speculative, TNF-blockers might exert their effect in IgG4-RD by interfering with the possible overexpressed TNF alpha due to fibrosis in this disease. Treatment with infliximab appears a good alternative for refractory IgG4-RD. However, further studies are required to define the value of infliximab in IgG4-RD.
Enophthalmos and Hemifacial Skeletal Atrophy After Trigeminal Nerve Injury
Authors: Satchi Khami , McNab Alan A.
Published: January 2016

A 60-year-old woman presented with several years increasing right upper eyelid ptosis. She had undergone surgical decompression of the right trigeminal nerve in the posterior cranial fossa 15 years earlier for trigeminal neuralgia. This left her with permanent numbness in the second and third divisions of the trigeminal nerve. In addition to the ptosis, she was found to have right enophthalmos and a smaller right face. CT scans showed a smaller midfacial skeleton on the right and a depressed orbital floor. The changes were different to those seen in silent sinus syndrome. Photographs taken over many years showed the facial changes were acquired and came on gradually many years after the trigeminal nerve injury. It is possible that trigeminal nerve injury may lead to trophic changes in the facial skeleton, but these have not been previously reported.
Lagophthalmos and Ptosis in Inclusion Body Myositis
Authors: Shams Fatemeh , Cauchi Paul
Published: January 2016

Sporadic inclusion body myositis is the most commonly acquired type of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy in people aged 50 and above. There is early weakness and atrophy of forearms and quadriceps and a third of patients also have mild facial weakness. Extraocular muscles are not affected and ptosis is rarely seen. The authors describe a unique case in which inclusion body myositis presented with early mid face weakness and atrophy resulting in unilateral lagophthalmus, and ptosis, which have not been documented before. This case is not only unique in its presentation but also emphasizes the importance of considering differential diagnoses and conservative measures before contemplating surgery.
Implementation of a Prolonged Infusion Guideline for Time-Dependent Antimicrobial Agents at a Tertiary Academic Medical Center
Authors: Hohlfelder Benjamin , Kubiak David W. , Degrado Jeremy R. , Reardon David P. , Szumita Paul M.
Published: January 2016

Administration of time-dependent beta-lactam antibiotic as a prolonged infusion may maximize the pharmacodynamic target of time above the minimum inhibitory concentration. We describe the implementation of a prolonged infusion at a tertiary academic medical center, and a 1-year compliance analysis with the guideline. After performing a thorough literature search, a guideline was developed by members of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Department of Pharmacy. Approval and endorsement of the guideline was obtained by the Antimicrobial Subcommittee and Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. Physical champions were instrumental in the implementation of the guideline institution-wide. We then performed a 1-year retrospective analysis of guideline compliance from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011. Noncompliant administrations were obtained from smart infusion pumps. The total number of doses administered was taken from pharmacy information resources. In total, nearly 85,000 time-dependent doses were administered. Compliance with the prolonged infusion guideline was 89%. Rates of compliance did not significantly differ between medications (P = 0.555). Obtaining support from key stakeholders in collateral services and institutional leadership was vital for the success of this guideline. Compliance with the guideline 1 year after implementation was high. Implementation of a prolonged infusion guideline is feasible with institutional support and motivation.
Critically Ill Patient Due to Pneumonitis Secondary to the Use of Filgrastim
Authors: Vilaplana Belén Escudero , Gutiérrez Julia Ruiz , de Ibarguen Blanca Cantos Sánchez , Manrique Marta Manso , Guerrero Amelia Sánchez
Published: January 2016

