bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Islamic bank selection criteria in Nigeria: a model development
Authors: Ezeh Precious Chikezie , Nkamnebe Anayo D. 
Published: November 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop a model for the study of Islamic bank choice and to test the significant importance of the constructs that influence bank customers to choose Islamic bank in a pluralistic-secular nation.Design/methodology/approachTotal of 348 conventional and Islamic bank customers were sampled. Five-point Likert-type question containing 27 bank selection items was used in collecting primary data. Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability and average variance extracted are used to test the reliability and validity of the instrument. Also various descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and one sampleT-test are equally used in analyzing the work.FindingsExploratory factor analysis identified four factors. They are Islamic ethics, convenience, Islamic bank services awareness and physical evidence. Furthermore, the factors that show significant importance in the choice of Islamic banking are Islamic ethics and Islamic bank services awareness. The result equally shows that people are aware of Islamic banking.Practical implicationsThis study provides insight on the factors that influence the selection of Islamic banking, an innovative banking concept. This study has obvious management and theory implications. Also, the study will assist the bank managers in developing effective marketing strategy to increase the market share.Originality/valueThis study reports Islamic banking selection criteria in a pluralistic-secular Nation. The study also developed a model that can be used in studying the choice of Islamic bank in special type of environment. Thus, Islamic banking is a new reality in the Nigerian financial scene.
Environmental controls override grazing effects on plant functional traits in Tibetan rangelands
Authors: Jäschke Yun , Heberling Gwendolyn , Wesche Karsten 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPlant functional traits are key to predict community responses to abiotic and biotic disturbances. Grazing is the dominant land‐use form in drylands and alpine environments, especially in Central Asian rangelands. Here, we address grazing effects and their relative importance against environmental controls on plant traits.We sampled 14 plant functional traits, which are potentially sensitive to grazing, from 127 taxa distributed across three grassland types in Tibetan grasslands exposed to increasing levels of precipitation: steppe, steppe‐meadow and meadow. We performed principal components analysis and fourth‐corner analysis to explore the impacts of grazing and environment on multiple community‐weighted mean (CWM) traits. We also used generaliszed linear mixed models to test the effects of grazing and environment on each CWM trait, and on three dimensions of functional trait diversity, i.e. functional richness (FRic), evenness (FEve) and divergence (FDiv). In addition, we undertook a mini‐review of former studies on grazing effects on plant traits in Chinese grasslands.We found that CWM traits were mainly affected by climate and elevation rather than by grazing intensity. Only plant tissue C content was negatively affected by intensified grazing across grassland types. Plant growth form and life form were mainly influenced by elevation, while heights of canopy and inflorescence were controlled by temperature. Specific leaf area was positively correlated with precipitation and soil total N content in steppes, while plant tissue N content was only correlated to livestock dung cover. Regarding functional trait diversity, FDiv in steppe‐meadows and meadows, and FEve in meadows were reduced by grazing.Synthesis. Our results confirmed that environmental controls override grazing impact on CWM traits across Tibetan alpine grasslands. Most plants and their respective traits are adaptive to alpine climates as well as to grazing, and are thus hardly affected by locally intensified grazing intensity. In steppes, functional diversity is insensitive to grazing due to the combined stress of drought and grazing. However, in steppe‐meadows and meadows, grazing may affect ecosystem functioning, as shown by the reduced values of FDiv and FEve under more intense grazing.A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
A fruit diet rather than invertebrate diet maintains a robust innate immunity in an omnivorous tropical songbird
Authors: Nwaogu Chima J. , Galema Annabet , Cresswell Will , Dietz Maurine W. , Tieleman B. Irene 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Diet alteration may lead to nutrient limitations even in the absence of food limitation, and this may affect physiological functions, including immunity. Nutrient limitations may also affect the maintenance of body mass and key life‐history events that may affect immune function. Yet, variation in immune function is largely attributed to energetic trade‐offs rather than specific nutrient constraints.

