bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cellular reductase activity in uncultivatedThiomargarita spp. assayed using a redox-sensitive dye
Authors: Bailey Jake V. , Flood Beverly E. , Ricci Elizabeth , Delherbe Nathalie 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTThe largest known bacteria,Thiomargarita spp.,have yet to be isolated in pure culture, but their large size allows for individual cells to be followed in time course experiments, or to be individually sorted for ‘omics-based investigations. Here we report a novel application of a tetrazolium-based dye that measures the flux of reductase production from catabolic pathways to investigate the metabolic activity of individual cells ofThiomargaritaspp. When coupled to microscopy, staining of the cells with a tetrazolium-formazan dye allows for metabolic responses inThiomargaritaspp. to be to be tracked in the absence of observable cell division. Additionally, the metabolic activity ofThiomargaritaspp. cells can be differentiated from the metabolism of other microbes in specimens that contain adherent bacteria. The results of our redox-dye-based assay suggests thatThiomargaritais the most metabolically versatile under anoxic conditions where it appears to express cellular reductase activity in response to the electron donors succinate, acetate, citrate, formate, thiosulfate, H2, and H2S. Under hypoxic conditions, formazan staining results suggest the metabolism of succinate, and likely acetate, citrate, and H2S. Cells incubated under oxic conditions showed the weakest formazan staining response, and then only to H2S, citrate, and perhaps succinate. These results provide experimental validation of recent genomic studies ofCa.Thiomargarita nelsonii that suggest metabolic plasticity and mixotrophic metabolism. The cellular reductase response of bacteria attached to the exteriors ofThiomargaritaalso supports the possibility of trophic interactions between these largest of known bacteria and attached epibionts.IMPORTANCEThe metabolic potentials of many microorganisms that cannot be grown in the laboratory are known only from genomic data. Genomes ofThiomargaritaspp. suggest that these largest of known bacteria are mixotrophs, combining lithotrophic metabolisms with organic carbon degradation. Our use of a redox-sensitive tetrazolium dye to query the metabolism of these bacteria provides an independent line of evidence that corroborates the apparent metabolic plasticity ofThiomargaritaobserved in recently produced genomes. Finding new cultivation- independent means of testing genomic results is critical to testing genome-derived hypotheses on the metabolic potentials of uncultivated microorganisms.
Learning organization and work engagement: exploring the nexus in Indian IT sector
Authors: Malik Parul , Garg Pooja 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of learning organization on work engagement in Indian IT firms. Also, this study provides a holistic understanding of antecedents of work engagement at the individual, team, and organizational levels of learning organization.Design/methodology/approachThe sample comprised of responses from 250 managerial employees’ working in IT companies based in India. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to analyze the proposed measurement model. The study utilized hierarchical multiple regression for testing the research hypotheses. Furthermore, incremental validity was examined to depict the variance contribution of the predictor variables (learning organization).FindingsThe results of hierarchical regression analysis revealed that learning organization dimensions have varied predicting effects on work engagement. The findings of the study showed that vigor and dedication were most significantly predicted by embedded system and continuous learning opportunities of learning organization where as inquiry and dialogue has the most significant influence on absorption.Practical implicationsThis study offers concrete insights to human resource managers for developing prioritized composite-level interventions at individual, team, and organizational levels of learning organization for building highly engaged workforce.Originality/valueDespite number of research works on work engagement, research is deficient in examining the role of learning organization dimensions (individual, team and organization level) in influencing work engagement. By investigating the relationship between learning organization and work engagement, the present study embarks to fill the paucity in academic and practitioner literature in the Indian organizational context.
Does job satisfaction, fair treatment, and cooperativeness influence the whistleblowing practice in Malaysian Government linked companies?
Authors: Said Jamaliah , Alam Md. Mahmudul , Mohamed Dar Irna Bt , Rafidi Marhamah 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
Whistleblowing is an important factor in preventing corruption and fraud in organizations. There is a law to promote whistleblowing practices, but the negative subsequent effect of whistleblowing demotivates the reporting of unethical behaviors. Thus, it is important to identify the factors that motivate an employee to exercise whistleblowing in an organization. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether the personal factor of job satisfaction and organizational factors such as fair treatment as well as cooperativeness contribute to the whistleblowing practice in an organization.

Design/methodology/approach
This study collected primary data based on a questionnaire survey from 73 respondents of the seven top most government linked companies (GLCs) in Malaysia. The data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and cross-sectional regression.

Findings
The findings of the study reveal that only fair treatment is statistically significant and positively related to the whistleblowing practice. The findings imply that if employees perceive that the organization provides fair treatment in terms of career advancement, awards, training, performance appraisal, job assignment, and pay increases, they would tend to report wrongdoing activities to protect the image of the organization.