Filgrastim is a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor commonly used in the prophylaxis and treatment of neutropenia associated with chemotherapy in cancer patients. It is a well-tolerated and safe drug but some unusual serious adverse effects may occur. We expose a case of a 37-year-old woman who was hospitalized with severe pancitopenia after the first cycle of chemotherapy with a cisplatin doublet and bevacizumab. Filgrastim was administered for 3 days with the aim of increasing neutrophils and not delay the next chemotherapy cycle. Due to acute respiratory failure she was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for symptomatic control where required oxygen therapy. Fungal and bacterial culture were made and so blood serologies, all of them were negative. It was diagnosed as pneumonitis secondary to a probable side effect of filgrastim. Although the case was resolved properly it is important monitor the administration of filgrastim because of the severity of these events.
Substance Use Among Homeless Individuals With Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Maremmani Angelo G.I. , Bacciardi Silvia , Gehring Nicole D. , Cambioli Luca , Schütz Christian , Jang Kerry , Krausz Michael
Published: January 2016

Mental illness and substance use are overrepresented within urban homeless populations. This paper compared substance use patterns between homeless individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum (SS) and bipolar disorders (BD) using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. From a sample of 497 subjects drawn from Vancouver, Canada who participated in the At Home/Chez Soi study, 146 and 94 homeless individuals were identified as BD and SS, respectively. In the previous 12 months, a greater proportion of BD homeless reported greater use of cocaine (χ2= 20.0,p= 0.000), amphetamines (χ2= 13,8,p= 0.000), opiates (χ2= 24.6,p= 0.000), hallucinogens (χ2= 11.7,p= 0.000), cannabinoids (χ2= 5.05,p= 0.034), and tranquilizers (χ2= 7.95,p= 0.004) compared to SS. Cocaine and opiates were significantly associated with BD homeless (χ2= 39.06,df= 2,p< 0.000). The present study illustrates the relationship between substance use and BD in a vulnerable urban population of homeless, affected by adverse psychosocial factors and severe psychiatric conditions.
Defining Quality in Health Care and Measuring Quality in Surgery
Authors: Yuan Frank , Chung Kevin C.
Published: January 2016

Quality in health care has been sluggish to adapt to the changing landscape, leading to lapses in the successful delivery of care. Consequently, quality of care has come under intense scrutiny in the past decade, resulting in the creation of various federally funded and nonprofit organizations aimed at assessing and implementing systematic quality improvements. In this article, the authors examine the evolution of quality in health care relative to established quality control measures in other sectors, different ways of assessing quality, and the current state of the health care system.
Quantitative assessment of eye phenotypes for functional genetic studies usingDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Iyer Janani , Wang Qingyu , Le Thanh , Pizzo Lucilla , Grönke Sebastian , Ambegaokar Surendra S. , Imai Yuzuru , Srivastava Ashutosh , Troisí Beatriz Llamusí , Mardon Graeme , Artero Ruben , Jackson George R. , Isaacs Adrian M. , Partridge Linda , Lu Bingwei , Kumar Justin P. , Girirajan Santhosh
Published: January 2016

About two-thirds of the vital genes in theDrosophilagenome are involved in eye development, making the fly eye an excellent genetic system to study cellular function and development, neurodevelopment/degeneration, and complex diseases such as cancer and diabetes. We developed a novel computational method, implemented as Flynotyper software (http://flynotyper.sourceforge.net), to quantitatively assess the morphological defects in theDrosophilaeye resulting from genetic alterations affecting basic cellular and developmental processes. Flynotyper utilizes a series of image processing operations to automatically detect the fly eye and the individual ommatidium, and calculates a phenotypic score as a measure of the disorderliness of ommatidial arrangement in the fly eye. As a proof of principle, we tested our method by analyzing the defects due to eye-specific knockdown ofDrosophilaorthologs of 12 neurodevelopmental genes to accurately document differential sensitivities of these genes to dosage alteration. We also evaluated eye images from six independent studies assessing the effect of overexpression of repeats, candidates from peptide library screens, and modifiers of neurotoxicity and developmental processes on eye morphology, and show strong concordance with the original assessment. We further demonstrate the utility of this method by analyzing 16 modifiers ofsine oculisobtained from two genome-wide deficiency screens ofDrosophilaand accurately quantifying the effect of its enhancers and suppressors during eye development. Our method will complement existing assays for eye phenotypes and increase the accuracy of studies that use fly eyes for functional evaluation of genes and genetic interactions.
Geographic cline analysis as a tool for studying genome-wide variation: a case study of pollinator-mediated divergence in a monkeyflower
Authors: Stankowski Sean , Sobel James M. , Streisfeld Matthew A.
Published: January 2016

