bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inter-organizational knowledge transfer in Omani SMEs: influencing factors
Authors: Al-Jabri Himyar , Al-Busaidi Kamla Ali 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
Inter-organizational knowledge transfer (IOKT) is important especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Organizations need external knowledge to improve learning capabilities and their own competitiveness. SMEs are important for every nation’s economy. IOKT can enable SMEs’ learning and innovation and consequently its contribution to the national economy. This study aims to examine the factors that influence the IOKT process in Omani SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses qualitative methodology. Participants were ten Omani SMEs from the information and communications technology sector, a knowledge-intensive sector. The study is based on face-to-face semi-structured interviews and content analysis.

Findings
The results confirmed that inter-organizational knowledge is considered to be important to SMEs. This research also showed that IOKT is affected by many factors related to the donor organization, recipient organization, nature of the knowledge and inter-organizational dynamics. The core factor to IOKT in SMEs is risk and trust.

Originality/value
Literature shows that there is an emphasis on the importance of studying knowledge management in SMEs; however, there is little work that has been done. Such study is even more important for Omani SMEs to improve their learning, innovation and contribution to a national diversified economy. This study provides valuable insights to establish an effective foundation for IOKT in Omani SMEs.
The Bioavailability, Transport, and Bioactivity of Dietary Flavonoids: A Review from a Historical Perspective
Authors: Williamson Gary , Kay Colin D. , Crozier Alan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractFlavonoids are plant‐derived dietary components with a substantial impact on human health. Research has expanded massively since it began in the 1930s, and the complex pathways involved in bioavailability of flavonoids in the human body are now well understood. In recent years, it has been appreciated that the gut microbiome plays a major role in flavonoid action, but much progress still needs to be made in this area. Since the first publications on the health effects of flavonoids, their action is understood to protect against various stresses, but the mechanism of action has evolved from the now debunked simple direct antioxidant hypothesis into an understanding of the complex effects on molecular targets and enzymes in specific cell types. This review traces the development of the field over the past 8 decades, and indicates the current state of the art, and how it was reached. Future recommendations based on this historical analysis are (a) to focus on key areas of flavonoid action, (b) to perform human intervention studies focusing on bioavailability and protective effects, and (c) to carry out cellular in vitro experiments using appropriate cells together with the chemical form of the flavonoid found at the site of action; this could be the native form of compounds found in the food for studies on digestion and the intestine, the conjugated metabolites found in the blood after absorption in the small intestine for studies on cells, or the chemical forms found in the blood and tissues after catabolism by the gut microbiota.
Dynamic High‐Pressure Microfluidization Treatment of Rice Bran: Effect on Pb(II) Ions Adsorption In Vitro
Authors: Wang Li , Wu Jue , Luo Xiaohu , Li Yongfu , Wang Ren , Li Yanan , Li Juan , Chen Zhengxing 
Published: July 2018

AbstractInsoluble dietary fiber from rice bran (RBIDF) was treated with dynamic high‐pressure microfluidization (DHPM). The influence of pressure on the adsorption of Pb(II) capacity of RBIDF was explored in a simulation of the gastrointestinal environment. RBIDF (pH 7.0) displayed the maximal binding capacity (420.74 ± 13.12 μmol/g), at the level of 150 MPa, which was as 1.36 times as the untreated sample. DHPM‐treated RBIDF demonstrated a higher ability to adsorb cholesterol and sodium cholate. Meanwhile, the treatment changed the morphology but did not alter the primary structure. The adsorption capacity is linear to the physicochemical properties of the total negative charges. The adsorption kinetics fit the pseudo‐second‐order model, Pb(II) adsorption mainly occur on the surface of the fiber particulate, this process includes natural physical adsorption and chemical reaction. This study provides a feasible approach for improving the adsorption capacity of RBIDF, especially the adsorption of Pb(II).Practical ApplicationDynamic high‐pressure microfluidization can modify biomass adsorption materials effectively as a physically modification. The pretreatment dietary fiber can be used as a low‐cost absorbing heavy metal biosorbent, and can be develop the functional food ingredients in the food industry.