Practical implications
The findings of the study will help the policy makers to ensure better working environment and accountability in the public sector of Malaysia and other similar countries.

Originality/value
This is an original study based on primary data to examine the current practices of whistleblowing and its relationship with the practices of job satisfaction, fair treatment, and cooperativeness in the GLCs of Malaysia.
Scientists’ attitudes toward agricultural GM technology development and GM food in China
Authors: Huang Jikun , Peng Bowen , Wang Xiaobing 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
Previous studies have mainly focused on public opinions regarding genetically modified (GM) technology and GM food. The purpose of this paper is to assess scientists’ attitudes on whether China needs to develop its national agricultural GM technology and their willingness to buy GM food.

Design/methodology/approach
A stratified sampling method was used to select and interview 806 scientists from six major agricultural universities and 20 research institutes under two national academies in China in 2013. Based on these data, the authors use both descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis to examine scientists’ attitudes toward agricultural GM technology and food, using GM soybean oil as an example of GM foods.

Findings
The survey results show that nearly three-quarters of scientists agree that China needs to develop its agricultural GM technology, but their attitudes differ largely. Only 29 percent of scientists are willing to buy GM soybean oil, similar to urban consumers (25 percent) in China. The knowledge of biology is extensive for some scientists but varies significant among scientists and correlates positively with their attitudes toward agricultural GM technology and GM soybean oil. Younger and male scientists with higher professional titles, and those involved in GM research are more in favor of China’s GM technology compared to other scientists. Female scientists, scientists with lower professional titles, those that have never engaged in GM research or are from non-agricultural scientific disciplines are less willing to buy GM soybean oil. Interestingly, their low willingness to buy GM soybean oil is inconsistent with the fact that it is the most common edible oil in China.

Originality/value
This study is the first to examine scientists’ attitudes toward GM technology and food in China. The results of this study contribute to understanding the current debates on GM technology and the relevance of research, based on the willingness to buy GM food, for decision making regarding the commercialization of GM technology.
Mediation role of brand preference on bank advertising and customer loyalty
Authors: Amoako George Kofi , Anabila Peter , Asare Effah Ebenezer , Kumi Desmond Kwadjo 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating role of brand preference on the relationship between bank advertising and customer loyalty in Ghana’s banking industry.Design/methodology/approachA total number of 600 respondents participated in the study. Convenient sampling technique was employed to select a cross-section of customers from the universal banks currently operating in Ghana. Structural equation modeling technique of PLS was used to test the nature of relationships in the research hypotheses.FindingsThe study found a significant positive relationship between advertising effectiveness and brand preference. Also, there is a significant positive relationship between advertising and customer loyalty. Again, there is a significant positive relationship between brand preference and customer loyalty. Finally, brand preference positive mediates the relationships between advertising and customer loyalty.Practical implicationsThe study provides a useful guide to strategy and policy formulation in marketing communication by establishing the potential viability of advertising strategy in bank marketing and its potential to generate brand preference and customer loyalty.Originality/valueThe study has practical implication for, and relevance not only to the banking industry communication strategy but also the entire financial services industry.
Quality and image of banking services: a comparative study of conventional and Islamic banks
Authors: Saleh Md Abu , Quazi Ali , Keating Byron , Gaur Sanjaya S. 
Published: July 2017

PurposeBank customers’ perceptions of service quality and service image of Islamic banks may differ from those of conventional banks. The purpose of this paper is to examine the differing perceptions of customers of Islamic and conventional banking systems in an emerging market, which has rarely been addressed and adds to the body of knowledge on this topic. This study also re-examines the SERVQUAL model of customer banking services to measure their impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses responses from a randomly drawn sample of 229 customers from conventional banks and 225 customers from Islamic banks operating in Bangladesh using a structured questionnaire. SPSS and structural equation modeling techniques were employed as statistical tools for data analysis.FindingsOverall, the examined service quality dimensions wield varying effects on client satisfaction mediated through the perceived image of banking services. Islamic bank customers’ perceptions of the level of reliability, responsiveness, security and reputation were significantly higher than those of conventional banks.Research limitations/implicationsThis study enhances our understanding of how Islamic banking practices differ from those of conventional banking in terms of service quality and image-related factors. More specifically, the findings of this research explain consumers’ perceived assessment of satisfaction and loyalty in a comparative research setting.Originality/valueNo prior studies have addressed the impact of the individual service quality dimensions on image factors in the context of conventional and Islamic banking in an emerging market, Bangladesh.
The job embeddedness-turnover relationship
Authors: Coetzer Alan , Inma Chutarat , Poisat Paul 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to examine the job embeddedness (JE)-turnover intentions relationship in large and small organisations; second, to investigate how employee perceptions of each dimension of JE may differ in large and small organisations; and third, to determine if work group cohesion moderates the JE-turnover intentions relationship.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a short form of the original JE questionnaire, data were collected from 549 employees in organisations located in four major business centres in South Africa. Participants were from organisations in diverse industries.

