bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on durability of non-dispersible concrete in seawater environment
Authors: Huijun Wu , Diao Zhan , Fan Kaizuo 
Published: November 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the durability of underwater non-dispersible concrete in seawater environment.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, ten groups of underwater non-dispersible concrete mixtures were designed, and the anti-dispersibility and fluidity of the mixtures were tested.

Findings
The durability test analysis shows that different pouring methods have different effects on the durability of concrete. The durability of concrete poured on land is better than that poured in water. Different mineral admixtures have different effects on the durability of concrete: the frost resistance of the underwater non-dispersible concrete specimens with silica fume is the best; the impermeability and chloride ion permeability of the non-dispersible underwater concrete specimens with waterproofing agent are the best; and the alternation of wetting and drying has adverse effects on the durability indexes of the non-dispersible underwater concrete.

Originality/value
The durability of underwater non-dispersible concrete is tested and the results can be used for reference in engineering practice.
The network ROI
Authors: Khan Gohar , Mohaisen Manar , Trier Matthias 
Published: November 2019

Purpose
Leveraging social action theory, social network theory and the notion of network externality, the purpose of this paper is to model two different return on investment (ROI) measures: the networked ROI which captures the network effect originating from a social media investment, and the discrete ROI which focuses social media discrete returns from individual users.

Design/methodology/approach
A field experiment was set up over a period of three months to test the effects of two variants of an advertisement campaign (a social vs a discrete ad) on the modeled networked and discrete ROIs.

Findings
The authors find that emphasizing discrete user actions leads to lower network gains, but higher monetary returns while the social action emphasis produces higher network gains, but lower monetary returns. The study further suggests that social action focus is preferable for brand promotion and engagement, whereas the discrete action focus is suitable for boosting sales and website traffic.

Practical implications
Several potential implications for social media researchers and marketers are also discussed.

Originality/value
The authors for the first time showed that that the social media returns are derived not only from individual actions taken by the user (e.g. likes and shares) but also from users’ social interdependencies and the additional exposure that results from network effects.
A dynamic capabilities view of improvement capability
Authors: Furnival Joy , Boaden Ruth , Walshe Kieran 
Published: November 2019

PurposeOrganisations within healthcare increasingly operate in rapidly changing environments and present wide variation in performance. It can be argued that this variation is influenced by the capability of an organisation to improve: its improvement capability. However, there is little theoretical research on improvement capability. The purpose of this paper is to set out the current diverse body of research on improvement capability and develop a theoretically informed conceptual framework.Design/methodology/approachThis paper conceptualises improvement capability as a dynamic capability. This suggests that improvement capability is comprised of organisational routines that are bundled together, and adapt and react to organisational circumstances. Existing research conceptualises these bundles as three elements (microfoundations): sensing, seizing and reconfiguring. This conceptualisation is used to explore how improvement capability can be understood, by inductively categorising eight dimensions of improvement capability to develop a theoretically informed conceptual framework.FindingsThis paper shows that the three microfoundations which make up a dynamic capability are present in the identified improvement capability dimensions. This theoretically based conceptual framework provides a rich explanation of how improvement capability can be configured.Originality/valueIdentifying the component parts of improvement capability helps to explain why some organisations are less successful in improvement than others. This theoretically informed framework can support managers and policy makers to identify improvement capability dimensions in need of development. Further empirical research, particularly in non-market settings, such as publicly funded healthcare is required to enhance understanding of improvement capability and its configuration.
The development and initial performance analysis of REITs in Ireland
Authors: Marzuki Muhammad Jufri , Newell Graeme , McGreal Stanley 
Published: November 2019

