bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital relational capital of a company
Authors: Molodchik Mariia , Paklina Sofiia , Parshakov Petr
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how a company can build and develop its relational capital in a digital environment. It searches for proxy-indicators for digital relational capital and explores their impact on company performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is designed to sit in the cross-section of two concepts – Big Data and Intellectual Capital. We analyze eight metrics of digital relational capital (SEMrush rank, Trust flow, Domain authority, MozRank, Number of pages indexed in Yandex and Google, Thematic Citation Index by Yandex, Alexa Rank) and examine their impact on company performance by conducting a two-stage fixed-effect regression. The empirical part of the paper is based on a database of more than 1,000 Russian public companies from 2010-2016.

Findings

The study justifies eight Big Data-based metrics that enable the estimation of the digital relational capital of a company. Empirical evidence of a significant impact on corporate performance is provided. Moreover, a U-shaped configuration of obtained relationships allows for a better understanding of the phenomenon of digital relational capital and has managerial implications.

Originality/value

Companies can indirectly influence the proposed metrics. The study gives specific recommendations regarding these metrics to allow companies to optimize their performance. In addition, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical research on relational capital through Big Data in Russia.
Integrated or non-integrated reports: French listed companies at a crossroads?
Authors: Zinsou Kuassi M. Charles
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the degree of integration of reference documents (RD) produced by French CAC 40 listed companies to determine whether they have initiated the adoption of an integrated reporting (IR) approach. In particular, the author has examined how the French regulation shapes the integration of sustainable development issues within the business practices of these companies.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of content analysis of 279 RD over nine years (2006-2014), the author has examined the extent and the quality of the IR practice with the help of three criteria (strategy, governance and commitment of stakeholders). Evidence of the existence of an integration practice is thus sought using 34 CAC 40 companies having the obligation, according to various regulations, to include in their management report information relating to questions of sustainable development (SD).

Findings

There is a variation between the CAC 40 companies regarding integration of SD issues in the core business. As a result of the analysis, the author has observed that 41% of companies in our sample integrate issues of SD to more than 90%, whereas other companies consider concerns relating to SD as subsidiary. All of the companies (100%) have put in place policies to manage the environmental and social governance aspects, assuming recognition of the importance of these issues for the companies. Yet only a few (41%) went further than the mere declaration of intent and have revised their business processes to reflect the taking into account of all the factors which contribute to the process of value creation. On the whole, the principle of connectivity that perfectly defines the integrated character of a report is only moderately respected by the companies in the sample.

Practical implications

The methodology deployed in this study to identify the integration practices of listed companies in France can be replicated by other researchers who would endeavor to assess the IR practices of companies from other countries. For regulatory agencies, this study provides evidence on how the various regulations that make up a national business system shape company reporting and allow informing different categories of stakeholders.

Originality/value

This research provides the empirical result of a longitudinal study of the degree of integration of RDs in the context of an environment regulating non-financial reporting. The construction of a set of criteria characterizing the degree of integration of SD issues at the heart of businesses is another innovative approach of this study.
The index of economic freedom: methodological matters
Authors: Dialga Issaka , Vallée Thomas
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deal with methodological issues in the Index of Economic Freedom (IEF) building by using principal components analysis (PCA) and benefit of the doubt (BOD) methods to generate component- and country-specific weights in computing the scores.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses endogenous model and country-specific weight system to generate country-specific score unlike the equal weight used by the Heritage Foundation.

Findings

The PCA and BOD analyses provide consistent results that differ dramatically with the baseline ones (results using equal weights).

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of the paper is that the results change depending on the method used.

Practical implications

Given results provided by the PCA and BOD analysis, the IEF would receive broad legitimacy basing the calculation of its scores on endogenous weighting models.

Social implications

As composite indicators are essential in public debates and policies, their construction must be objective and well-known by a large public, making the methodological matters in composite indexes building one of the big challenge to researchers and a major democratic issue.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper is to use endogenous approach to generate weights and countries’ scores.
Riskiness of Real Estate Development: A Perspective from Urban Economics and Option Value Theory
Authors: Geltner David , Kumar Anil , Van de Minne Alex M.
Published: July 2018

In this article, we define a new construct for urban economic and investment analysis, which revisits the conventional wisdom that investment in real estate development is riskier than investment in stabilized property assets. This new construct, referred as a “development asset value index” (DAVI), is a value index for newly developed properties (only) in a given geographical property market. It tracks longitudinal changes in the highest and best use (HBU) value of locations, and it reveals developer and landowner behavior taking advantage of the optionality inherent in land ownership. In particular, the DAVI reflects developers' use of flexibility in the exercise of the call option to (re)develop the property to any legal use and density. We empirically estimate a DAVI for commercial property (i.e., central locations) and compare it with a corresponding traditional transaction‐price‐based property asset price index (PAPI) corrected for depreciation. We believe that the difference primarily reflects the realized value of flexibility in land development. We find that the DAVIs display greater value growth and are smoother over time and less cyclical than their corresponding PAPIs for the same locations. This suggests that developers successfully use flexibility, and that development may be riskier than stabilized property investment due primarily only to leverage effects (construction costs). Practical implications are also discussed.
Development of a Food Frequency Questionnaire for Brazilian athletes
Authors: Godois Allan da Mata , Coelho‐Ravagnani Christianne de Faria , Raizel Raquel , Verly‐Junior Eliseu
Published: July 2018

