bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whether viable and dead probiotic are equally efficacious?
Authors: Sarkar S.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Consumer inclination towards probiotic foods has been stimulated due to well-documented evidence of health benefits of probiotic-containing products and consumer demand for natural products. It is assumed that the viability and metabolic activities of probiotics are essential for extending health benefits and for successful marketing of probiotics as a functional food. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that even dead or inactivated probiotic cells could extend health benefits, indicating that probiotic viability is not always necessary for exhibiting health benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

Attempt has been made to review the literature on the status of probiotic foods available in the world market, their impact on the gut flora and the various factors affecting their viability. Both review and research papers related to efficacy of inactivated, killed or dead probiotic cells towards health benefits have been considered. Keywords used for data search included efficacy of viable or killed, inactivated probiotic cells.

Findings

The reviewed literature indicated that inactivated, killed or dead probiotic cells also possess functional properties but live cells are more efficacious. All live probiotic cultures are not equally efficacious, and accordingly, dead or inactivated cells did not demonstrate functional properties to extend health benefits to all diseases.

Originality/value

Capability of non-viable microorganisms to confer health benefits may attract food manufacturers owing to certain advantages over live probiotics such as longer shelf-life, handling and transportation and reduced requirements for refrigerated storage and inclusion of non-bacterial, biologically active metabolites present in fermented milks’ fraction as dried powders to food matrixes may result in the development of new functional foods.
Fermented rice bran extract improves dyslipidemia in rodents
Authors: Nurrahma Bira Arumndari , Suryajayanti Mega Febia , Dewi Anggi Laksmita , Khairia Zunamilla , Kusuma Rio Jati , Suyoto Perdana S.T.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the potency of fermented rice bran extract as anti-hypercholesterolemia product by looking at its effect on lipid profile levels and blood glucose levels in dyslipidemia model rats.

Design/methodology/approach

Rice bran was fermented using Rhizopus oligosporus-contained tempeh mold extracted using distilled water. Twenty-four Sprague Dawley rats were divided into a control group and hypercholesterolemia groups. Hypercholesterolemia, also known as dyslipidemia, was induced with fructose-supplemented high-fat diet. Rats induced with dyslipidemia received three different fermented rice bran extract doses, 0 (negative) 1102.5 mg/kgBW/day (FRBE 1) and 2205 mg/kgBW/day (FRBE 2). Blood was collected before and after four weeks of treatment for lipid profile and blood glucose analysis.

Findings

FRBE 2 had significantly lower total cholesterol (101.6 ± 3.3 vs 187.6 ± 3.7 mg/dL), triglyceride (83.3 ± 2.8 vs 130.7 ± 3.4 mg/dL) and LDL level (27.9 ± 1.7 vs 76.7 ± 1.5 mg/dL) but higher HDL level (64.1 ± 3.0 vs 25.5 ± 1.2 mg/dL) compared to the negative group (p < 0.001). Provision of fermented rice bran showed dose-response relationship in all blood lipid markers.

Originality/value

This study was the first to investigate the effectivity of Rhizopus sp.-fermented rice bran extract to improve glucose and lipid profile.
Authentic leadership and performance: the mediating role of employees’ affective commitment
Authors: Ribeiro Neuza , Gomes Daniel , Kurian Shaji
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between authentic leadership (AL), affective commitment and individual performance. More specifically, this study aims to understand how AL influences employees’ affective commitment, how AL influences individual performance, how affective commitment influences individual performance and how affective commitment mediates the relationship between AL and individual performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 212 Portuguese employees participated in this study. A quantitative methodology was used. Baron and Kenny’s linear regression method and Sobel test were used to test the mediation relationship.

Findings

The results reveal that affective commitment mediates the relationship between AL and employees’ performance. In others words, leaders’ authenticity promotes employees’ affective commitment, which, in turn, increases their individual performance.

Practical implications

This research has practical implications for human resource management in organizations, particularly in selection processes and training of leaders and managers. Practitioners looking to increase employee commitment and performance can do so by augmenting the AL.

Originality/value

This study enriches the knowledge about the relevance of emerging areas such as AL theory and responds to the need to understand underlying mechanisms linking AL with workers’ commitment and performance (i.e. testing the construct’s nomological network).
Adherence of social responsibility management in Brazilian organizations
Authors: Caiado Rodrigo Goyannes Gusmão , Quelhas Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves , Dias Janice Helena de Oliveira , Domingos Maria de Lurdes Costa , França Sergio Luiz Braga , Meiriño Marcelo Jasmim
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the adherence of social responsibility management (SRM) in Brazilian organizations and to identify the driving and the resistance forces to implement it.

Design/methodology/approach

This article presents a deep literature review on SRM, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and stakeholder management, which aim to support a survey research to define, according to experts, the market perception of adherence of SRM.

Findings

The paper presents evidence that there is adherence on the part of the practices of organizations that adhere to the theoretical foundations of SRM in Brazil. It was found that organizations should seek to improve nine areas to implement SRM and can use each of these areas strategically or all together.