Personalized Boosters After a Computerized Intervention Targeting College Drinking: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Braitman Abby L. , Lau‐Barraco Cathy 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundProblematic drinking among emerging adult college students is extensive. Computer‐delivered interventions (CDIs) have strong appeal because they can be quickly delivered to large numbers of students. Although they are efficacious in the short term, CDIs are not as efficacious as in‐person interventions longer term. This study examined the utility of emailed boosters containing personalized feedback after a CDI to enhance and extend reductions among emerging adult college drinkers. Sex and age were explored as potential moderators.MethodsParticipants were 537 college students (67.4% female) aged 18 to 24 years (M age = 19.65, SD = 1.67) who consumed at least 1 alcoholic drink in the past 2 weeks. They were randomly assigned to CDI‐only, CDI + booster email, or an assessment‐only control condition, and were assessed up to 9 months postintervention. A booster email with personalized feedback was sent to the CDI + booster email group 2 weeks after completion of the CDI.ResultsModeration findings for age revealed that the booster may be an effective means to strengthen and extend intervention effects for emerging adults who are of legal drinking age. However, effects were negligible for underage drinkers. Although the booster effect for the overall sample demonstrated a trend in the expected direction, it failed to reach significance. Booster effects were not significantly moderated by sex. Intervention effects were not moderated by either age or sex.ConclusionsThe present investigation contributes to a limited body of research on boosters to augment main intervention effects in college drinkers. Our study demonstrated that a brief CDI plus a simple email booster with personalized feedback resulted in significant reductions in drinking outcomes for emerging adults of legal drinking age. Efforts to further develop and refine intervention booster strategies represent a promising future direction to minimize harmful drinking among college students.
Screening for child abuse using a checklist and physical examinations in the emergency department led to the detection of more cases
Authors: Teeuw Arianne H. , Kraan Rik B. J. , van Rijn Rick R. , Bossuyt Patrick M. M. , Heymans Hugo S. A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimWe studied the accuracy of a screening checklist (SPUTOVAMO), complete physical examination (top‐to‐toe inspection, TTI) and their combination in detecting child abuse in the emergency department (ED).MethodsConsecutive patients admitted to the ED of the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam between January 2011 and 1 July 2013 were included. An Expert Panel assigned a consensus diagnosis to positive cases. For all other and missed cases, the Child Abuse Counselling and Reporting Centre diagnosis was used.ResultsWe included 17 229 admissions of 12 198 patients. In 46%, SPUTOVAMO was performed, in 33% TTI; 421 children (4.3%) tested positive on either or both, with 68 positive consensus diagnoses. In eight children not reported to the Expert Panel, the Child Abuse Counselling and Reporting Center diagnosis was positive. Ten of 3519 (0.3%) children testing negative on both were child abuse cases; 0.88% of the study group had a final child abuse diagnosis. The estimated PPV was 0.46 for SPUTOVAMO, 0.44 for TTI and 0.43 for the combination.ConclusionCombining screening tests significantly increased the number of test positives and led to more child abuse cases detected. Combined screening for child abuse in all children less than 18 years old presenting to an ED is recommended.