Aim

Until recently most dietary survey methods have been developed for non‐athletic populations. In this study, we aimed to develop a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to assess the regular dietary intake of Brazilian athletes.

Methods

We interviewed 141 athletes (23.36 ± 7.77 years old) for their dietary intake using 24‐hour recalls. After grouping conceptually similar food items into 113 food items, percentage contribution analysis and stepwise regression models were used to highlight foods contributing to at least 90% of the between‐person variability of key nutrients.

Results

The developed FFQ contained 59 foods which were important predictors of the variance in nutrient intake. Vitamin C and pyridoxine had the lowest number of selected foods. Conversely, 13 food items were required to explain the between‐person variation for energy, carbohydrate and magnesium intake.

Conclusions

Using a multiple regression analysis we developed a 59‐food item questionnaire, which includes culturally specific food items and may represent an important dietary tool to analyse athletic populations. Reproducibility and validity of this FFQ will be verified in future research.
Nutritional Quality and Antioxidant Activity of Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) Unwrap by Proteome Profiling and DPPH and FRAP assays
Authors: Parit Santosh B. , Dawkar Vishal V. , Tanpure Rahul S. , Pai Sandeep R. , Chougale Ashok D.
Published: July 2018

Precious contribution of plants in the field of medicine is very well known. Wheat (Triticum aestivum) seeds and seedlings are an important source of food and feed due to the presence of various health‐promoting compounds. Proteomic analysis of three seed developmental stages (0, 8, and 16 days after germination [DAG]) of wheat was carried out using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. A total of 297 proteins were identified and their functional annotation revealed that a majority of them were involved in preventing many diseases, oxidative stress, primary metabolism, storage, and energy related mechanisms. Particularly to mention, peroxidases, superoxide dismutases, and cytochromes are abundantly present in wheatgrass. In the ferric‐reducing antioxidant power assay, antioxidant activity was increased by 1.55 times after 16 DAG as compared to 0 DAG, however it was decreased after 8 DAG. The antioxidant activity of the plant extracts by DPPH had an increasing trend after all the three time points. The percent radical scavenging activity of extract by DPPH was 15, 22, and 30 after 0, 8, and 16 DAG, respectively. Observations obtained revealed that antioxidant power of the plants is directly proportional to the age of seedlings. Data attained on wheatgrass showing that it can be a strong antioxidant agent due to its free radical scavenging activity and could be used in stress and nourishing human health.

Practical Application

Wheatgrass contains minerals, phytochemicals, active enzymes, and vitamins that can be easily absorbed. The consumption of wheatgrass juice can give better health benefits. Information about beneficial properties of wheat grass juice is clearly mentioned in this work. Proteins found in wheatgrass are known to be involved in preventing many diseases, oxidative stress, primary metabolism, storage, and energy‐related mechanisms. Results of this work revealed that Triticum aestivum seedlings can act as an antioxidant agent due to their free radical scavenging activity and can be constructive to control or treat many health complications. From all these results we believed that wheatgrass can be used for the nourishment of humans.
RNA‐seq‐based monitoring of gene expression changes of viable but non‐culturable state of Vibrio cholerae induced by cold seawater
Authors: Xu Tingting , Cao Hengchun , Zhu Wei , Wang Min , Du Yuhui , Yin Zhiqiu , Chen Min , Liu Yutao , Yang Bin , Liu Bin
Published: July 2018

Vibrio cholerae O1 is a natural inhabitant of aquatic environments and causes the acute diarrheal disease cholera. Entry into a viable but non‐culturable (VBNC) state is a survival strategy by which V. cholerae withstands natural stresses and is important for the transition between the aquatic and host environments during the V. cholerae life cycle. In this study, the formation of VBNC V. cholerae induced by cold seawater exposure was investigated using RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq). The analysis revealed that the expression of 1420 genes was changed on VBNC state formation. In the VBNC cells, genes related to biofilm formation, chitin utilization and stress responses were upregulated, whereas those related to cell division, morphology and ribosomal activity were mainly downregulated. The concurrent acquisition of a carbon source and the arrest of cell division in cells with low metabolic activity help bacteria increase their resistance to unfavourable environments. Moreover, two transcriptional regulators, SlmA and MetJ, were found to play roles in both VBNC formation and intestinal colonization, suggesting that some genes may function in both processes. This acquired knowledge will improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of stress tolerance and may help control future cholera infections and outbreaks.
Dynamics of the Hirschman–Herfindahl Index under New Market Entries
Authors: Naldi Maurizio , Flamini Marta
Published: July 2018