A major goal of speciation research is to reveal the genomic signatures that accompany the speciation process. Genome scans are routinely used to explore genome-wide variation and identify highly differentiated loci that may contribute to ecological divergence, but they do not incorporate spatial, phenotypic, or environmental data that might enhance outlier detection. Geographic cline analysis provides a potential framework for integrating diverse forms of data in a spatially-explicit framework, but it has not been used to study genome-wide patterns of divergence. Aided by a first-draft genome assembly, we combine anFCTscan and geographic cline analysis to characterize patterns of genome-wide divergence between divergent pollination ecotypes ofMimulus aurantiacus. FCTanalysis of 58,872 SNPs generated via RADseq revealed little ecotypic differentiation (meanFCT= 0.041), though a small number of loci were moderately to highly diverged. Consistent with our previous results from the geneMaMyb2, which contributes to differences in flower color, 130 loci have cline shapes that recapitulate the spatial pattern of trait divergence, suggesting that they reside in or near the genomic regions that contribute to pollinator isolation. In the narrow hybrid zone between the ecotypes, extensive admixture among individuals and low linkage disequlibrium between markers indicate that outlier loci are scattered throughout the genome, rather than being restricted to one or a few regions. In addition to revealing the genomic consequences of ecological divergence in this system, we discuss how geographic cline analysis is a powerful but under-utilized framework for studying genome-wide patterns of divergence.
Believer-Skeptic meets Actor-Critic: Rethinking the role basal ganglia pathways in decision-making and reinforcement learning
Authors: Dunovan Kyle , Verstynen Timothy
Published: January 2016

The flexibility of behavioral control is a testament to the brain’s capacity for dynamically resolving uncertainty during goal-directed actions. This ability to select actions and learn from immediate feedback is driven by the dynamics of basal ganglia (BG) pathways. A growing body of empirical evidence conflicts with the traditional view that these pathways act as independent levers for facilitating (i.e., direct pathway) or suppressing (i.e., indirect pathway) motor output, suggesting instead that they engage in a dynamic competition during action decisions that computationally captures action uncertainty. Here we discuss the utility of encoding action uncertainty as a dynamic competition between opposing control pathways and provide evidence that this simple mechanism may have powerful implications for bridging neurocomputational theories of decision making and reinforcement learning.
A virtual B cell lymphoma model to predict effective combination therapy
Authors: Du Wei , Goldstein Rebecca , Jiang Yanwen , Aly Omar , Cerchietti Leandro , Melnick Ari , Elemento Olivier
Published: January 2016

The complexity of cancer signaling networks limits the efficacy of most single agent treatments and brings about challenges in identifying effective combinatorial therapies. Using chronic active B cell receptor (BCR) signaling in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) as a model system, we established a computational framework to optimize combinatorial therapyin silico.We constructed a detailed kinetic model of the BCR signaling network, which captured the known complex crosstalk between the NFκB, ERK and AKT pathways; and multiple feedback loops. Combining this signaling model with a data-derived tumor growth model we predicted viability responses of many single drug and drug combinations that are in agreement with experimental data. Under this framework, we exhaustively predicted and ranked the efficacy and synergism of all possible combinatorial inhibitions of eleven currently targetable kinases in the BCR signaling network. Our work established a detailed kinetic model of the core BCR signaling network and provides the means to explore the large space of possible drug combinations.

