bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transformational leadership and psychological empowerment
Authors: Pradhan Rabindra Kumar , Panda Madhusmita , Jena Lalatendu Kesari 
Published: February 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of transformational leadership in psychological empowerment in Indian retail industry. This study also tries to examine whether organizational culture plays a mediating role in the relationships between transformational leadership and psychological empowerment.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 310 respondents was randomly selected from different Indian retail organizations for the study. Data collections were carried out using a set of standardized questionnaires. Raw data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 and process plugin of Hayes for mediation analysis.FindingsThe empirical investigations of the study have shown that transformational leadership is positively related to psychological empowerment. The study also found partial mediation of organizational culture between transformational leadership and psychological empowerment.Research limitations/implicationsFirst of all, the sample size of the study is relatively small (n=310). The study is limited to the employees of eastern Indian retail organizations. Second, the common method bias is presumed to influence and inflate the relationships between the variables of the study as the data on all three variables were collected at the same point of time from respondents.Practical implicationsThe road map presented in this paper may be helpful for the retail executives to diagnose organizational culture and leadership styles prevailing in the organization and their influence on psychological empowerment. The study may be helpful for retail managers to develop a desirable culture through the practice of transformational leadership that would enhance the empowerment process.Originality/valueThis paper adds value to the limited body of knowledge about the association among transformational leadership, psychological empowerment, and organizational culture. The findings presented in this paper would be beneficial for Indian researchers, OD experts and organization scientists in developing a culture of empowerment by the help of transformational leadership. Unique statistical tools have been used for mediation analysis.
Customer satisfaction in Jamaican hotels through the use of information and communication technology
Authors: Chevers Delroy , Spencer Andrew 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to assess the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on customer satisfaction in Jamaican hotels.

Design/methodology/approach
An online survey approach was used with 213 hotel guests in Jamaica.

Findings
The study found that there was a significant relationship between ICT adoption and hotel guest satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications
It is hoped that other researchers will refine the proposed research model.

Practical implications
It is believed that the findings of the study can be used to guide hotel managers regarding the ICT components with the greatest influence on customer satisfaction, which by extension can lead to improved hotel performance.

Social implications
These findings can assist policy makers at the national level in formulating optimal strategies to improve the Jamaican hotel industry.

Originality/value
The paper proposes a research model, which can provide useful insights to hotel administrators regarding increasing the ability to satisfy customers.
Long‐term time series of legume cycles in a semi‐natural montane grassland: evidence for nitrogen‐driven grass dynamics?
Authors: Herben Tomáš , Mayerová Hana , Skálová Hana , Hadincová Věra , Pecháčková Sylvie , Krahulec František 
Published: February 2017

Summary

Several dynamic models have shown that dynamics of legumes and grasses can result in periodic behaviour. These oscillations arise due to delays in nitrogen flows coupled with differences in ability to compete for light. However, long‐term time series on legume dynamics that could be used to test predictions of these models are almost non‐existent.

We examine legume oscillations in a semi‐natural mountain grassland using a long‐term (Tilde; 30 years) data series on aboveground biomass of individual species and on nitrogen and phosphorus content over time.

Using autocorrelation analysis, we show that there is a strong periodicity (with period of 8–9 years) of legume and grass biomass and nitrogen content in the grass biomass. These three variables are in fairly stable phase shifts relative to each other, with a grass peak followed by a peak in C : N ratio in grasses which is followed by a legume peak. Phosphorus content in either legume or grass biomass does not show synchronous cycling with legume or grass biomass or nitrogen content in grass.

Fitting a dynamic linear model to the data showed that legumes affect nitrogen content in grasses, and grass biomass both affects and is affected by nitrogen content. In contrast, there is no negative effect of grasses on legumes, indicating some other process must be responsible for the legume decline. Manuring, which was occasionally applied to the plots, also does not seem to affect the cycling. Second‐order term for legumes showed some evidence of self‐inhibitory effects in legumes, but phosphorus content in legumes shows no support for phosphorus limitation. The most likely explanation of the legume decline should be sought elsewhere (pathogens, soil biota etc.).

