bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC06 Activity Prevents Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐Induced Colitis by Regulating the IL‐8 Pathway
Authors: Zhang Jing , Yi Ruokun , Qian Yu , Sun Peng , Zhao Xin , Yang Zhennai 
Published: September 2018

AbstractLactobacillus plantarum CQPC06 (LP‐CQPC06) is a newly discovered lactic acid bacterial strain. Here, the beneficial effects of this strain on C57BL/6J mice with dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis were investigated. LP‐CQPC06 was more resistant to gastric acid and bile salts than L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (LB). In the DSS‐induced colitis mouse model, LP‐CQPC06 treatment decreased the colon weight/length ratio and increased the colon length as compared to untreated mice with DSS‐induced colitis. LP‐CQPC06 also reduced the serum levels of interleukin 8 (IL‐8), IL‐1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and macrophage inflammatory protein‐1 alpha, as well as reducing levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO) in the colon tissues of mice with DSS‐induced colitis. In all cases, the effects of LP‐CQPC06 were significantly stronger than those of LB. Quantitative polymerase chain reactions and western blots indicated that LP‐CQPC06 increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B‐cells inhibitor alpha, while decreasing the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase, nuclear factor kappa‐beta, C‐X‐C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CXCR1), and CXCR2. Thus, L. plantarum CQPC06 had a good protective effect against colitis in a mouse model via the IL‐8 pathway. Therefore, L. plantarum CQPC06 might have potential uses as a probiotic for colonic protection.Practical ApplicationIn this study, a newly discovered lactic acid bacteria was investigated. This bacterial strain had a good prophylactic effect against colitis in a mouse model, and might have potential utility as a probiotic.
Information Quality and Endogenous Project Outcomes
Authors: Deng Mingcherng , Nan Lin , Wen Xiaoyan 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTIn this study, we show that when a firm needs external financing, information quality has real effects via financing contracts on the firm's input to influence its operational outcome. Interestingly, we find that higher information quality decreases overall efficiency. Our analysis highlights the importance of considering the role of information quality in the presence of the firm's input decision upon financing contracts. In particular, information quality has a feedforward effect on the firm's real input decision via financing contracts, which in turn has a feedback effect on financing contracts and overall efficiency.
Mineral composition of cow milk from multibreed herds
Authors: Manuelian Carmen L. , Penasa Mauro , Visentin Giulio , Zidi Ali , Cassandro Martino , De Marchi Massimo 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis study estimated the effect of Holstein‐Friesian, Brown Swiss, Jersey, Simmental and Alpine Grey cattle breeds on milk mineral contents (Ca, Mg, P, K, and Na) in multibreed herds using data predicted with mid‐infrared spectroscopy. The dataset included 139,821 observations from 16,566 cows and 977 herds. Fixed effects considered in the mixed model were breed, parity, stage of lactation and first‐order interactions, and random effects were cow, herd‐test‐date, and the residual. Multiple comparisons of least squares means were performed for the main effect of breed, parity, and stage of lactation using Bonferroni adjustment. Holstein‐Friesian yielded milk with the lowest fat, protein, and casein concentration, and Ca, Mg, and P contents, whereas Jersey cows produced milk with the greatest fat, protein, and casein concentration, and Ca and Mg contents. Results of this study suggest that mixing milk from different breeds could enhance milk composition and technological ability, and therefore contribute to improve dairy industry efficiency.
Human‐centred design to empower “teachers as designers”
Authors: Garreta‐Domingo Muriel , Sloep Peter B. , Hernández‐Leo Davinia 
Published: September 2018