Author Summary

Using chronic active B cell receptor (BCR) signaling in diffuse large B cell lymphoma(DLBCL) as a model system, we developed a kinetic-modeling based computational framework for predicting effective combination therapyin silico.By integrative modeling of signal transduction, drug kinetics and tumor growth, we were able to directly predict drug-induced cell viability response at various dosages, which were in agreement with published cell line experimental data. We implemented computational screening methods that identified potent and synergistic combinationsin silicoand validated our independent predictionsin vitro.
Phenotypic switching can speed up biological evolution of microbes
Authors: Tadrowski Andrew C. , Evans Martin R. , Waclaw Bartłomiej
Published: January 2016

Stochastic phenotype switching has been suggested to play a beneficial role in microbial populations by leading to the division of labour among cells, or ensuring that at least some of the population survives an unexpected change in environmental conditions. Here we use a computational model to investigate an alternative possible function of stochastic phenotype switching – as a way to adapt more quickly even in a static environment. We show that when a genetic mutation causes a population to become less fit, switching to an alternative phenotype with higher fitness (growth rate) may give the population enough time to develop compensatory mutations that increase the fitness again. The possibility of switching phenotypes can reduce the time to adaptation by orders of magnitude if the “fitness valley” caused by the deleterious mutation is deep enough. Our work has important implications for the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In line with recent experimental findings we hypothesise that switching to a slower growing but less sensitive phenotype helps bacteria to develop resistance by exploring a larger set of beneficial mutations while avoiding deleterious ones.
Analysis of Two-State Folding Using Parabolic Approximation II: Temperature-Dependence
Authors: Sade Robert S.
Published: January 2016

Equations that govern the temperature-dependence of the rate constants, Gibbs energies, enthalpies, entropies and heat capacities of activation for folding and unfolding of spontaneously-folding fixed two-state systems have been derived using a procedure that treats the denatured and the native conformers as being confined to harmonic Gibbs energy wells. The notion that a two-state system is physically defined only for a set temperature range is introduced. The implications of this novel treatment for protein folding are discussed.
Crystal structures of (1E,4E)-1,5-bis(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-2,4-dimethylpenta-1,4-dien-3-one and (E)-4-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-1,3-diphenylbut-3-en-2-one
Authors: Nithya C. , Sithambaresan M. , Kurup M. R. Prathapachandra
Published: January 2016

The title compounds, C15H12Br2OS2, (I), and C20H15BrOS, (II), were synthesized by employing Claisen–Schmidt condensation of pentan-3-one and dibenzylacetone with 5-bromothiophene-2-carbaldehyde in the presence of methanolic KOH. Even though 1:2 products were expected in both of the reactions, 1:2 and 1:1 products were obtained as (I) and (II), respectively. In (I), the two methyl groups aretransto each other, 29.5 (7) and 28.7 (7)° away from the central carbonyl bond between them, whereas the two phenyl rings of dibenzylacetone subtend a dihedral angle of 53.09 (18)°. In the crystal of (I), C—H...O hydrogen bonds define molecular chains alongc. A second type of molecular chain is formed alongbby means of C—Br...π interactions. These two families of molecular chains are stacked by π–π interactions, forming a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. In (II), similar C—H...O hydrogen bonds as in (I) define inversion dimers, whilst C—H....π interactions build a staircase structure along theaaxis.
“Intellectual developmental disorders”: reflections on the international consensus document for redefining “mental retardation-intellectual disability” in ICD-11
Authors: Bertelli Marco O. , Munir Kerim , Harris James , Salvador-Carulla Luis
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The debate as to whether intellectual disability (ID) should be conceptualized as a health condition or as a disability has intensified as the revision of World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is being finalized. Defining ID as a health condition is central to retaining it in ICD, with significant implications for health policy and access to health services. The purpose of this paper is to include some reflections on the consensus document produced by the first WHO Working Group on the Classification of MR (WHO WG-MR) and on the process that was followed to realize it. The consensus report was the basis for the development of official recommendations sent to the WHO Advisory Group for ICD-11.

Design/methodology/approach

– A mixed qualitative approach was followed in a series of meetings leading to the final consensus report submitted to the WHO Advisory group. These recommendations combined prior expert knowledge with available evidence; a nominal approach was followed throughout with face-to-face conferences.

