bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustainable development of microfinance customers
Authors: Jose Saju , Chacko Jacob 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine whether microfinance activities aimed at the bottom of the pyramid consumers are sustainable.

Design/methodology/approach
The study follows a mixed methodology, manager’s views on sustainability of the programs were gauged by analyzing their responses in the areas of diversion of funds, operating cost, interest rates, and return rate of loans through semi-structured interviews. A survey was administered to 316 poor microfinance borrowers at the bottom of the pyramid in India in a cross-sectional field study format. The study used one sample t-test to test the sustainability of the microfinance activities.

Findings
All else being the same, microfinance activities aimed at the borrower’s communities are not sustainable. The major contributor to the lack of sustainability is the diversion of funds, results of both managers’ interviews and consumer survey provides strong evidence to support this. Though there are issues related to high interest rate, operating cost and low return on investment, it seems that the core issue behind all this is lack of full investment in the microfinance venture.

Research limitations/implications
The study was limited to only two states in India. The mixed nature of the study meant that semi-structured interviews with a relatively small sample were the most appropriate method to address the research question. Future studies with larger, more representative sample sizes are encouraged to investigate how the findings can be generalized to larger populations. Also the information which determines the experiences and satisfaction of the consumers is collected only once. This study does not account for any changes over time in the populations or their interest.

Originality/value
The impact of micro finance in alleviating poverty is questioned by researchers and there is demand for further empirical evidence. Therefore, the findings of this study complement with existing work to present a comprehensive understanding of this topic by investigating the sustainability aspect of these programs from the dimension of both customers and lenders.
Voice behavior and creative performance moderated by stressors
Authors: Song Jun , Wu Jianlin , Gu Jibao 
Published: February 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test the moderating role of work-related stressors on the relationship between voice behavior and the voicer’s creative performance.Design/methodology/approachThe sample comprised 781 full-time employees from 16 companies covering six industries in the central region of China. Hierarchical moderated regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses.FindingsResults showed that voice behavior had significant positive effect on creative performance. The positive relationship between voice behavior and creative performance was stronger for employees with low challenge stressors as well as for employees with high hindrance stressors.Research limitations/implicationsThis study employs a cross-sectional design with data collected from the same source.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that employees should be encouraged to voice out their opinions and ideas. Work-related stressors should be treated differently to expand the effects of voice behavior on creative performance.Originality/valueThis study is one of the few to establish boundary conditions from the contextual perspective on the effect of voice behavior on employee performance. Considering whether work-related stressor is a challenge or a hindrance could possibly result in a better understanding of the role of work-related stressors in the voice behavior-creative performance relationship. An empirical evidence is provided for the positive relationship between voice behavior and employee performance outcomes.
High-performance HR practices, positive affect and employee outcomes
Authors: Mostafa Ahmed Mohammed Sayed 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the affective or emotional mechanisms that underlie the relationship between high-performance HR practices (HPHRP) and employee attitudes and behaviours. Drawing on affective events theory, this paper examines a mediation model in which HPHRP influence positive affect which in turn affects job satisfaction and organizational citizenship behaviours (OCBs).

Design/methodology/approach
Two-wave data were collected from a sample of local government workers in Wales (n=362). HPHRP were measured together with job satisfaction and OCBs at Time 1 and six months later, job satisfaction and OCBs were measured again together with positive affect. Structural equation modeling was used to test the study hypotheses.

Findings
The results revealed that HPHRP induced positive affect which, in turn, led to increased job satisfaction and OCBs. Furthermore, positive affect fully mediated the relationships between HPHRP and both job satisfaction and OCBs.

Research limitations/implications
All data were collected from public sector employees in the Government of Wales, which makes the generalizability of the findings unknown. More work is needed using different samples to determine whether the study results are replicable.

Practical implications
Managers should endeavour to ensure that enough resources are assigned to the implementation of HPHRP and other work features that help evoke affective reactions, as these reactions are an important determinant of employees’ attitudes and behaviours.

Originality/value
This is one of the first studies to empirically examine the mediating role of positive affect on the relationship between HPHRP and employee attitudes and behaviours.
Smart lighting in a historic context: a case study
Authors: Beccali Marco , Bonomolo Marina , Galatioto Alessandra , Pulvirenti Emanuela 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address a project for lighting an old town in Italy. Its originality lies in the holistic approach that aims to fulfil several objectives. One is to reduce energy consumption by using efficient lamps and advanced control systems; the second one is to make the network viable and useful for many purposes by integrating ICT devices; the third one is to provide a new identity to the older part of the city by using new technologies and design concepts; while the last one is to ensure street and pedestrian safety according to codes and standards.