AbstractEducators of all sectors are learning designers, often unwittingly. To succeed as designers, they need to adopt a design mindset and acquire the skills needed to address the design challenges they encounter in their everyday practice. Human‐centred design (HCD) provides professional designers with the methods needed to address complex problems. It emphasizes the human perspective throughout the design lifecycle and provides a practice‐oriented approach, which naturally fits educators’ realities. This research reports the experiences of educators who used HCD to design ICT‐based learning activities. A mixed‐methods approach was used to gauge how participating educators experienced the design tasks. The perceived level of difficulty and value of the various methods varied, revealing significant differences between educators according to their level of knowledge of pedagogy frameworks. We discuss our findings from the vantage point of educators’ pedagogical beliefs and how experience shapes these. The results support the idea that HCD is a valuable framework for educators, one that may inform ongoing international efforts to shape a science and practice of learning design for teaching.
The role of learners’ epistemic beliefs in an online Community of Inquiry
Authors: Huang Kun , Law Victor , Lee Sang Joon 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe Community of Inquiry (CoI) model provides a lens to examine online learning through three elements: teaching presence (the design and facilitation of learning experiences), social presence (the extent to which learners project themselves as real people) and cognitive presence (the extent to which learners are able to construct meaning through inquiry and reflection activities). While research to date has established the importance of these essential presences in online learning environments, recent research on the CoI model calls for the need to explore the role of learner characteristics. The current study responded to the call by examining the role of learners’ epistemic beliefs (EB) (ie, individuals’ fundamental beliefs about the nature of knowledge and knowing) in an online CoI. Multiple linear regressions analyses revealed that EB moderated the relationship between learners’ perceived teaching presence and cognitive presences. Future studies on CoI should take learners’ epistemic beliefs into consideration, especially in the case of low teaching presences. Theoretical and practical implications for designing and investigating online learning are discussed.
A visual affective analysis of mass media interventions to increase antimicrobial stewardship amongst the public
Authors: Langdridge Darren , Davis Mark , Gozdzielewska Lucyna , McParland Joanna , Williams Lynn , Young Mairi , Smith Fraser , MacDonald Jennifer , Price Lesley , Flowers Paul 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesIn an innovative approach to improve the contribution of health psychology to public health we have analysed the presence and nature of affect within the visual materials deployed in antimicrobial stewardship interventions targeting the public identified through systematic review.DesignA qualitative analysis focused on the affective content of visual materials garnered from a systematic review of antibiotic stewardship (k = 20).MethodsA novel method was devised drawing on concepts from semiotics to analyse the affective elements within intervention materials.ResultsWhilst all studies examined tacitly rely on affect, only one sought to explicitly deploy affect. Three thematic categories of affect are identified within the materials in which specific ideological machinery is deployed: (1) monsters, bugs, and superheroes; (2) responsibility, threat, and the misuse/abuse of antibiotics; (3) the figure of the child.ConclusionsThe study demonstrates how affect is a present but tacit communication strategy of antimicrobial stewardship interventions but has not – to date – been adequately theorized or explicitly considered in the intervention design process. Certain affective features were explored in relation to the effectiveness of antimicrobial resistance interventions and warrant further investigation. We argue that further research is needed to systematically illuminate and capitalize upon the use of affect to effect behaviour change concerning antimicrobial stewardship.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

The (mis)use of antibiotics and consequent risk of antimicrobial resistance is a critical public health problem. If sufficient action is not taken, global society will face the ‘post‐antibiotic’ era, in which common infections will lead to death for many millions.

Key desirable behavioural changes are decreased patient demands for antibiotics, use of them for targeted purposes alone, and compliance with prescribed dosing.

There is a growth of interest in the role of affect in mass media interventions designed to engage publics and produce health‐related behavioural change.

What does this study add?

This article presents a novel analytic approach to understanding and intervening within behaviour change in public health that may complement other types of analysis.

We present findings specifically from an ‘affective’ analysis based on semiotics in which we critically interrogated the visual imagery being deployed in mass media public health interventions concerning antimicrobial stewardship.