To test the effect of diet on life‐history traits, we tested how diet composition affects innate immune function, body mass and moult separately and in combination with each other, and then used path analyses to generate hypotheses about the mechanistic connections between immunity and body mass under different diet compositions.

We performed a balanced parallel and crossover design experiment with omnivorous common bulbuls Pycnonotus barbatus in out‐door aviaries in Nigeria. We fed 40 wild‐caught bulbuls ad libitum on fruits or invertebrates for 24 weeks, switching half of each group between treatments after 12 weeks. We assessed innate immune indices (haptoglobin, nitric oxide and ovotransferrin concentrations, and haemagglutination and haemolysis titres), body mass and primary moult, fortnightly. We simplified immune indices into three principal components (PCs), but we explored mechanistic connections between diet, body mass and each immune index separately.

Fruit‐fed bulbuls had higher body mass, earlier moult and showed higher values for two of the three immune PCs compared to invertebrate‐fed bulbuls. These effects were reversed when we switched bulbuls between treatments after 12 weeks. Exploring the correlations between immune function, body mass and moult, showed that an increase in immune function was associated with a decrease in body mass and delayed moult in invertebrate‐fed bulbuls, while fruit‐fed bulbuls maintained body mass despite variation in immune function. Path analyses indicated that diet composition was most likely to affect body mass and immune indices directly and independently from each other. Only haptoglobin concentration was indirectly linked to diet composition via body mass.

We demonstrated a causal effect of diet composition on innate immune function, body mass and moult: bulbuls were in a better condition when fed on fruits than invertebrates, confirming that innate immunity is nutrient specific. Our results are unique because they show a reversible effect of diet composition on wild adult birds whose immune systems are presumably fully developed and adapted to wild conditions—demonstrating a short‐term consequence of diet alteration on life‐history traits.
Low‐Acrylamide French Fry Acceptance: A Pilot Study
Authors: Johnson Aaron M. , Porter Gregory , Camire Mary Ellen 
Published: November 2019

AbstractConcern about the safety of acrylamide in french fries led to the identification of potato varieties low in the acrylamide precursors asparagine and reducing sugars that vary with variety, nitrogen (N) fertilizer applications, and other factors, but produce light‐colored fries, which may not appeal to consumers. New potato varieties shown to produce low‐acrylamide fries, AF4296‐3 and Easton, and an industry‐standard variety, Russet Burbank, were fertilized at four N application rates (0, 112, 224, and 336 kg N/ha) in a 3 × 4 factorial design. Potato tubers from each of the 12 variety X fertilizer factorial combinations were processed into fries. French fries made from Easton and AF4296‐3 potatoes fertilized with the lower N levels were less red (lower CIE a*) and yellow (higher b*) than Russet Burbank fries after frying. Forty‐seven consumers rated the 12 samples (potato variety X N fertilizer rate) on a 9‐point hedonic scale. Aroma, taste, and texture hedonic scores did not differ among samples. The mean hedonic color score for the Russet Burbank fries fertilized with 224 kg/ha (7.4) was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than those for the AF4296‐3 with 224 kg/ha N and Easton and 336 kg/ha N fries. After consumers were informed of the acrylamide content of fries relative to commercial products, the overall liking and purchase intent for Russet Burbank fries decreased. Education may be needed to inform consumers about the merits of whiter french fry color as a trade‐off for reduced exposure to acrylamide, which is a probable dietary carcinogen.Practical ApplicationNew potato varieties have lower concentrations of the compounds that form acrylamide during cooking. These varieties tend to brown less during frying than do common potatoes, resulting in lighter‐colored and less golden‐colored french fries. Consumer education may be needed to counteract potential consumer rejection of the fries made from these new varieties with information about the lower acrylamide content and increased safety of these foods.