The concentration of market power is typically measured by the Hirschman–Herfindahl Index (HHI). When a new company enters the market, the changes in the HHI reflect the change in concentration and may elicit a regulatory intervention. In this paper, we evaluate the potential benefits (HHI decrease) or harms (HHI increase) in advance of the new entry. We identify the volume of sales achieved by the newcomer leading to either situation in two paradigmatic cases: market expansion and market stagnation. We also find the maximum benefit achievable (the minimum HHI value) after the new entry. The formulas are applied to a real‐world case: a merger in the mobile telecom market.
What Predicts What? Self‐Reported and Behavioral Impulsivity and High‐Risk Patterns of Alcohol Use in Spanish Early Adolescents: A 2‐Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Fernández‐Artamendi Sergio , Martínez‐Loredo Víctor , Grande‐Gosende Aris , Simpson Ian C. , Fernández‐Hermida Jose Ramón
Published: July 2018

Background

The directionality of the relationship between impulsivity and heavy drinking patterns remains unclear. Recent research suggests it could be reciprocal and depends on different facets of impulsivity and different patterns of drinking. The aim of this study was to analyze this potential reciprocal relationship between self‐reported and behavioral measures of impulsivity and sensation seeking with specific patterns of heavy drinking in a sample of Spanish adolescents across 2 years.

Methods

The study has a cross‐lagged prospective design in which participants were evaluated 3 times over 2 years (once a year). Participants were 1,430 adolescents (53.9% male; mean age at study commencement = 13.02, SD = 0.51) from 22 secondary schools in Spain. Computerized versions of the following instruments were used: 2 subscales of Impulsive Sensation Seeking, 2 behavioral measures (Stroop Test and Delay Discounting [DD] task), frequency of intoxication episodes (IE), and the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index to evaluate alcohol‐related problems (ARP). Random intercepts cross‐lagged panel models of reciprocal relationships between impulsivity measures and alcohol use outcomes were used.

Results

Individual levels of self‐reported impulsivity and sensation seeking significantly predicted prospective involvement in IE and ARP. Performance in behavioral measures (Stroop Test and DD) did not predict subsequent heavy drinking or alcohol problems. No measure of drinking was found to be a significant predictor of prospective changes in impulsivity.

Conclusions

Within‐person levels of self‐reported impulsivity and sensation seeking significantly predicted further heavy drinking from as early as 13 years old, whereas behavioral measures were not predictive. In our study, neither IE nor ARP predicted prospective changes in impulsivity. Further studies should address additional specific relationships between facets of impulsivity and specific outcomes of heavy drinking.
ARE LAC COOPERATIVE AND COMMERCIAL BANKS SO DIFFERENT IN THEIR MANAGEMENT OF NON‐PERFORMING LOANS?
Authors: JIMÉNEZ‐HERNÁNDEZ Ignacio , PICAZO‐TADEO Andrés J. , SÁEZ‐FERNÁNDEZ Francisco J.
Published: July 2018

This paper assesses technical efficiency in the management of non‐performing loans (NPLs) in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) banking industry. To that end, Data Envelopment Analysis techniques are employed with data from the years 2013 to 2016 on a sample of 307 LAC cooperative and commercial banks. Our main contribution to existing literature is that differences of efficiency between cooperative banks and commercial banks are assessed as the result of the different capacities of their managers – managerial efficiency – and the so‐called programme efficiency, which represents differences in the technology used by these two categories of entities. Our principal result suggests that the technology used by cooperative banks in the management of NPLs is more efficient than the technology of commercial banks.
Patient characteristics of olfactory neuroblastoma: experience from a tertiary cancer centre 2000–2016 covering Eastern Denmark
Authors: Gram Signe Buhl , Grønhøj Christian , Mann Henriette , Jakobsen Kathrine Kronberg , Kiss Katalin , Bilde Anders , von Buchwald Christian
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to report incidence and patient characteristics of olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) at a tertiary cancer institution during a 16‐year period. A retrospective review was conducted on patients with ONB treated at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen from 2000 to 2016 covering Eastern Denmark. Patient demographics, symptoms, stage, pathology‐reports, treatment, and outcome were extracted from the patient records and the Danish pathology register. The tumours were graded both histologically and clinically using Hyam's and Kadish classifications, respectively. We identified a total of 14 patients (ten males, four females, median age 57 years, range 17–81 years). Four patients were in Kadish stage A, one stage B, and seven stage C. According to Hyam's classification, two tumours were grade I, nine grade II, and three grade III. All patients were treated with surgery, eight in combination with radiotherapy, where one received proton therapy, and one a combination with chemotherapy. At a median follow‐up time of 58 months, the 5‐year overall survival was 90% (95% CI 61; 99). ONB is a rare disease; complete radical surgery alone or combined with radiotherapy offered good oncologic control and outcome. Long‐term follow‐up of ONB should be mandatory.
Porphyromonas gingivalis‐induced inflammatory responses in THP1 cells are altered by native and modified low‐density lipoproteins in a strain‐dependent manner
Authors: Jayaprakash Kartheyaene , Demirel Isak , Khalaf Hazem , Bengtsson Torbjörn
Published: July 2018