PurposeThe inception of REITs in Ireland in 2013 presented an additional property investment opportunity to Ireland’s commercial property investment landscape. Importantly, the Irish REIT market is an institutional apparatus with an objective to rejuvenate Ireland’s commercial property market. The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical validation of the performance of Irish REITs over the period March 2015 to February 2019 across several investment measures such as risk-adjusted returns and diversification benefits.Design/methodology/approachUsing monthly total returns in local currency, the risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification attributes of Irish REITs are assessed. The mean-variance framework is utilised to assess the potential added-value benefits of Irish REITs in a mixed-asset portfolio.FindingsIrish REITs delivered the strongest average annual return performance, lower relative volatility vs the stock market and competitive overall risk-adjusted performance. The results affirm the characteristic of Irish REITs as a total return-focussed income-driven property investment asset class. The optimal asset allocation analysis shows that Irish REITs are an important ingredient in a mixed-asset investment framework, as their allocation could be scaled effectively across the portfolio risk-return spectrum.Practical implicationsIrish REITs are an emerging investment opportunity for investors seeking exposure in the strongly performing property market in Ireland in the post-Global Financial Crisis period. They are also regarded as an effective alternative conduit to private investment routes (i.e. direct property and non-listed property funds), with the added advantage of being more liquid and versatile than their private property investment counterparts. Importantly, Irish REITs fulfilled the purpose for which they were originally designed. The promising initial performance observed in this paper gives a useful context to what the future might hold for Irish REITs, given the strong interest for commercial property assets in Ireland from both local and cross-border property investors.Originality/valueThis paper is the first empirical research aimed at providing an initial empirical performance validation of Irish REITs as an effective route to commercial property exposure in Ireland. This research enables empirically validated, more informed and practical property investment decision making regarding the strategic role of Irish REITs in a portfolio.
Elastic–plastic deformation and residual stresses in helical springs
Authors: Kobelev Vladimir 
Published: November 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop the method for the calculation of residual stress and enduring deformation of helical springs.Design/methodology/approachFor helical compression or tension springs, a spring wire is twisted. In the first case, the torsion of the straight bar with the circular cross-section is investigated, and, for derivations, the StVenant’s hypothesis is presumed. Analogously, for the torsion helical springs, the wire is in the state of flexure. In the second case, the bending of the straight bar with the rectangular cross-section is studied and the method is based on Bernoulli’s hypothesis.FindingsFor both cases (compression/tension of torsion helical spring), the closed-form solutions are based on the hyperbolic and on the Ramberg–Osgood material laws.Research limitations/implicationsThe method is based on the deformational formulation of plasticity theory and common kinematic hypotheses.Practical implicationsThe advantage of the discovered closed-form solutions is their applicability for the calculation of spring length or spring twist angle loss and residual stresses on the wire after the pre-setting process without the necessity of complicated finite-element solutions.Social implicationsThe formulas are intended for practical evaluation of necessary parameters for optimal pre-setting processes of compression and torsion helical springs.Originality/valueBecause of the discovery of closed-form solutions and analytical formulas for the pre-setting process, the numerical analysis is not necessary. The analytical solution facilitates the proper evaluation of the plastic flow in torsion, compression and bending springs and improves the manufacturing of industrial components.
Why do people seek knowledge? Tracing factors that affect knowledge seeking intention
Authors: Veeravalli Suchitra , Venkatraman Vijayalakshmi , Hariharan Manoj 
Published: November 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to understand factors that motivate an individual to seek knowledge on knowledge management systems. Specifically, the work seeks to clarify the impact of organizational practices on an individual’s intention to seek knowledge. The overarching theme is to broaden the current understanding of factors that impact individual knowledge seeking behavior and narrow down factors for which interventions can be developed.Design/methodology/approachIn-depth interviews were conducted with the members of knowledge management (KM), human resources (HR) and learning and development teams of Robert Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions Private Limited (RBEI) to understand knowledge behaviors of employees. Subsequent to an exploratory analysis, the survey methodology was used to collect data from members of RBEI. A proposed theoretical model was then validated using partial least squares.FindingsEmpirical findings suggest that to motivate participation, organizational KM practices need to be geared towards promoting curiosity and engaging learners. Results indicate that overt recognition of knowledge seeking behaviors by HR could be counterproductive.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited to an MNC engineering organization in one geographic location; one must be cautious when generalizing these results. Replicating this study in multiple organizations will help mitigate this limitation.Originality/valueLittle is known on the effect of KM and HR practices on knowledge seeking behaviors. This work addresses this gap and presents a comprehensive model.
Phase 2, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 4‐week study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of OPA‐ 15406 (difamilast), a new topical selective phosphodiesterase type‐4 inhibitor, in Japanese pediatric patients aged 2–14 years with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Saeki Hidehisa , Baba Naoko , Oshiden Kazuhide , Abe Yuji , Tsubouchi Hidetsugu 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe safety and efficacy of OPA‐15406 (international non‐proprietary name, difamilast; also referred to as MM36), a new topical, selective phosphodiesterase type‐4 inhibitor, in Japanese pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis aged 2–14 years were evaluated in a phase 2, randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled, 4‐week study. Seventy‐three patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive OPA‐15406 0.3%, OPA‐15406 1% or vehicle ointment twice daily for 4 weeks. The mean age of patients was similar across treatment groups. No deaths or serious treatment‐emergent adverse events were reported; all treatment‐emergent adverse events were mild or moderate in severity. The incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation was 4.2% (1/24) in the OPA‐15406 0.3% group, 4.0% (1/25) in the OPA‐15406 1% group and 16.7% (4/24) in the vehicle group, all of which were worsening of atopic dermatitis. Both OPA‐15406 groups demonstrated a higher incidence of success in the Investigator Global Assessment score compared with the vehicle group over the 4‐week study. The OPA‐15406 groups also showed greater improvements from baseline compared with the vehicle group in the Investigator Global Assessment score, Eczema Area and Severity Index overall score and subscale (erythema, induration/papulation, excoriation and lichenification) scores, Visual Analog Scale pruritus score, Patient‐Oriented Eczema Measure score, and percentage of affected body surface area over the 4‐week study. Topical OPA‐15406 twice daily for 4 weeks was considered a safe and effective treatment option in this phase 2 study in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis, and phase 3 development is currently ongoing.
Rare manifestation of hypereosinophilic syndrome: Diffuse‐type hair loss with massive perifollicular eosinophils
Authors: Suzuki Hiromi , Fukui Reimu , Tabata Nobuko , Aiba Setsuya 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA 46‐year‐old woman consulted our hospital with diffuse alopecia and blood eosinophilia. Histological examination of the scalp revealed dense eosinophilic infiltration around the hair follicles and in the surrounding subcutis. Oral corticosteroid was effective to reduce hair loss and blood eosinophilia, but these conditions immediately relapsed after ending treatment. In addition to alopecia, she had diarrhea and colitis showing histological findings of dense eosinophilic infiltrations in the submucosa. We diagnosed hypereosinophilic syndrome based on hypereosinophilia of blood and tissue with clinical symptoms of alopecia and diarrhea. We suppose diffuse alopecia showing massive eosinophilic infiltration around the hair follicle is a rare symptom of hypereosinophilic syndrome.
The role of microphytobenthos in soft‐sediment ecological networks and their contribution to the delivery of multiple ecosystem services
Authors: Hope Julie A. , Paterson David M. , Thrush Simon F. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Sediment dwelling, microscopic primary producers, that occupy sediments in the photic zone, are commonly referred to as microphytobenthos (MPB). The MPB are essential components of soft‐sediment systems, but are often overlooked when assessing coastal ecosystem functionality and service delivery.