Findings
JE predicted turnover intentions in large organisations, but not in small organisations. Contrary to expectations, employees in small organisations perceived that they would sacrifice more benefits than employees in large organisations if they were to quit. Results suggest that work group cohesion moderates the JE-turnover intentions relationship.

Research limitations/implications
Further research is needed to determine how JE operates in different size organisations and in urban and rural small organisations.

Practical implications
In small organisations, building group cohesion and persuasively communicating benefits of working in a small organisation can help to embed employees.

Originality/value
This study responds to calls for further JE research in a wider range of national contexts. It contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the three dimensions of JE by investigating how employee perceptions of each dimension differ in large and small organisations. The study also responds to appeals for research that examines moderators of the JE-turnover relationship by exploring work group cohesion as a potential moderator.
Pilot of the BOOST‐A™: An online transition planning program for adolescents with autism
Authors: Hatfield Megan , Murray Nina , Ciccarelli Marina , Falkmer Torbjörn , Falkmer Marita 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundMany adolescents with autism face difficulties with the transition from high school into post‐school activities. The Better OutcOmes & Successful Transitions for Autism (BOOST‐A™) is an online transition planning program which supports adolescents on the autism spectrum to prepare for leaving school. This study describes the development of the BOOST‐A™ and aimed to determine the feasibility and viability of the program.MethodsTwo pilot studies were conducted. In Pilot A, the BOOST‐A™ was trialled by six adolescents on the autism spectrum, their parents, and the professionals who worked with them, to determine its feasibility. In Pilot B, 88 allied health professionals (occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and psychologists) reviewed the BOOST‐A™ to determine its viability.ResultsParticipants rated the BOOST‐A™ as a feasible tool for transition planning. The majority of allied health professionals agreed that it was a viable program. Based on participant feedback, the BOOST‐A™ was modified to improve usability and feasibility.ConclusionThe BOOST‐A™ is a viable and feasible program that has the potential to assist adolescents with autism in preparing for transitioning out of high school. Future research will determine the effectiveness of the BOOST‐A™ with adolescents across Australia.
Effects of fermented skim milk drink by Kluyveromyces marxianus LAF4 co‐cultured with lactic acid bacteria to release angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitory activities
Authors: Ahtesh Fatah B , Apostolopoulos Vasso , Stojanovska Lily , Shah Nagendra P , Mishra Vijay Kumar 
Published: July 2017

Seven strains of selected probiotic bacteria were separately combined with Kluyveromyces marxianus LAF4 to ferment 12% reconstituted skim milk (RSM) at 37 °C for 0–12 h. The growth characteristics of the probiotic strains and K. marxianus, pH levels, proteolytic activity and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitory (ACE‐I) activity of the fermented RSM were measured. The highest ACE‐I activity of 60% was for K. marxianus at 37 °C for 12 h (P < 0.005) when compared to K. marxianus in combination with the probiotic bacterial strains.
Serpine 1 induces alveolar type II cell senescence through activating p53‐p21‐Rb pathway in fibrotic lung disease
Authors: Jiang Chunsun , Liu Gang , Luckhardt Tracy , Antony Veena , Zhou Yong , Carter A. Brent , Thannickal Victor J. , Liu Rui‐Ming 
Published: July 2017