Design/methodology/approach
The plan of the city of Bagheria and the stock of luminaires of the city are analysed. A multidisciplinary approach has been adopted in order to: analyse the existing lighting infrastructure highlighting critical areas; design a new displacement and select typologies of luminaries able to provide proper light quality and distribution; propose an aesthetic solution and technical design for relevant historical building; and to include in the design process the concept of a new multifunctional pole. Together with an analysis of social benefits, an assessment of economic costs and benefits are discussed.

Findings
The project allows good energy savings, meets the standard requirements and gives a relevant and strategic improvement in social and environmental management of the city.

Originality/value
The work provides an example of integrated design of street lighting infrastructures for urban renovation in old cities in degraded environments.
Sex, Parity, and Scars: A Meta‐analytic Review
Authors: McFadden Clare , Oxenham Marc F. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe ability to identify whether a female has been pregnant or has given birth has significant implications for forensic investigations and bioarcheological research. The meaning of “scars of parturition,” their causes, and their significance are a matter of contention, with a substantial literature of re‐evaluations and tests of the relationship between pelvic scarring and parity. The aim of this study was to use meta‐analytic techniques (the methodological approach) to test whether pelvic scarring, namely dorsal pubic pitting and the preauricular groove, is a predictor of parity and sex. Meta‐analyses indicated that neither dorsal pubic pitting nor the preauricular groove are predictors of parity status, while dorsal pubic pitting is a moderate predictor of sex. A weak relationship between dorsal pubic pitting and parity was identified, but this is believed to be a product of the moderate relationship with sex. This calls into question whether any causal relationship between parity and pelvic scarring exists.
Vitamin D supplementation improves simvastatin‐mediated decline in exercise performance: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Singla Mandeep , Rastogi Ashu , Aggarwal Ashutosh N. , Bhat Owais M. , Badal Darshan , Bhansali Anil 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on simvastatin‐mediated changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and skeletal muscle mitochondrial content after exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsVitamin D‐deficient T2DM patients aged 25–50 years performed moderate intensity aerobic exercise for 12 weeks and were randomized to receive simvastatin 40 mg daily, simvastatin 40 mg daily plus vitamin D 60 000 units once weekly, or vitamin D 60 000 units once weekly. The primary outcomes were cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen consumption) and skeletal muscle mitochondrial content (citrate synthase activity in the vastus lateralis) following simvastatin and/or vitamin D replacement therapy.ResultsTwenty‐eight patients completed the study. Cardiorespiratory fitness decreased by 8.4% (P < 0.05) following 12 weeks of simvastatin therapy. Vitamin D supplementation blunted the decline in cardiorespiratory fitness to 0.6% (P < 0.05 for between‐group difference in change from baseline). Similarly, skeletal muscle mitochondrial content decreased by 3.6% with simvastatin, but improved by 12.1% on supplementation with vitamin D, although the between‐group difference was not significant. Vitamin D alone increased cardiorespiratory fitness and mitochondrial content by 7.1% (P < 0.05) and 16.7%, respectively.ConclusionsSimvastatin tends to cause deterioration in exercise‐associated cardiorespiratory fitness and skeletal muscle mitochondrial content in adults with T2DM, which is blunted by vitamin D supplementation.
Inflammasome assembly in the chorioamniotic membranes during spontaneous labor at term
Authors: Gomez‐Lopez Nardhy , Romero Roberto , Xu Yi , Garcia‐Flores Valeria , Leng Yaozhu , Panaitescu Bogdan , Miller Derek , Abrahams Vikki M. , Hassan Sonia S. 
Published: February 2017

ProblemInflammasome activation requires two steps: priming and assembly of the multimeric complex. The second step includes assembly of the sensor molecule and adaptor protein ASC (an apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a CARD), which results in ASC speck formation and the recruitment of caspase (CASP)‐1. Herein, we investigated whether there is inflammasome assembly in the chorioamniotic membranes and choriodecidual leukocytes from women who underwent spontaneous labor at term.Method of StudyUsing in situ proximity ligation assays, ASC/CASP‐1 complexes were determined in the chorioamniotic membranes from women who delivered at term without labor or underwent spontaneous labor at term with or without acute histologic chorioamnionitis (n=10‐11 each). Also, ASC speck formation was determined by flow cytometry in the choriodecidual leukocytes isolated from women who delivered at term with or without spontaneous labor (n=9‐12 each).Results(i) ASC/CASP‐1 complexes were detected in the chorioamniotic membranes; (ii) ASC/CASP‐1 complexes were greater in the chorioamniotic membranes from women who underwent spontaneous labor at term than in those without labor; (iii) ASC/CASP‐1 complexes were even more abundant in the chorioamniotic membranes from women who underwent spontaneous labor at term with acute histologic chorioamnionitis than in those without this placental lesion; (iv) ASC speck formation was detected in the choriodecidual leukocytes; and (v) ASC speck formation was greater in the choriodecidual leukocytes isolated from women who underwent spontaneous labor at term than in those without labor.ConclusionThere is inflammasome assembly in the chorioamniotic membranes and choriodecidual leukocytes during spontaneous labor at term.
Chromosomal anomalies and sperm retrieval outcomes of patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia: a case series
Authors: Takeda T. , Iwatsuki S. , Hamakawa T. , Mizuno K. , Kamiya H. , Umemoto Y. , Kubota H. , Kubota Y. , Sasaki S. , Yasui T. 
Published: February 2017