Practical implications

This study provides an opportunity for employees whose perceptions are aligned based on educational programs and engagement in CSR, and these gains favor the improvement of their own management and the quality of relationships.

Social implications

The research provides an opportunity to recast actions and the possibility of being recognized by stakeholders as active agents in this process.

Originality/value

This study sheds new light on both SRM and the CSR literature because of its attempt to bridge the theoretical foundations and market practices, which was performed to verify the gaps in corporative SRM process of Brazilian organizations. This study highlights for researchers and practitioners a relevant field of study whose importance is widely recognized but whose results remain scarce and limited.
Corporate responsibility, ethics and accountability
Authors: Odongo Nickson Hebert , Wang Daoping
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This study aims to ascertain the magnitude to which real corporate responsibility (CR), ethics and accountability practices exist in Kenyan corporations.

Design/methodology/approach

The insights of qualitative and quantitative approaches are investigated through descriptive and exploratory study carried out on 193 Kenyan companies in the corporate sector and 5 focus groups discussions comprising 9 members each.

Findings

The paper divulged that current practices on CR, ethics and accountability are relatively low, as only senior managers underwent training on ethics; accountability was broadly perceived as resources accounting instead of actual accountability; and responsibility is highly skewed toward senior management at the expense of stakeholders and society in which they thrive.

Research limitations/implications

The concept of sustainability has not been emphasized as a dimension of CR, ethics and accountability. Fresh opportunities of inquiry are extended considering this aspect.

Practical implications

This study affirms practices that have a positive effect on corporate stakeholders, communities and environment.

Social implications

This study strives to develop approaches of managing and controlling, ensuring that the welfare of stakeholders and society as a whole is uplifted and sustained.

Originality/value

The conception of CR, ethics and accountability practices signifies a theoretical innovation.
Validation and improvement of the European Customer Satisfaction Index for the Spanish wine sector
Authors: Ajami Miguel Pérez , Navarro Elola Luis , Pastor Jesús
Published: January 2018

Purpose

A study of the Spanish wine sector, in this case specifically the Designation of Origin (DO) Somontano, requires validation of the European Customer Satisfaction Index (ECSI), which also needs to be improved and adapted to obtain more information on customer satisfaction. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper the ECSI model was applied, based on structural equation modeling (SEM) using the partial least squares.

Findings

An empirical analysis shows that the importance of customers’ expectations and perceived quality are the most influential factors in achieving satisfaction. Also highlighted in the new model is the linkage between service and product qualities in a unique variable, total quality.

Originality/value

In addition to validating the ECSI model for DO Somontano, a new innovative implementation was developed and tested to improve the calculation of satisfaction.
The excellence of patient-centered healthcare
Authors: Moretta Tartaglione Andrea , Cavacece Ylenia , Cassia Fabio , Russo Giuseppe
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Nowadays, international healthcare agendas are focused on patient centeredness. Policies are aimed at improving patient’s satisfaction by enhancing patient empowerment and value co-creation. However, a comprehensive model addressing the relationships between these constructs has not so far been developed. The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a model which explains the effects of patient empowerment and value co-creation on patients’ satisfaction with the quality of the services they experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The links between patient satisfaction, empowerment and value co-creation are theoretically outlined via an in-depth literature review. The resulting model is tested through a survey administered to 186 chronically ill patients. The results are analyzed through covariance-based structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results show that patient empowerment positively influences value co-creation which, in turn, is positively related to patient satisfaction. In addition, the analysis reveals that patient empowerment has no direct effects on satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Although the cross-sectional design made it possible to clearly estimate the relationships among variables, it overlooked the longitudinal dimensions of co-creation processes.

Practical implications

The study provides practitioners with suggestions to design patient-centered healthcare services by leveraging on patient knowledge, participation, responsibility in care and involvement in the value-creation process.

Originality/value

Over the last decade, healthcare management literature has shifted its focus from healthcare organizations to patients. The number of contributions about patient satisfaction, empowerment and value co-creation exponentially increased. However, these dimensions are often studied separately. This work advances available knowledge by clarifying and testing the relationships between these three constructs.
Clinical and molecular implications of structural changes to desmosomes and corneodesmosomes
Authors: Ishida‐Yamamoto Akemi , Igawa Satomi , Kishibe Mari , Honma Masaru
Published: January 2018

