bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of the application of ISO 9001 standards on the climate and satisfaction of the members of a school
Authors: Fernández-Cruz Francisco José , Rodríguez-Mantilla Jesús Miguel , Fernández Díaz Mª José 
Published: April 2020

PurposeRecently, the application of quality management systems (QMS) in educational institutions has become widespread, in an effort to improve diverse processes and results in schools. However, there are very few studies that enable us to confirm whether these QMS bring true changes that are sustainable over time and lead to improvements in these institutions.Design/methodology/approachThis study thus aims to assess the impact of the implementation of ISO:9001 standards on school climate and on the satisfaction of the members of the educational community at 80 Spanish preschools, primary and secondary schools in different autonomous communities.FindingsThe analyses performed show conclusive results regarding the impact of ISO:9001 standards on teachers' involvement in improving the school's climate, conflict resolution by the management team and in families' involvement and satisfaction with the school. However, no apparent evidence was found of the impact on relations among teachers, conflict resolution among staff members and the perception of satisfaction by the teachers themselves.Research limitations/implicationsWe must bear in mind that the results and conclusions obtained are based on the instrument developed for this study, where it has been the members of the schools themselves who have assessed the changes they have perceived or that have taken place. However, due to the limitation of the instrument, it could be complemented in future research with external evaluations that could complement the results obtained in the present study.Originality/valueFurthermore, greater impact of the ISO standards was identified in schools from certain regions (Valencia and Andalusia), in state-assisted private schools, in smaller schools and in institutions which have been implementing the QMS for longer periods of time. The management team also perceived a greater improvement in climate than did teachers.
Toward understanding FinTech and its industry
Authors: Knewtson Heather S. , Rosenbaum Zachary A. 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to define FinTech, differentiating it from financial technology and use the definition to develop an industry framework.Design/methodology/approachUsing the existing literature on FinTech and incorporating these contributions into a traditional financial structure, characteristics are outlined and placed into a framework that describes the FinTech industry.FindingsFinTech is a specific type of Financial Technology, defined as technology used to provide financial markets a financial product or financial service, characterized by sophisticated technology relative to existing technology in that market. Firms that primarily use FinTech are classified as FinTech firms. Using these definitions, the paper provides a structure for the FinTech industry, classifying each type of FinTech firm by FinTech characteristics.Research limitations/implicationsResearch that would inform the economic importance of FinTech would be served with an increased understanding of FinTech firms and the FinTech industry.Originality/valueThis paper contributes by defining FinTech and developing a comprehensive framework to describe the emerging FinTech industry.
New perspectives from technology adoption in senior cohousing facilities
Authors: Angioni Margherita , Musso Fabio 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the integration of industry 4.0 related technologies of telehealth within innovative housing models addressed to senior population, in order to facing the growing issue of a sustainable management of the population ageing.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative exploratory analysis of four case studies of senior cohousing facilities located in different countries was performed. The cases analysed were selected as pioneering cases in the adoption of innovative and economically sustainable organizational solutions.FindingsThe study made it possible to identify which are the common characters that successful experiences have highlighted. Although each facility needs to adapt to the social, cultural, demographic and economic context in which it is located, there are some recurring aspects, which have proved to be key success factors.Research limitations/implicationsThis research analyses only four cases. This suggests that the sample does not provide an exhaustive representation of the models adopted in this field. However, the study is an exploratory research and it can provide a basis for further analyses.Practical implicationsThis study provides valuable indications for the design and management of senior cohousing facilities, as regards the services to be offered, the network of services and facilities that can be complementary to the residences, the activities to be conducted and organized, the degree of involvement of the elderly in the planning of activities and services. With regard to the adoption of telehealth-related technologies, the study provides indications on which new technologies resulting from the industry 4.0 revolution are going to be adopted, that is, remote surveillance, remote diagnostics and the use of sensors and video. These technologies, thanks to the artificial intelligence, can detect anomalies and provide predictive analyses on the behaviour and health of the elderly.Originality/valueThe study made it possible to identify the key success factors for senior cohousing facilities regardless of the characteristics of the context in which they are located. In addition, it provides a first analysis of the potential of telehealth-related technological solutions, paving the way for further studies aimed at assessing how, thanks to new technologies, the level of economic sustainability of senior cohousing solutions can be improved.
Successional habitat filtering of rainforest trees is explained by potential growth more than by functional traits
Authors: Kleinschmidt Svenja , Wanek Wolfgang , Kreinecker Felix , Hackl Daniel , Jenking Daniel , Weissenhofer Anton , Hietz Peter 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Species along successional gradients differ in functional traits, which may function as environmental filters and also explain differences in growth rates. Alternatively, species might be filtered by growth rates and these are explained by differences in other traits. We explored the relationships between leaf and wood traits, growth and successional habitat, and asked if growth is related to habitat because both are driven by a similar set of traits or if growth is the main trait explaining habitat and relationships with other traits are indirect.