SummarySome preoperative factors affecting the outcome of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro‐TESE) have been previously evaluated. However, other than Klinefelter syndrome (KS), no other chromosomal anomalies have been discussed in the context of sperm retrieval outcomes. The objective of this study was to describe chromosomal anomalies and their relationship with sperm retrieval outcomes in patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Of the 197 NOA patients whose clinical records were retrospectively reviewed, 144 (73.1%) had normal 46,XY karyotype, 40 (20.3%) had KS (47,XXY), and 13 (6.6%) had other chromosomal anomalies (autosomal in seven cases and sex‐chromosomal anomalies in six). Of the seven patients with autosomal anomalies, two had the reportedly normal variant 46,XY,inv(9)(p12;q13). Testicular volume and serum hormone levels (luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, and total testosterone) of the patients with chromosomal anomalies other than KS were comparable to those of the patients with normal karyotype. The sperm retrieval rate of the patients with 46,XY karyotype, KS, or other chromosomal anomalies were 27.1%, 22.5%, and 15.4%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference. However, among the samples collected from the 13 patients with chromosomal anomalies other than KS, only those from the two patients with the normal variant 46,XY,inv(9)(p12;q13) contained spermatozoa. Among our series of NOA patients, the incidence of autosomal anomalies was higher than that generally noted among neonates, which suggests that not only sex‐chromosomal anomalies but also autosomal anomalies may affect the development of NOA. Furthermore, our findings suggest that sperm retrieval outcome is more unfavorable in NOA patients with chromosomal anomalies than in NOA patients with 46,XY karyotype or KS, despite the use of micro‐TESE.
An In Vitro Feasibility Study of the Influence of Configurations and Leaflet Thickness on the Hydrodynamics of Deformed Transcatheter Aortic Valve
Authors: Feng Wentao , Yang Xianda , Liu Yang , Fan Yubo 
Published: February 2017

AbstractClinically, the percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) has been reported to be deformed in a noncircular configuration after its implant. The deformation is universal and various, and it leads to serious leakage and durability problems. Even in the same deformation, the leaflets made in different tissue thicknesses may cause different hydrodynamic performances. Simulating the left heart cardiac conditions by a pulse duplicator system, the present study investigated the effects of the aortic annulus deformation and the leaflet tissue thickness on the hydrodynamics of the TAV. Three 22 mm self‐expanding TAV samples were fabricated with three different leaflet thicknesses (0.25, 0.4, 0.55 mm). Every sample was successively deformed to be elliptical, triangular, and undersized circular shapes. The hydrodynamics of the TAV were assessed through a quasi‐physiological artery pulsatile flow duplicator system. The transvalvular pressure difference, effective orifice area, and regurgitation flow were determined. High‐speed video recordings were taken to investigate the leaflet kinematics. The results showed that the triangular deformation produced the poorest valve function while the elliptical deformation led to the slightest difference from the nominal. With increasing leaflet thickness, the effect of configuration deformation on the regurgitation increased. The thinner leaflets were better than the thicker ones in adapting to the deformation but had a higher risk of deterioration.
Associations Among Infant Iron Deficiency, Childhood Emotion and Attention Regulation, and Adolescent Problem Behaviors
Authors: East Patricia , Delker Erin , Lozoff Betsy , Delva Jorge , Castillo Marcela , Gahagan Sheila 
Published: February 2017