Three thematic categories of affect are identified within the materials in which specific ideological machinery is deployed and that demonstrate some association with intervention effectiveness worthy of further investigation and testing.
Keys to the Gate? Equal Sign Knowledge at Second Grade Predicts Fourth‐Grade Algebra Competence
Authors: Matthews Percival G. , Fuchs Lynn S. 
Published: September 2018

Algebraic competence is a major determinant of college access and career prospects, and equal sign knowledge is taken to be foundational to algebra knowledge. However, few studies have documented a causal effect of early equal sign knowledge on later algebra skill. This study assessed whether second‐grade students’ equal sign knowledge prospectively predicts their fourth‐grade algebra knowledge, when controlling for demographic and individual difference factors. Children (N = 177; Mage = 7.61) were assessed on a battery of tests in Grade 2 and on algebraic knowledge in Grade 4. Second‐grade equal sign knowledge was a powerful predictor of these algebraic skills. Findings are discussed in terms of the importance of foregrounding equal sign knowledge to promote effective pedagogy and educational equity.
A mixed‐methods study of the management of hearing loss associated with otitis media with effusion in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Hall Amanda , Pryce Helen , Bruce Iain A. , Callery Peter , Lakhanpaul Monica , Schilder Anne G. M. 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesTo scope current service provision across England for management of otitis media with effusion and hearing loss in children with Down syndrome; to explore professional decision‐making about managing otitis media with effusion and hearing loss; and to explore patient and public views on the direction of future research.DesignMixed methods including a service evaluation of NHS clinical practice through a structured telephone survey; a qualitative study of professional decision‐making with in‐depth interviews collected and analysed using grounded theory methods; patient/public involvement consultations.ParticipantsTwenty‐one audiology services in England took part in the evaluation; 10 professionals participated in the qualitative study; 21 family members, 10 adults with Down syndrome and representatives from two charities contributed to the consultations.ResultsThere was variation across services in the frequency of routine hearing surveillance, approaches to managing conductive hearing loss in infancy and provision of hearing aids and grommets. There was variation in how professionals describe their decision‐making, reflecting individual treatment preferences, differing approaches to professional remit and institutional factors. The consultations identified that research should focus on improving practical support for managing the condition and supporting decision‐making about interventions.ConclusionsThere is system‐level variation in the provision of services and individual‐level variation in how professionals make clinical decisions. As a consequence, there is inequity of access to hearing health care for children with Down syndrome. Future research should focus on developing core outcomes for research and care, and on improving decision support for families.
Detection of high‐grade dysplasia, carcinoma in situ and squamous cell carcinoma in the upper aerodigestive tract: Recommendations for optimal use and interpretation of narrow‐band imaging
Authors: Zwakenberg Manon A. , Dikkers Frederik G. , Wedman Jan , van der Laan Bernard F. A. M. , Halmos Gyorgy B. , Plaat Boudewijn E. C. 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesThe primary goal was to study the diagnostic potential of narrow‐band imaging (NBI), and the secondary goal was to evaluate the most common mistakes when using and interpreting NBI.DesignRetrospective study.SettingUniversity Medical Center Groningen, tertiary referral hospital, the Netherlands.ParticipantsThree hundred and seventy patients who underwent rigid endoscopy of the upper aerodigestive tract. Two observers assessed all lesions. Twelve observers assessed a selection of 100 lesions. All observers were provided with both white light imaging and NBI.Main outcome measuresSensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy and reasons for insufficient photograph quality.ResultsWhen using NBI, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy for detecting invasive carcinoma, carcinoma in situ or high‐grade dysplasia were 92%, 68%, 61%, 94% and 77%, respectively. In multiple‐observer analysis, values were 76%, 58%, 53%, 83% and 65% with the evaluation strictly based on type V patterns of Ni's classification, vs 83%, 68%, 64%, 85% and 74% when evaluation was also based on lesion‐specific clinical characteristics. Lesions that caused misinterpretations were leukoplakia, papillomas and mucosal lesions after irradiation. In total, 185 photographs were assessed to be of suboptimal quality due to blurring (36%), bleeding (6%), insufficient zooming (15%) and/or insufficient lighting (17%).ConclusionNBI is a relatively reliable screening method for detecting malignancy. Evaluation based on Ni's classification alone is not sufficient. To optimise NBI photograph quality, we recommend sufficient zooming and prevention of bleeding, blurring and inadequate lighting.