Tropical trees are often classified as second‐growth (SG) or old‐growth (OG) specialists, and generalists. Since succession is a continuous process and lumping species into three groups may not do justice to gradual differences, we tested if a continuous variable based on relative tree abundance in OG and SG forests might be a better predictor than classifying trees' habitat preferences into categories.

We measured the height growth of 47 trees species planted in a reforestation trial in Costa Rica and evaluated size‐standardized potential growth during the first years when there was little shading among trees. Growth and habitat were related to wood density (WD), theoretical hydraulic conductivity (Kh), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and leaf nitrogen content (N).

Potential growth rates and Kh were significantly correlated with habitat measured on a continuous scale, while growth and LDMC differed among the three groups of habitat specialization. Growth was also correlated with WD and Kh.

Habitat specialization was correlated with the first principal component of the functional traits space. However, structural equation models suggest that the relationship with leaf and wood traits is mostly indirect and potential growth is the most important trait directly related to environmental filtering along a successional gradient. In our dataset, classifiying the successional status of species using the proportion of records from OG forests explains traits about as well as a classification into three groups, but provides more information about the species' position along the successional gradient.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Managing the risk of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections associated with oyster consumption: A review
Authors: Ndraha Nodali , Wong Hin‐chung , Hsiao Hsin‐I 
Published: April 2020

AbstractVibrio parahaemolyticus is a Gram‐negative bacterium that is naturally present in the marine environment. Oysters, which are water filter feeders, may accumulate this pathogen in their soft tissues, thus increasing the risk of V. parahaemolyticus infection among people who consume oysters. In this review, factors affecting V. parahaemolyticus accumulation in oysters, the route of the pathogen from primary production to consumption, and the potential effects of climate change were discussed. In addition, intervention strategies for reducing accumulation of V. parahaemolyticus in oysters were presented. A literature review revealed the following information relevant to the present study: (a) managing the safety of oysters (for human consumption) from primary production to consumption remains a challenge, (b) there are multiple factors that influence the concentration of V. parahaemolyticus in oysters from primary production to consumption, (c) climate change could possibly affect the safety of oysters, both directly and indirectly, placing public health at risk, (d) many intervention strategies have been developed to control and/or reduce the concentration of V. parahaemolyticus in oysters to acceptable levels, but most of them are mainly focused on the downstream steps of the oyster supply chain, and (c) although available regulation and/or guidelines governing the safety of oyster consumption are mostly available in developed countries, limited food safety information is available in developing countries. The information provided in this review may serve as an early warning for managing the future effects of climate change on the safety of oyster consumption.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals the regulation network of BmKrüppel homolog 1 in the oocyte development of Bombyx mori
Authors: Zhu Zi‐Dan , Hu Qi‐Hao , Tong Chun‐Mei , Yang Hong‐Guang , Zheng Si‐Chun , Feng Qi‐Li , Deng Hui‐Min 
Published: April 2020

