bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Natural and Botanical Medicines for Activity against Growing and Non-growing Forms ofB. burgdorferi
Authors: Feng Jie , Leone Jacob , Schweig Sunjya , Zhang Ying 
Published: May 2019

AbstractLyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the US. Although the current recommended Lyme antibiotic treatment can cure the majority of Lyme disease patients, about 10-20% patients continue to suffer from persisting symptoms. There have been various anecdotal reports on the use of herbal extracts for treating patients with persisting symptoms with varying degree of improvements. However, it is unclear whether the effect of the herb products is due to their direct antimicrobial activity or their effect on host immune system. In the present study, we investigated the antimicrobial effects of 12 commonly used botanical medicines and 3 other natural antimicrobial agents for potential anti-Borrelia burgdorferiactivity in vitro. Primary criteria for selecting compounds for the present study included agents that had shown significant anti-borrelial effects in previous studies, have favorable safety profiles, and can be absorbed systemically. Among them, 9 natural product extracts at 1% were found to have good activity against the stationary phaseB. burgdorfericulture compared to the control antibiotics doxycycline and cefuroxime. These active herbs includeCryptolepis sanguinolenta, Juglans nigra(Black walnut),Polygonum cuspidatum(Japanese knotweed),Artemesia annua(Sweet wormwood),Uncaria tomentosa(Cat’s claw),Cistus incanus, andScutellaria baicalensis(Chinese skullcap). In contrast,Stevia rebaudiana, Andrographis paniculata, Grapefruit seed extract, colloidal silver, monolaurin, and antimicrobial peptide LL37 had little or no activity against stationary phaseB. burgdorferi. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ofArtemesia annua, Juglans nigra, andUncaria tomentosawere quite high for growingB. burgdorferi, despite their strong activity against the non-growing stationary phaseB. burgdorfericells. On the other hand, the top two active herbs,Cryptolepis sanguinolentaandPolygonum cuspidatum, showed strong activity against both growingB. burgdorferi(MIC=0.03%-0.06% and 0.25%-0.5% respectively) and non-growing stationary phaseB. burgdorferi. In subculture studies, only 1%Cryptolepis sanguinolentaextract caused complete eradication, while current Lyme antibiotics doxycycline and cefuroxime and other active herbs includingPolygonum cuspidatum, Artemesia annua, Juglans nigraandUncaria tomentosacould not eradicateB. burgdorferistationary phase cells as many spirochetes were visible after 21-day subculture. Further studies are needed to identify the active ingredients of the effective herbs and evaluate their combinations for more effective eradication ofB. burgdorferiin vitro and in vivo. The implications of these findings for more effective treatment of persistent Lyme disease are discussed.
Accelerated diversification correlated with functional traits shapes extant diversity of the early divergent angiosperm family Annonaceae
Authors: Xue B. , Guo X. , Landis J.B. , Sun M. , Tang C.C. , Soltis P.S. , Soltis D.E. , Saunders R.M.K. 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundA major goal of phylogenetic systematics is to understand both the patterns of diversification and the processes by which these patterns are formed. Few studies have focused on the ancient, species-rich Magnoliales clade and its diversification pattern. Within Magnoliales, the pantropically distributed Annonaceae are by far the most genus-rich and species-rich family-level clade, withc.110 genera andc. 2,400 species. We investigated the diversification patterns across Annonaceae and identified traits that show varied associations with diversification rates using a time-calibrated phylogeny of 835 species (34.6% sampling) and 11,211 aligned bases from eight regions of the plastid genome (rbcL,matK,ndhF,psbA-trnH,trnL-F,atpB-rbcL,trnS-G, andycf1). Two hypotheses that might explain patterns of diversification—the ‘museum model’ and heterogeneous diversification rates—are also evaluated.ResultsTwelve rate shifts were identified using BAMM: inAnnona,Artabotrys,Asimina,Drepananthus,Duguetia,Goniothalamus,Guatteria,Uvaria,Xylopia, the tribes Miliuseae and Malmeeae, and theDesmos-Dasymaschalon-Friesodielsia-Monanthotaxisclade (which collectively account for over 80% of the total species richness in the family). TurboMEDUSA and method-of-moments estimator analyses showed largely congruent results. A positive relationship between species richness and diversification rate is revealed using PGLS. We further explore the possible role of selected traits (habit, pollinator trapping, floral sex expression, pollen dispersal unit, anther septation, and seed dispersal unit) in shaping diversification patterns, based on inferences of BiSSE, MuSSE, HiSSE, and FiSSE analyses. Our results suggest that the liana habit, the presence of circadian pollinator trapping, androdioecy, and the dispersal of seeds as single-seeded monocarp fragments are closely correlated with higher diversification rates; pollen aggregation and anther septation, in contrast, are associated with lower diversification rates.ConclusionOur results show that the high species richness in Annonaceae is likely the result of recent increased diversification rather than the steady accumulation of species via the ‘museum model’. BAMM, turboMEDUSA, and the method-of-moments estimator all indicate heterogeneity in diversification rates across the phylogeny, with different traits associated with shifts in diversification rates in different Annonaceae clades.
Effects of Five Products on Gut Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acids of Obese Rats
Authors: Tan Simin , Wang Juan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe effects of banana powder(BP), konjac powder(KP), resistant dextrin(RD), corn starch(CS) and L-carnitine(LC) on gut microbiota and metabolites (SCFA) were evaluated in order to provide basic data for the development of weight-loss functional food. The gut microbiota profile using 16S V4 rDNA high-throughput sequencing technique suggested that the rats of RD, BP and CS group developed an increased richness and diversity in the gut bacterial community, while the abundance of the KP and LC group was not enhanced obviously. Verrucomicrobiaceae, Coprococcus-2 and Lachnospiraceae were the main bacterial genera in the CS, BP and RD group respectively, indicating their potential use as prebiotics. On the other hand, rats fed with BP, KP, CS and RD contributed higher total SCFA than those feeding with LC diet. Thus, RD, BP, CS, KP could moduate gut microbiota and increase the SCFA concentration, while the effect of LC are not apparent.