Strong epidemiological evidence supports an association between cardiovascular and periodontal disease and furthermore, the periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis has been identified in blood and from atheromatous plaques. Blood exposed to P. gingivalis shows an increased protein modification of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL). In this study, we investigate the inflammatory responses of THP1 cells incubated with P. gingivalis and the effects of native or modified LDL on these responses. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and IL‐1β were observed in THP1 cells following infection with P. gingivalis ATCC33277 and W50. Caspase 1 activity was quantified in THP1 cells and correlated with IL‐1β accumulation. Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) induced IL‐1β release and CD36 expression on THP1 cells. Modified LDL co‐stimulated with ATCC33277 exhibited regulatory effects on caspase 1 activity, IL‐1β release and CD36 expression in THP1 cells, whereas W50 induced more modest responses in THP1 cells. In summary, we show that P. gingivalis is capable of inducing pro‐inflammatory responses in THP1 cells, and native and modified LDL could alter these responses in a dose‐ and strain‐dependent manner. Strain‐dependent differences in THP1 cell responses could be due to the effect of P. gingivalis proteases, presence or absence of capsule and proteolytic transformation of native and modified LDL.
Evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract in mdx mice: an experimental model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Feder David , Ierardi Mariana , Covre Ana Laura , Petri Giuliana , Carvalho Alzira Alves de Siqueira , Fonseca Fernando Luiz Affonso , Bertassoli Bruno Machado
Published: July 2018

This study describes the functional and morphological alterations in the intestines of mdx mice (n = 4) compared with the intestinal features of C57BL/10 mice (n = 7) at 2 months of age. The whole gut transit time (carmine red) and the upper gut transit time (activated charcoal) were measured, and light microscopy was utilized to view stained sections (H&E and picrosirius red) for histological analysis. No significant difference in mean evacuation time for the whole gut was observed between the two groups, but a significant delay in activated charcoal passage was observed in the mdx mice. Visually, a higher concentration of collagen fibers in the submucosal region was apparent in the mdx mice. The concentration of collagen fibers in the stomach and small intestine suggests a direct relationship with the decrease in motility of the upper gastrointestinal tract in the mdx mice. Further experimental studies should be conducted to develop therapeutic alternatives to collagen inhibition to control these manifestations.
When care is defined by science: Exploring veterinary medicine through a more‐than‐human geography of empathy
Authors: Donald Megan Martha
Published: July 2018

Veterinary medicine is the profession that is widely perceived as being at the forefront of animal care in the United Kingdom (UK). It is a form of care that is multi‐spatial and multi‐species: veterinary surgeons are involved in broad debates about animal welfare while also intimately caring for our pet companions. In order to regulate the profession, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons provides the Code of Professional Conduct (CPC) as the principal ethical framework that must be adhered to by all UK veterinary surgeons. The main aim of the CPC claims to ensure that the animal is, first and foremost, the primary consideration in veterinary medicine. By exploring the CPC in relation with animal geographies, emotional geographies and science and technology studies, this paper shows how the CPC remains anthropocentric and focused on a rational scientism that limits affective attunement with non‐human animals and distrusts the role of emotion and affect in veterinary medicine. These ethical‐spatial implications are then shown to extend beyond the CPC and into the conceptual terrain of ethics teaching in undergraduate veterinary education. As a way through this ethical tangle, a more‐than‐human geography of empathy is proposed. This notion takes the site of empathy as its geographical focus and suggests that a more critical, situated and holistic understanding of empathy might allow for a more thorough consideration of the tensions between human and animal and science and emotion in veterinary medicine and human geography more widely.
Companions or patients? The impact of family presence in genetic consultations for inherited breast cancer: Relational autonomy in practice
Authors: Gilbar Roy , Barnoy Sivia
Published: July 2018