A treatment algorithm for healthy young men with erectile dysfunction
Authors: Wiggins Adam , Tsambarlis Peter N. , Abdelsayed George , Levine Laurence A. 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesTo assess baseline characteristics of a cohort of young men with erectile dysfunction (ED) but no identifiable organic cause and to evaluate the efficacy of our treatment algorithm.Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the charts of men aged <40 years referred to our tertiary care centre for evaluation and treatment of their ED between March 2010 and August 2016. Of 185 men reviewed, we included 73 men who were identified as having no identifiable organic cause for their ED and had successfully completed a detailed questionnaire regarding their medical and sexual history at the initial consultation. The questionnaire was used to obtain baseline patient characteristics and identify comorbid conditions which may predispose to ED. For these men, our standard treatment comprised a daily low‐dose phosphodiesterase type 5‐inhibitor along with a referral for psychosexual therapy, with the option of more invasive treatment if this initial approach failed. After a minimum of 6 months of treatment, patients were asked to complete a follow‐up questionnaire via phone or e‐mail. Thirty‐three men successfully completed the follow‐up questionnaire. Pre‐ and post‐treatment questionnaires were compared to determine treatment adherence and efficacy.ResultsThe mean (range) age of the study cohort was 31.9 (22–39) years. At the initial consultation, 85% of men (n = 62) reported problems obtaining an erection. After a minimum of 6 months of treatment, only 42% reported the same problem (n = 14), with 58% (n = 19) satisfied with their erectile function. Post‐treatment International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores showed a significant improvement in erectile function (18.8 vs 13.3; P < 0.01), orgasmic function (7.7 vs 6.2; P = 0.01) and overall satisfaction (6.1 vs 4.5; P < 0.01). No statistically significant improvement was noted in sexual desire or intercourse satisfaction.ConclusionsOur proposed treatment approach for men with ED aged < 40 years without an identifiable organic aetiology appears to be a reasonable and effective first‐line approach, as demonstrated by significantly improved post‐treatment IIEF scores and patient‐reported outcomes. This algorithm can provide urologists with a useful framework for managing these potentially challenging patients.
In vitro and in vivo trypanocidal activities of 8‐methoxy‐3‐(4‐nitrobenzoyl)‐6‐propyl‐2H‐cromen‐2‐one, a new synthetic coumarin of low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells
Authors: Brancaglion Guilherme Andrade , Toyota André Eidi , Cardoso Machado José Vaz , Fernandes Júnior Antônio Ávila , Silveira Alberto Thalison , Vilas Boas Diego Fernandes , dos Santos Elda Gonçalves , Caldas Ivo Santana , Carvalho Diogo Teixeira 
Published: July 2018

Natural and synthetic coumarins have been described as prototypes of new drug candidates against Chagas’ disease. During a typical screening with new compounds, we observed the potential of a new synthetic nitrobenzoylcoumarin (1) as trypanocidal against Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotas. Then, we decided to prepare and evaluate a set of analogues from 1 to check the major structural requirements for trypanocidal activity. The structural variations were conducted in six different sites on the original compound and the best derivative (3) presented activity (IC50 28 ± 3 μM) similar to that of benznidazole (IC50 25 ± 10 μM). The enhancement of trypanocidal activity was conditioned to a change in the side chain at C6 (allyl to n‐propyl group) and the preservation of coumarin nucleus and the nitrobenzoyl group at C3. Exposure of 3 to H9C2 cells showed low toxicity (CC50 > 200 μM) and its activity on T. cruzi amastigotes (IC50 13 ± 0.3 μM) encouraged us to perform an evaluation of its potential when given orally to mice infected with trypomastigote forms. Derivative 3 was able to reduce parasitemia when compared to the group of untreated animals. Taken together, these results show the potential therapeutic application of the synthetic coumarins.
Robust and local positional information within a fin ray directs fin length during zebrafish regeneration
Authors: Shibata Eri , Liu Zhengcheng , Kawasaki Toshihiro , Sakai Noriyuki , Kawakami Atsushi 
Published: July 2018

It has been proposed that cells are regulated to form specific morphologies and sizes according to positional information. However, the entity and nature of positional information have not been fully understood yet. The zebrafish caudal fin has a characteristic V‐shape; dorsal and ventral fin rays are longer than the central ones. This fin shape regenerates irrespective of the sites or shape of fin amputation. It is thought that reformation of tissue occurs according to positional information. In this study, we developed a novel transplantation procedure for grafting a whole fin ray to an ectopic position and examined whether the information that specifies fin length exists within each fin ray. Intriguingly, when long and short fin rays were swapped, they regenerated to form longer or shorter fin rays than the adjacent host fin rays, respectively. Further, the abnormal fin ray lengths were maintained for a long time, more than 5 months, and after further re‐amputation. In contrast to intra‐fin grafting, when fin ray grafting was performed between fish, cells in the grafts disappeared due to immune rejection, and the grafted fin rays adapted to the host position to form a normal fin. Together, our data suggest that the information that directs fin length does exist in cells within a single fin ray and that it has a robust property—it is stable for a long time and is hard to rewrite. Our study highlighted a novel positional information mechanism for directing regenerating fin length.