Synthesis. Long‐term data support the existing the claim that legume dynamics are the key driver of nitrogen dynamics in nutrient‐poor semi‐natural grasslands. Grasses benefit from the nutrient enrichment due to legume cycling, but are a passive element and do not play a role in legume limitation. Apart from the role of nutrient cycling, these legume‐driven nutrient dynamics also constitutes processes by which long‐term richness of meadows is maintained.
Species but not genotype diversity strongly impacts the establishment of rare colonisers
Authors: Schöb Christian , Hortal Sara , Karley Alison J. , Morcillo Luna , Newton Adrian C. , Pakeman Robin J. , Powell Jeff R. , Anderson Ian C. , Brooker Rob W. 
Published: February 2017

Summary

Understanding species coexistence and regulation of biodiversity are major research challenges, yet there is no consensus on the effects of diversity on diversity, including their mediation through plant–plant interactions.

We examined how the diversity of recipient communities impacted on the establishment of colonising species. We ran a greenhouse‐based community experiment, creating artificial arable crop communities with varying levels of barley genotype and weed species diversity, analysed with structural equation modelling of responses across trophic levels.

Colonising arable weed species establishment was significantly reduced when the recipient communities’ weed species richness, but not barley genotype richness, increased. Recipient plant communities with higher species richness occupied more total niche space and showed stronger competition with colonising species. In contrast, recipient plant communities with higher genotype richness, even though they had slightly greater niche space occupancy, had no significant effects on the colonisation of additional species.

Responses were species specific: colonising common weed species establishment was less affected by the recipient plant communities than that of colonising rare weed species. Strong responses of colonising rare species were related to the abiotic rather than the biotic environment created by the recipient communities. The stronger response of colonising rare species suggests greater niche overlap with and competitive inferiority to the recipient plant community, whereas the relative independence of colonising common species indicates less niche overlap and/or competitive equality or superiority.