AbstractKrüppel homolog 1 (Kr‐h1), a zinc finger transcription factor, is involved in the metamorphosis and adult reproduction of insects. However, the role of Kr‐h1 in reproduction of holometabolic insects remains to be elucidated. The regulation network of Kr‐h1‐associated genes in the reproduction in Bombyx mori was investigated in this study. The higher expression level of BmKr‐h1 in the ovaries was detected during the late pupal stage and adults. RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated depletion of BmKr‐h1 in the female at day 6 of pupae resulted in abnormal oocytes at 48 h post‐double‐stranded RNA treatment, which showed less yolk protein deposition and partially transparent chorion. RNA‐seq and subsequent differentially expressed transcripts analysis showed that knockdown of BmKr‐h1 caused a decrease in the expression of 2882 genes and an increase in the expression of 2565 genes in the oocytes at day 8 of pupae. Totally, 27 genes coding for transcription factors were down‐regulated, while six genes coding for other transcription factors were up‐regulated. BmKr‐h1 bound to the Kr‐h1 binding site of the transcription factors AP‐1 (activating protein‐1) and FOXG1 to increase their messenger RNA transcripts in the BmN cells, respectively. Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses of that positively co‐expressed with AP‐1 and FOXG1 transcripts showed mainly enrichment in the metabolic‐related pathways, the nutrient absorption and the yolk protein absorption processes. These data suggested that BmKr‐h1 might directly regulate the metabolic‐related pathways, the nutrient absorption and the yolk protein absorption processes or probably through AP‐1 and /or FOXG1 to regulate oocyte development.
Evaluation of a new measurement method of indoxyl sulfate in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Abe Takaya , Onoda Mitsutaka , Matsuura Tomohiko , Sugimura Jun , Obara Wataru , Sasaki Nariyuki , Kato Tetsuo , Tatsumi Kenta , Maruyama Toru 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIndoxyl sulfate (IS) is related to the development of cardiovascular disease and total mortality in dialysis patients. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is the conventional measurement approach. However, the HPLC method is difficult to perform in real time. Recently, the IS Assay Kit “NIPRO”, which enables the measuring of total IS by the enzyme method, was developed. This new reagent allows the easy and quick measurement of many samples using the automatic biochemical analyzer. Moreover, it was reported that it demonstrated satisfactory analytical performance. If this enzyme method is useful for measuring IS in hemodialysis, we can expect that the mechanism in which the IS effects adversely on a body as uremic toxins will be clarified. However, the enzyme method is more easily influenced by other coexisting substances. In this study, we have assessed on how the uremic toxins and anticoagulation effect on this new reagent and evaluate whether it can be put into practice effectively for hemodialysis patients. For the enzyme method, accuracy, simultaneous repeatability, linearity, limit of detection, influence of coexisting materials, and correlation with the HPLC method were examined. Accuracy and simultaneous repeatability were satisfactory, and linearity was good. The limit of detection was acceptable, and there was no influence of coexisting materials. With regard to the correlation, the regression equation was y = 0.947X + 7.987 and the correlation coefficient (r) was 0.972. This new reagent showed sufficient fundamental performance and had a good correlation with the conventional HPLC method for assessing the plasma of dialysis patients.
Formation and stability of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver seed oil‐loaded inverse microemulsion formed by food‐grade ingredients and its antioxidant activities
Authors: Zhu Shiye , Li Jiaxing , Liu Yating , Chen Liang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractEucommia ulmoides Oliver seed oil (E.u oil) as a functional oil is rich in many natural active components such as α‐linolenic acid (56% to 63%), vitamin E, aucubin, and so on. In this study, water‐in‐oil (W/O) microemulsions composed of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver seed oil, distilled water, a blend of Sorbitan monooleate 80 (Span 80) and Polysorbate (20) sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80), and propylene glycol were prepared for improving the compatibility of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver seed oil. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were built to illustrate the phase behavior of the microemulsions, based on hydrophilic–lipophilic balance values, cosurfactant type, the proportion of cosurfactant, and the changing environmental stress. Dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and electrical conductivity measurements were performed to characterize the microstructural aspects. The optimum process conditions at which the Eucommia ulmoides Oliver seed oil‐loaded microemulsion had good tolerance to pH and salinity were: Propylene glycol served as cosurfactant, water–Propylene glycol, and Span 80‐Tween 80 ratios separately kept constant at 1:1 and 6:4. These microemulsions with narrow size distribution, nanoscale particle size (below 60 nm), transparent appearance had a wide range of oil phase content and free‐radical scavenging capacity toward DPPH and ABTS radicals with half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 49.20 and 33.43 mg/mL, respectively.Practical ApplicationThis nanostructure, environmental stability, and antioxidant activity of microemulsions containing Eucommia ulmoides Oliver seed oil is a potential delivery system as an alternative to α‐linolenic acid and can be used for the delivery of peptides, proteins, antioxidants, and water‐soluble nutrients.
Inhibition of HSP90 and Activation of HSF1 Diminish Macrophage NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity in Alcohol‐Associated Liver Injury
Authors: Choudhury Asmita , Bullock Daniel , Lim Arlene , Argemi Josepmaria , Orning Pontus , Lien Egil , Bataller Ramon , Mandrekar Pranoti 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundActivation of NLRP3 in liver macrophages contributes to alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD). Molecular chaperone heat shock protein (HSP) 90 facilitates NLRP3 inflammasome activity during infections and inflammatory diseases. We previously reported that HSP90 is induced in ALD and regulates proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and IL‐6. Whether HSP90 affects IL‐1β and IL‐18 regulated by NLRP3 inflammasome in ALD is unknown. Here, we hypothesize that HSP90 modulated NLRP3 inflammasome activity and affects IL‐1β and IL‐18 secretion in ALD.MethodsThe expression of HSP90AA1 and NLRP3 inflammasome genes was evaluated in human alcoholic livers and in mouse model of ALD. The importance of HSP90 on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in ALD was evaluated by administering HSP90 inhibitor, 17‐dimethylaminoethylamino‐17‐demethoxygeldanamycin (17‐DMAG) to mice subjected to ALD, and in vitro to bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDM) stimulated with LPS and ATP. The effect of activation of HSF1/HSPA1A axis during HSP90 inhibition or direct activation during heat shock of BMDMs on NLRP3 activity and secretion of downstream cytokines was evaluated.ResultsWe found positive correlation between induction of HSP90 and NLRP3 inflammasome genes in human alcoholic cirrhotic livers. Administration of 17‐DMAG in mouse model of ALD significantly down‐regulated NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated caspase‐1 (CASP‐1) activity and cytokine secretion, with reduction in ALD. 17‐DMAG‐mediated decrease in NLRP3 was restricted to liver macrophages. Using BMDMs, we show that inhibition of HSP90 prevented CASP‐1 activity, and Gasdermin D (GSDMD) cleavage, important in release of active IL‐1β and IL‐18. Interestingly, activation of the heat shock factor 1 (HSF1)/HSPA1A axis, either during HSP90 inhibition or by heat shock, decreased NLRP3 inflammasome activity and reduced secretion of cytokines.ConclusionOur studies indicate that inhibition of HSP90 and activation of HSF1/HSPA1A reduce IL‐1β and IL‐18 via decrease in NLRP3/CASP‐1 and GSDMD activity in ALD.
Using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to explore mechanisms of alcohol‐involved HIV risk behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM)
Authors: Wray Tyler B. , Monti Peter M. , Kahler Christopher W. , Guigayoma John P. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground and AimsHeavy drinking is associated with increased risk of incident HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM). Past studies suggest that this association may be due to the tendency for intoxication to interfere with condom use. However, research on potential causal mechanisms explaining this relationship has been limited primarily to laboratory studies. In this study, we tested several potential mediators of the relationship between alcohol use level and HIV risk behavior.DesignEcological momentary assessment (EMA) methods conducted over a 30‐day period.Setting and participants/casesMSM (n = 100) in the northeastern United States.MeasurementsParticipants completed daily diary surveys and up to six experience sampling surveys randomly prompted throughout the day.FindingsVery heavy levels of drinking (12+ drinks) increased the odds of engaging in any sex [odds ratio (OR) = 1.87, P < 0.001]. Coefficient products and 95% confidence intervals indicated that both subjective sexual arousal (OR = 1.52, P < 0.001) and sex intentions (OR = 1.74, P < 0.001) significantly mediated the association between very heavy drinking and the odds of sex. When participants reported sex, the odds of engaging in high‐risk condomless anal sex (CAS) increased incrementally after drinking heavily (five to 11 drinks; OR = 3.27, P = 0.006) and very heavily (12+ drinks; OR = 4.42, P < 0.001). Only subjective sexual arousal significantly mediated the association between alcohol use level and high‐risk CAS (OR = 1.16, P = 0.040).ConclusionsIncreases in subjective sexual arousal after drinking heavily appear to partly account for alcohol‐related HIV risk behaviors in the daily lives of men who have sex with men. Alcohol's role in strengthening motivationally consistent emotional states may therefore play a more important role in facilitating alcohol‐involved HIV risk than explicit sexual motivation.
Colour‐sidedness in Gloucester cattle is associated with a complex structural variant impacting regulatory elements downstream of KIT
Authors: Artesi M. , Tamma N. , Deckers M. , Karim L. , Coppieters W. , Van den Broeke A. , Georges M. , Charlier C. , Durkin K. 
Published: April 2020