Desmosomes provide the main intercellular adhesive properties between epidermal keratinocytes. Their distribution becomes uneven in severe dermatitis, multiple allergies and metabolic wasting syndrome due to desmoglein 1 deficiency and the loss of intercellular adhesion or acantholysis. When keratinocytes differentiate from granular cells into cornified cells, desmosomes are transformed into corneodesmosomes and can provide stronger intercellular adhesion. Degradation of corneodesmosomes is a tightly regulated process involving a number of proteases and their inhibitors. Peripheral corneodesmosomes are protected from proteolytic degradation by the tight junction‐related structures around them, and this construction provides the basis for the normal basket weave‐like structure of the stratum corneum. In Netherton syndrome, which is caused by an absence of the protease inhibitor lymphoepithelial Kazal‐type‐related inhibitor, premature degradation of corneodesmosomes occurs due to the overactivation of proteases involved in corneodesmosome degradation. Inflammatory peeling skin disease is caused by the absence of corneodesmosin, a unique component of corneodesmosomes. In this disease, corneodesmosomes are structurally abnormal, and their adhesiveness is compromised, which leads to intercellular splitting between the stratum corneum and stratum granulosum. The better we understand desmosome and corneodesmosome ultrastructure in normal and diseased skin, the clearer the physiological and pathological mechanisms of epidermal integrity become.
Reactive oxygen species‐induced parthanatos of immunocytes by human cytomegalovirus‐associated substance
Authors: Kim Jung Heon , Kim Jiyeon , Roh Jin , Park Chan‐Sik , Seoh Ju‐Young , Hwang Eung‐Soo
Published: January 2018

Previous studies have examined various immune evasion strategies of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) to gain understanding of its pathogenesis. Although the mechanism that underlies immunocyte destruction near HCMV‐infected lesions has yet to be established, it is here shown that substances produced by HCMV‐infected cells induce death in several types of immunocytes, but not in fibroblasts or astrocytomas. These substances contain HCMV proteins and were termed HCMV‐associated insoluble substance (HCMVAIS). The mechanism by which HCMVAIS induces cell death was characterized to improve understanding the death of immunocytes near HCMV‐infected lesions. HCMVAIS were found to trigger production of intracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase‐derived reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in cell death, this effect being reversed following treatment with ROS inhibitors. Cell death was not induced in splenocytes from NOX‐2 knockout mice. It was hypothesized that DNA damage induced by oxidative stress initiates poly ADP‐ribose polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1)‐mediated cell death, or parthanatos. HCMVAIS‐induced cell death is accompanied by PARP‐1 activation in a caspase‐independent manner, nuclear translocation of apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF), and DNA fragmentation, which are typical features of parthanatos. Treatment with an AIF inhibitor decreased the rate of HCMVAIS‐induced cell death, this being confirmed by hematoxylin and eosin staining; cell death in most HCMV‐positive foci in serial section samples of a large intestine with HCMV infection was TUNEL‐positive, cleaved caspase 3‐negative and CD45‐positive. Taken together, these data suggest that HCMV inhibits local immune responses via direct killing of immunocytes near HCMV‐infected cells through ROS‐induced parthanatos by HCMVAIS.
Adaptation of Salmonella enterica to bile: essential role of AcrAB‐mediated efflux
Authors: Urdaneta Verónica , Casadesús Josep
Published: January 2018

Adaptation to bile is the ability to endure the lethal effects of bile salts after growth on sublethal concentrations. Surveys of adaptation to bile in Salmonella enterica ser. Tyhimurium reveal that active efflux is essential for adaptation while other bacterial functions involved in bile resistance are not. Among S. enterica mutants lacking one or more efflux systems, only strains lacking AcrAB are unable to adapt, thus revealing an essential role for AcrAB. Transcription of the acrAB operon is upregulated in the presence of a sublethal concentration of sodium deoxycholate (DOC) while other efflux loci are either weakly upregulated or irresponsive. Upregulation of acrAB transcription is strong during exponential growth, and weak in stationary cultures. Single cell analysis of ethidium bromide accumulation indicates that DOC‐induced AcrAB‐mediated efflux occurs in both exponential and stationary cultures. Upregulation of acrAB expression may thus be crucial at early stages of adaptation, while sustained AcrAB activity may be sufficient to confer bile resistance in nondividing cells.
Collection of Wet‐Origin Footwear Impressions on Various Surfaces Using an Electrostatic Dust Print Lifter
Authors: Hong Sungwook , Park Miseon
Published: January 2018

Electrostatic dust print lift method is known to be able to recover only dry‐origin footwear impression. However, the wet‐origin footwear impression could also be recovered using this method. As the amount of dust accumulated before deposition of the wet‐origin footwear impression increased, the intensity of the footwear impression lifted with this method became stronger. If the footwear impression is not affected by moisture after it is made, the 28‐h old wet‐origin footwear impression could be recovered using this method. The intensity of the lifted footwear impression did not decrease significantly even when the number of sequential steps increased as long as the shoe sole is wet. However, when the moisture on the shoe sole depleted, the intensity of the footwear impression decreased sharply. This method has the advantage of being able to enhance the footwear impression without being affected by the footwear impressions deposited in the past.
Inflammatory back pain and associated disease conditions among patients with chronic low back pain in Bangladesh
Authors: Yesmin Sabrina , Abdal Syed Jamil , Rahman Aminur , Islam Md. Nazrul , Ahammad Alamgir Mustak , Ahmed Shamim , Shahin Md. Abu , Chowdhury Minhaj Rahim , Haq Syed Atiqul
Published: January 2018

Aim

Inflammatory back pain (IBP) is the earliest symptom of axial and other forms of spondyloarthritis (SpA). However, there are no published data on prevalence of IBP among patients suffering from chronic low back pain (CLBP) in Bangladesh. In this study, we estimated the prevalence of IBP and the subtypes of SpA in a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh.

