bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extent of adaptation is not limited by unpredictability of the environment in laboratory populations ofEscherichia coli
Authors: Karve Shraddha , Bhave Devika , Dey Sutirth 
Published: July 2017

AbstractEnvironmental variability is on the rise in different parts of the earth and the survival of many species depend on how well they cope with these fluctuations. Our current understanding of how organisms adapt to unpredictably fluctuating environments is almost entirely based on studies that investigate fluctuations among different values of a single environmental stressor like temperature or pH. However, in nature multiple stresses often exist simultaneously. How would unpredictability in environmental fluctuations affect adaptation under such a scenario? To answer this question, we subjected laboratory populations ofEscherichia colito selection over ~260 generations. The populations faced predictable and unpredictable environmental fluctuations across qualitatively different selection environments, namely, salt and acidic pH. We show that predictability of environmental fluctuations does not play a role in determining the extent of adaptation. Interestingly, the extent of ancestral adaptation, to the chosen selection environments, is of key importance. Integrating the insights from two previous studies, our results suggest that it is the simultaneous presence of multiple environmental factors that poses a bigger constraint on extent of adaptation, rather than unpredictability of the fluctuations.
The Influence of Pesticide Use on Amphibian Chytrid Fungal Infections Varies with Host Life Stage
Authors: Rumschlag Samantha L. , Rohr Jason R. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTAimPesticides are widespread and may alter host-pathogen interactions, ultimately influencing pathogen distributions across landscapes. Previous laboratory research supports two hypotheses regarding the effects of pesticides on interactions between amphibians and the predominately aquatic fungal pathogenBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis(Bd): 1) pesticides can be directly toxic to Bd reducing infection risk of aquatic larval amphibians, and 2) exposure to pesticides at formative stages of amphibian development can have long-term consequences on defenses, increasing disease risk after metamorphosis. It remains equivocal whether these laboratory patterns are consistent across amphibian species and occur in the field across broad spatial scales. The aim of this research is to address this research gap on the impact of pesticides on Bd distributions.LocationContiguous United States.Time Period1998-2009.Major Taxa StudiedAmphibian hosts and Bd.MethodsOur data included 3,946 individuals evaluated for Bd infection across 49 amphibian species, at 126 locations, which resulted in 199 estimates of Bd prevalence in populations. We used species distribution models and multimodel inference to assess the influence of 1) total pesticide use, 2) pesticide use by type (herbicide, insecticide, fungicide), and 3) the most commonly used pesticide compounds on Bd infection prevalence in amphibian populations across life stages, controlling for several factors previously documented to affect Bd's distribution.ResultsConsistent with laboratory findings, our results indicate 36 that exposure to multiple herbicide compounds is associated with lowered infection risk in the aquatic larval stage but higher risk in the terrestrial post-metamorphic stage.Main ConclusionsOur study highlights the complex nature of the effects that pesticides can have on disease distributions and suggests that pesticides should be strongly considered at broad scales and across host species, especially in environments in which exposure is widespread. Accurate predictions of disease distributions may lead to more effective management strategies to limit disease spread.
Effects of agrochemicals on disease severity ofAcanthostomum burminisinfections (Digenea: Trematoda) in the Asian common toad,Duttaphrynus melanostictus
Authors: Jayawardena Uthpala A. , Rohr Jason R. , Amerasinghe Priyanie H. , Navaratne Ayanthi N. , Rajakaruna Rupika S. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundAgrochemicals are widely used in many parts of the world posing direct and indirect threats to organisms. Xenobiotic-related disease susceptibility is a common phenomenon and a proposed cause of amphibian declines and malformations. For example, parasitic infections combined with pesticides generally pose greater risk to both tadpoles and adult frogs than either factor alone. Here, we report on experimental effects of lone and combined exposures to cercariae of the digenetic trematodeAcanthostomum burminisand ecologically relevant concentrations of (0.5 ppm) four pesticides (insecticides: chlorpyrifos, dimethoate; herbicides: glyphosate, propanil) on the tadpoles and metamorphs of the Asian common toad,Duttaphrynus melanostictus.ResultsAll 48 cercaraie successfully penetrated each host suggesting that the pesticides had no short-term detrimental effect on cercarial penetration abilities. When the two treatments were provided separately, both cercariae and pesticides significantly decreased the survival of tadpoles and metamorphs and increased developmental malformations, such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and