bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of managerial capabilities at different hierarchical levels
Authors: Anzengruber Johanna , Goetz Martin A. , Nold Herbert , Woelfle Marco 
Published: February 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the relative importance of task, relations, and change capabilities of managers at low, middle, and top hierarchical levels.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered from performance reviews and evaluations from human resources personnel for 2,307 managers in one large company in a high-tech industry. Separate regressions for each management level were performed with standardized regression coefficients allowing comparisons across the different regressions.FindingsSignificant differences were observed in the effectiveness of managers using task, relations, and change capabilities. At top management, change-oriented capabilities become 2 to 3 times more important than at the lowest level. Task-oriented capabilities become significantly less important at the top level. Relations-oriented capabilities are important at all levels.Research limitations/implicationsStudies with participants from multiple industries and longitudinal studies could benefit research by further validating the findings and offering new insights on other situational factors, which change over time.Practical implicationsManagers, who have been successful in lower and middle positions, may not necessarily be effective top managers.Originality/valueFew studies have explored differences in managerial capabilities at different hierarchical levels in organizations. The study offers a clear rationale to consider when conducting any analysis of different levels of management by practitioners or researchers.
Ecological risk assessment of a subtropical river influenced by discharges of residues from water and sewage treatment plants
Authors: Silva Angélica Megda , Abessa Denis , Pamplin Paulo Augusto Zaitune , Bohrer-Morel Maria Beatriz 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The São Lourenço River (SLR) is used to supply potable waters for the cities of São Lourenço da Serra and Juquitiba, but receives the residues from the water treatment plants (WTPs) and sewage treatment plants (STPs), respectively. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impacts of the discharges of Juquitiba’s WTP and STP on the quality of the SLR, by using an integrated approach based on different lines of evidence.

Design/methodology/approach
Six sampling sites were established along the river and comprised areas situated upstream and downstream of the discharges. Five sampling surveys were performed between 2004 and 2006 for collecting water and sediment samples for ecotoxicological assays. In two of these campaigns, benthic community structure and geochemistry (metals, nutrients and sediment texture) were also assessed.

Findings
Concentrations of P, Fe and Al in waters exceeded the national standards, but sediments were not considered to be contaminated by metals or nutrients. Water and sediments tended to exhibit marginal toxicities, excluding the sediments from JQT007 and JQT008 that were frequently toxic. Combination of geochemistry, toxicity and ecological indices indicated that some sites are not degraded, but in some stations the benthic alteration may be due to non-measured contaminants, especially in JQT007 and JQT008.

Practical implications
As the use of waters from SLR for public supply has increased, these results show that action should be taken in order to reverse the environmental degradation of SRL.

Originality/value
This research combined sediment and water quality assessments in order to provide a more suitable and reliable diagnostic of the environmental quality of the SLR.
Knowledge management strategies for capitalising on school knowledge
Authors: Cheng Eric C.K. 
Published: February 2017

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the extent to which knowledge management practices, that is the process of developing and sharing organisational knowledge, can enhance intellectual capital (IC) in the context of school education.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method approach was adopted as the research strategy. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted to collect data from 445 teachers at 13 primary schools in Hong Kong. A structural equation model (SEM) was applied to confirm the predictive effective of knowledge strategies on school IC. Interviews were conducted in a case school to explore the process for capitalising the knowledge by Lesson Study.FindingsThe result of the SEM shows that personalisation and codification strategies are predictors of human capital and structural capital at schools. The findings from interviews with the principals and teachers show that personalisation and codification strategies could be put into operation as a Lesson Study to leverage knowledge for school development.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the management practices of school organisation for enhancing their IC by conducting Lesson Study for the development of their schools effectively.
Litter for life: assessing the multifunctional legacy of plant traits
Authors: Dias André Tavares Corrêa , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. , Berg Matty P. 
Published: February 2017

Summary

Litter drives a wide variety of important functions in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. However, the role of litter in regulating community dynamics and ecosystem processes has mostly been studied in terms of litter presence or amount. Besides in biogeochemistry, we still do not know how litters from distinct plant species differ in their effects on other ecosystem processes and services including biodiversity support.

We briefly synthesize the multiple litter functions and services by using the afterlife legacy of interspecific variation in plant morphological, physical and chemical traits as a unifying tool. We do so by explicit reference to two highly distinct but possibly interacting ‘trait spectra’: the widely known Resource Economic Spectrum, and the Size and Shape Spectrum, a trait‐based axis ranging from small and relatively simply shaped distal plant organs to large and more intricately shaped ones.

