bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organizational cynicism and employee performance
Authors: Arslan Muhammad 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
Organizational cynicism is a growing trend in contemporary organizations. However, its impact on employee performance remains understudied. The purpose of this study is to address this gap by investigating the effect of three dimensions of organizational cynicism (cognitive, affective and behavioral cynicisms) on employee performance. The study also investigates the moderating effect of employee engagement on the relationship between three types of organizational cynicism and employee performance.

Design/methodology/approach
Primary data are collected through questionnaire from employees (N = 200) of various health organizations in Pakistan by using a convenient sampling technique. Hierarchal multiple regression models are used by using SPSS.

Findings
The findings reveal that all three types of organizational cynicism (i.e. cognitive cynicism, affective cynicism and behavioral cynicism) have a significant negative relationship with employee performance, while employee engagement moderates this relationship. Moreover, the findings indicate that the majority of respondents are not happy with their organizations. They have the feeling that their organizations are not fulfilling their promises, in fact, are betraying them in different ways. This breach of contract becomes the reason for organizational cynicism among employees and negatively affects their performance at work.

Research limitations/implications
The study has a large population size and it is quite difficult to address the whole population and collect data from a large sample because of time and limited budget.

Practical/implications
The organizational culture can mitigate the negative effect of organizational cynicism and enhance performance by promoting employee engagement. The study helps psychologists to understand employees’ attitudes and improve personnel selection to ensure they recruit the right people. Openness, honesty and early communication can increase predictability and controllability of future events.

Social implications
The job insecurity and lack of adequate compensation are assertive factors towards low productivity and negative attitude toward organization.

Originality/value
According to the researchers’ best knowledge, only few studies tried to investigate the relationship between organizational cynicism and employee performance by using the moderating effect of employee engagement. Therefore, it will be a good contribution in existing literature to understand consequences of cynicisms.
Effectiveness of modified health belief model-based intervention to reduce body mass index for age in overweight junior high school students in Thailand
Authors: Khumros Waraporn , Vorayingyong Arnond , Suppapitiporn Siriluck , Rattananupong Thanapoom , Lohsoonthorn Vitool 
Published: November 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the effectiveness of a modified HBM-based intervention to reduce body mass index (BMI) for age in overweight junior high school students.Design/methodology/approachA cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in the first and second years of a junior high school in the center of Thailand. In total, 24 classrooms were randomly assigned to a modified health belief model intervention arm (HBMIA), and 24 classrooms were randomly assigned to a traditional school health education arm (control). In total, 479 students who were overweight (BMI forage = median +1 SD, aged 12–15 years) participated in the study. The HBMIA used the health belief model (HBM) as a motivator for behavioral strategies that included modifying diet and participating in physical activity. BMI, health knowledge and behavior for preventing obesity were recorded at baseline and at six months. A multilevel regression model was performed to calculate mean difference between HBMIA and control group.FindingsThe students who participated in the HBMIA showed a decrease in BMI of 1.76 kg/m2, while those who participated in the control showed an increase in BMI of 1.13 kg/m2, with a mean difference of –2.88 kg/m2(95% CI =–3.01 to –2.75), an improvement in health knowledge (mean difference 27.28; 95% CI =26.15–28.41) and an improvement in health behavior (mean difference 23.54; 95% CI =22.60–24.48).Originality/valueA modified HBM-based intervention to reduce BMI for age is effective in overweight junior high school students.
The impact of atmospherics on WOM about short life-cycle products: the case of motion pictures
Authors: Hatzithomas Leonidas , Gkorezis Panagiotis , Zotou Athina Y. , Tsourvakas George 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to empirically examine how atmospherics affect word of mouth (WOM) about the brand. The authors focus primarily on uncovering the causal mechanism in which such effect is serially mediated by both perceived positive emotions evoked by atmospherics and attitude toward the brand.

Design/methodology/approach
To test the research hypotheses, 314 Greek moviegoers were drafted to participate in a survey. Data were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis (AMOS) and the SPSS macro (PROCESS tool). The model was applied to motion pictures, as they provide a particularly good example of short life-cycle products.

Findings
Findings indicate that atmospherics are related to WOM about the brand through perceived emotions evoked by atmospherics and, in turn, attitude toward the brand.

Research limitations/implications
The present study extends the relevant literature by providing both direct and indirect links between atmospherics and WOM about a brand.

Practical implications
The model of the present study could be applied to other short life-cycle products that share key characteristics with motion pictures. Moreover, the present study increases movie producers and exhibitors’ understanding of the effects of theatre atmospherics on WOM about the movie and leads to practical suggestions and implications.