SummarySenescence of alveolar type 2 (ATII) cells, progenitors of the alveolar epithelium, is implicated in the pathogeneses of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), an aging‐related progressive fatal lung disorder with unknown etiology. The mechanism underlying ATII cell senescence in fibrotic lung diseases, however, remains poorly understood. In this study, we report that ATII cells in IPF lungs express higher levels of serpine 1, also known as plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI‐1), and cell senescence markers p21 and p16, compared to ATII cells in control lungs. Silencing PAI‐1 or inhibition of PAI‐1 activity in cultured rat ATII (L2) cells leads to decreases in p53 serine 18 phosphorylation (p53S18P), p53 and p21 protein expressions; an increase in retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation (ppRb); and a reduction in the sensitivity to bleomycin‐ and doxorubicin‐induced senescence. Silencing p53, on the other hand, abrogates PAI‐1 protein‐stimulated p21 expression and cell senescence. In vivo studies, using ATII cell‐specific PAI‐1 conditional knockout mouse model generated recently in this laboratory, further support the role of PAI‐1 in the activation of p53‐p21‐Rb cell cycle repression pathway, ATII cell senescence, and lung fibrosis induced by bleomycin. This study reveals a novel function of PAI‐1 in regulation of cell cycle and suggests that elevation of PAI‐1 contributes importantly to ATII cell senescence in fibrotic lung diseases.
Demand for collective food‐safety standards
Authors: Bovay John 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn 2007, leading members of the U.S. fresh‐tomato industry responded to pressure from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding the industry's long history of poor food‐safety outcomes and adopted a set of standards for production practices related to food safety at all levels of the fresh‐tomato supply chain. Adherence to these standards was required under a federal marketing order that applied to essentially all tomatoes grown in Florida. The California Tomato Farmers cooperative, whose members produced the vast majority of fresh tomatoes grown in California, also required that its members adopt these standards. The collective food‐safety standards for fresh tomatoes closely resemble the requirements of the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, so the collective adoption of these standards provides an excellent case study to illustrate the possible effects of FSMA implementation on demand. I assess the hypothesis that demand for tomatoes from Florida and California increased following the adoption of standards for food‐safety practices by growers in those states, relative to demand for tomatoes from other regions. My analysis demonstrates essentially no evidence that demand for fresh tomatoes responded positively to the implementation of collective food‐safety practices.
The potential of anti‐infectives and immunomodulators as therapies for asthma and asthma exacerbations
Authors: Edwards M. R. , Walton R. P. , Jackson D. J. , Feleszko W. , Skevaki C. , Jartti T. , Makrinoti H. , Nikonova A. , Shilovskiy I. P. , Schwarze J. , Johnston S. L. , Khaitov M. R. ,   EAACI Anti‐infectives in Asthma and Asthma Exacerbations Task Force
Published: July 2017

AbstractAsthma is responsible for approximately 25,000 deaths annually in Europe despite available medicines that maintain asthma control and reduce asthma exacerbations. Better treatments are urgently needed for the control of chronic asthma and reduction in asthma exacerbations, the major cause of asthma mortality. Much research spanning >20 years shows a strong association between microorganisms including pathogens in asthma onset, severity and exacerbation, yet with the exception of antibiotics, few treatments are available that specifically target the offending pathogens. Recent insights into the microbiome suggest that modulating commensal organisms within the gut or lung may also be a possible way to treat/prevent asthma. The European Academy of Allergy & Clinical Immunology Task Force on Anti‐infectives in Asthma was initiated to investigate the potential of anti‐infectives and immunomodulators in asthma. This review provides a concise summary of the current literature and aimed to identify and address key questions that concern the use of anti‐infectives and both microbe‐ and host‐based immunomodulators and their feasibility for use in asthma.
Lactic Dehydrogenase in the In Vitro Evaluation of Hemolytic Properties of Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Li Donghai , Wu Qingyu , Liu Shuhong , Chen Yuanyuan , Chen Haosheng , Ruan Yingmao , Zhang Yu 
Published: July 2017

AbstractVentricular assist devices (VADs) can effectively improve the survival rate of patients with end‐stage heart failure, but the hemolytic complications induced by long‐time VAD support have received wide attention recently. The conventional evaluation method of the hemolytic properties of VADs by the indicator of plasma free hemoglobin (PFH) concentration is used but not sensitive enough to meet the needs of the actual examinations. In this study, an experimental method was applied for the evaluation of the injuries and damages caused by VADs to erythrocytes by both indicators of PFH and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) in the in vitro hemolysis assay of VADs. The changes of LDH and PFH concentrations in plasma with the shear stress and the exposure time under a fixed shear stress were measured and analyzed to investigate the sensitivity and accuracy of the evaluation of erythrocyte damage by LDH. Furthermore, through 24 h in vitro hemolysis tests, the changes of LDH and PFH concentrations in blood samples were measured in combination with the microscopic histological changes and ultrastructural changes of erythrocytes, to assess the possibility of LDH evaluating the hemolysis of VADs. The changes of the concentration of LDH were more sensitive than those of PFH to different shear stress and exposure times, especially lower stress. Meanwhile, in the 24 h in vitro hemolysis assay, the PFH concentration in the blood samples showed no significant changes in the first 8 h, while the LDH concentration increased significantly in the first 3 h, which was consistent with the morphological changes of erythrocytes. Compared with the changes of the PFH concentration, the LDH concentration is sensitive to the damage of erythrocytes caused by VADs. It was considered that LDH could be applied as an additional indicator in the evaluation of erythrocyte damage and hemolytic properties of VADs in combination with the normalized index of hemolysis, for the more accurate assessment of the blood compatibility of VADs.