Synthesis. Ecosystem services provided by plant litter are driven by either one of the trait spectra or by both. In this way, the Size and Shape Spectrum‐Resource Economic Spectrum concept is a promising tool for understanding and predicting the contributions of different plant species, through the afterlife effects of their litter traits, to various important services in different ecosystems and human contexts.
Antimicrobial activity of biogenically produced spherical Se‐nanomaterials embedded in organic material against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus strains on hydroxyapatite‐coated surfaces
Authors: Piacenza Elena , Presentato Alessandro , Zonaro Emanuele , Lemire Joseph A. , Demeter Marc , Vallini Giovanni , Turner Raymond J. , Lampis Silvia 
Published: February 2017

SummaryIn an effort to prevent the formation of pathogenic biofilms on hydroxyapatite (HA)‐based clinical devices and surfaces, we present a study evaluating the antimicrobial efficacy of Spherical biogenic Se‐Nanostructures Embedded in Organic material (Bio Se‐NEMO‐S) produced by Bacillus mycoides SelTE01 in comparison with two different chemical selenium nanoparticle (SeNP) classes. These nanomaterials have been studied as potential antimicrobials for eradication of established HA‐grown biofilms, for preventing biofilm formation on HA‐coated surfaces and for inhibition of planktonic cell growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCTC 12934 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Bio Se‐NEMO resulted more efficacious than those chemically produced in all tested scenarios. Bio Se‐NEMO produced by B. mycoides SelTE01 after 6 or 24 h of Na2SeO3 exposure show the same effective antibiofilm activity towards both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus strains at 0.078 mg ml−1 (Bio Se‐NEMO6) and 0.3125 mg ml−1 (Bio Se‐NEMO24). Meanwhile, chemically synthesized SeNPs at the highest tested concentration (2.5 mg ml−1) have moderate antimicrobial activity. The confocal laser scanning micrographs demonstrate that the majority of the P. aeruginosa and S. aureus cells exposed to biogenic SeNPs within the biofilm are killed or eradicated. Bio Se‐NEMO therefore displayed good antimicrobial activity towards HA‐grown biofilms and planktonic cells, becoming possible candidates as new antimicrobials.
Impact of leopards on a working ranch in Laikipia, Kenya
Authors: Mizutani Fumi 
Published: February 2017

SummaryThis study of leopard predation on livestock was carried out on the Lolldaiga Hills ranch (200 km2) in the Laikipia District in Kenya between September 1989 and August 1995. The aims of the study were to find out whether leopards depend on livestock as a food resource on the ranch, and to quantify the economic impact of leopards on the livestock production systems. The density of leopards was estimated in three ways, and the biomass density of potential prey for leopards, both wild and domestic. Diet analysis of leopards revealed that leopards are not relying on livestock as an important food resource. To quantify the effects of leopards, an approach used in the economic assessment of agricultural development schemes was adopted (Gittinger, 1982) and models were derived by following those criteria. It was found that leopards, not being persecuted, live at a relatively high density on the ranch but have less of an adverse impact on livestock than might be expected. Wildlife as a food resource for leopards and a buffer against the killing of livestock could be of benefit on a working ranch to reduce the economic impact of predators on the production system.
Riding the rural radio wave: The impact of a community‐led drug and alcohol radio advertising campaign in a remote Australian Aboriginal community
Authors: Munro Alice , Allan Julaine , Shakeshaft Anthony , Snijder Mieke 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectiveAboriginal people experience a higher burden of disease as a consequence of drug and alcohol (D&A) abuse. Although media campaigns can be a popular tool for disseminating health promotion messages, evidence of the extent to which they reduce the impact of substance abuse is limited, especially for rural Aboriginal communities. This paper is the first to examine the impact a locally designed D&A radio advertising campaign for Aboriginal people in a remote community in Western NSW.DesignA post‐intervention evaluation.SettingThe radio campaign was implemented in Bourke, (population 2465, 30% Aboriginal).ParticipantsFifty‐three community surveys were completed.Main outcome measure(s)The self‐reported level of awareness of the campaign and the number of self‐referrals to local D&A workers in the intervention period.ResultsMost respondents (79%) reported they listen to radio on a daily basis, with 75% reporting that they had heard one or more of the advertisements. The advertisement that was remembered best contained the voice of a respected, local person. There was one self‐referral to local health services during the intervention timeframe.ConclusionThe community‐led radio advertising campaign increased community awareness of substance abuse harms, but had limited impact on formal help‐seeking. This paper highlights the value of radio as a commonly used, trusted and culturally relevant health promotion medium for rural communities, especially when engaging local respected Aboriginal presenters.
Predictors of response to a low‐FODMAP diet in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders and lactose or fructose intolerance
Authors: Wilder‐Smith C. H. , Olesen S. S. , Materna A. , Drewes A. M. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryBackgroundDiets low in fermentable sugars (low‐FODMAP diets) are increasingly adopted by patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), but outcome predictors are unclear.AimTo identify factors predictive of an efficacious response to a low‐FODMAP diet in FGID patients with fructose or lactose intolerance thereby gaining insights into underlying mechanisms.MethodsFructose and lactose breath tests were performed in FGID patients to determine intolerance (positive symptom score) and malabsorption (increased hydrogen or methane concentrations). Patients with fructose or lactose intolerance consumed a low‐FODMAP diet and global adequate symptom relief was assessed after 6–8 weeks and correlated with pre‐diet clinical symptoms and breath test results.ResultsA total of 81% of 584 patients completing the low‐FODMAP diet achieved adequate relief, without significant differences between FGID subgroups or types of intolerance. Univariate analysis yielded predictive factors in fructose intolerance (chronic diarrhoea and pruritus, peak methane concentrations and fullness during breath tests) and lactose intolerance (peak hydrogen and methane concentrations and flatulence during breath tests). Using multivariate analysis, symptom relief was independently and positively predicted in fructose intolerance by chronic diarrhoea [odds ratio (95% confidence intervals): 2.62 (1.31–5.27), P = 0.007] and peak breath methane concentrations [1.53 (1.02–2.29), P = 0.042], and negatively predicted by chronic nausea [0.33 (0.16–0.67), P = 0.002]. No independent predictive factors emerged for lactose intolerance.ConclusionsAdequate global symptom relief was achieved with a low‐FODMAP diet in a large majority of functional gastrointestinal disorders patients with fructose or lactose intolerance. Independent predictors of a satisfactory dietary outcome were only seen in fructose intolerant patients, and were indicative of changes in intestinal host or microbiome metabolism.
Body image disturbance and skin bleaching
Authors: Charles Christopher A. D. , McLean Shua‐Kym 
Published: February 2017