Methods

This 1 year cross‐sectional study was conducted among 240 CLBP patients in a rheumatology outpatient clinic. Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society classification criteria of IBP and predefined recognized classification criteria were followed to define different subtypes of SpA. Means and standard deviations were reported for continuous variables. Descriptive and bi‐variate analyses were accordingly performed.

Results

Of 240 CLBP patients, 60 (25%) had IBP and 180 (75%) had mechanical back pain (MBP). Among the 60 IBP patients, 52 (86.6%) had predominantly axial SpA (axSpA) and eight (13.4%) had predominantly peripheral spondyloarthritis. In the axSpA group, 49 (94.2%) had radiographic axSpA (rd‐axSpA) also known as AS and three (5.8%) had non‐radiographic axSpA (nr‐axspA). AxSpA patients could be divided into eight (15.35%) with psoriasis, two (3.8%) with reactive arthritis and one patient (1.9%) had arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Fifty (83.3%) IBP and 73 (40.6%) MBP patients had age at onset of back pain < 40 years. Forty‐two (70%) of the IBP and 100 (55.6%) of the MBP patients had normal body mass index. All these differences were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.0001).

Conclusions

Inflammatory back pain is common among patients presenting with CLBP. The commonest cause of IBP is AS, followed by PsA and nr‐axSpA.
Phacoemulsification and primary implantation with bag‐in‐the‐lens intraocular lens in children with unilateral and bilateral cataract
Authors: Nyström Alf , Almarzouki Nawaf , Magnusson Gunilla , Zetterberg Madeleine
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To report outcome in a paediatric cohort with cataract extraction and implantation of bag‐in‐the‐lens intraocular lens (BIL‐IOL).

Methods

Children younger than 16 years of age subjected to phacoemulsification with primary implantation of BIL‐IOL during 2009 through 2013 were analysed retrospectively. Exclusion criteria were uveitis or ≤6 months of follow‐up.

Results

In total, 109 eyes of 84 children were included; 40 unilateral and 44 bilateral cataracts. For all eyes, median age at surgery was 2.5 years (range 2 weeks to 14.1 years) and 16 children (24 eyes) were ≤6 weeks. Coexisting systemic disease was more common in children with bilateral cataract (24 patients, 54.5%) compared to unilateral cataract (6 patients, 15.0%, p < 0.0001). Ocular comorbidity was more common in unilateral cataracts; n = 14 eyes (35.0%) compared to bilateral cataracts; n = 10 eyes (14.5%; p = 0.017). Median follow‐up was 2.8 years (range 7 months to 5.8 years). During the follow‐up period, 15 (13.8%) eyes developed glaucoma and five (4.6%) eyes required treatment for visual axis opacification (VAO). Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) for bilateral cataracts at last follow‐up was 0.42 ± 0.45 (logMAR; mean±SD) with 35 (55.6%) eyes attaining a CDVA of ≥0.5 (dec). For unilateral cataracts mean CDVA was significantly poorer; 0.67 ± 0.51 (p = 0.010) with 15 (37.5%) eyes attaining a CDVA of ≥0.5.

Conclusion

For children having cataract surgery with primary implantation of BIL‐IOL, VAO is rare and visual outcome overall good. Unilateral cataracts are associated with a higher proportion of ocular comorbidity and poorer visual outcome.
Interferon‐induced protein 35 inhibits endothelial cell proliferation, migration and re‐endothelialization of injured arteries by inhibiting the nuclear factor‐kappa B pathway
Authors: Jian D. , Wang W. , Zhou X. , Jia Z. , Wang J. , Yang M. , Zhao W. , Jiang Z. , Hu X. , Zhu J.
Published: January 2018

Aim

Endothelial recovery, or re‐endothelialization, plays an important role in intimal hyperplasia and atherosclerosis after endothelial injury. Studying the mechanisms of re‐endothelialization and strategies to promote efficient endothelial recovery are still needed. Interferon‐induced protein 35 (IFI35) is an IFN‐γ‐induced protein that plays important roles in the antivirus‐related immune‐inflammatory response. In this study, we tested whether overexpression IFI35 affects the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells (ECs) and re‐endothelialization.

Methods

Wire injury of the carotid artery was induced in C57BL/6 mice, which was followed by IFI35 or null adenovirus transduction. Evans blue staining and HE staining were performed to evaluate the re‐endothelialization rate and neointima formation. In vitro studies, primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were transfected with Ad‐IFI35 or siRNA‐IFI35 to evaluate its potential roles in cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, the potential mechanism relating inhibition of NF‐κB/p65 pathway was elaborated by luciferase assay and IFI35 domain deletion assay.

Results

In IFI35 adenovirus‐transduced mice, the re‐endothelialization rates at days 3, 7 were significantly reduced compared to those in null adenovirus‐transduced mice (5% and 35%, vs 20% and 50%, respectively). Meanwhile, subsequent neointimal hyperplasia was obviously increased in IFI35 adenovirus‐transduced mice. In vitro studies further indicated that IFI35 inhibits both EC proliferation and migration by inhibiting the NF‐κB/p65 pathway. Subsequent studies demonstrated that IFI35 functionally interacted with Nmi through its NID1 domain and that knock‐down of Nmi significantly mitigated the inhibitory effect of IFI35 on EC proliferation and migration.