Understanding Bottlenecks: An Operations Management Experiential Learning Exercise
Authors: Wilson Shellyanne 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTUnderstanding bottlenecks is an in‐class experiential learning exercise designed to improve students’ understanding of production system capacity issues. After an introductory teaching session on capacity and constraint management, students are formed into groups of six to assume the roles of one raw material handler, four production workers, and one finished goods receiver and are asked to produce 20 units of product beta. Prior to the start of the exercise, the students are asked to predict the completion time of the 1st, 10th, and 20th units of product beta. When all 20 betas are completed, students compare their predicted completion times to the actual completion times. The results of the game show that while students can easily identify the system's bottleneck, they often have difficulties distinguishing the practical implications of the process time of the system versus the process cycle time; thus, their predicted completion times of the 10th and 20th units are typically overinflated compared to actual completion times. A debrief session is then used to solidify students’ understanding of the relationship between bottlenecks and capacity. The exercise is well‐received and highly rated by students; furthermore, it is not resource‐intensive, requiring 40‐45 minutes of classroom time, 20‐25 strips of paper per group, and a visible stopwatch.
Retrospective analysis of local injection site adverse reactions associated with 230 allogenic administrations of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells in 164 horses
Authors: Ursini T. L. , Amelse L. L. , Elkhenany H. A. , Odoi A. , Carter‐Arnold J. L. , Adair H. S. , Dhar M. S. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryBackgroundBone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) are frequently used in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Fully characterised cells that are readily available for use is optimum. Allogenic BM‐MSCs can satisfy the need for rapid treatment, however, their safety has been questioned.ObjectivesObjectives were to characterise BM‐MSCs from an adult donor horse, in vitro, and to identify and describe adverse reactions that occurred following their injection into other horses. We hypothesised that BM‐MSCs capable of proliferation, differentiation and lacking MHC II from one donor could be implanted into another individual without significant adverse reactions and the frequency of adverse reactions in clinical cases would be similar to that previously reported for autologous BM‐MSCs.Study designRetrospective clinical study.MethodsBM‐MSCs were proliferated and characterised from one donor and cryopreserved for clinical use. Medical records for horses injected with allogenic BM‐MSCs from this donor at a single hospital were used. After routine lameness exam, lesions were identified using diagnostic ultrasound or MRI. Post injection reaction was defined as increased pain, swelling, or heat at or near injection site, or increased lameness. Treatments required for each reaction were noted.ResultsBM‐MSCs proliferated and underwent differentiation. Cells were found to be negative for MHC‐II (<2%) and were viable after cryopreservation and shipping. Ten of 230 (4.35%) injections were noted to be associated with an adverse reaction. Adverse reactions occurred in synovial structures (n = 3) and in soft tissues (n = 7).Main limitationsThis investigation could underestimate the number and severity of reactions. Mild reactions, such as synovitis, may have been missed. Also, anti‐inflammatory drugs could overshadow mild reactions, making them less likely to be detected.ConclusionsFully characterised allogenic BM‐MSCs originating from a single donor horse can be administered to horses with soft tissue injuries with a low rate of adverse reaction.
The Summary is available in Portuguese ‐ see Supporting Information
London and England's early modernity: A review of recent scholarship
Authors: Cavert William M. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA review of the historical literature on London during the early modern period (ca. 1500–1800) published between 2010 and 2017, focusing on themes of modernization and London's role in associated changes. London's central contribution to processes of modernization was once a historiographical commonplace, but recent work has avoided such narratives in its discussions of social relations, crime and policing, gender roles, cosmopolitanism and global trade, and urban and suburban spaces and environments. By contrast, studies that have stressed such processes, in particular work describing political culture and practice as well as sexual behaviors, have chosen not to stress London's importance, despite its prominent place in their stories.