As in other areas of medical practice, relatives accompany patients to genetic consultations. However, unlike in other areas, the consultations may be relevant to the relatives’ health because they may be at risk of developing the same genetic condition as the patient. The presence of relatives in genetic consultation may affect the decision‐making process and it raises questions about the perception of patient autonomy and the way it is practiced in genetics. However, these issues have not been examined in previous empirical studies. This article aims to fill this gap by reporting findings from a qualitative study with clinicians working in the area of inherited breast cancer. The findings indicate that family presence has an impact on the patient's decisions to undergo genetic testing and preventative operations when she is diagnosed as a carrier. The findings further indicate that, unlike in other areas of medical practice, blood relatives who are present in consultations are perceived by clinicians as patients or potential patients, and this in turn increases their involvement in discussions in the consultation room. Finally, the findings indicate that in genetics, a relational approach to autonomy is applied. Decisions are made in a social context, where the relatives’ views are heard and taken into account. The findings suggest that the conventional bioethical approach to autonomy, which perceives the decision‐making unit as comprising a clinician and an individual patient, is challenged in genetics. The findings thus suggest that bioethicists, lawyers and policy‐makers should consider whether this individualistic approach is still valid and applicable.
Discussing rights and wrongs: Three suggestions for moving forward with the migrant health rights debate
Authors: Gottlieb Nora , Ben Mocha Yitzchak
Published: July 2018

Claims for improving migrants’ access to care often draw on universalistic ethical notions, such as the principle of equity as it is specified in human rights law and public health ethics. These claims contrast with political realities across most welfare states. In the underlying public discourses, the frontline arguments against greater inclusion have often focused on practical concerns, such as the costs of healthcare provision. Yet it has also been suggested that ultimately context‐specific moral frameworks play a key role in demarcating legitimate right‐holders from undeserving others. Hence, is this a conflict between ethical principles and practical concerns? Or between different ethical perspectives? And why would that question matter? We propose that awareness of the nature of the arguments involved and respect for different ethical views are critical for coherent and constructive debates. This paper looks at the ways in which ethical concepts are used to justify exclusionary policy decisions. In particular, it examines the rationales that inform health policies towards documented and undocumented labor migrants in two welfare states, Germany and Israel, through the qualitative analysis of policy documents and 71 in‐depth interviews. The study points to the central role of particular concepts of health‐related deservingness. These results lead to the proposition that the fundamental clash in the discussion on migrants’ access to care is one, albeit not solely, between contrasting ethical perspectives. Drawing on process‐oriented approaches to ethical decision‐making, the paper concludes with three suggestions for moving forward with the migrant health rights debate.
Speech training for neurological patients using a serious game
Authors: Ganzeboom Mario , Bakker Marjoke , Beijer Lilian , Rietveld Toni , Strik Helmer
Published: July 2018

The majority of patients with neurological impairment like Parkinson's Disease (PD) or stroke are affected by dysarthria. Dysarthria is a motor speech impairment which negatively affects speech dimensions such as articulation and loudness. This leads to reduced intelligibility, often hindering daily life communication. Intensive and prolonged speech training can increase patients’ speech intelligibility. Unfortunately, interventions by speech therapists are generally provided only for a short period of time, while continuing practice is needed to maintain or improve intelligibility. eHealth applications might provide a solution. In our research, we explored whether it is possible to develop a game that is suitable for providing speech training in elderly patients with dysarthria due to PD or stroke. In the game, we developed, called Treasure Hunters, two players interact verbally to find the way to the treasure, while receiving automatic feedback on voice loudness and pitch. Participants played with our game in several sessions and generally appreciated it, hinting at our game's potential for speech training in elderly patients. In a within‐subjects experiment with five dysarthric patients, our game was compared to a non‐game computer‐based speech training system: e‐learning‐based Speech Therapy (EST). We focussed on three variables: speech intelligibility, user satisfaction and user preference. Substantial variability between participants was observed, in the outcomes of these three variables and their relations. We conclude that ”one size that fits all” does not apply to computer‐based speech training, but a personalised approach is needed.
Designing an augmented tabletop game for children with cognitive disabilities: The “Home game” case
Authors: Korozi Maria , Leonidis Asterios , Ntoa Stavroula , Arampatzis Dimitrios , Adami Ilia , Antona Margherita , Stephanidis Constantine
Published: July 2018

This paper presents “Home game,” a multimodal interactive educational game that supports training in independent living for children with cognitive disabilities. It is intended to be used under the supervision of educators in a rehabilitation center. The game features a variety of exercises that incorporate multimedia, virtual environments, tangible, and playful interaction to facilitate learning of the main rooms of a house, daily routines, and how to avoid inappropriate or prevent hazardous behaviors. It enhances touch‐based interaction with physical manipulation through printed cards on a tabletop setup, using a webcam to recognize and track cards on a board. This paper describes the system, along with the development process and the results of a preliminary user‐based evaluation. Furthermore, it reports the insights and lessons learned throughout the process of developing tangible educational technologies for children with cognitive impairments, in terms of functionality, interaction, and evaluation with children.
Can cooperative video games encourage social and motivational inclusion of at‐risk students?
Authors: Hanghøj Thorkild , Lieberoth Andreas , Misfeldt Morten
Published: July 2018