The MPB are involved in several complex interactions and feedback that underpin the delivery of vital ecosystem services. MPB profoundly influence the flow and cycling of carbon and nutrients, such as nitrogen, directly and indirectly underpinning highly productive shallow water marine food webs. The MPB can also stabilize sediments through the formation of biofilms, and significantly improve water quality by mediating the benthic–pelagic coupling of nutrients, sediment and pollutants.

The functional role of the MPB is compromised by increasing anthropogenic pressures such as nutrient enrichment, sedimentation, herbicides and emerging contaminants such as microplastic pollution. However, MPB are extremely good at buffering the effects of these land‐sourced stressors at the interface between land and sea.

Synthesis. Society often appreciates the final provisioning of goods and services from our coastal marine environments. However, provisioning services are only possible due to the multitude of supporting and regulating services that underpin them. Microphytobenthos (MPB) are central to benthic ecological networks, and contribute to ecosystem service delivery through various pathways. Understanding the critical role of MPB in complex networks is therefore essential to appreciate their importance in ecosystem function and service delivery into the future.
Consumption of a high‐fat diet does not potentiate the deleterious effects on lipid and protein levels and body development in rats subjected to maternal protein restriction
Authors: Barbosa Sávio dos Santos , Mello Ana Paula da Fonseca Arcoverde Cabral , Nogueira Viviane de Oliveira , da Silva Ially Fabiane , de Melo Palloma Emanuelle Dornelas , dos Santos Carlos Renato , Costa‐Silva João Henrique da , Araújo Alice Valença 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMaternal undernutrition may cause injuries in several organs of the offspring, as well as lead to diseases in adulthood. Obesity and/or the consumption of a high‐fat diet may also induce metabolic and cardiorespiratory diseases. We hypothesized that the consumption of a post‐weaning high‐fat diet would potentiate the deleterious effects of maternal protein undernutrition. This study evaluated the effects of the association of a low‐protein diet during gestation and lactation with a post‐weaning high‐fat diet on the biochemical and ventilatory parameters of rats. Male Wistar rats from mothers who received a low‐protein (9% of protein) or normoprotein diet during pregnancy and lactation received a high‐fat (32% of total kilocalories from lipids) or a normal fat diet after weaning. Mass gain and somatic growth of the offspring were monitored. Also examined were biochemical chemical parameters and respiratory frequency, tidal volume (volume of air displaced in each normal respiratory cycle when extra effort is not applied), and pulmonary ventilation. Offspring from undernourished mothers presented lower birth weight (P = .0225), which remained until the end of lactation (P < .01). The rats that consumed high‐fat diet and had been submitted to maternal undernutrition presented higher tidal volume when compared to the ones that consumed control diet at the 21st day of life (P ˂ .05). At 30 and 90 days, no further ventilatory changes were observed. Our data show that the consumption of a high‐fat diet post‐weaning did not seem to potentiate the changes induced by maternal undernutrition.
ICETh1 and ICETh2, two interdependent mobile genetic elements in Thermus thermophilus transjugation
Authors: Baquedano Ignacio , Mencía Mario , Blesa Alba , Burrus Vincent , Berenguerfi José 
Published: November 2019