Findings

– The WG recommended a synonym set (“synset”) ontological approach to the conceptualisation of this health condition underlying a clinical rationale for its diagnosis. It proposed replacing MR with Intellectual Developmental Disorders (IDD) in ICD-11, defined as “a group of developmental conditions characterized by a significant impairment of cognitive functions, which are associated with limitations of learning, adaptive behaviour and skills”. The WG further advised that IDD be included under the parent category of neurodevelopmental disorders, that current distinctions (mild, moderate, severe and profound) be continued as severity qualifiers, and that problem behaviours removed from its core classification structure and instead described as associated features.

Originality/value

– Within the ID/IDD synset two different names combine distinct aspects under a single construct that describes its clinical as well as social, educational and policy utilities. The single construct incorporates IDD as a clinical meta-syndrome, and ID as its functioning and disability counterpart. IDD and ID are not synonymous or mirror concepts as they have different scientific, social and policy applications. New diagnostic criteria for IDD should be based on a developmental approach, which accounts for the complex causal factors known to impact the acquisition of specific cognitive abilities and adaptive behaviours. The paper focuses on a new clinical framework for the diagnosis of IDD that also includes and complements the existing social, educational and policy components inherent in ID.
How to go from strategy to results? Institutionalising BPM governance within organisations
Authors: Hernaus Tomislav , Bosilj Vuksic Vesna , Indihar Štemberger Mojca
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how business process management (BPM) is incorporated within organisational structure. The authors demonstrate how a strategic interest in BPM and formal responsibilities for BPM activities shape the efficiency, quality and agility of BPM initiatives. By conducting field research, useful empirical insights were drawn about the necessary conditions for ensuring the success of BPM initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

– A questionnaire survey of BPM adoption practices was conducted among private- and public-sector organisations with more than 50 employees. A cross-national sample of 60 Croatian and 51 Slovenian companies is analysed by applying a subsampling strategy and using inferential statistics methods.

Findings

– The study clearly shows how particular structural decisions can foster the operational excellence of BPM initiatives. Formal process roles and specialised BPM units were recognised as important drivers of organisational success. In addition, how strategic support and related structural choices create a synergistic effect and make process efforts worthwhile is explained.

Practical implications

– The research findings offer useful benchmarking of current BPM practices. The developed BPM commitment matrix represents a simple tool for self-assessment. Its path-dependent logic provides guidelines for improving the outcomes of BPM governance in general, and BPM initiatives specifically.

Originality/value

– The paper extends previous research by showing the performance effects of several BPM governance practices. The results clearly suggest that the best outcomes of BPM initiatives were achieved by organisations that had introduced a strategic approach to BPM, along with having defined a centralised BPM responsibility and assigned decentralised process ownership roles.
Identifying barriers, perceptions and motivations related to healthy eating and physical activity among 6th to 8th grade, rural, limited-resource adolescents
Authors: Kumar Janavi , Adhikari Koushik , Li Yijing , Lindshield Erika , Muturi Nancy , Kidd Tandalayo
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to enable community members to discuss their perceptions of eating habits and physical activity in relation to sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, and reveal facilitators and barriers to healthy eating behavior and physical activity engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

– Nine focus groups, which included six groups from sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, two parents’ groups, and one teachers’ group, were conducted in a middle school in southwest Kansas. Individual influences, social influences, and larger contextual influences on early adolescent health were assessed by discussing behaviors, personal characteristics, and environmental factors, based on the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM).

Findings

– Adolescent participants’ knowledge regarding healthful foods was limited. Taste and appearance were the two leading factors that contributed to food choices. Responses from adolescents, parents, and teachers all indicated difficulties when introducing new and healthful food items into adolescents’ diets. Besides physical education (PE) and school-related sports, the sources for physical activity were limited. Certain video games were specified as facilitators of physical activity by adolescents. Peer pressure was a predominant theme motivating most adolescents’ physical activities as well as food choices. These findings suggest numerous interrelated factors associated with healthy lifestyle in the population of this study.