Conclusion

Our study revealed a novel mechanism through which IFI35 affects the proliferation and migration of ECs as well as neointima formation, specifically through inhibition of the NF‐κB/p65 pathway. Thus, IFI35 is a promising target for the prevention and treatment of post‐injury vascular intimal hyperplasia.
Postmarketing cases of eluxadoline‐associated pancreatitis in patients with or without a gallbladder
Authors: Harinstein L. , Wu E. , Brinker A.
Published: January 2018

Background

Cases of pancreatitis were identified in the eluxadoline clinical development program, reflected in initial product labelling, and the subject of postmarketing reports.

Aim

To analyse postmarketing cases of eluxadoline‐associated pancreatitis.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed all US adverse event reports of pancreatitis associated with eluxadoline reported to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database from May 27, 2015 through February 15, 2017.

Results

The analysis included 119 cases of pancreatitis associated with eluxadoline; one resulted in death and 75 in hospitalisation. Sixty‐seven cases reported the presence (n = 12) or absence (n = 55) of the patient's gallbladder. The eluxadoline dose received in the 55 cases of patients without gallbladders was 75 mg (n = 43), 100 mg (n = 5), or not reported (n = 7). Of the 119 cases, 37 reported the patient did not abuse alcohol and 82 did not report the alcohol abuse status. The single fatal case occurred in a patient without a gallbladder who received eluxadoline 75 mg and did not abuse alcohol. Forty‐seven cases reported development of pancreatitis within the first or second dose of eluxadoline initiation. The median time to onset for the development of pancreatitis (n = 83) was 1 day, ranging from 1 to 56 days of continued use of eluxadoline.

Conclusion

The FAERS cases suggest that patients with or without a gallbladder receiving eluxadoline are at risk for the development of pancreatitis. However, patients without a gallbladder, despite receiving the recommended lower dose of eluxadoline 75 mg and screening for alcohol abuse, appear to be overrepresented among patients who developed eluxadoline‐associated pancreatitis.
Parental supervision for their children's toothbrushing: Mediating effects of planning, self‐efficacy, and action control
Authors: Hamilton Kyra , Cornish Stephen , Kirkpatrick Aaron , Kroon Jeroen , Schwarzer Ralf
Published: January 2018

Objectives

With 60–90% of children worldwide reportedly experiencing dental caries, poor oral health in the younger years is a major public health issue. As parents are important to children's oral hygiene practices, we examined the key self‐regulatory behaviours of parents for supervising their children's toothbrushing using the health action process approach.

Design and method

Participants (N = 281, 197 mothers) comprised Australian parents of 2‐ to 5‐year‐olds. A longitudinal design was used to investigate the sequential mediation chain for the effect of intention (Time 1) on parental supervision for their youngest child's toothbrushing (Time 3), via self‐efficacy and planning (Time 2), and action control (Time 3).

Results

A latent‐variable structural equation model, controlling for baseline behaviour and habit, revealed significant indirect effects from intention via self‐efficacy and action control and intention via planning and action control, on parental supervision behaviour. The model was a good fit to the data, explaining 74% of the variance in parents’ supervising behaviour for their children's toothbrushing.

Conclusion

While national recommendations are provided to guide parents in promoting good oral hygiene practices with their children, current results show the importance of going beyond simple knowledge transmission to support parents’ intentions to supervise their children's toothbrushing actually materialize. Current findings make a significant contribution to the cumulative empirical evidence regarding self‐regulatory components in health behaviour change and can inform intervention development to increase parents’ participation in childhood oral hygiene practices, thus helping to curb rising oral health conditions and diseases.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Self‐regulatory skills are important to translate intentions into behaviour.

Self‐efficacy, planning, and action control are key self‐regulatory skills for behaviour change.

What does this study add?

Self‐regulatory skills are needed for parents to supervise their children's toothbrushings.

Self‐efficacy, planning, and action control are important self‐regulatory skills in this context.

Future interventions should map these self‐regulatory predictors onto behaviour change techniques.
Examining Character Structure and Function Across Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Shubert Jennifer , Wray‐Lake Laura , Syvertsen Amy K. , Metzger Aaron
Published: January 2018

Character strengths are an integral component of positive youth development that can promote flourishing. Developmental principles posit constructs become increasingly complex with age, yet this process has not been examined with character. Using a socioeconomically and ethnically diverse sample of 2,467 youth ages 9–19, bifactor models were estimated across elementary, middle, and high school‐age groups to examine age differences in character structure and function. With successive age, a greater number of specific character strength factors were identified, suggesting character structure becomes more differentiated across adolescence. Results linking character bifactor models to indicators of positive functioning also supported differentiation in character function across ages. Findings point to the need for theoretical and empirical considerations of character structure and function across development.
Peri‐implant conditions and levels of advanced glycation end products among patients with different glycemic control
Authors: Al‐Sowygh Zeyad H. , Ghani Siti Mariam Ab , Sergis Konstantinos , Vohra Fahim , Akram Zohaib
Published: January 2018

Background

A close relationship between poor glycemic control and peri‐implant break down has been demonstrated. It is hypothesized that levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in peri‐implant sulcular fluid (PISF) are higher with increased glycemic levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Purpose

In the present study, we examined the clinical and radiographic peri‐implant parameters and levels of AGEs among different glycemic levels in diabetic patients and assessed whether the levels of AGEs correlate with clinical peri‐implant parameters.