Can the challenges encountered in cooperative video games encourage classroom inclusion? And can this experience be translated into curriculum engagement? This study describes a 3 week intervention with game‐based learning activities in eight lower secondary classrooms (n = 190). The intervention combined the use of the co‐op action role‐playing gameTorchlight IIand analogue gamification aimed at including 32 students challenged by social difficulties and lack of motivation. The video game was used to create more inclusive classrooms by increasing students’ opportunities for participation through collaboration in teams. The students also participated in game‐related Danish (L1) and Mathematics activities. Effects on social well‐being, learning and motivational patterns were measured through teacher assessment combined with the Children's Perceived Locus of Causality‐scales. The results show multidimensional effects including positive impact on at‐risk students’ well‐being and reduced experiences of external regulation to participate in Mathematics and Danish. The qualitative analysis not only confirms the positive findings, but also shows how the intervention created ambiguities surrounding the relationship between game activities and curriculum‐related assignments. The findings indicate that the impact of game‐based classrooms is not due to their fun element, but rather how they enable reframing of social participation and students’ engagement with the curriculum.
Chronic hypoxia‐induced slug promotes invasive behavior of prostate cancer cells by activating expression of ephrin‐B1
Authors: Iwasaki Kazunori , Ninomiya Ryo , Shin Toshitaka , Nomura Takeo , Kajiwara Tooru , Hijiya Naoki , Moriyama Masatsugu , Mimata Hiromitsu , Hamada Fumihiko
Published: July 2018

Advanced solid tumors are exposed to hypoxic conditions over longer periods of time as they grow. Tumor hypoxia is a major factor that induces malignant progression, but most previous studies on tumor hypoxia were performed under short‐term hypoxia for up to 72 hours and few studies have focused on tumor response to chronic hypoxic conditions. Here we show a molecular mechanism by which chronic hypoxia promotes invasive behavior in prostate cancer cells. We found that an epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐driving transcription factor, slug, is specifically upregulated under chronic hypoxia and promotes tumor cell migration and invasion. Unexpectedly, processes associated with EMT, such as loss of E‐cadherin, are not observed under chronic hypoxia. Instead, expression of ephrin‐B1, a ligand of Eph‐related receptor tyrosine kinases, is markedly induced by slug through E‐box motifs and promotes cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, slug and ephrin‐B1 are highly coexpressed in chronic hypoxic cells of human prostate adenocarcinoma tissues after androgen deprivation, which is known to cause tumor hypoxia. Taken together, these results indicate that chronic hypoxia‐induced slug promotes invasive behavior of prostate cancer cells by activating the expression of ephrin‐B1. In addition, ephrin‐B1 may be a novel therapeutic target in combination with androgen deprivation therapy for aggressive prostate cancer.
Inhibition of tumor formation and metastasis by a monoclonal antibody against lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1
Authors: Hara Yuta , Torii Ryota , Ueda Shiho , Kurimoto Erina , Ueda Eri , Okura Hiroshi , Tatano Yutaka , Yagi Hideki , Ohno Yoshiya , Tanaka Toshiyuki , Masuko Kazue , Masuko Takashi
Published: July 2018

Although cancer metastasis is associated with poor prognosis, the mechanisms of this event, especially via lymphatic vessels, remain unclear. Lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE‐1) is expressed on lymphatic vessel endothelium and is considered to be a specific marker of lymphatic vessels, but it is unknown how LYVE‐1 is involved in the growth and metastasis of cancer cells. We produced rat monoclonal antibodies (mAb) recognizing the extracellular domain of mouse LYVE‐1, and investigated the roles of LYVE‐1 in tumor formation and metastasis. The mAb 38M and 64R were selected from hybridoma clones created by cell fusion between spleen cells of rats immunized with RH7777 rat hepatoma cells expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐fused mouse LYVE‐1 proteins and mouse myeloma cells. Two mAb reacted with RH7777 and HEK293F human embryonic kidney cells expressing GFP‐fused mouse LYVE‐1 proteins in a GFP expression‐dependent manner, and each recognized a distinct epitope. On immunohistology, the 38M mAb specifically stained lymphatic vessels in several mouse tissues. In the wound healing assay, the 64R mAb inhibited cell migration of HEK293F cells expressing LYVE‐1 and mouse lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC), as well as tube formation by LEC. Furthermore, this mAb inhibited primary tumor formation and metastasis to lymph nodes in metastatic MDA‐MB‐231 xenograft models. This shows that LYVE‐1 is involved in primary tumor formation and metastasis, and it may be a promising molecular target for cancer therapy.
A review of clinical treatment considerations of donepezil in severe Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Adlimoghaddam Aida , Neuendorff Melanie , Roy Banibrata , Albensi Benedict C.
Published: July 2018

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects over 45 million people worldwide. Patients with severe AD require help with daily activities and show severe memory impairment. Currently, donepezil is one of two drugs approved by FDA and Health Canada for the treatment of severe AD (MMSE score <10). It is prescribed as 5 or 10 mg/d and an FDA‐approved 23‐mg/d dose.