Originality/value

– By involving adolescents in the in-depth open-ended discussion through the focus groups helped reveal their unique attitudes, perceptions, and motivations toward practicing healthy lifestyles. Interventions targeting both behavior change and environmental change are needed.
From recipients to partners: children in malaria education in Uganda
Authors: Nakiwala Aisha Sembatya
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– Health education that integrates community participation is essential for malaria control. However, children’s participation is not generally as active as that of adults, thus turning children into recipients, as opposed to partners in malaria control. The purpose of this paper is to develop a better understanding of how children can transform from mere recipients to active partners in malaria control efforts, by exploring the implementation of a school health education program in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative multi-case study involving six schools where the health education program was implemented was undertaken, using six focus group discussions with 72 school children and respondent interviews with 14 teachers and district health promotion staff.

Findings

– Children acted as health messengers, offered peer support and engaged in environmental management to minimize mosquito breeding. The benefits of the school malaria program included increasing access to malaria information, boosting malaria knowledge, improving children’s self-esteem and their skill as health educators. However, implementation was undermined by hostility from adults, inadequate time and tight school schedules, which should be addressed in future malaria programs.

Practical implications

– The findings suggest that children can play an important role in malaria programs. Therefore, programs should be sufficiently structured to facilitate children’s participation. Practitioners should be encouraged to be conscious of the applicability of the health promoting school approach to malaria control.

Originality/value

– This research facilitated a more comprehensive understanding of the role children can play in malaria control, thus providing a basis for their involvement in malaria programs. It also adds to a relatively scarce area of literature on the school health-malaria control nexus.
Managerial overconfidence, government intervention and corporate financing decision
Authors: Ting Irene Wei Kiong , Lean Hooi Hooi , Kweh Qian Long , Azizan Noor Azlinna
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of managerial overconfidence on corporate financing decision and the moderating effect of government ownership on the relationship between managerial overconfidence and corporate financing decision.

Design/methodology/approach

– Pooled OLS, fixed effect models (FEM), and Tobit regressions are employed to examine the relationship between managerial overconfidence, government ownership and corporate financing decision of publicly listed companies in Malaysia for the period of 2002-2011.

Findings

– The authors conclude that: first, CEO overconfidence is significantly and negatively related to corporate financing decision; second, a higher degree of managerial overconfidence would result in lower leverage in GLCs, whereas the effect does not significantly exist in NGLCs; third, a larger ownership of government in a firm will reduce the negative effect of managerial overconfidence on corporate financing decision; fourth, the moderating effect of government ownership on the association between managerial overconfidence and corporate financing decision in GLCs is more effective than NGLCs; and fifth, government intervention plays its role as moderating effect on the relationship between managerial overconfidence and corporate financing decision in firms with lower ownership concentration but not in firms with high ownership concentration (more or equal than 50 percent).

Practical implications

– The finding implies that the moderating effect of government ownership on the association between managerial overconfidence and corporate financing decision in GLCs is more effective than NGLCs.

Originality/value

– The authors make the first attempt to test the moderating effect of government ownership on the relationship between ownership concentration and corporate financing decision.
KidVO: a kinodynamically consistent algorithm for online motion planning in dynamic environments
Authors: Mahmoodi Mostafa , Alipour Khalil , Beik Mohammadi Hadi
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose an efficient method, called kinodynamic velocity obstacle (KidVO), for motion planning of omnimobile robots considering kinematic and dynamic constraints (KDCs).

Design/methodology/approach

– The suggested method improves generalized velocity obstacle (GVO) approach by a systematic selection of proper time horizon. Selection procedure of the time horizon is based on kinematical and dynamical restrictions of the robot. Toward this aim, an omnimobile robot with a general geometry is taken into account, and the admissible velocity and acceleration cones reflecting KDCs are derived, respectively. To prove the advantages of the suggested planning method, its performance is compared with GVOs, the so-called Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation and the rapidly exploring random tree.