skin ulcers. Exposure to cercariae and the two insecticides additively reduced host survival. In contrast, mortality associated with the combination of cercariae and herbicides was less than additive. The effect of cercariae on malformation incidence depended on the pesticide treatment; dimethoate, glyphosate, and propanil reduced the number of cercarial-induced malformations relative to both the control and chlorpyrifos treatments.ConclusionsThese results show that ecologically relevant concentrations of the tested agrochemicals had minimal effects on trematode infections, in contrast to others studies which showed that these same treatments increased the adverse effects of these infections on tadpoles and metamorphs of the Asian common toad. These findings reinforce the importance of elucidating the complex interactions among xenobiotics and pathogens on sentinel organisms that may be indicators of risk to other biota.
Cooperating yet distinct brain networks engaged during naturalistic paradigms: A meta-analysis of functional MRI results
Authors: Bottenhorn Katherine L. , Flannery Jessica S. , Boeving Emily R. , Riedel Michael C. , Eickhoff Simon B. , Sutherland Matthew T. , Laird Angela R. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCognitive processes do not occur by pure insertion and instead depend on the full complement of co-occurring mental processes, including perceptual and motor functions. As such, there is limited ecological validity to human neuroimaging experiments that use highly controlled tasks to isolate mental processes of interest. However, a growing literature shows how dynamic, interactive tasks have allowed researchers to study cognition as it more naturally occurs. Collective analysis across such neuroimaging experiments may answer broader questions regarding how naturalistic cognition is biologically distributed throughout the brain. We applied an unbiased, data-driven, meta-analytic approach that usesk-means clustering to identify core brain networks engaged across the naturalistic functional neuroimaging literature. Functional decoding allowed us to, then, delineate how information is distributed between these networks throughout the execution of dynamical cognition in realistic settings. This analysis revealed six recurrent patterns of brain activation, representing sensory, domain-specific, and attentional neural networks that support the cognitive demands of naturalistic paradigms. Though gaps in the literature remain, these results suggest that naturalistic fMRI paradigms recruit a common set of networks that that allow both separate processing of different streams of information and integration of relevant information to enable flexible cognition and complex behavior.
Chemotherapeutic dose scheduling based on tumor growth rates:the case for low dose metronomic high entropy therapies
Authors: West Jeffrey , Newton Paul K. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe extend classical tumor regression models, such as the Norton-Simon hypothesis, from instantaneous regression rates (i.e. the derivative) to the cumulative effect (i.e. the integral) over one (or many) cycles of chemotherapy. To achieve this end, we use a stochastic Moran process model of tumor cell kinetics, coupled with a prisoner’s dilemma game-theoretic cell-cell interaction model to design chemotherapeutic strategies tailored to different tumor growth characteristics. Using the Shannon entropy as a novel tool to quantify the success of dosing strategies, we contrast maximum tolerated dose (MTD) strategies as compared with low dose, high density metronomic strategies (LDM) for tumors with different growth rates. Our results show that LDM strategies can outperform MTD strategies in total tumor cell reduction (TCR). The advantage is magnified for fast growing tumors that thrive on long periods of unhindered growth without chemotherapy drugs present and is not evident after a single cycle of chemotherapy, but grows after each subsequent cycle of repeated chemotherapy. The model supports the concept of designing different chemotherapeutic schedules for tumors with different growth rates and develops quantitative tools to optimize these schedules for maintaining low volume tumors. The evolutionary model we introduce in this paper is compared with regression data from murine models and shown to be in good agreement.Major FindingsModel simulations show that metronomic (low dose, high density) therapies can outperform maximum tolerated dose (high dose, low density) therapies. This is due to the fact that tumor cell reduction is more sensitive to changes in dose density than changes in dose concentration, especially for faster growing tumors. This effect is negligible after a single cycle of chemotherapy, but magnified after many cycles. The model also allows for novel chemotherapeutic schedules and quantifies their performance according to tumor growth rate.
Inrush current computations using an optimised analytical hysteresis model
Authors: Renhart Werner , Bíró Oszkár , Magele Christian , Preis Kurt , Rabel Alexander 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is the modelling and estimation of inrush currents while energising power devices under no load conditions. An analytical representation of the nonlinear B-H curve serves for considering the hysteresis behaviour in the numerical model.