Originality/value
WOM is one of the key variables that can affect the profitability of short life-cycle products. To date, there was no evidence that atmospherics can influence WOM about a short life-cycle product.
Fashion retailing “tech-gagement”: engagement fueled by new technology
Authors: Colombi Chiara , Kim Pielah , Wyatt Nioka 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
The state of interactive digital technology is evolving rapidly and has shifted the ways in which customers shop dramatically. This trend heightens the need for research that examines the latest interactive digital technology tools adopted in fashion retailing. In response, the purpose of this paper was to examine fashion retailers’ incorporation of new interactive digital technology – in both online and offline retailing formats, and including new hybrid contexts – and its results in providing new experiential quality that contributes strongly to engage with customers.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper first reviews the literature and then proposes the research questions. This is followed by exploratory substantiation of those propositions with the findings from case studies that examined the new interactive digital technology implemented by six leading fashion retailers.

Findings
Various digital technology tools implemented in brick-to-click, click-to-brick and brick-and-mortar retailing offer customers a variety of experiential qualities that allow them to co-create products, engage in emotion-driven sensational and personalized shopping experiences and seamless shopping virtually, all of which derive from interactive digital technology implemented to enhance customer engagement.

Originality/value
This research examined the implementation of interactive digital technologies across the full spectrum of the fashion retail settings above. This paper makes an original contribution by adopting a customer-centric perspective and assessing the advantages technology provides to customer’s engagement quality in shopping, which differs from the traditional firm-centric perspective that views technology as a way to innovate retailers’ operations.
Study of macro-bending biconical tapered plastic optical fiber for relative humidity sensing
Authors: Guo Zi , Chu Fenghong , Fan Jinyu , Zhang Ze , Bian Zhenglan , Li Gaofang , Song Xiaojun 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose and optimize plastic optical fiber (POF) probe with macro-bending biconical tapered structure for the relative humidity (RH) sensing.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the principle is the evanescent wave power modulated by the ambient humidity. The probe is fabricated by using fused biconical taper and heat-setting method and then coated with a fluorescent moisture-sensitive film.

Findings
The probe’s sensing performance can be optimized by changing the probe’s curvature radius, biconical tapered transition length and taper waist diameter. The result shows that the sensitivity of the probe is up to 1.60 and 3.40 mV/ per cent, respectively, at low humidity (10-45 per cent) and high humidity (45-90 per cent). Also, this probe has good linearity, repeatability, photostability and long-term stability.

Practical implications
The proposed probe can improve the sensitivity and linearity of RH sensing without complex devices, which is necessary for mass production, remote measurement and convenient operation.

Originality/value
POF probe with macro-bending biconical tapered structure is investigated in this paper, which is proved to be effective in improving the sensitivity and linearity.
Incorporating species population dynamics into static prioritization: Targeting species undergoing rapid change
Authors: Fukumori Kayoko , Ishida Shinya , Shimoda Michiko , Takenaka Akio , Akasaka Munemitsu , Nishihiro Jun , Takamura Noriko , Kadoya Taku 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Conservation planning has generally used models with a static spatial distribution of species to predict the likely occurrence of species. However, static data do not usually capture rapid changes in the abundance of endangered species or cryptic life stages such as the dormancy stage of eggs and seeds. Little is known about how neglecting dynamic population processes, such as recovery processes, can affect the outcomes of spatial prioritization in conservation planning.

In this study, we investigated the distribution of 62 aquatic plant species, including 23 threatened species, in 415 agricultural ponds for 37 years to examine the importance of including recovery processes in conservation planning. Using long‐term historical presence–absence data and seedbank longevity data for aquatic macrophytes, we estimated rates of population disappearance and recovery for each species in each pond over the next 100 years.

Average rates of recovery exceeded 0, 0.2, and 0.4 in 85.4%, 40.3%, and 4.8% of aquatic plant species, respectively. Simulation results suggested that the extinction risk for a species greatly decreased when recovery processes were considered. We found that including recovery processes in target species populations increased the performance of spatial prioritization by protecting more species in a smaller number of protected ponds. Spatial ranking of ponds for species conservation differed substantially among scenarios that included and excluded population recovery processes, suggesting that conservation priorities based on complementarity analysis are sensitive to underlying assumptions.