A randomized controlled trial of lorcaserin and lifestyle counselling for weight loss maintenance: changes in emotion‐ and stress‐related eating, food cravings and appetite
Authors: Chao A. M. , Wadden T. A. , Pearl R. L. , Alamuddin N. , Leonard S. M. , Bakizada Z. M. , Pinkasavage E. , Gruber K. A. , Walsh O. A. , Berkowitz R. I. , Alfaris N. , Tronieri J. S. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryAnti‐obesity medication may help people maintain diet‐induced reductions in appetite. The present exploratory analysis assessed the effects of lorcaserin on changes at 24 weeks post‐randomization in emotion‐ and stress‐related eating, food cravings and other measures of appetite (i.e. binge eating, cognitive restraint, disinhibition, hunger, preoccupation with eating and fullness). The parent study investigated the efficacy of combined lorcaserin and behavioural treatment in facilitating weight loss maintenance (WLM) in 137 adults (mean age = 46.1 years, 86.1% female, 68.6% black) who had lost ≥5% of initial weight during a 14‐week, low‐calorie diet (LCD) run‐in. Participants were randomly assigned to lorcaserin or placebo and were provided with group WLM counselling sessions. Emotion‐ and stress‐related eating, food cravings and appetite were measured at the start of the LCD (week −14), randomization (0) and week 24. From randomization, lorcaserin‐treated participants had significantly greater improvements in emotion‐ and stress‐related eating compared to placebo‐treated participants (P = 0.04). However, groups did not differ significantly after randomization in changes in the frequency of food cravings, binge eating or other measures of appetite (Ps > 0.05). Compared to placebo, lorcaserin may improve emotion‐ and stress‐related eating.
Bank capital buffers in a dynamic model
Authors: Mankart Jochen , Michaelides Alexander , Pagratis Spyros 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe estimate a dynamic structural banking model to examine the interaction between risk‐weighted capital adequacy and unweighted leverage requirements, their differential impact on bank lending, and equity buffer accumulation in excess of regulatory minima. Tighter risk‐weighted capital requirements reduce loan supplies and lead to an endogenous fall in bank profitability, reducing bank incentives to accumulate equity buffers and, therefore, increasing the incidence of bank failure. Alternatively, tighter leverage requirements increase lending, preserve bank charter value, and incentives to accumulate equity buffers leading to lower bank failure rates.
Morphological characterization of aluminum‐doped zinc oxide nanomaterials (AZO) for dye‐sensitized solar cells
Authors: Ekmekci Mesut , Ela Cagatay , Erten‐Ela Sule 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn this work, aluminum‐doped ZnO (AZO, Al:ZnO) nanocomposite materials were prepared by a simple hydrothermal method using the microwave oven. Zinc oxide nanostructures were doped with aluminum in different dopant concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%). AZO materials were analyzed using XRD, SEM and EDX measurements. Also dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) performances of AZOs were investigated. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirms that the synthesized AZO nanomaterials were nanorods and nanoplates in shape and have 200 nm to 974 nm sizes in length and 116.1‐269.5 nm in diameters (shown Figure 4‐5). Dye‐sensitized solar cell efficiencies are higher in 0.5% and 1% AZO nanorod materials. We have found the maximum efficiency as 1.94% for 1% doped AZO nanorod materials.
Impact of a 6‐month family‐based weight management programme on child food and activity behaviours: short‐term and long‐term outcomes of the PEACH™ intervention
Authors: Perry R. A. , Daniels L. , Baur L. A. , Magarey A. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryBackgroundThe PEACH™ randomized controlled trial measured changes to children's food and activity behaviours following participation in a weight management programme. We have previously reported a 10% reduction in body mass index z‐score at intervention end (6‐month post‐baseline) that was maintained to 24 months with no further intervention for the full study sample.ObjectivesThe objective of the study is to report changes in food and activity outcomes in the full sample at (i) the end of the 6‐month intervention and (ii) 24‐month post‐baseline (18‐month post‐intervention).MethodsChanges in dietary and activity outcomes were assessed over time (baseline: n = 169, 8.1 ± 1.2 years, body mass index z‐score 2.72 ± 0.62). Dietary intake was assessed using the Child Dietary Questionnaire, and times spent active and sedentary were assessed using a study‐specific questionnaire. Linear mixed models were used.ResultsThere were significant time effects for all Child Dietary Questionnaire scores and activity and sedentary behaviours in the expected direction. Significant sex effects were observed for fruit and vegetable and sweetened beverages scores and for time spent in small screen‐based activity.ConclusionsThis is one of few child weight management studies to report short‐term and long‐term behaviour outcomes. It demonstrates that an intervention promoting food and activity behaviours consistent with guidelines can achieve modest changes, mediating improvements in relative weight.
Modelling Group Heterogeneity for Small Area Estimation Using M‐Quantiles
Authors: Dawber James , Chambers Raymond 
Published: September 2018