Biological Control Potential of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi against Fusarium circinatum on Pinus patula seedlings
Authors: Chartier-FitzGerald Veronique , Dames Joanna Felicity , Hawley Greer 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe South Africa forestry industry, covering 1.3 million hectares, is dependent on exotic pine and eucalyptus species. Nursery seedlings are not inoculated with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi or other beneficial microbes. Fusarium circinatum is an economically important pathogen affecting seedling survival. The purpose of this investigation was to assess to determine the effects of ectomycorrhizal fungal inoculation on Pinus paulta seedling growth and resistance to the fungal pathogen F. circiantum. Explants from ECM basidiocarps, collected from Pinus stands, were plated onto MMN medium to obtain isolates which were verified using molecular techniques. These isolates were identified as Boletus edulis f. reticulatus, Lactarius quieticolor, Suillus granulatus and an additional Suillus isolate. P. patula growth in the presence of the pathogen F. circinatum was significantly increased and promoted by the L. quieticolor and Suillus isolates. Inoculation of seedlings in the nursery would ensure the production of stronger healthy plants which may be more tolerant to fusarial infection, increasing survival in the plantation.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Breast Cancer Screening among women attending primary care centers in Abu Dhabi
Authors: Blooshi Noora Ali Al , Mazrouei Ruqayya Saaed Al , Razooqi Hind Nasser Al , Darwish Ebtihal Ahmad , Fahim Maha Mohamed Al , Khan Fozia Bano 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundBreast cancer is the most common cancer among women in UAE. Screening for it can reduce morbidity and mortality and improve women survival. Low level of knowledge and poor practice of breast cancer screening could be due to many factors. The aim of our study is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of breast cancer screening of women attending primary care centers in Abu Dhabi region.MethodA cross sectional study was done in 2017 using questionnaire about breast cancer awareness measure. Six primary health care centers were included which were located inside and outside Abu Dhabi island. Three hundred eighty three women participated in the study, between the age of 40-65.ResultsThe facilities to screen for breast cancer screening is available, but it is still underutilized by women. Even though we found in our study that women had high level of knowledge about breast cancer (45.7%), but their practice for mammogram was poor (52.2%). We also found that, the higher the education, employment and family history of breast cancer women had better knowledge, with statistically significant result respectively (P=0.000), (P=0.018), (P=0.013), and women older than 49 had better practice of mammogram (P=0.000). In our study, we concluded that women who attend clinic located inside island of Abu Dhabi had better knowledge and practice compared to women attending clinics located outside the island who had better attitude.ConclusionIn our study we found that despite having the modalities and services for breast cancer screening, it is still underutilized. Our population sample showed that women had good knowledge about breast cancer but poor practice for mammogram. Educational level, age and region all played role in their knowledge, attitude and practice. As primary care providers we are a big influencers on the society and the first contact to them, we can utilize this to spread the awareness. We can approach the women through social media, more campaigns and offering free mammogram to women who cannot afford paying for it. Spreading the awareness about screening will reduce the burden of breast cancer treatment on the health care system government too.
Spectral measure of color variation of black - orange - black (BOB) pattern in small parasitic wasps (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), a statistical approach
Authors: Mora Rebeca , Hernandez-Jimenez Marcela , Alfaro-Córdoba Marcela , Avendaño-Soto Esteban , Hanson Paul 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA group of eight scelionid genera were studied by means of microspectrophotometric measurements for the first time. The orange and black colors were analyzed quantitatively, which in combination with Functional Data Analysis and statistical analysis of Euclidean distances for color components, describe and test the color differences between genera. The data analyzed by means of Functional Data Analysis proved to be a better method to treat the reflectance data because it gave a better representation of the physical information. When comparing the differences between curves of the same color but different genera, maximum differences were present in different ranges of the spectra, depending on the genus. Reflectance spectra were separated into their spectral color components contributions (red, blue and green). Each component had its own dominant wavelength at the maximum of the spectrum. We found differences in the dominant wavelength for specimens of the same genus, which are equivalent to differences in the hue. A correlation between the mean values of characteristics of the color components was used in an attempt to group the genera that show similar values. The spectral blue components of the orange and black areas were almost identical, suggesting that there is a common compound for the pigments. The results also suggest that cuticle from different genera, but with the same color (black vs black, orange vs orange) might have a similar chemical composition.
Organisational resilience: a matter of organisational life and death
Authors: Bell Sandra 
Published: May 2019