Materials and Methods

Ninety‐three patients who participated in this study were divided into four groups; Group‐1: HbA1c 6.1%‐8%; Group‐2: HbA1c 8.1%‐10%; Group‐3: HbA1c > 10%; Group‐4: non‐diabetic individuals with HbA1c < 6%. Peri‐implant plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) and crestal bone loss (CBL) were recorded. Levels of AGEs in PISF were quantified using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Between‐group comparison of means was verified with Kruskal–Wallis test and Pearson correlation coefficient for correlations of AGE levels with peri‐implant parameters.

Results

Peri‐implant PI, BOP, PD, and CBL were significantly higher in group‐1, −2, and −3 as compared to non‐diabetic patients (P < .05). These parameters were significantly higher in group‐2 and group‐3 versus group‐1 (P < .01). Mean PI, BOP, PD, and CBL were comparable between group‐2 and group‐3 patients (P > .05). Mean levels of AGEs in PISF were significantly higher in relation to higher levels of HbA1c levels. Significant positive correlations were found between AGEs and PD (P = .0221) and CBL (P = .0425); and significant negative correlation was found for PI (P = .0376) in patients with HbA1c levels >10%, respectively.

Conclusions

Clinical and radiographic peri‐implant parameters were poor and levels of AGEs were significantly high in patients with high glycemic levels. These findings suggest that AGEs may be considered as potential marker of inflammation in diabetic individuals with peri‐implantitis.
DISTANCE TO PROMOTION: EVIDENCE FROM MILITARY GRADUATE EDUCATION
Authors: Bacolod Marigee , Chaudhary Latika
Published: January 2018

Using a unique dataset of U.S. military officers enrolled in graduate programs at the Naval Postgraduate School, we find students enrolled in distance education programs are 19 percentage points less likely to graduate compared to students enrolled in comparable traditional resident programs. Interestingly, distance education students receive a larger proportion of As on their courses. But, they are also more likely to fail and withdraw from their courses compared to their resident counterparts. The negative effects of distance education are worse for students enrolled in more technical engineering programs compared to less technical business programs. Although distance students are more likely to separate from the military after completing their education compared to traditional students, there are no significant differences in job promotion within the military between the two groups. Our results highlight the challenges of designing effective distance education programs in technical fields. (JEL I20, I23)
Shades of Awareness on the Mechanisms Underlying the Quality of Conscious Representations: A Commentary to Fazekas and Overgaard ()
Authors: Anzulewicz Anna , Wierzchoń Michał
Published: January 2018

Fazekas and Overgaard () present a novel, multidimensional model that explains different ways in which conscious representations can be degraded. Moreover, the authors discuss possible mechanisms that underlie different kinds of degradation, primarily those related to attentional processing. In this letter, we argue that the proposed mechanisms are not sufficient. We propose that (1) attentional mechanisms work differently at various processing stages; and (2) factors that are independent of attentional ones, such as expectation, previous experience, and context, should be accounted for if we are aiming to construct a comprehensive model of conscious visual perception.
Inferring origins of migrating insects using isoscapes: a case study using the true armyworm, Mythimna unipuncta, in North America
Authors: HOBSON KEITH A. , DOWARD KYLE , KARDYNAL KEVIN J. , MCNEIL JEREMY N.
Published: January 2018

1. Many important insect pests undertake seasonal migrations at continental scales in response to changes in resource quality and availability. The frequency and timing of these events could be influenced by the impact of climate change on the suitability of the different sites exploited throughout the year, yet, in many cases, little is known about the origin of seasonal populations, as tracking insect movements is extremely challenging due to their small body size.

2. The use of stable isotope measurements in insect tissues combined with the development of tissue‐specific ‘isoscapes’ of modelled geographic isotope patterns presents a potentially valuable but rarely used approach for obtaining such information on important pest species. In this paper it is illustrated how stable hydrogen isotope analyses (δ2H) in wing chitin of the true armyworm (Mythimna (Psuedaletia) unipuncta Haworth), a seasonal migrant, clearly delineated between 2016 spring immigrants and later locally produced moths in southern Ontario, Canada.