This study looks at body image disturbance among Jamaicans who bleach their skin. The hypothesis states that there is a positive relationship between skin bleaching and body image disturbance. The study used a convenience sample of 160 participants with a skin bleaching group (n = 80) and a non‐bleaching comparison group (n = 80). The instrument included demographic questions, the body image disturbance questionnaire (BIDQ), and questions about skin bleaching. The results of a t‐test revealed that the skin bleaching group (M = 1.5255, SD = 0.42169) was not significantly different from the non‐bleaching group (M = 1.4938, SD = 0.74217) in terms of body image disturbance, t(158) = 0.333, p = .740. The participants who bleached did not suffer from body image disturbance. Self‐reports revealed that they bleached to acquire beauty, attract a partner, elude the police, and market skin bleaching products. The practice was fashionable and popular and it made some participants feel good, while others were fans of a popular musical artiste who bleached his skin. The majority of participants bleached because of the perceived personal, social, and entrepreneurial benefits of the practice and not because they suffered emotional distress, anxiety, and functional impairment because of their skin colour. However, there was some level of BID among the minority of participants who argued that they bleached because they wanted to be pretty so they were emotionally distressed about there body image and experienced functional impairment.
Enhanced expression of the M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase is involved in gastric cancer development by regulating cancer‐specific metabolism
Authors: Shiroki Takeharu , Yokoyama Misa , Tanuma Nobuhiro , Maejima Ryuhei , Tamai Keiichi , Yamaguchi Kazunori , Oikawa Tomoyuki , Noguchi Tetsuya , Miura Koh , Fujiya Tsuneaki , Shima Hiroshi , Sato Ikuro , Murata‐Kamiya Naoko , Hatakeyama Masanori , Iijima Katsunori , Shimosegawa Tooru , Satoh Kennichi 
Published: February 2017

Recent studies have indicated that increased expression of the M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase (PKM2) is involved in glycolysis and tumor development. However, little is known about the role of PKM2 in gastric cancer (GC). Therefore, we examined the expression and function of PKM2 in human GC. We evaluated PKM1 and PKM2 expression by quantitative RT‐PCR in gastric tissues from 10 patients who underwent gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection, 80 patients who underwent gastrectomy, and seven healthy volunteers, and analyzed the correlation with clinicopathological variables. To assess the function of PKM2, we generated PKM2‐knockdown GC cells, and investigated the phenotypic changes. Furthermore, we examined the induction of PKM2 expression by cytotoxin‐associated gene A (CagA), a pathogenic factor of Helicobacter pylori, using CagA‐inducible GC cells. We found that PKM2 was predominantly expressed not only in GC lesions but also in the normal gastric regions of GC patients and in the gastric mucosa of healthy volunteers. The PKM2 expression was significantly higher in carcinoma compared to non‐cancerous tissue and was associated with venous invasion. Knockdown of PKM2 in GC cells caused significant decreases in cellular proliferation, migration, anchorage‐independent growth, and sphere formation in vitro, and in tumor growth and liver metastasis in vivo. The serine concentration‐dependent cell proliferation was also inhibited by PKM2 silencing. Furthermore, we found that PKM2 expression was upregulated by CagA by way of the Erk pathway. These results suggested that enhanced PKM2 expression plays a pivotal role in the carcinogenesis and development of GC in part by regulating cancer‐specific metabolism.
Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein induced mouse hippocampal HT‐22 cell damage via promoting the shift from autophagy to apoptosis
Authors: Gu Hong‐Feng , Li Hai‐Zhe , Xie Xue‐Jiao , Tang Ya‐Ling , Tang Xiao‐Qing , Nie Ya‐Xiong , Liao Duan‐Fang 
Published: February 2017