Community characteristics modify the relationship between obesity prevention efforts and dietary intake in children: the Healthy Communities Study
Authors: Woodward‐Lopez G. , Gosliner W. , Au L. E. , Kao J. , Webb K. L. , Sagatov R. D. , Strauss W. J. , Landgraf A. J. , Nagaraja J. , Wilson D. K. , Nicastro H. L. , Nebeling L. C. , Schultz J. A. , Ritchie L. D. ,   on behalf of the Healthy Communities Study Team
Published: July 2018

SummaryBackgroundThe influence of community characteristics on the effectiveness of childhood obesity prevention efforts is not well understood.ObjectiveExamine the interaction of community characteristics with the relationship between community programmes and policies (CPPs) and dietary intake.MethodsAn observational study of 5138 children in grades K‐8 in 130 US communities was conducted in 2013–2015. Key informant interviews identified and characterized CPPs. CPP scores were generated for the number of target behaviours (CPP‐Behav) and the number of behaviour change strategies (CPP‐Strat) addressed by all CPPs and CPPs with nutrition goals over the prior 6 years in each community. Dietary intake was assessed by dietary screener and included intake of sugar from sugar‐sweetened beverages; energy‐dense foods; fruits and vegetables; whole grains; and fibre. Multivariate statistical models assessed the interactions between US region, urbanicity, community‐level income, and community‐level race/ethnicity and CPP scores in relation to dietary intake.ResultsCPP‐Strat was positively associated with healthier dietary intakes in the Northeast and West, and in high Hispanic communities; the reverse was true in the South, and in high African–American and low‐income communities. The CPP‐Behav was positively associated with healthier dietary intakes in the South and rural areas, and the reverse was true in the West.ConclusionThe relationships between CPP index scores and dietary intake were most strongly influenced by region and urbanicity and to a lesser extent by community‐level race/ethnicity and income. Findings suggest that different considerations may be needed for childhood obesity prevention efforts in communities with different characteristics.
Influenza B viruses in pigs, Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Ching‐Ping , Tsai Hsiang‐Jung 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundInfluenza B viruses (IBVs) have never been isolated from natural‐infected pigs in clinical cases, although the susceptibility of domestic pigs to experimental IBV infections had been confirmed as well as IBV‐specific antibodies were detected from pigs under natural and experimental conditions.ObjectivesWe aimed to assess and investigate the activities for infection and circulation of IBVs in pigs.MethodsAnnual active surveys for influenza have been implemented on swine populations in Taiwan since July 1998. Nasal swabs, trachea, lungs, and blood from pigs were tested using virological and serological assays for influenza. Gene sequences of influenza viral isolates were determined and characterized. Preliminary sero‐epidemiological data for influenza virus were investigated.ResultsThree strains of IBV were isolated and identified from natural‐infected pigs in 2014. Genetic characterization revealed the highest identities (>99%) of molecular sequence with the contemporary IBVs belonged to the B/Brisbane/60/2008 genetic clade of Victoria lineage in the phylogenetic trees for all 8 genes. IBV‐specific antibodies were detected in 31 (0.2%; 95%CI: 0.1%‐0.2%) of 15 983 swine serum samples from 29 (2.8%; 95%CI: 1.9%‐3.9%) of 1039 farm visits under annual active surveys from 2007 through 2017. Seropositive cases have been found sparsely in 1‐5 of test prefectures every year except 2015 and 2017 as well as scattered loosely over 26 townships/districts of 11 prefectures in Taiwan cumulatively in 11 years.ConclusionsInfluenza B viruse infections from humans to pigs remained sporadic and accidental currently in Taiwan but might have paved potential avenues for newly emerging zoonotic influenza in the future.