3. It is shown that adult moths captured in early fall in Texas were immigrants from farther north, the first direct confirmation of a southward return migration of this species. Stable carbon isotope (δ13C) measurements indicated that spring immigrants in Ontario and autumn immigrants in Texas were from exclusively C3 biomes. Stable nitrogen isotope (δ15N) measurements also provided information on the probability of individuals coming from agriculturally intensive (i.e. higher δ15N) sites. Finally, several recommendations are provided regarding future research that could improve the Bayesian assignment models and thus improve assignment accuracy.
Near‐tip stress fields of rough and frictional cracks under mixed‐mode loading
Authors: Spagnoli Andrea , Carpinteri Andrea , Terzano Michele
Published: January 2018

The characterisation of the stress fields in proximity of crack tips is a fundamental task in fracture mechanics, providing means for the assessment of the fracture resistance or the crack growth rate. Among several methods available for the computation of the crack‐tip stress intensity factor, an extremely efficient and flexible solution strategy is obtained using the distributed dislocation technique. This method has been successfully applied to several remote loading conditions and cracked geometries and can also take into account the effect of surface friction and roughness through the inclusion of an appropriate interface model. In this paper, we make use of a non‐linear algorithm, which uses dislocations distributed along the crack, to compute the crack‐tip stress intensity factors under remote mixed‐mode stress fields. It is shown that the algorithm can be effectively applied to different geometries, notably to cases where the mode mixity originates from geometrical features, such as in the presence of notches or re‐entrant corners. In particular, the effect of dilatancy is correctly captured with the adopted method, and its consequences are discussed with regard to the onset of unstable crack propagation under monotonic loading.
Fatigue reliability assessment of turbine discs under multi‐source uncertainties
Authors: Zhu S.P. , Liu Q. , Zhou J. , Yu Z.Y.
Published: January 2018

Hot section components of aircraft engines like high pressure turbine (HPT) discs usually operate under complex loadings coupled with multi‐source uncertainties. The effect of these uncertainties on structural response of HPT discs should be accounted for its fatigue life and reliability assessment. In this study, a probabilistic framework for fatigue reliability analysis is established by incorporating FE simulations with Latin hypercube sampling to quantify the influence of material variability and load variations. Particularly, variability in material response is characterized by combining the Chaboche constitutive model with Fatemi‐Socie criterion. Results from fatigue reliability and sensitivity analysis of a HPT disc indicated that dispersions of basic variablesmust be taken into account for its fatigue reliability analysis. Moreover, the proposed framework based on the strength‐damage interference provides more reasonably correlations with its field number of flights rather than the load‐life interference one.
When and Why Do Takeovers Lead to Fraud?
Authors: Byun Hee Sub , Kim Woojin , Lee Eun Jung , Park Kyung Suh
Published: January 2018

This paper develops a model explaining how acquisitions of controlling block ownership can facilitate post‐takeover fraud by new managers when investor protection is poor. Based on disclosures of embezzlement or breach of fiduciary duty in Korean firms, we find that the probability of explicit looting in takeover targets is 13%, almost five times as large as a matched sample of non‐targets. Post‐takeover frauds are primarily driven by transfers of minority blocks, while the corresponding probability in majority acquisitions is statistically indistinguishable from the non‐targets. These findings may explain why minority acquisitions of controlling blocks are popular under poor investor protection.
Abrupt burial imparts persistent changes to the bacterial diversity of turbidite‐associated sediment profiles
Authors: Harrison B. K. , Myrbo A. , Flood B. E. , Bailey J. V.
Published: January 2018

The emplacement of subaqueous gravity‐driven sediment flows imposes a significant physical and geochemical impact on underlying sediment and microbial communities. Although previous studies have established lasting mineralogical and biological signatures of turbidite deposition, the response of bacteria and archaea within and beneath debris flows remains poorly constrained. Both bacterial cells associated with the underlying sediment and those attached to allochthonous material must respond to substantially altered environmental conditions and selective pressures. As a consequence, turbidites and underlying sediments provide an exceptional opportunity to examine (i) the microbial community response to rapid sedimentation and (ii) the preservation and identification of displaced micro‐organisms. We collected Illumina MiSeq sequence libraries across turbidite boundaries at ~26 cm sediment depth in La Jolla Canyon off the coast of California, and at ~50 cm depth in meromictic Twin Lake, Hennepin County, MN. 16S rRNA gene signatures of relict and active bacterial populations exhibit persistent differences attributable to turbidite deposition. In particular, both the marine and lacustrine turbidite boundaries are sharply demarcated by the abundance and diversity of Chloroflexi, suggesting a characteristic sensitivity to sediment disturbance history or to differences in organic substrates across turbidite profiles. Variations in the abundance of putative dissimilatory sulfate‐reducing Deltaproteobacteria across the buried La Jolla Canyon sediment–water interface reflect turbidite‐induced changes to the geochemical environment. Species‐level distinctions within the Deltaproteobacteria clearly conform to the sedimentological boundary, suggesting a continuing impact of genetic inheritance distinguishable from broader trends attributable to selective pressure. Abrupt, <1‐cm scale changes in bacterial diversity across the Twin Lake turbidite contact are consistent with previous studies showing that relict DNA signatures attributable to sediment transport may be more easily preserved in low‐energy, anoxic environments. This work raises the possibility that deep subsurface microbial communities may inherit variations in microbial diversity from sediment flow and deformation events.
A Retrospective Analysis of the Spatial and Temporal Patterns of the West African Ebola Epidemic, 2014–2015
Authors: Ord Keith , Getis Arthur
Published: January 2018