We observed a negative species diversity effect on colonising species, with the effect size increasing with increasing rarity of the colonising species. This differential responsiveness of colonising rare and common arable weed species to the presence of and diversity in the recipient arable plant communities may be crucial in understanding rarity and may result from differential evolutionary pathways in response to interactions.
Privatising the suburbs: examining the trends and implications of 20 years of private residential development in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Kenna Therese , Goodman Robin , Stevenson Deborah 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMaster planned estates have been the subject of considerable academic interest since the publication of Blakely and Snyder's () typology. The growing provision of private assets, facilities, and infrastructure in such estates has been documented and discussed. However, the extent of this form of residential estate in Australia has yet to be systematically documented. This paper seeks to contribute to knowledge in this field by reference to findings from an investigation in Sydney, Australia, using data from 300 private residential estates constructed under the New South Wales Community Land Development Act, 1989 (community title) over a 20‐year period. The aim is to understand the broad trends emerging in relation to the nature and extent of these types of developments and to consider some of their potential implications. This research suggests that there has been a quiet revolution in residential development and postulates that the extent of privatisation of essential neighbourhood infrastructure has been considerable. The study finds that master planned residential estate development has proliferated, particularly in the outer suburbs and in areas of relative disadvantage, and resulted in enclaves of comparative affluence disconnected from surrounding areas. In addition, the restrictive covenants usually applied in these estates are often designed to prevent change, including future densification or environmental adaptation. To this extent, the privatised nature of these estates puts them beyond the reach of broader urban planning goals.
Elevated temperatures alter competitive outcomes and body condition in southern Appalachian salamanders
Authors: Liles L. A. , Cecala K. K. , Ennen J. R. , Davenport J. M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractTemperature elevation due to climate change is directly altering organismal performance and distributions, but the mechanisms behind these shifts require additional attention. Because small aquatic ectotherms are proposed to perform better at future climates, it is possible that competitive interactions in size‐structured communities may also shift. To study the interactive effects of climate and competition on species performance, we evaluated body condition of small and large desmognathan salamanders at current and elevated temperatures in stream mesocosms, and characterized habitat use. In situ evaluation of capture locations demonstrated that the widespread and larger species, Desmognathus conanti, competitively excludes the smaller more narrowly distributed, D. abditus, from stream centers and cooler temperatures, but ex situ mesocosm experiments indicated an interaction between temperature and intra‐ versus inter‐specific competition on D. abditus body condition. At current temperatures, D. abditus body condition increased in the presence of the larger D. conanti, but at elevated temperatures, D. abditus body condition tended to decline in the presence of the larger species relative to intraspecific competitors. We also noted that individuals at future temperatures prioritized growth differently than individuals at current temperatures by shifting allocations away from growth in length to growth in mass consistent with responses of other organisms to stressful conditions that could result in declining reproductive rates. This study demonstrates that processes in size‐structured communities may interact with temperature to affect species’ future success.
Laparoscopic orchidopexy with transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair in an adult
Authors: Omoto Kenichiro , Nishihara Yuichi , Kawaguchi Yoshiki , Urakami Hidejiro , Seki Shiko , Ohishi Takashi , Isobe Yoh , Matsumoto Sumio 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe report an adult who underwent laparoscopic orchidopexy and transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair. The patient was a 53‐year‐old man who was referred to our hospital for a bulge and pain in his left inguinal area. An abdominal CT scan revealed that the greater omentum was incarcerated in a left inguinal hernia. The patient underwent emergency laparoscopic surgery immediately. After reduction, he was diagnosed with bilateral cryptorchidism and inguinal hernia. After adequate mobilization, pneumoperitoneum was discontinued, and orchidopexy was performed with the Lichtenstein tension‐free hernioplasty. One month later, the patient underwent elective laparoscopic orchidopexy with transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair on his right side. The patient's postoperative course has been uneventful, with no evidence of hernia recurrence to date. This procedure is safe and may be an option for adult patients who desire testis preservation. This may be the first report of laparoscopic hernia repair with orchidopexy.
Methodological considerations for designing a community water fluoridation cessation study
Authors: Singhal Sonica , Farmer Julie , McLaren Lindsay 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHigh‐quality, up‐to‐date research on community water fluoridation (CWF), and especially on the implications of CWF cessation for dental health, is limited. Although CWF cessation studies have been conducted, they are few in number; one of the major reasons is the methodological complexity of conducting such a study. This article draws on a systematic review of existing cessation studies (n=15) to explore methodological considerations of conducting CWF cessation studies in future. We review nine important methodological aspects (study design, comparison community, target population, time frame, sampling strategy, clinical indicators, assessment criteria, covariates and biomarkers) and provide recommendations for planning future CWF cessation studies that examine effects on dental caries. There is no one ideal study design to answer a research question. However, recommendations proposed regarding methodological aspects to conduct an epidemiological study to observe the effects of CWF cessation on dental caries, coupled with our identification of important methodological gaps, will be useful for researchers who are looking to optimize resources to conduct such a study with standards of rigour.
What is the difference between the blood–nerve barrier and blood–brain barrier?
Authors: Nakatsuji Yuji 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe blood–brain barrier and blood–nerve barrier play crucial roles in maintaining homeostasis of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Takeshita et al. reported the different molecular expression pattern in the components constituting the blood–brain barrier and blood–nerve barrier, and suggested that the blood–nerve barrier might have a distinct mechanism for T cell migration.
Are Brazil deforesters avoiding detection? Reply to Richards et al. 2016
Authors: Bustamante Mercedes M. C. , de Morisson Valeriano Dalton , de Almeida Claudio Aparecido , Cantinho Roberta Zecchini , Maurano Luiz Eduardo Pinheiro , Nobre Carlos A. , Oliveira Pedro V. C. , Ometto Jean P. , Roitman Iris , Rojas Márcio , de O. Santos Mauro Meirelles , Shimbo Julia Zanin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe paper “Are Brazil deforesters avoiding detection?” recently published in Conservation Letters by Richards et al. 2016 has critical shortcomings and conclusions based on biased and not very robust analyses. Here, we provide clarifications to some of the most critical points regarding the monitoring of land use changes in the Brazilian Amazon and related greenhouse emissions. Such clarifications are relevant to the readers of Conservation Letters and to a broader audience that rely on sound and robust science for a better management of environmental issues.
Therapeutic Differences in 24‐h Ambulatory Blood Pressures in Patients Switched Between Bioequivalent Nifedipine Osmotic Systems With Differing Delivery Technologies
Authors: Pollak PT , Herman RJ , Feldman RD 
Published: February 2017