Synthesis and applications. Our dynamic approach, which considers recovery processes of species, contributes to more effective conservation planning by reducing bias in the prediction of species’ state, given that cryptic life stages are ubiquitous among many plants and some animals. Time‐series presence/absence data on target species are quite useful for the approach and are often archived by participatory monitoring. Thus, the opportunities for applying our method are broad, especially for conservation prioritization and decision‐making at the local scale.
Recognition of dominant attractants by key chemoreceptors mediates recruitment of plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria
Authors: Feng Haichao , Zhang Nan , Fu Ruixin , Liu Yunpeng , Krell Tino , Du Wenbin , Shao Jiahui , Shen Qirong , Zhang Ruifu 
Published: November 2018

SummaryChemotaxis to plant root exudates is supposed to be a prerequisite for efficient root colonization by rhizobacteria. This is a highly multifactorial process since root exudates are complex compound mixtures of which components are recognized by different chemoreceptors. Little information is available as to the key components in root exudates and their receptors that drive colonization related chemotaxis. We present here the first global assessment of this issue using the plant growth‐promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) Bacillus velezensis SQR9 (formerly B. amyloliquefaciens). This strain efficiently colonizes cucumber roots, and here, we show that chemotaxis to cucumber root exudates was essential in this process. We conducted chemotaxis assays using cucumber root exudates at different concentrations, individual exudate components as well as recomposed exudates, taking into account their concentrations detected in root exudates. Results indicated that two key chemoreceptors, McpA and McpC, were essential for root exudate chemotaxis and root colonization. Both receptors possess a broad ligand range and recognize most of the exudate key components identified (malic, fumaric, gluconic and glyceric acids, Lys, Ser, Ala and mannose). The remaining six chemoreceptors did not contribute to exudate chemotaxis. This study provides novel insight into the evolution of the chemotaxis system in rhizobacteria.
Diversity of phytobeneficial traits revealed by whole‐genome analysis of worldwide‐isolated phenazine‐producing Pseudomonas spp.
Authors: Biessy Adrien , Novinscak Amy , Blom Jochen , Léger Geneviève , Thomashow Linda S. , Cazorla Francisco M. , Josic Dragana , Filion Martin 
Published: November 2018