The goal is to predict the final extent of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, 2014–2015, well before its end. Our models are based on the nature of the reported data, and the social, medical, and technological conditions that existed in real time during the course of the epidemic. The spatial and temporal nature of Ebola transmission is considered. A modified, classical compartmental model is used to develop variations of Gompertz and logistic‐type predictive models. A map analysis strongly hints at the existence of an initial rural component of the transmission of the disease followed by an urban component. Cumulative and weekly data for the three countries illustrate how the disease intensified and spread over the 90 weeks of the epidemic. A spatial autocorrelation study shows the clustering locational changes of the disease over time. A cross‐correlation study gives credence to both a rural and an urban transmission pattern. Our early estimates of the toll of the disease, crude as they are, stand in marked contrast to some of the official estimates at the time, which greatly inflated the number of new cases.
From Strategy to Action: Transforming Organizational Goals into Organizational Behavior
Authors: Gagné Marylène
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model to explain and predict how organizational goals are transformed into organizational behavior. Using the theory of action phases as the overarching framework to explain how organizations and employees commit to goals and successfully pursue them, in conjunction with self‐determination theory to explain the development of goal commitment at the individual level, a motivational model of organizational goal pursuit is proposed. This model takes into consideration mission and strategic goal development, organizational‐level implementation intentions in the form of strategic plans and dynamic capabilities, individual goal internalization, and implementation plans at the individual level. These goal phases are proposed to be affected by the attraction, selection, socialization and management of organizational members. The model can serve to develop knowledge in the area of behavioral strategy by integrating motivational considerations into strategic management models.
Organizational Goals: Antecedents, Formation Processes and Implications for Firm Behavior and Performance
Authors: Kotlar Josip , De Massis Alfredo , Wright Mike , Frattini Federico
Published: January 2018

The existence of definite organizational goals is a longstanding and central premise in organization and management research, yet a re‐examination of this body of knowledge is timely and long overdue. Many important aspects of organizational goals have received very fragmented attention, and there has been little prior attempt to synthesize and compare the effects of these different goals on firm behavior and performance. The authors present a review of existing theoretical and empirical evidence on organizational goals, and develop an analytical framework emphasizing the variety of organizational goals, their attributes, antecedents and outcomes, the role of context and feedback loops. Drawing on this framework, the authors set out an agenda for further research aimed at advancing current understanding of organizational goals and implications for firm behavior and performance.
Community pharmacists’ views on the regulation of complementary medicines and complementary-medicines practitioners: a qualitative study in New Zealand
Authors: Barnes Joanne , Butler Rachael
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To examine community pharmacists’ perspectives on CMs regulation in New Zealand, where proposals for CMs regulations had recently been suspended and where, currently, CMs are only weakly regulated.

Methods

Qualitative, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with New Zealand practising community pharmacists are identified through purposive and convenience sampling. Data were analysed using a general inductive approach.

Key findings

Participants held mixed views regarding harmonisation of CMs regulations across Australia and NZ; some supported an NZ national regulatory framework for CMs, based on the Australian system. Participants recognised the current CMs regulatory framework in NZ as inadequate, that regulation was required to some extent, and that mandatory regulation was not necessarily required. A key reason given in support of CMs regulations was the need for greater assurances around quality of CMs. Participants also supported a regulatory framework that incorporated assessment of the safety of CMs, but were less convinced of the need for, or feasibility of, requiring evidence of efficacy from clinical trials. Participants believed that regulation of CMs practitioners, such as herbalists, and CMs retailers was important, although there were mixed views as to whether regulation should be statutory or whether self-regulation would be adequate.

Conclusions

On the basis of these findings, pharmacists would be expected to welcome proposals for national regulations for CMs in NZ: such regulations should address concerns regarding product quality, inappropriate health claims and supporting evidence, and therefore should support pharmacists in meeting their obligations under the NZ Pharmacy Council’s Code of Ethics.
Species‐specific clinical characteristics of human coronavirus infection among otherwise healthy adolescents and adults
Authors: Bouvier Monique , Chen Wei‐Ju , Arnold John C. , Fairchok Mary P. , Danaher Patrick J. , Lalani Tahaniyat , Malone Leslie , Mor Deepika , Ridoré Michelande , Burgess Timothy H. , Millar Eugene V.
Published: January 2018

Human coronavirus (HCoV) is a known cause of influenza‐like illness (ILI). In a multisite, observational, longitudinal study of ILI among otherwise healthy adolescents and adults, 12% of subjects were PCR‐positive for HCoV. The distribution of species was as follows: HCoV‐OC43 (34%), HCoV‐229E (28%), HCoV‐NL63 (22%), and HCoV‐HKU1 (16%). We did not observe species‐specific differences in the clinical characteristics of HCoV infection, with the exception of HCoV‐HKU1, for which the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms trended higher on the fourth day of illness.