This study examined whether iron deficiency (ID) in infancy contributes to problem behaviors in adolescence through its influence on poor regulatory abilities in childhood. Chilean infants (N = 1,116) were studied when there was no national program for iron fortification (1991–1996), resulting in high rates of ID (28%) and iron‐deficiency anemia (IDA, 17%). Infants (54% male) were studied at childhood (Mage = 10 years) and adolescence (Mage = 14 years). IDA in infancy was related to excessive alcohol use and risky sexual behavior in adolescence through its effect on poor emotion regulation in childhood. Attentional control deficits at age 10 were also related to both infant IDA and heightened risk taking in adolescence. Findings elucidate how poor childhood regulatory abilities associated with infant IDA compromise adjustment in adolescence.
Effects of land‐use changes on ecosystem services: decrease in ant predation in human‐dominated landscapes in central Brazil
Authors: Pacheco Renata , Camacho Gabriela P. , Frizzo Tiago L.M. , Vasconcelos Heraldo L. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAnthropogenic disturbances often affect the abundance and diversity of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) but relatively few studies have explored the implications of such changes on the ecosystem services mediated by these insects. Here, we evaluated how the transformation of Cerrado savanna habitats into crop plantations affects the abundance, diversity, and the predatory activity of ants. A survey of the ant faunas foraging above‐ and belowground was performed in six crop and six non‐crop (i.e., native vegetation) sites. Above‐ and belowground rates of ant predation were estimated at these same sites using mealworms, Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), as baits, simulating crop herbivores. Belowground predation rates were significantly greater in the non‐crop sites, despite the lack of difference in overall abundance and species richness of ants foraging belowground between the crop vs. non‐crop sites. In contrast, we did not detect any significant difference in aboveground predation rates between crop vs. non‐crop sites even though there were significantly more species of ants foraging aboveground in the non‐crop sites. Army ants (subfamily Dorylinae) were the main predatory species belowground, and their abundance was significantly greater in non‐crop sites. In contrast, the main predators aboveground were omnivore ants of the genera Pheidole and Solenopsis, which had similar abundances in the crop and non‐crop sites. Overall, our results indicate that transformation of native Cerrado habitats into crop plantations reduces the abundance of some important predatory species, notably those that forage belowground, and this may negatively affect the potential for ants to provide pest control services in agroecosystems.
Escalating dosimetry of UVA‐1 in the treatment of alopecia areata
Authors: Herz‐Ruelas Maira E. , Gomez‐Flores Minerva , Miranda‐Maldonado Ivett , Welsh Esperanza , Ocampo‐Candiani Jorge , Welsh Oliverio 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundPhototherapy can be an option in unresponsive alopecia areata (AA); however, variable results have been reported with its use. We could not find literature of treatment with UVA‐1 in AA. A study was designed to evaluate progressive dosimetry to determine the initial dose and its increments.MethodsPatients with unresponsive AA were recruited. Twenty‐five sessions of 30 J/cm2 were administered. If hair regrowth was <75%, the dose was escalated to 60 J/cm2. If hair improvement remained <75%, an additional 25 sessions at 120 J/cm2 were indicated. If total hair regrowth occurred before 75 sessions, a final visit was performed for biopsies and severity of alopecia tool (SALT) evaluation. Clinical and histopathological assessments were performed blindly. Adverse effects were recorded.ResultsNine men and 13 women were included; 16 were initially S1, one S3, and five S4. Median age was 32 years and median evolution 10 months. Nine patients achieved an S0, eight S1, and five S4 (P = 0.005). The most notable improvement was with 60 J/cm2 (P = 0.02). Biopsies exhibited an absence of inflammation in five patients and mild persistence in 17. An increase of 43.75% in anagen hairs (P ≤ 0.001) was achieved, telogen hairs decreased 16.3% (P = 0.06), and catagen hairs were reduced 22.7% (P = 0.005). Pearson's correlation was −0.82 and P ≤ 0.001, when correlating anagen hairs with final SALT. Improvement has continued for 6 months post treatment. Mild xerosis was observed in all patients, and six (28.6%) developed transient mild hyperpigmentation.ConclusionsThis study provides a basis for UVA‐1 dosimetry evaluating its therapeutic value in AA.
The future of Turkish nursing 2050: perceptions of nurses and nurse educators
Authors: Bodur G. , Kaya H. 
Published: February 2017

AimTo explore the perceptions of nurses and nurse educators regarding the future of nursing by the year 2050 in Turkey.BackgroundSocial changes, rapid population growth, globalization and worldwide environmental problems will cause greater changes in the field of health and health care in the near future than they have in the past. Undoubtedly, these changes will directly affect nursing. It is important that nurses and nurse educators forecast and direct the future and nursing to benefit from the effects of the changes that will occur in the future.DesignA qualitative descriptive study which employed the use of individual in‐depth interviews.MethodsThe study's sample participants were 21 hospital nurses and 16 nurse educators from universities in Istanbul, Turkey. They undertook individual in‐depth interviews during July 2013–July 2014. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data.FindingsThe study revealed that the participants’ perceptions were based on the ideas that the future of nursing will be shaped in accordance with changes in humanity, environment and healthcare system, as well as worldwide future trends. Results indicated that participants were aware of the factors that will affect future of nursing and nursing education.Conclusion and Implications for Nursing PolicyResearch showed that participants had focused on the near future; they were not forecasting distance future. Also research found that not only future scenarios are needed for nurses, but also three kinds of scenarios are required related to factor such as humanity, environment and healthcare system those effect nurses. Futurists, health policymakers and nurse educators should work collaboratively with each other.