Comparing modified‐release formulations can be difficult using current bioequivalence criteria. Two 60‐mg‐once‐daily nifedipine formulations are deemed bioequivalent in Canada. This study examined the validity of the assumption that these interchangeable, but different, delivery technologies are therapeutically equivalent in maintaining systolic blood pressure (SBP) control throughout the entire dosing interval. We used 24‐h Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring to objectively examine whether formulation switches changed population SBP >2 mmHg (reflecting 6% increased stroke mortality) and in what proportion of patients SBP changed ≥6 mmHg (risking unnecessary therapeutic alterations). When 20 patients, previously receiving 60‐mg‐once‐daily Nifedipine‐GITS, were switched to Mylan‐Nifedipine‐XL, population‐mean ± SE 24‐h SBP increased 3 ± 1.1 mmHg (P = 0.0173) and 8‐h nocturnal SBP increased 4 ± 1.6 mmHg (P = 0.0098). Thus, interchange of nifedipine formulations can affect therapeutic consistency. These data support existing calls to improve criteria for establishing bioequivalence between formulations employing differing modified‐release technologies.
Acquisition of abstract concepts is influenced by emotional valence
Authors: Ponari Marta , Norbury Courtenay Frazier , Vigliocco Gabriella 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThere is considerable lack of evidence concerning the linguistic and cognitive skills underpinning abstract vocabulary acquisition. The present study considers the role of emotional valence in providing an embodied learning experience in which to anchor abstract meanings. First, analyses of adult ratings of age‐of‐acquisition, concreteness and valence demonstrate that abstract words acquired early tend to be emotionally valenced. Second, auditory Lexical Decision accuracies of children aged 6–7, 8–9, and 10–11 years (n = 20 per group) complement these analyses, demonstrating that emotional valence facilitates processing of abstract words, but not concrete. These findings provide the first evidence that young, school‐aged children are sensitive to emotional valence and that this facilitates acquisition of abstract words.
25‐Hydroxy vitamin D suppresses hepatitis C virus replication and contributes to rapid virological response of treatment efficacy
Authors: Huang Jee‐Fu , Ko Yu‐Min , Huang Chung‐Feng , Yeh Ming‐Lun , Dai Chia‐Yen , Hsieh Meng‐Hsuan , Huang Ching‐I , Yang Hua‐Ling , Wang Shu‐Chi , Lin Zu‐Yau , Chen Shinn‐Chern , Yu Ming‐Lung , Chuang Wan‐Long 
Published: February 2017