Method

This review will discuss risks and benefits of donepezil at these doses in severe AD. Articles were identified using PubMed using the MeSH terms “donepezil” AND “Alzheimer Disease” AND “severe.” Three double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized studies, one post hoc analysis, and one subgroup analysis were selected.

Results

Donepezil was found to benefit patients in cognition and global functioning. The most consistent improvement was in severe impairment battery (SIB) scores. However, more patients treated with high dosage of donepezil discontinued their treatment due to various adverse events (AEs).

Conclusion

Clinicians must weigh benefits against adverse events when determining the course of therapy, as recommendations for cholinesterase inhibitors in advanced AD remain unclear and vary with different guidelines.
Identifying and evaluating layers of vulnerability – a way forward
Authors: Luna Florencia
Published: July 2018

“Vulnerability” is a key concept for research ethics and public health ethics. This term can be discussed from either a conceptual or a practical perspective. I previously proposed the metaphor of layers to understand how this concept functions from the conceptual perspective in human research. In this paper I will clarify how my analysis includes other definitions of vulnerability. Then, I will take the practical‐ethical perspective, rejecting the usefulness of taxonomies to analyze vulnerabilities. My proposal specifies two steps and provides a procedural guide to help rank layers. I introduce the notion of cascade vulnerability and outline the dispositional nature of layers of vulnerability to underscore the importance of identifying their stimulus condition. In addition, I identify three kinds of obligations and some strategies to implement them.

This strategy outlines the normative force of harmful layers of vulnerability. It offers concrete guidance. It contributes substantial content to the practical sphere but it does not simplify or idealize research subjects, research context or public health challenges.
Non‐pharmacological interventions for non‐respiratory sleep disturbance in children with neurodisabilities: a systematic review
Authors: Scantlebury Arabella , Mcdaid Catriona , Dawson Vicki , Elphick Heather , Fairhurst Caroline , Hewitt Catherine , Parker Adwoa , Spiers Gemma , Thomas Megan , Wright Kath , Beresford Bryony
Published: July 2018

Aim

To describe existing evidence on non‐pharmacological interventions to manage sleep disturbance in children with neurodisabilities.

Method

We systematically reviewed non‐pharmacological interventions aimed at improving non‐respiratory sleep disturbance in children with neurodisability. Sixteen databases, grey literature, and reference lists of included papers were searched up to February 2017. Two researchers (B.B., C.M., G.S., A.S., A.P.) undertook screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal.

Results

Twenty‐five studies were included: 11 randomized controlled trials and 14 before‐and‐after studies. All studies were at high or unclear risk of bias. Parent‐directed interventions were categorized as comprehensive tailored interventions (n=9), comprehensive non‐tailored interventions (n=8), and non‐comprehensive interventions (n=2). Six ‘other’ non‐pharmacological interventions were included. Seventy‐one child and parent sleep‐related outcomes were measured across the included studies. We report the two most commonly measured outcomes: the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire and sleep onset latency. Five studies reported significant improvements on at least one of these outcomes.

Interpretation

Various types of non‐pharmacological intervention for managing sleep disturbance have been evaluated. Clinical heterogeneity and poor study quality meant we could not draw definitive conclusions on the effectiveness of these interventions. Current clinical guidance recommends parent‐directed interventions as the first approach to managing sleep disturbance; prioritizing research in this area is recommended.

What this paper adds

Existing evidence on non‐pharmacological interventions to manage sleep disturbance in children with neurodisabilities is predominately of poor quality.

Most included studies evaluated parent‐directed interventions of varying content and intensity.

There was very little consistency between studies in the outcome measures used.

There is some evidence that parent‐directed interventions may improve child outcomes.
Religious minorities and firm ownership in early twentieth‐century Egypt
Authors: Artunç Cihan
Published: July 2018

This article examines the composition of firm ownership and entrepreneurship in Egypt between 1910 and 1949 by assembling a novel dataset on multi‐owned firms. The evidence supports two main results. First, Muslim participation remained disproportionately low in partnerships but was distinctly high in corporations relative to non‐Muslims. Second, Muslim‐owned firms were frailer and more likely to experience early exits. The findings are consistent with the view that the region's institutional legacy, such as disparities in physical or human capital, created obstacles for Muslims. When these implications are tested, the findings show that only small‐scale Muslim firms had restricted access to capital. The skewness in Muslim firms’ entry and start‐up size is probably the result of legal distortions introduced by the government, which entrenched a small class of political elites in large‐scale firms.
Analysis of Canadian wood pellets for the presence of living phytopathogenic fungi and pinewood nematode
Authors: Callan B. E. , Leal I. , Islam A. , Foord B.
Published: July 2018