Findings

– The obtained results of the presented scenarios which contain both computer and real-world experiments for complicated crowded environments indicate the merits of the suggested methodology in terms of its near-optimal behavior, successful obstacle avoidance both in static and dynamic environments and reaching to the goal pose.

Originality/value

– This paper proposes a novel method for online motion planning of omnimobile robots in dynamic environments while considering the real capabilities of the robot.
From legislation to implementation
Authors: Cron Alan H
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the leadership practice of an 11-member district team of educators assembled to respond to one of the most comprehensive bullying laws in the nation – the Massachusetts Anti-Bullying Law of 2010. This three-year case study provides school leaders and legislators with an in-depth, fine-grained analysis of how leadership was practiced by a district team of de facto leaders charged with implementing mandatory legislative policy throughout a six-school, 5,000-student, K-12 public school district.

Design/methodology/approach

– This three-year case study employed an analytical, distributed leadership framework to identify, categorize, and analyze key artifacts used by a team to design and implement system-wide the comprehensive requirements of legislation. Using Weft qualitative data analysis software and the open, axial, and selective coding guidelines of Strauss and Corbin, data from semi-structured interviews and document analysis revealed a number of hidden structural considerations exerting significant influence on the leadership practice of the team.

Findings

– Findings from this study suggest that leadership is perhaps more fluid than previously theorized. Defining leadership as a force that moves between and among organizational stakeholders (as opposed to a person or position), this study identified a number of structural considerations exerting influence on the leadership practice of a team. Furthermore, this study suggests that foreknowledge of these structural considerations may help to foster organizational learning, to leverage preexisting social and intellectual capital, and to more successfully navigate the requirements of complex organizational change such as legislative mandates and standards-based reform.

Research limitations/implications

– Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to replicate this study in other school districts or large organizations who are responding to state or federal legislation.

Practical implications

– The paper includes implications for state and local educational leaders as they struggle with the increased demands of standards-based educational reform.

Social implications

– This study has implications for those seeking to understand how legislation is received and assimilated by schools as well as those seeking a greater understanding of formal and informal leadership.

Originality/value

– This paper fulfills an identified need to study how leadership is practiced in response to standards-based state and federal legislation.
“The day after”
Authors: Gilad-Hai Smadar , Somech Anit
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the implications of implementing innovation in experimental schools (focussing on R & D) for school effectiveness post-intervention (five years). Based on theoretical models of social exchange and “conservation of resources” (Hobfoll, 1989), the authors focussed on assessing the effects of implementing innovation on individual outcomes (strain) and school level outcomes (social cohesion, emotional conflict, organizational innovation). The authors compared three types of schools: schools that have completed the implementation process (after), schools still in the implementation process (during) and schools not participating in the implementation process (control group).

Design/methodology/approach

– A sample of 75 schools (23 non-experimental, 25 during the experiment, 27 post-experiment) was used. Data were collected from teachers and principals to avoid a single source bias.

Findings

– MANOVA analyses suggest that the process of implementation of innovation contributes to organizational effectiveness: differences were found between the control group and the two groups of experimental schools. The two groups of experimental schools showed higher levels of organizational innovation and social cohesion and lower levels of emotional conflict and strain as compared to the control group.

Research limitations/implications

– This study concentrated on the question of the direct links between the study variables – the effects of the implementation of innovation on school functioning. It would be interesting to examine the limit conditions (encourage – discourage factors) for these relations.

Practical implications

– Findings suggest that a structured process of implementing innovation contributes not only to the outcome of innovation in school, but also enhances overall school functioning.

Originality/value

– Permits the authors to deepen the knowledge of the potential of organizational processes of innovation in schools over time (pre-during-post process).
Consumers
'
beliefs about firm’s CSR initiatives and their purchase behaviour
Authors: Abdeen Afra , Rajah Edwin , Gaur Sanjaya S
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships among corporate social responsibility (CSR) beliefs, support intentions and purchase behaviour of consumers. Although there is a rich stream of research reporting the relationship between CSR beliefs and support intentions, there is scant reporting on the mediating role of support intentions between CSR beliefs and purchase behaviour of consumers, hence presenting an opportunity to contribute to the marketing knowledge-base.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study employs a quantitative research design to test the relationships among CSR beliefs, support intentions and purchase behaviour. The associations among these three constructs are tested using Hayes Process tool which is a versatile computational tool for observed variable – mediation, moderation and conditional process modelling.