SummaryCell to cell DNA transfer between Thermus thermophilus, or transjugation, requires the natural competence apparatus (NCA) of the recipient cell and a DNA donation machinery in the donor. In T. thermophilus HB27, two mobile genetic elements with functional similarities to Integrative and Conjugative Elements (ICEs) coexist, ICETh1 encoding the DNA transfer apparatus and ICETh2, encoding a putative replication module. Here, we demonstrate that excision and integration of both elements depend on a single tyrosine recombinase encoded by ICETh2, and that excision is not required but improves the transfer of these elements to a recipient cell. These findings along with previous results suggest that ICETh1 and ICETh2 depend on each other for spreading among T. thermophilus by transjugation.
Emergence of new variants of antibiotic resistance genomic islands among multidrug‐resistant Salmonella enterica in poultry
Authors: Cohen Emiliano , Davidovich Maya , Rokney Assaf , Valinsky Lea , Rahav Galia , Gal‐Mor Ohad 
Published: November 2019

SummaryNon‐typhoidal Salmonella enterica (NTS) are diverse and important bacterial pathogens consisting of more than 2600 different serovars, with varying host‐specificity. Here, we characterized the poultry‐associated serovars in Israel, analysed their resistome and illuminated the molecular mechanisms underlying common multidrug resistance (MDR) patterns. We show that at least four serovars including Infantis, Muenchen, Newport and Virchow present a strong epidemiological association between their temporal trends in poultry and humans. Worrisomely, 60% from all of the poultry isolates tested (n = 188) were multidrug resistant, mediated by chromosomal SNPs and different mobile genetics elements. A novel streptomycin‐azithromycin resistance island and previously uncharacterized versions of the mobilized Salmonella genomic island 1 (SGI1) were identified and characterized in S. Blockley and S. Kentucky isolates respectively. Moreover, we demonstrate that the acquisition of SGI1 does not impose fitness cost during growth under nutrient‐limited conditions or in the context of Salmonella infection in the mouse model. Overall, our data emphasize the role of the poultry production as a pool of specific epidemic MDR strains and autonomous genetic elements, which confer resistance to heavy metals and medically relevant antibiotics. These are likely to disseminate to humans via the food chain and fuel the increasing global antibiotic resistance crisis.
Together despite the odds: Explaining racial and ethnic heterogeneity in union dissolution after incarceration
Authors: Widdowson Alex O. , Jacobsen Wade C. , Siennick Sonja E. , Warren Patricia Y. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe U.S. incarceration rate rose dramatically over the past 45 years, increasing the number of marriages and cohabiting unions disrupted by a jail or prison stay. But as some have pointed out, not all unions dissolve as a result of incarceration, and there seems to be racial–ethnic variation in this tendency, with Blacks displaying higher rates of dissolution than Whites and Hispanics. Yet it is unclear what explains racial–ethnic differences in union dissolution among the incarcerated. Drawing on the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (NLSY97), we examine why racial–ethnic differences in union dissolution exist among a sample of individuals who had a marital or a cohabiting union interrupted by an incarceration spell. In doing so, we draw on social exchange theory and structural and cultural theories to suggest that racial–ethnic disparities in union dissolution are explained by differential exposure to protective relationship characteristics. The results of Cox hazard models reveal that Blacks have significantly higher hazards of union dissolution than do Whites and Hispanics. These results also indicate that being married, having a child together, having full‐time employment, a longer union duration, and a shorter incarceration spell may protect against dissolution and that these factors account, in part, for the greater risk of dissolution among Blacks relative to Whites and Hispanics.