Aim25‐Hydroxy vitamin D (Vit D) plays a role in treatment outcomes in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We aimed to clarify whether HCV replication is inhibited by Vit D in HCV replicon cells. Clinical implication was assessed for rapid virological response (RVR) and sustained virological response (SVR) among those patients receiving antiviral therapy.MethodsCell survival and viral loads were observed in Con1 (genotype 1b) and J6/JFH (genotype 2a) cells treated with different doses of Vit D. Three groups of patients with different treatment responses were recruited to assess their Vit D levels: group A, RVR−/SVR−; group B, RVR+/SVR−; and group C, RVR+/SVR+.ResultsThe viral load of Con1 cells decreased by 69%, 80%, and 86% following treatment with 1 μM, 5 μM, and 10 μM Vit D, respectively (P < 0.0001). In J6/JFH cells, it decreased by 12%, 55%, and 80.5% following treatment with 1 μM, 5 μM, and 10 μM Vit D, respectively (P < 0.0001). There was a significant increase of Vit D between chronic hepatitis C groups, ranging from 4.4 ± 5.6 ng/mL in group A (n = 44), to 17.2 ± 11.6 ng/mL in group B (n = 44), and 32.5 ± 37.5 ng/mL of group C (n = 44) (P < 0.001). Advanced fibrosis (odds ratio = 0.13, 95% confidence interval = 0.04–0.41, P < 0.001) and Vit D deficiency (<10 ng/mL) (odds ratio = 0.11, 95% confidence interval = 0.03–0.43, P = 0.001) were predictive of SVR in the multivariate regression analysis.ConclusionVitamin D decreases HCV replication and also contributes to early treatment viral kinetics.
Leprosy in Puerto Rico: insight into the new millennia
Authors: Valentín Diana C. , Candelario Nicole , Carrasquillo Osward Y. , Figueroa Luz , Sánchez Jorge L. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundLeprosy, or Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium leprae. In 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined the elimination of the disease as a global prevalence of less than one case per 10,000 population. However, disease transmission is an ongoing worldwide public health concern, as evidenced by the more than 220,000 new cases diagnosed each year.MethodsThis study is an update of the incidence and prevalence of leprosy in Puerto Rico for the period of 2000–2014. A retrospective analysis of data was obtained from the Tropical Disease Clinic (TDC) of the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine.ResultsSixty‐three new cases of leprosy are detailed in this study. Disease incidence and prevalence were 1.65 and 5.26 per 100,000 inhabitants (of the island of Puerto Rico), respectively, and an average of 4.2 new cases per year. Most of the male patients in the study suffered from lepromatous leprosy (P = 0.026). In all, 47 (74.6%) patients had been born in Puerto Rico, and 29 (46%) had an affected family member or were in close contact with someone with leprosy.ConclusionsCompared to those of previous studies, these results demonstrate a decrease in both the incidence and prevalence of leprosy in Puerto Rico over the past 15 years. The relatively high prevalence of leprosy in Puerto Rico means that it remains endemic on the island. Concerted efforts must be undertaken to achieve the goal of the elimination of this old and stigmatized disease.
Management of hypoxaemic respiratory failure in a Respiratory High‐dependency Unit
Authors: Hukins Craig , Wong Mimi , Murphy Michelle , Upham John 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundThere are limited data on outcomes of hypoxaemic respiratory failure (HRF), especially in non‐intensive care unit (ICU) settings.AimTo assess outcomes in HRF (without multi‐system disease and not requiring early intubation) of patients directly admitted to a Respiratory High‐dependency Unit (R‐HDU).MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of HRF compared to hypercapnic respiratory failure (HCRF) in a R‐HDU (2007–2011). Patient characteristics (age, gender, pre‐morbid status, diagnoses) and outcomes (non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) use, survival, ICU admission) were assessed.ResultsThere were 1207 R‐HDU admissions in 2007–2011, 205 (17%) with HRF and 495 (41%) with HCRF. The proportion with HRF increased from 12.2% in 2007 to 20.1% in 2011 (P < 0.05). HRF patients were younger, more often male and had better pre‐morbid performance. Compared to HCRF, HRF was more frequently associated with lung consolidation (61% vs 15%, P < 0.001), interstitial lung disease (12% vs 1%, P < 0.001) and pulmonary hypertension (7% vs 0%, P < 0.001) and less frequently with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (24% vs 65%, P < 0.001) and obstructive sleep apnoea (8% vs 26%, P < 0.001). Fewer patients with HRF were treated with NIV (28% vs 87%, P < 0.001), but NIV was discontinued early more often (28% vs 7%, P < 0.001). A total of 18% with HRF was transferred to ICU compared to 6% with HCRF (P = 0.06). More patients with HRF died (19.5% vs 12.3%, P = 0.02). Interstitial lung disease, consolidation, shock, malignancy and poorer pre‐morbid function were associated with increased mortality.ConclusionInitial R‐HDU management is an effective option in selected HRF to reduce ICU demand, although mortality and clinical deterioration despite NIV are more common than in HCRF.