Design/methodology/approach
The model is implemented into a standard finite element formulation to compute transient problems.

Findings
Inrush currents behave like faults in power distribution facilities. Its prior estimation helps to distinguish between operating conditions and faults.

Research limitations/implications
The magnetic cores may become extremely magnetised. At such high material saturations, the material characteristics are not measurable accurately. Hence, the results depend on the extrapolation of the B-H curves.

Originality/value
The use of first-order reversal curves within the major hysteresis loops helps in a convenient way to estimate peak and shape of the inrush currents.
Temporary contracts, participation in decision making and job satisfaction in European workers
Authors: Goñi-Legaz Salomé , Ollo-López Andrea 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish to what extent temporary contract and participation in decision making impact on employees job satisfaction and to propose a model whereby participation in decision making mitigates against the negative impact that temporary work has on job satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use data for a representative sample of 14,778 employees in 23 European countries. In order to test the hypotheses, the authors use regression models and the Chow test.FindingsThe results show that while temporary contracts decreases job satisfaction, participation in decision making increases it. However, autonomous teams, job autonomy, and job involvement buffer against the negative effect that temporary contract has on job satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of secondary data and the non-longitudinal nature of the data set.Practical implicationsThe effect of participation in decision making in job satisfaction is greater for temporary workers than for permanents. Participation in decision making should not be restricted to permanent workers.Originality/valueParticipation in decision making and temporary contracts has been considered incompatible practices. The paper contributes to enrich the understanding of the relationship between these practices and job satisfaction. Sample representatives support the results obtained.
Self-efficacy and work engagement: test of a chain model
Authors: Chan Xi Wen , Kalliath Thomas , Brough Paula , O’Driscoll Michael , Siu Oi-Ling , Timms Carolyn 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating roles of work and family demands and work-life balance on the relationship between self-efficacy (to regulate work and life) and work engagement. Specifically, it seeks to explain how self-efficacy influences employees’ thought patterns and emotional reactions, which in turn enable them to cope with work and family demands, and ultimately achieve work-life balance and work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach
Structural equation modelling (SEM) of survey data obtained from a heterogeneous sample of 1,010 Australian employees is used to test the hypothesised chain mediation model.

Findings
The SEM results support the hypothesised model. Self-efficacy was significantly and negatively related to work and family demands, which in turn were negatively associated with work-life balance. Work-life balance, in turn, enabled employees to be engaged in their work.

Research limitations/implications
The findings support the key tenets of social cognitive theory and conservation of resources (COR) theory and demonstrate how self-efficacy can lead to work-life balance and engagement despite the presence of role demands. Study limitations (e.g. cross-sectional research design) and future research directions are discussed.

Originality/value
This study incorporates COR theory with social cognitive theory to improve understanding of how self-efficacy enhances work-life balance and work engagement through a self-fulfilling cycle in which employees achieve what they believe they can accomplish, and in the process, build other skills and personal resources to manage work and family challenges.
Do you get what you ask? The gender gap in desired and realised wages
Authors: Meriküll Jaanika , Mõtsmees Pille 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study gender differences in wage bargaining by comparing the unexplained wage gap in desired, realised and reservation wages.Design/methodology/approachThe notion of desired wages is applied, which shows workers’ first bet to potential employers during the job-search process. A large job-search data set is drawn from the main Estonian electronic job-search site CV Keskus.FindingsIt is found that the unexplained gender wage gap is around 20 per cent in desired wages and in realised wages, which supports the view that the gender income gap in expectations compares well with the realised income gap. The unexplained gender wage gap is larger in desired wages than in reservation wages for unemployed individuals, and this suggests that women ask for wages that are closer to their reservation wages men do. Occupational and sectoral mobility is unable to explain a significant additional part of the gender wage gap.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the scarce empirical evidence on the role of the non-experimental wage negotiation process in the gender wage gap. In addition, the authors seek to explain one of the largest unexplained gender wage gaps in Europe, the one in Estonia, by introducing a novel set of variables for occupational and sectoral mobility from a lengthy retrospective panel.
Gender gap in upward mobility: what is the role of non-cognitive traits?
Authors: Chu Yu-Wei Luke , Linz Susan 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to find whether non-cognitive traits contribute to the gender gap in supervisory status and promotion.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors use a large employer-employee matched data set collected from six former socialist countries to assess the link between non-cognitive traits and upward mobility.

Findings
Controlling for workplace heterogeneity, the authors find that gender differences in locus of control, the preference for challenge vs affiliation, and adherence to work ethic together can explain about 7-18 percent of the gender gap in supervisory status and promotion.