Glycemic Index and Microstructure Evaluation of Four Cereal Grain Foods
Authors: RamyaBai Mookambika , Wedick Nicole M. , Shanmugam Shobana , Arumugam Kokila , Nagarajan Lakshmipriya , Vasudevan Kavitha , Gunasekaran Geetha , Rajagopal Gayathri , Spiegelman Donna , Malik Vasanti , Anjana Ranjit Mohan , Hu Frank B. , Unnikrishnan Ranjit , Willett Walter , Malleshi Nagappa , Njelekela Marina A. , Gimbi Dorothy , Krishnaswamy Kamala , Henry CJK , Mohan Viswanathan , Sudha Vasudevan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTo determine the glycemic index (GI) of selected cereals and association with their microstructure. The GI of whole grain pilaf (WGP), instant brown rice (IBR), whole maize ugali (MWU), and refined maize ugali (RMU) was assessed in a randomized trial. Fourteen healthy participants with mean age of 25 years were administered 50 g portions of available carbohydrates from glucose and various test foods after an overnight fast on separate occasions. Capillary blood samples of participants were used to measure blood glucose over 2 hr. The GI was calculated as per standard protocol. The microstructure of test foods, determined by scanning electron microscopy was evaluated to understand the measured GI values. The GI (mean ± standard error) of IBR was the highest (87.8 ± 6.8) followed by RMU (74.7 ± 6.5) and WMU (71.4 ± 5.1). WGP had medium GI (58.9 ± 5.1; P < 0.01 vs. IBR). Microstructure examination of IBR revealed disruption of bran layer and presence of fissures indicating loss of intactness of bran. Stereozoom images for WGP revealed intact bran and germ. For RMU and WMU, the grain was milled leading to loss of integrity. IBR, RMU, and WMU have high GI values, which is likely due to disruption of bran layer, endosperm modification (IBR), and loss of grain matrix (WMU, RMU). WGP has medium GI probably due to fairly intact bran and germ.Practical ApplicationWholegrain or whole meal flour may not necessarily be low in glycemic index (GI; low GI < 55; medium 55 to 69 and high GI ≥70). “Ugali” a commonly consumed cereal staple food in Tanzania made from either refined or whole meal maize flour was found to be a high GI food. Intact whole grain foods, such as whole grain pilaf (mixed intact whole grains) is a healthier alternative to milled whole grains such as whole meal maize flour. Instant quick cooking brown rice exhibited a high GI, due to the processing method, suggesting that regular brown rice may be a healthier option.
MicroRNA‐188 regulates aging‐associated metabolic phenotype
Authors: Huang Yan , Xiao Ye , Liu Ya , Guo Min , Guo Qi , Zhou Fangliang , Liu Ting , Su Tian , Xiao Yuzhong , Luo Xiang‐Hang 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWith the increasing aging population, aging‐associated diseases are becoming epidemic worldwide, including aging‐associated metabolic dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of microRNA miR‐188 in the aging‐associated metabolic phenotype. The results showed that the expression of miR‐188 increased gradually in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) of mice during aging. MiR‐188 knockout mice were resistant to the aging‐associated metabolic phenotype and had higher energy expenditure. Meanwhile, adipose tissue‐specific miR‐188 transgenic mice displayed the opposite phenotype. Mechanistically, we identified the thermogenic‐related gene Prdm16 (encoding PR domain containing 16) as the direct target of miR‐188. Notably, inhibition of miR‐188 expression in BAT and iWAT of aged mice by tail vein injection of antagomiR‐188 ameliorated aging‐associated metabolic dysfunction significantly. Taken together, our findings suggested that miR‐188 plays an important role in the regulation of the aging‐associated metabolic phenotype, and targeting miR‐188 could be an effective strategy to prevent aging‐associated metabolic dysfunction.
The determinants of recovery from the Black Saturday bushfire: demographic factors, behavioural characteristics and financial literacy
Authors: Asbi Ammar , Ramiah Vikash , Yu Xi , Wallace Damien , Moosa Nisreen , Reddy Krishna 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe investigate the contribution of demographic factors, behavioural characteristics and financial literacy to recovery from the financial losses inflicted by the Black Saturday bushfire. Behavioural characteristics (such as overconfidence, self‐serving and loss aversion biases) in conjunction with bushfire survivors’ knowledge of financial indicators are used to determine recovery time. Data are collected through in‐depth interviews with bushfire survivors, academics and experts in natural disasters. The results show that demographic, behavioural and financial literacy factors have the potential to enhance the recovery process.