SummaryColour‐sidedness is a striking coat colour pattern found in a number of cattle breeds, typically characterised by a white stripe that extends along the back, head and belly of the animal. This dominant phenotype is caused by two related translocations (Cs6 and Cs29) that alter a region downstream of the KIT gene. Gloucester cattle are native to the UK and are known for an unusual colour‐sided pattern that does not extend to the head. We carried out whole‐genome sequencing of two Gloucester bulls as well as colour‐sided Irish Moiled, British White and Pustertaler Sprinzen for comparison. We found that the Gloucester cattle also have a complex structural variant downstream of KIT, which overlaps the regions involved in Cs6 and Cs29. All three alleles potentially disrupt a number of putative regulatory elements downstream of KIT. These results complement and expand on the recently published work focused on the Pinzgauer breed from Austria, a carrier of the same colour‐sided pattern as seen in Gloucester cattle.
Innervation of the wing membrane in the bent‐winged bat Miniopterus fuliginosus
Authors: Aoyama Asuna , Doysabas Karla Cristine Callano , Iida Atsuo , Hondo Eiichi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe nerves that innervate the fingertips and wing membrane from the upper arm of the bent‐winged bat Miniopterus fuliginosus were examined under a stereomicroscope. The radial, median, ulnar and musculocutaneous nerves were formed by the brachial plexus, which ran to the wing membrane. The two suspected axillary nerves ran to the wing membrane. The radial nerve ran to the end of the first digit, while the median nerve ran along the forearm and subsequently branched‐off to run along the second to fifth digits up to the end of the phalanges. The ulnar nerve ran to the plagiopatagium on the extensor side of the elbow joint. Finally, the musculocutaneous nerve passed through the ventral side of the humerus and branched out at the elbow joint to run radially to the propatagium area. In this study, the visible nerves that were distributed from the upper arm to the fingertips of Miniopterus fuliginosus were formed by C6–T1.