SummarySmall area estimation typically requires model‐based methods that depend on isolating the contribution to overall population heterogeneity associated with group (i.e. small area) membership. One way of doing this is via random effects models with latent group effects. Alternatively, one can use an M‐quantile ensemble model that assigns indices to sampled individuals characterising their contribution to overall sample heterogeneity. These indices are then aggregated to form group effects. The aim of this article is to contrast these two approaches to characterising group effects and to illustrate them in the context of small area estimation. In doing so, we consider a range of different data types, including continuous data, count data and binary response data.
Effect of heating rate and process atmosphere on the thermodynamics and kinetics of the sintering of pre‐alloyed water‐atomized powder metallurgy steels
Authors: Hryha Eduard , Wendel Johan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractDuring the sintering of powder metallurgy steels the full removal of the iron oxide layer is required in order to develop strong inter‐particle necks. Although this iron oxide layer has low thermodynamic stability, its removal from the powder compact is a very complex process that is determined by a number of parameters such as temperature profile, sintering atmosphere, compact properties, powder properties, and additives. This paper summarizes these sintering parameters in correlation with the powder properties through the use of thermogravimetry analysis. In this work, hydrogen additions were identified as the most effective agent for the removal of the surface iron oxide during the early stages of sintering (at temperature range between ~300 and 600°C). The process depends on the heating rate and a rather low activation energy of 48 kJ/mol was determined for this reaction. Carbothermal reduction plays the largest role in the oxide reduction at high temperatures where two main reactions can be distinguished. The first was the reduction of the surface oxide residue and particulates, which occurred at temperatures between 950 and 1150°C. This reaction is characterized by an activation energy of 253 kJ/mol. Second was believed to be associated with the reduction of the internal oxides, occurred at temperatures above 1150°C. This reaction is characterized by rather high activation energy of 422 kJ/mol.
Structural and electrical properties of ZnO‐modified (1−x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3−xPbTiO3 ceramics with wide MPB regions
Authors: Zhang Ji , Wang Rui‐Xue , Sun Lei , Gu Zheng‐Bin , Zhang Shan‐Tao 
Published: September 2018

AbstractFerro‐/piezoelectric ceramics with high performances are generally found at the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB), where two or more different ferroelectric phases coexist. However, the MPB region is usually very narrow; for example, that of (1−x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3−xPbTiO3 (PMN‐xPT) locates between x = 0.30−0.34. Herein, we report that ZnO‐modified PMN‐xPT polycrystalline ceramics have dramatically broadened MPB regions from x = 0.28, with rhombohedral and monoclinic coexisting phases, to x = 0.36, with tetragonal and monoclinic coexisting phases, as confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction and piezoresponse force microcopy measurements. The wide MPB region is attributed to lattice distortion caused by the substitution of Zn for Mg cations. As a result, the ceramics show composition insensitive electrical properties over wide composition ranges; for example, the piezoelectric coefficient (d33) and electromechanical coupling factor (kp) remain at near constant values of 450 pC/N and 0.5, respectively, in the range from x = 0.28−0.34. This work not only provides a robust and feasible method to broaden the MPB region but also offers some novel insights into promoting fundamental research on high‐performance piezoelectric ceramics.