Does the addition of potassium nitrate to carbamide peroxide gel reduce sensitivity during at‐home bleaching?
Authors: Costacurta AO , Kunz PVM , Silva RC , Wambier LM , da Cunha LF , Correr GM , Gonzaga CC 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundA systematic review with meta‐analysis was conducted to assess the effect of adding potassium nitrate to carbamide peroxide gels on bleaching efficacy and on reducing the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity.MethodsPubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, BBO, and Cochrane Library databases and the gray literature were searched. IADR abstracts, records of trials, dissertations and theses were also searched. The Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was used to assess the quality of the studies.ResultsSix studies were included in the systematic review and most of them had unclear risk of bias for the key domains, and of these only five were included in the meta‐analysis. The risk ratio (RR) for sensitivity was 0.93 (95% CI = 0.73 to 1.19, P = 0.56). The standardized mean difference for pain intensity was −0.10 (95% CI = −0.36 to 0.16, P = 0.45), and for colour change was 0.12 (95% CI = −0.22 to 0.46; P = 0.49).ConclusionsNo significant differences were observed between the groups with and without addition of the desensitizer in the gel. The addition of potassium nitrate to carbamide peroxide gel did not reduce the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity during at‐home bleaching. Colour change was not influenced by the addition of potassium nitrate to the gel.
Generic drug competition: The pharmaceutical industry “gaming” controversy
Authors: Hemphill Thomas A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAmong American adults 20 years and older, 59 percent take at least one prescription drug on a regular basis. Unlike most branded drugs, which are generally drugs that have a trade name and are protected by a patent, off‐patent generic drugs make up approximately 90 percent of prescriptions annually filled in the United States; yet in 2017, generic drugs made up only 23 percent of total drug costs in the U.S. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has taken the lead in encouraging increased competition in the nation's prescription drug marketplace, most recently with its release of the agency's Drug Competition Action Plan, but also with its regulatory guidance and enforcement efforts to eliminate “gaming” of the regulatory process by both branded and generic pharmaceutical manufacturers. Such “gaming” activities include “pay‐for‐delay” agreements involving financial compensation between branded and generic pharmaceutical manufacturers to forestall the emergence into the market of generic pharmaceuticals to compete against a formerly patent‐protected branded drug. A combination of new enabling legislation, federal judicial guidance, and agency regulatory activities show promise in encouraging increased competition in the prescription drug marketplace, with the American consumer the ultimate beneficiary of lower health care costs and improved overall personal health.
Nonadditive effects among threats on rare plant species
Authors: Bernardo Holly L. , Goad Rachel , Vitt Pati , Knight Tiffany M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe current loss of biodiversity has put 50,000 plant species at an elevated risk of extinction worldwide. Conserving at‐risk species is often complicated by covariance or nonadditivity among threats, which makes it difficult to determine optimal management strategies. We sought to demographically quantify covariance and nonadditive effects of more threats on more rare plant species than ever attempted in a single analysis. We used 1082 population reports from 186 populations across 3 U.S. states of 27 rare, herbaceous plant species collected over 15 years by citizen scientists. We used a linear mixed‐effects model with 4 threats and their interactions as fixed predictors, species as a random predictor, and annual growth rates as the response. We found a significant 3‐way interaction on annual growth rates; rare plant population sizes were reduced by 46% during the time immediately after disturbance when populations were also browsed by deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and had high levels of encroachment by woody species. This nonadditive effect should be considered a major threat to the persistence of rare plant species. Our results highlight the need for comprehensive, multithreat assessments to determine optimal conservation actions.