PurposeBeing resilient in the face of risks that have the ability to negatively impact the strategic objectives, reputation or existence of the organisation is now not just an interesting concept but a matter of organisational life and death in many industries. However, very few businesses go beyond simply implementing measures to defend their competitive advantage in the face of market changes and business continuity capabilities to be able to survive operational disruptions. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses real-life examples to explore some of the main issues associated with organisational resilience that are observed in the business and management literature. The aim is being able to demonstrate some of the practical reasons why organisational resilience is so hard to implement and what can be done to make it easier.FindingsOrganisational resilience is a business outcome and, as such, requires a holistic and adaptive management approach. This is theoretically straightforward as organisations are used to working together towards business outcomes. However, in practice three main issues generally thwart resilience-building activities: different professional groups within organisations anchor their understanding of resilience based on related interpretations such as psychology, ecology, economics, engineering, etc., which leads to internal conflict; there is often a widespread belief (or hope) that static goals and objectives will work in a dynamic environment; and flawed risk perceptions hamper organisation-wide situational awareness.Practical implicationsFaced with these issues, it is easy to understand why resilience activities are frequently limited to the tactical things that can be put in place to protect the organisation and its assets against acute shocks. However, as the risk landscape becomes ever more complex and uncertain such a defensive approach will only increase the vulnerability of organisations.Originality/valueHowever, there are some straightforward and practical steps that organisations can take to break down internal barriers and promote a more collegiate approach to organisational resilience. An approach that is not only more efficient in terms of the management of risk but is also more cost effective and has a positive impact on culture, brand and reputation.
Inferring the as-built air permeability of new UK dwellings
Authors: Crawley Jenny , Biddulph Phillip , Wingfield Jez , Ashdown Minnie , Lowe Robert , Elwell Cliff 
Published: May 2019

Purpose
Compulsory airtightness testing was introduced for new dwellings in England and Wales in 2006 and in Scotland in 2010 to ensure that they are constructed according to design air permeability targets. These targets are set to limit heat loss through air infiltration. Previous work examining the large Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association (ATTMA) data set of UK airtightness test data suggested that, in a proportion of dwellings, the targets were being met by post-completion sealing as opposed to airtight construction, but did not quantify the prevalence of this practice. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the distribution of as-built airtightness and the proportion of dwellings undergoing post-completion sealing are estimated from the ATTMA data set covering 2015–2016. This is carried out by Bayesian statistical modelling, using the data set of recorded test results and a modelled representation of the testing process.

Findings
This analysis finds the mode of the as-built distribution of air permeability as 4.38 ± 0.01 m3/m2h. It predicts that 39 per cent of dwellings aiming for one of the five most common design targets have sealing interventions at the point of pressure testing to meet their target. The as-built distribution of the ATTMA data is compared to airtightness test data obtained from just before compulsory testing was introduced, showing an improvement in the modal air permeability of 3.6 m3/m2h since testing became mandatory.