SummaryAimsAlthough oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) in the brain induces neuronal death, the mechanism underlying the damage effects remains largely unknown. Given that the ultimate outcome of a cell is depended on the balance between autophagy and apoptosis, this study was performed to explore whether ox‐LDL induced HT‐22 neuronal cell damage via autophagy impairment and apoptosis enhancement.MethodsFlow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to evaluate changes in cell apoptosis and autophagy, respectively. The protein expression of LC3‐II, p62, Bcl‐2, and Bax in HT‐22 cells was measured by Western bolt analysis.ResultsOur study confirmed that 100 μg/mL of ox‐LDL not only promoted TH‐22 cell apoptosis, characterized by elevated cell apoptosis rate and Bax protein expression, decreased Bcl‐2 protein expression, and damaged cellular ultrastructures, but also impaired autophagy as indicated by the decreased LC3‐II levels and the increased p62 levels. Importantly, all of these effects of ox‐LDL were significantly aggravated by cotreatment with chloroquine (an inhibitor of autophagy flux). In contrast, cotreatment with rapamycin (an inducer of autophagy) remarkably reversed these effects of ox‐LDL.ConclusionsTaken together, our results indicated that ox‐LDL‐induced shift from autophagy to apoptosis contributes to HT‐22 cell damage.
First report of Cryptosphaeria pullmanensis as causal agent of Cryptosphaeria canker of Populus nigra in Iran
Authors: Mehrabi M. , Hemmati R. , Trouillas F. P. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryA diatrypaceous fungus was isolated consistently from cankers on Populus nigra trees showing dieback symptoms in Kohgiluyeh Boyer‐Ahmad, Zanjan and Esfahan provinces in Iran. Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of the ITS region of the rDNA identified the taxon as Cryptosphaeria pullmanensis. Pathogenicity tests conducted in potted 3‐month‐old cuttings of P. nigra confirmed Koch's postulates and revealed that C. pullmanensis caused canker on this host. This is the first report of C. pullmanensis causing a canker disease on P. nigra in Iran.
The Headache That Changed History: The Most Famous Thunderclap Headache
Authors: Lomazow Steven 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundFranklin Delano Roosevelt's fatal brain hemorrhage on April 12, 1945 provides an excellent platform for the study of the potential causes of one of the most famous headaches in history.ImpressionThe differential diagnosis of thunderclap headache, including hypertension and melanoma, is discussed, as are Roosevelt's health problems in the context of how serious diseases of our leaders can have a tangible effect upon historical interpretation.DiscussionA large body of evidence is presented in support of a probable cover‐up of Roosevelt's health problems, perpetrated by his doctors and close confidantes. The necessity of challenging conventional thinking about the health of our leaders and the fundamental importance of understanding their health issues is also emphasized.
Mycetoma‐like chromoblastomycosis: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Jaleel Ameena , Celine Machiyanickel I. , Sobhanakumari Kunjumani , Sadanandan Sadeep M. , Shanimole Puthenpurayil E. , Sobhana Surendran Susna 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectivesMycetoma and chromoblastomycosis are subcutaneous fungal infections caused by pigmented fungi, common in the tropics and subtropics. Here we report a pregnant woman who presented with a swelling around the ankle joint which was clinically diagnosed as a case of mycetoma; however, further investigations revealed it to be a case of chromoblastomycosis.Methods24 year old primigravida presented with an indurated swelling around the ankle joint with multiple nodules and sinuses draining serosanguinous discharge. There was no improvement with antibiotic therapy or surgical debridement. Patient was investigated in detail including radiographs, KOH smear, pus culture and biopsy for histopathology and fungal culture.Resultso grains were identified from the discharge and KOH smear was negative for fungal elements. Pus culture revealed no bacterial growth. On the other hand, histopathology and fungal culture confirmed it to be a case of chromoblastomycosis caused by Fonsecaea pedrosoi. Treatment was initiated with terbinafine 250 mg daily, and patient showed excellent response within 6 months of therapy.ConclusionThis unusual mycetoma‐like presentation of chromoblastomycosis has not been previously reported in literature and may be attributed to the altered immune status in pregnancy. This should alert the clinician about the need to be vigilant of the atypical presentations of well‐known dermatological conditions, especially in special situations like pregnancy.