Novel therapies based on the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Bieber Thomas 
Published: November 2019

SummaryOur understanding of the mechanisms underlying atopic dermatitis has been instrumental in the development of novel pharmacological agents. Worldwide, more than seventy companies are currently developing at least one new drug for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Based on our current understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease, the present review article highlights the most important novel therapeutic strategies.
Neuartige Therapien auf der Grundlage der Pathophysiologie der atopischen Dermatitis
Authors: Bieber Thomas 
Published: November 2019

ZusammenfassungDas Verständnis der Mechanismen, die der atopischen Dermatitis (AD) zugrunde liegen, war ein entscheidender Katalysator für die Entwicklung neuartiger Medikamente zur Behandlung dieser Krankheit. Weltweit entwickeln derzeit mehr als siebzig Pharmaunternehmen mindestens ein neues Medikament für die Behandlung der AD. Diese Übersichtsarbeit soll den aktuellen Stand der wichtigsten neuartigen Therapieansätze auf der Grundlage des heutigen Verständnisses der Pathophysiologie der AD beschreiben.
Working experience is not a predictor of good communication: Results from a controlled trial with simulated patients
Authors: Kruse Anne B. , Heil Helge Klaus‐Peter , Struß Norbert , Fabry Götz , Silbernagel Waltraud , Vach Kirstin , Ratka‐Krüger Petra , Woelber Johan P. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe importance of good communication in dentistry is proven in terms of both medical satisfaction and patient‐related recovery and prevention. The present work deals with the comparison of communicative abilities and the communicative self‐assessment of licensed dentists as well as students of dentistry with special emphasis on the influence of the treatment experience.Materials and MethodsA total of 34 dentists (experimental group) with an average work experience of 16 years and 36 students (control group) with an average of 1.4 years of treatment experience were included. In addition to a tutor, four types of simulation patients with standardised trained roles (anxious, critical, dissatisfied and difficult to motivate) were used to create reproducible conversations. The self‐assessment and evaluation of the conversation took place by completing questionnaires. Here, an introductory questionnaire was distributed to the participants prior to the conversation and another one after intervention. Whilst the tutors completed their survey during the intervention, the simulation patients answered their questions after the conversation.ResultsThe results showed that the dentists rated their own communication skills significantly higher than the students for anxious (P < 0.001) and unmotivated patients (P = 0.026). However, the evaluation of the simulated patients showed that the students achieved higher overall empathy scores (42.03 vs 38.77, P = 0.016).ConclusionDue to the declining empathy values with increasing treatment experience, communication training is useful for the daily routine of treatment even for experienced dentists.
The relationship of gastric microbiota and Helicobacter pylori infection in pediatrics population
Authors: Miao Ruixue , Wan Chaomin , Wang Zhiling 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn recent years, the impact of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) on the gut microbiota has attracted more attention; however, the relationship in pediatric population rarely was reported.MethodsEndoscopic gastric mucosal biopsy specimens from 55 children with gastrointestinal symptoms were collected, 37 of them were H pylori‐positive (23 nonpeptic ulcer and 14 peptic ulcer) and 18 were H pylori‐negative. In addition, 11 specimens were collected from H pylori‐positive children who performed second endoscopy in 4 weeks after therapy. Microbial abundance and compositions were analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA amplification and microbial functions were predicted using the software PICRUSt.ResultsThe gastric microbiota of H pylori‐positive children were mainly dominated by Helicobacter in genus (95.43%). The microbiota richness and diversity of H pylori‐positive children were lower than that of H pylori‐negative children. No difference was found in microbiota structure between H pylori‐positive children with or without peptic ulcer. The richness and compositions after therapy were closer to the characteristics of H pylori‐negative children. For predicted functions, higher abundance in pathways of infection diseases, cancer and lower abundance in the pathways of amino acid, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism were found in H pylori‐positive group than H pylori‐negative group.ConclusionThe characteristics of gastric microbiota were affected by H pylori infection rather than disease states, and the richness and diversity of gastric species were inverse correlation with H pylori infection in children. Eradication therapy was helpful to restore shifted gastric microbiota.