Originality/value
This paper has investigated the available data beyond simply what is reported, to estimate what the real levels of airtightness in the UK new build stock may be.
Lean Six Sigma in consumer banking – an empirical inquiry
Authors: Sunder M. Vijaya , Ganesh L.S. , Marathe Rahul R. 
Published: May 2019

PurposeThe evolution of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) within the operations management theory has enjoyed significant success in both manufacturing and services. Though the applicability of LSS is evident in the services sector through various publications, academic research on the use of LSS in the Banking and Financial Services (BFS) is limited, and hence deserves greater attention. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the application of LSS in consumer banking in real-time setting.Design/methodology/approachA case study method is used to study the application of LSS in two consumer banks with stage 1 featuring identification of appropriate consumer banks where LSS projects could be undertaken, and suitable LSS readiness assessment was performed. In stage 2, LSS project opportunities were identified in the select banks through stakeholder engagement. Finally, in stage 3, LSS projects were executed for process improvements in a real-time setting.FindingsThe case studies provide evidence of the successful application of LSS in consumer banking and the associated multiple benefits. The extent of applicability and appropriate managerial implications in project management context are elaborated. An LSS project selection criterion is recommended as a part of the study. Further, the study explains five important managerial implications in BFS context, with an outlook for future research.Research limitations/implicationsPractitioner research shows that BFS organizations have changed their ways of working by adapting LSS over the last decade. However, the academic research concerning the applicability of LSS in BFS is apparently limited, and none of these are specific to “consumer banking.” This study serves as a strong foundation for future research in this area, which is at its nascence and upcoming in the researchers’ community. However, strong generalizations should not be made as this study is limited to two cases.Practical implicationsSince the cases are executed in the real-time setup of consumer banks, the paper has several practical implications. First, the paper confirms the applicability of LSS in consumer banking and concludes that LSS project management is merely a sub-set of LSS deployment. Second, LSS needs to be understood using a “systems thinking” perspective in order to move away from a narrow project-only approach. An LSS project selection criterion is recommended as a part of the study, which could serve as a managerial resource. Other managerial implications include effective management of stakeholders and change leadership as essential elements of LSS project management in banks.Originality/valueLSS has been successful in the past few decades in the manufacturing and service sectors. However, its application in BFS is limited. This study illustrates the applicability of LSS in consumer banks, which deals with high volumes of data, customer bases and associated financial transactions.
A systematic review of Lean in healthcare: a global prospective
Authors: Antony Jiju , Sunder M. Vijaya , Sreedharan Raja , Chakraborty Ayon , Gunasekaran Angappa 
Published: May 2019

PurposeFostered by a rapid spread beyond the manufacturing sector, Lean philosophy for continuous improvement has been widely used in service organizations, primarily in the healthcare sector. However, there is a limited research on the motivating factors, challenges and benefits of implementing Lean in healthcare. Taking this as a valuable opportunity, the purpose of this paper is to present the key motivating factors, limitations or challenges of Lean deployment, benefits of Lean in healthcare and key gaps in the literature as an agenda for future research.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used the secondary data from the literature (peer-reviewed journal articles) published between 2000 and 2016 to understand the state of the art. The systematic review identified 101 articles across 88 journals recognized by the Association of Business Schools ranking guide 2015.FindingsThe systematic review helped the authors to identify the evolution, current trends, research gaps and an agenda for future research for Lean in healthcare. A bouquet of motivating factors, challenges/limitations and benefits of Lean in healthcare are presented.Practical implicationsThe implications of this work include directions for managers and healthcare professionals in healthcare organizations to embark on a focused Lean journey aligned with the strategic objectives. This work could serve as a valuable resource to both practitioners and researchers for learning, investigating and rightly adapting the Lean in the healthcare sector.Originality/valueThis study is perhaps one of the comprehensive systematic literature reviews covering an important agenda of Lean in Healthcare. All the text, figures and tables featured here are original work carried by five authors in collaboration (from three countries, namely, India, the USA and the UK).
Determinants and consequences of environmental investment: an empirical study of Indonesian firms
Authors: Chariri Anis , Nasir Mohammad , Januarti Indira , Daljono Daljono 
Published: May 2019

PurposeThis study aims to examine the effect of institutional ownership, audit committee and types of industry on environmental investment. Furthermore, this research investigates the consequences of environmental investments on firm financial performance.Design/methodology/approachThe sample consisted of 145 companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchanges and receiving PROPER awards issued by the Ministry of Environment, Republic of Indonesia in the year 2009-2015. The data were then analyzed using ordinal logistic regression and multiple regression.FindingsThe findings showed that environmental investment was significantly affected by types of industry. However, institutional ownership and audit committee did not influence environmental investment. Finally, the finding indicated that environmental investments positively affected firm financial performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis research only covered companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchanges and receiving PROPER awards. Thus, the findings cannot be generalized for all companies in Indonesia and other markets.Originality/valueThis study is the first effort intended to investigate the determinants and consequences of environmental investment which have been ignored by previous studies, especially in the Asian emerging markets. This study at least provides us with two main contributions. First, the findings on determinants of environmental investment can be used by governments in Asian countries, especially Indonesia as a reference in making policies concerning the obligations of companies to the environmental problems. Second, the finding on the relationship of environmental investment and financial performance can be used by companies as strategies to generate profits without destroying the environment.