Findings

– The results provide support for the relationships among CSR beliefs, consumer support intentions and purchase behaviour. Of the four measured CSR beliefs, philanthropic ethical and legal aspects of CSR beliefs demonstrated the association with support intentions. The results also showed that only ethical beliefs have direct relationship with purchase behaviour. Additionally, support intention provided full mediation for the relationship between philanthropic beliefs and purchase behaviour as well as for legal beliefs and purchase behaviour.

Originality/value

– This study is carried out in a unique context of New Zealand which is a melting pot of cultures from around the globe. This study presents empirical support to show that ethical, philanthropic and legal beliefs influence support intention and purchase behaviour for the sample of consumers in the context of New Zealand. Hence, communicating ethical, philanthropic and legal-related CSR beliefs provides the means to create consumer perceptions of competitive advantage when adopting a CSR activities for marketing product and service offerings.
God blesses those who wear Prada
Authors: Arli Denni , Cherrier Helene , Tjiptono Fandy
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is: to explore the impact of religiousness (i.e. intrinsic religiousness, extrinsic religiousness) on purchase intention of luxury brands, affective attitude, and self-presentation; and, to explore the mediating effect of affective and self-presentation attitudes towards luxury brand purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were derived using convenience sampling at three large universities (i.e. one public and two private universities) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Researchers hand-delivered approximately 600 questionnaires to students in classrooms and public spaces (e.g. canteens and lounge rooms) of the universities. However, of the 525 questionnaires returned, only 491 were usable thereby offering an overall response rate of 81 per cent.

Findings

– The study found that intrinsic religiousness was related positively to affective attitudes towards luxury brands while extrinsic religiousness was positively related to self-presentation attitudes. Affective attitude and self-presentation were positively related to consumer intention to purchase luxury brands.

Practical implications

– The result of the present study shows that religious consumers are not necessarily anti materialism and often opt for luxury brands over purely utilitarian possession. This finding has important implications. First, it may create future ethical problems as materialism has been found to correlate with unethical behaviours such as the purchase of counterfeits. Second, materialism has been linked to insecurity. When religious consumers view worldly possessions as symbols of achievement or success, sources of happiness, and representations of luxury, they may use possessions rather than religious text to hinder insecurity and shape the self.

Originality/value

– This is one of the few studies exploring the impact of religiousness on luxury brands possession in Indonesia, a country with the largest Muslim population in the world and home to a highly religious society.
Assessing sonic affects in everyday life: looking for metacognition and metaemotion
Authors: Paiva Daniel
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to show how material gathering and elicitation can induce metacognition and metaemotions in interviewees and its usefulness for the study of affective phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author will draw on the exploratory study on sound affects conducted with five individuals in Lisbon’s metropolitan area in order to discuss these aspects. After presenting the methodology, the author will address the concepts of metacognition and metaemotion. Afterwards, the author will explain how these occur during the gathering of data by ordinary people and the use of elicitation of materials during interviews.

Findings

– Metacognitive and metaemotional experiences can be triggered through material gathering and their elicitation during interviews with the purpose of identifying aspects of the everyday experience that are usually unnoticed. Furthermore, they are instrumental to obtain empirical data that illustrates subjects in their everyday lives as simultaneously affective-reactive and reflexive, meaning-making individuals.

Originality/value

– The interview has often been disregarded as a method for interpreting affective phenomena. However, the author argue that this method remains very useful to address the distinct interpretations that subjects make of themselves and their emplaced experiences, by calling for attention to the role of metacognition and metaemotions, an instrumental yet unrecognized tool for interpreting affective phenomena.