SummaryPlant‐beneficial Pseudomonas spp. competitively colonize the rhizosphere and display plant‐growth promotion and/or disease‐suppression activities. Some strains within the P. fluorescens species complex produce phenazine derivatives, such as phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid. These antimicrobial compounds are broadly inhibitory to numerous soil‐dwelling plant pathogens and play a role in the ecological competence of phenazine‐producing Pseudomonas spp. We assembled a collection encompassing 63 strains representative of the worldwide diversity of plant‐beneficial phenazine‐producing Pseudomonas spp. In this study, we report the sequencing of 58 complete genomes using PacBio RS II sequencing technology. Distributed among four subgroups within the P. fluorescens species complex, the diversity of our collection is reflected by the large pangenome which accounts for 25 413 protein‐coding genes. We identified genes and clusters encoding for numerous phytobeneficial traits, including antibiotics, siderophores and cyclic lipopeptides biosynthesis, some of which were previously unknown in these microorganisms. Finally, we gained insight into the evolutionary history of the phenazine biosynthetic operon. Given its diverse genomic context, it is likely that this operon was relocated several times during Pseudomonas evolution. Our findings acknowledge the tremendous diversity of plant‐beneficial phenazine‐producing Pseudomonas spp., paving the way for comparative analyses to identify new genetic determinants involved in biocontrol, plant‐growth promotion and rhizosphere competence.
Integrative analysis of differential genes and identification of a “2‐gene score” associated with survival in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Lin , Dong Gaochao , Xia Wenjie , Mao Qixing , Wang Anpeng , Chen Bing , Ma Weidong , Wu Yaqin , Xu Lin , Jiang Feng 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundDevelopments in high‐throughput genomic technologies have led to improved understanding of the molecular underpinnings of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, there is currently no model that combines the clinical features and gene expression signatures to predict outcomes.MethodsWe obtained data from the GSE53625 database of Chinese ESCC patients who had undergone surgical treatment. The R packages, Limma and WGCNA, were used to identify and construct a co‐expression network of differentially expressed genes, respectively. The Cox regression model was used, and a nomogram prediction model was constructed.ResultsA total of 3654 differentially expressed genes were identified. Bioinformatics enrichment analysis was conducted. Multivariate analysis of the clinical cohort revealed that age and adjuvant therapy were independent factors for survival, and these were entered into the clinical nomogram. After integrating the gene expression profiles, we identified a “2‐gene score” associated with overall survival. The combinational model is composed of clinical data and gene expression profiles. The C‐index of the combined nomogram for predicting survival was statistically higher than the clinical nomogram. The calibration curve revealed that the combined nomogram and actual observation showed better prediction accuracy than the clinical nomogram alone.ConclusionsThe integration of gene expression signatures and clinical variables produced a predictive model for ESCC that performed better than those based exclusively on clinical variables. This approach may provide a novel prediction model for ESCC patients after surgery.
Increased Alcohol Consumption Among Swedish 70‐Year‐Olds 1976 to 2016: Analysis of Data from The Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies, Sweden
Authors: Ahlner Felicia , Sigström Robert , Rydberg Sterner Therese , Mellqvist Fässberg Madeleine , Kern Silke , Östling Svante , Waern Margda , Skoog Ingmar 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundThe older adult population is increasing worldwide, as is the number of older adults who consume alcohol. Although there is a growing body of research on alcohol consumption among older people, few studies focus on changes in at‐risk consumption over time across well‐defined birth cohorts of older adults.MethodsThis study used a serial cross‐sectional design in order to compare alcohol consumption patterns among birth cohorts of Swedish 70‐year‐olds (total n = 2,268) examined in 1976 to 1977 (n = 393), 1992 to 1993 (n = 248), 2000 to 2002 (n = 458), and 2014 to 2016 (n = 1,169). Participants took part in a multidisciplinary study on health and aging. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted by healthcare professionals. Protocols regarding alcohol consumption were similar for all cohorts. The volume of weekly alcohol consumption was estimated during the past month. At‐risk consumption was defined as ≥100 g alcohol/wk corresponding roughly to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism definition of heavy consumption.ResultsThe proportion of at‐risk consumers among men increased from 16.1% in 1976 to 1977 to 29.9% in 2000 to 2002 (p = 0.001) and 45.3% in 2014 to 2016 (p < 0.001). In women, proportions were low in 1976 to 1977 (0.5%) and 1992 to 1993 (2.0%; p = 0.134), but increased to 9.5% in 2000 to 2002 (p < 0.001) and 24.3% in 2014 to 2016 (p < 0.001). The male:female ratio regarding consumption of ≥100 g/wk decreased from 32.2:1 in 1976 to 1977 to 3.1:1 in 2000 to 2002 to 1.9:1 in 2014 to 2016. Spirit consumption decreased dramatically among men during the study period, while women reported very low spirit consumption at all examinations. Wine consumption increased in both sexes between 2000 to 2002 and 2014 to 2016. Beer consumption increased among men between 2000 to 2002 and 2014 to 2016.ConclusionsRecent cohorts of 70‐year‐olds in Sweden report significantly higher levels of alcohol consumption than previous cohorts. There was a dramatic increase in at‐risk consumption among 70‐year‐olds from the 1970s to the mid‐2010s, and this was particularly pronounced among women.
Prognostic significance of BRAF mutation alone and in combination with microsatellite instability in stage III colon cancer
Authors: Chouhan Hanumant , Sammour Tarik , L. Thomas Michelle , W. Moore James 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPurposeThe prognostic significance of biomarkers in colorectal cancer is still being defined. This study aimed to determine the prognostic significance of BRAF mutation alone and in combination with microsatellite instability (MSI), in stage III colon cancer.MethodsCuratively resected stage III colon cancers were studied from a 33‐year period. Clinicopathological data were collated (adjuvant chemotherapy, age, gender, obstruction, perforation, tumour location, grade, presence of mucin, nodal stage, extramural vascular, and perineural invasion). MSI status was established and molecular testing for BRAF (V600E) was performed. Four mutation categories were examined: “traditional” (microsatellite stable [MSS]/BRAF −ve), “presumed Lynch” (MSI/BRAF −ve), “sporadic MSI” (MSI/BRAF +ve), and “other BRAF” (MSS/BRAF +ve). These factors were correlated with cancer‐specific survival.ResultsIn total, 686 unselected cases met our inclusion criteria, of which 15.7% had a BRAF mutation and 13.8% showed MSI. In the adjusted analysis, neither BRAF mutation nor MSI mutation were independently prognostic. On univariate analysis, survival in presumed Lynch cancers was similar to traditional cancers (5‐year survival: 62% and 61%, respectively). While there was no difference in cancer‐specific survival between sporadic MSI and other BRAF, both these tumour group had poorer outcome when compared to traditional or presumed Lynch cancers. Adjusted analysis of the four groups, however, showed that none of the subgroups were independently prognostic.ConclusionBRAF‐mutated cancers demonstrated a trend toward poorer outcomes, however, when adjusted for clinicopathological factors and chemotherapy, BRAF mutation was not found to be an independent prognostic biomarker in stage III colon cancer, even when combined with MSI.