Originality/value
Overall, non-cognitive traits provide an important, though modest, explanation for the gender gap in upward mobility.
Variations in user-oriented elderly care: a multilevel approach
Authors: Kazemi Ali , Kajonius Petri 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
National Board of Health and Welfare claims that the quality of elderly care services differ considerably between municipalities in Sweden. This study aims to analyze to what extent these variations can be accounted for by the older person’s municipality affiliation (i.e. receiving elderly care in a certain municipality).

Design/methodology/approach
Addressing this issue, national survey data from 78,538 older respondents receiving elderly care services in Sweden were analyzed using multilevel modeling (MLM).

Findings
The results showed that municipality affiliation only marginally explained the variance in satisfaction with care, i.e. its variations were larger within than between municipalities. Instead, user-oriented care accounted for the variation in satisfaction with care. Specifically, the way the care workers behave toward the older person proved to be much more crucial for satisfaction with care than municipality affiliation. Moreover, random effects analyses revealed that the effects of user-oriented care on satisfaction with care varied across municipalities. Care setting (i.e. home care or nursing home) only marginally accounted for its variance.

Practical implications
Developing care quality should start and primarily be discussed at the interpersonal care level, and not, as is customary, at the municipality level.

Originality/value
The present research is the first in its kind to quantitatively investigate the sources of variation in perceived quality of Swedish elderly care using MLM.
Researching telecare: the importance of context
Authors: Hamblin Kate , Yeandle Sue , Fry Gary 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a research method which offers insights into the factors which affect the optimal use and implementation of telecare, or which may lead to its rejection by older people with support needs – factors pertinent to those involved in the design and delivery of both telecare research studies and of services.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology outlined, influenced by Chicago School and Science and Technology Studies, emphasises the importance of context when examining social phenomena, such as the use of technology. The multi-method approach identified key patterns which provide insights into how telecare was used by a sample of older adults, including information on its suboptimal use and rejection.FindingsThe study of telecare use in real-life situations – and the investigation of other complex social interventions – requires an approach which fully considers the importance of context in explaining social phenomena. The main value of the method and findings lies in the insights offered to designers of larger studies which seek to generalise results, including telecare randomised control trials, as well as for those involved in the delivery of telecare services to achieve optimal adoption and use.Originality/valueThe study methods described combined ethnographic, longitudinal and qualitative methodologies and creative research tools in an innovative way to allow exploration of how context affects the uptake and use of telecare.
Measuring the intellectual capital of Italian listed companies
Authors: Forte William , Tucker Jon , Matonti Gaetano , Nicolò Giuseppe 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between intellectual capital (IC), measured in terms of the market to book (MTB) ratio, and potential key determinants of IC value such as intangible assets (IA) and a range of other factors.Design/methodology/approachThe study is conducted for a sample of 140 Italian corporations over the period 2009-2013. Applying a holistic market-based approach, the relationship between IC value and selected determinants from the extant literature is tested. Five hypotheses are tested using a pooled OLS regression model, while controlling for time. ROE is employed as a useful firm profitability indicator from the perspective of an equity investor. Moreover, four robustness tests are undertaken.FindingsThe results show that IA, profitability, leverage, industry type, auditor type, and family ownership positively affect IC value, whereas SIZE and AGE negatively affect IC value. Moreover, the findings of the robustness tests suggest that all firms, and not just knowledge-intensive business service industry firms, manage knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsThe validity of the findings is limited to the Italian context, as the study focuses on a sample of companies listed on the Milan Stock Exchange, all of which prepare their individual financial statements according to IFRS. Further limitations are related to the use of market value in the short term, as it is influenced by market volatility. The study may allow academic researchers to investigate the impact of other non-accounting sources of information on market value within a multidisciplinary perspective.Practical implicationsThis paper also has implications for managers and practitioners. The findings suggest that managers should not take for granted that firm growth (an increase in SIZE) alone will lead to an increase in IC value, in the absence of a consistent IC-oriented investment strategy. Managers should also avoid smoothing their IC investment as the company grows, in order to maintain a stable MTB ratio. Further, standard setters should seek to explore better means of disclosing non-accounting information relating to IC value.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the IC literature as it is the first study which applies the market capitalization approach to analyze IC value determinants in the Italian context, within the framework of IFRS. The findings reveal some interesting relationships between the MTB ratio and recognized intangible investments, which are found to be insignificant in previous studies, confirming that, through the holistic effect, the MTB ratio may be a good proxy for IC.