Wood pellets from two port storage silos and four pellet plants (manufacturing facilities) in British Columbia and one pellet plant in Quebec and wood chips used for pellet production from British Columbia were cultured to identify the viable fungi that were present. Living fungal pathogens and decay fungi were cultured from the pre‐production chips, but the fungi isolated from finished pellets were not of phytosanitary concern. The absence of living pinewood nematode in all samples analysed was confirmed by real‐time reverse transcription PCR. Genomic DNA from the pinewood nematode was present in the pre‐pellet chip samples and also in the finished pellets from three of the collection sources.
Coming Out and Getting Back In: Relationship Cycling and Distress in Same‐ and Different‐Sex Relationships
Authors: Monk J. Kale , Ogolsky Brian G. , Oswald Ramona F.
Published: July 2018

Objective

To examine the role of on–off relationship cycling in psychological distress for individuals in same‐ and different‐sex relationships.

Background

Relationship processes have a robust effect on individual well‐being, and dissolution is associated with psychological distress that is normative and typically short‐lived. A prolonged history of terminating a relationship and then reconciling (i.e., on–off cycling), however, may facilitate more pervasive symptomology. Moreover, researchers have indicated that instability is similar for individuals in same‐ and different‐sex relationships, but cycling in same‐sex relationships has yet to be studied despite existing disparities for sexual minorities.

Method

Data from 545 individuals in same‐sex (n = 279) and different‐sex (n = 266) relationships were used to assess the association between on–off cycling and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Results

The occurrence of cycling was similar across relationship types, but a greater frequency emerged in male–male relationships compared with female–female and different‐sex relationships. Regardless of relationship type, we found a positive association between relationship cycling and distress while controlling for known correlates of mental health.

Conclusion

Patterns of breakup and renewal were linked to increased symptoms of psychological distress, indicating the accumulation of relationship transitions can create added turmoil for individuals.

Implications

Due to the potential distress associated with this relational pattern, practitioners should assess for on–off instability. We also provide suggestions for encouraging individuals in distressed on–off relationships to make informed decisions about stabilizing or safely terminating their partnerships.
Inactivation of lipoxygenase in soybean by radio frequency treatment
Authors: Jiang Yiming , Wang Shukun , He Fang , Fan Qilei , Ma Yanli , Yan Wenxu , Tang Yali , Yang Ruijin , Zhao Wei
Published: July 2018

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are oxidised to generate beany flavour under catalysis of lipoxygenase (LOX). Using conventional thermal treatment to inactivate LOX lead to a serious nutritional and functional loss in soybean products due to the prolonged exposure to the high‐temperature environment. Radio frequency (RF) is a different type of heating technology that sample is heated inside and outside at the same time with deep penetration. RF treatment was proposed to process soybean to rapidly inactivate LOX while remaining the quality and functional properties of soybean product. The results showed that the inactivation rate of LOX subjected to RF treatment for 210 s was 94.30%, as compared with 3.08% under conventional thermal treatment (110 °C) for the same duration. Functional properties of soybean protein isolate (SPI) after RF treatment were much higher than that of SPI with conventional thermal treatment. Analysis of the volatile compounds of soy milk indicated that the relative concentration of hexanal decreased from 521 to 116 μg L−1 and that of 1‐hexanol decreased from 271 to 6.99 μg L−1. Therefore, RF treatment could better improve the sensory properties of soy milk.
The effects of environmental factors in waiting rooms on anxiety among patients undergoing coronary angiography: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pouyesh Vahideh , Amaniyan Sara , Haji Mohammad Hoseini Mahsa , Bashiri Yousef , Sieloff Christina , Griffiths Pauline , Vaismoradi Mojtaba
Published: July 2018

Background

According to Florence Nightingale's hypothesis, the environment can play a central role in the healing of the patient's body and mind. The nurse should, therefore, strive to provide a healing and stress‐reducing environment for patients about to undergo invasive procedures.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the effects of environmental factors on anxiety as experienced by patients in waiting rooms prior to coronary angiography.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, 200 patients undergoing coronary angiography in an urban area of Iran were assigned randomly to the following intervention groups: (1) nature sounds; (2) nature sounds and daylight; (3) nature sounds, daylight, and colour enhancements; and (4) control. Portable monitors were used to measure the patients' physiological indices upon admission and 30 and 60 minutes thereafter.

Results

Patients who experienced environmental affecting interventions had significantly lower physiological indices of anxiety than the control group (P < 0.001). Some significance was demonstrated between the three interventions groups, with patients in the intervention group that experienced maximum environmental interventions demonstrating the most overall reduction in anxiety indices.

Conclusion

Environmental factors were shown to have a positive effect on the indices of anxiety experienced by patients waiting for the procedure of coronary angiography; this is therefore an area of study and practice worthy of further development.