bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Encouraging millennials to collaborate and learn on the job
Authors: Trees Lauren 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present enterprise social networking and gamification as two potential tools to help organizations engage Millennial employees in collaboration and learning.

Design/methodology/approach
– The research provides general descriptions of enterprise social networking and gamification approaches, shares data on adoption of these approaches from APQC’s “2015 Knowledge Management Priorities Data Report” (based on a January 2015 survey of 524 knowledge management professionals) and includes four company examples adapted from APQC’s Connecting People to Content and Transferring and Applying Critical Knowledge best practices studies. The methodology for APQC’s best practices studies involves screening 50 or more organizations with potential best practices in a given research scope area and identifying five or six with proven best practices. APQC then conducts detailed site visits with the selected organizations and publishes case studies based on those site visits.

Findings
– Enterprise social networking platforms are in place at 50 per cent of organizations, with another 25 per cent planning to implement them by the end of 2015. By providing near-immediate access to information and answers, enterprise social networking helps Millennials learn the ropes at their new workplaces, gives them direct access to more knowledgeable colleagues who can assist and mentor them, and helps them improve their business outcomes by reusing knowledge and lessons learned across projects. Younger workers can also harness the power of social networking to create a sense of belonging and build their reputations in large, dispersed firms, where it is particularly difficult for them to gain visibility. A recent APQC survey indicates that 54 per cent of organizations either currently employ gamification to encourage collaboration or expect to implement it within the next three years. The rush to gamify the enterprise is, at least in part, a reflection of employers’ desire to satisfy Millennials and make them feel connected to a community of co-workers. Although games appeal to a wide range of age groups, Millennials grew up with digital interaction and tend to prefer environments that emphasize teamwork, social learning and frequent feedback – all of which can be delivered through gamification.

Originality/value
– The value of this paper is to introduce the value of and relationship between enterprise social networking and gamification platforms to human resource (HR) professionals looking to increase engagement and retention rates for Millennial employees.
Creating and sustaining a highly engaged company culture in a multigenerational workplace
Authors: Blattner John , Walter Thomas J. 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how organizations can create and sustain a highly engaged, high performing company culture, one that fully integrates and leverages the strengths of boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials.

Design/methodology/approach
– Once a company run with a command and control approach, Tasty Catering leadership was confronted by its younger generation, mid-level leaders who said, “We no longer wanted to be told what to do”. Instead, they wanted to be given clearly defined tasks with identified outcomes and measures, and the freedom to pursue those goals how they so choose. In short, they wanted to change from “command and control” management to “team” leadership. After considerable thought, Tasty Catering leadership decided to embrace this creative destruction and the transformation began. From all employees reading Good to Great and breaking into teams to discuss applicability to the company to employee-led development of company culture starting with core values, the leadership team witnessed the beginning of something they realized was going to take their organization to new heights. This case study will outline key steps for leaders and HR leaders with lessons learned and tips for success as they transform with team leadership, open-book management and engaging younger workers.

Findings
– Business and HR leaders should consider assessing their organizational culture and effectiveness to gain a baseline and make measurable improvements. PAS International administered Tasty Catering’s assessment using the Organizational Culture Inventory® (OCI®) and the Organizational Effectiveness Inventory® (OEI®), finding a rare and very strong match up of ideal and current operating culture for both employee and leadership segments in an organization. The results of the assessment, normed against more than a thousand other organizations, validate Tasty Catering’s healthy, high performing work environment.

Originality/value
– The culture-based leadership model and financial transparency led and implemented by Tasty Catering’s younger workers are examples of workplace practices that enable high employee involvement, growth, development and recognition. The company’s cultural efforts continue to pay off in high staff morale, as well as a 14 percent rise in sales and a 117 per cent increase in profits last year. Recognizing the importance of sustainability and continuous improvement, all of Tasty Catering’s employees, those representing every generation, are constantly identifying the best and new ways to maintain their strong culture and performance link.
Transparency policy and students’ satisfaction and trust
Authors: Medina Cayetano , Rufín Ramón 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– This paper aims to analyse the effectiveness of the transparency policy carried out by a public university in terms of the impact on students’ satisfaction and trust. The loss of trust suffered by public institutions means that they are trying to identify the existing formulae so that this can be restored, and this includes transparency. In universities, certain changes in their situation mean that the demand for transparency policies is even greater.

Design/methodology/approach
– To carry out the transparency survey, data were collected using 6,180 valid questionnaires among the degree, postgraduate and continuing education students of the UNED. The statistical behaviour of the constructs included in the model was analysed by developing the structural equation model with SmartPLS.

Findings
– The results of this research show that transparency does have both a direct effect on trust and an indirect effect that is mediated by satisfaction. This latter indirect effect comes out stronger than the direct one. Thus, satisfaction emerges as a key factor for any research on the relationship between transparency and trust.

Originality/value
– This paper verifies the impact of the transparency policy on the satisfaction and trust towards a public university’s services.
Prevalence and characterization of Chlamydia DNA in zoo animals in Japan
Authors: Kabeya Hidenori , Sato Shingo , Maruyama Soichi 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTBecause many people visit zoos, prevention of zoonoses is important from the standpoint of public health. This study examined the prevalence of Chlamydia among zoo animals in Japan by PCR and characterized these bacteria by performing phylogenetic analyses of the sequences of the variable domain (VD) 2 and VD4 regions of the ompA gene, which encodes the Chlamydia major outer membrane protein. Fecal samples were collected from 1150 zoo animals in five zoos and examined for Chlamydia DNA. Chlamydia psittaci DNA was found in 3.9% of mammals, 7.2% of birds and 8.1% of reptiles. The prevalence of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA was significantly higher in reptiles (5.8%) than in mammals (0.3%) and birds (0.3%). Phylogenetic analysis of the ompA VD2 region from 18 samples showed that nine were in three different clusters containing C. psittaci strains, six were in a cluster containing C. pneumoniae strains and three each formed a distinct branch. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis of the ompA VD4 region showed that C. pneumoniae DNAs from reptiles were close to those from human patients. The C. pneumoniae DNAs from the European glass lizard, Emerald tree boa, and Panther chameleon were classified in clusters that were distinct from other strains, suggesting that these reptiles had each been infected with a specific C. pneumoniae genotype. This study showed that diverse Chlamydia strains have been prevalent among a variety of zoo animals.
Extreme precipitation reduces reproductive output of an endangered raptor
Authors: Fisher Ryan J. , Wellicome Troy I. , Bayne Erin M. , Poulin Ray G. , Todd L. Danielle , Ford Adam T. 
Published: July 2015

Summary

The frequency and intensity of extreme weather has increased in North America against a backdrop of anthropogenic land change. Few studies have examined how wildlife is affected by extreme weather, and none have examined whether any resulting effects are contingent upon the degree of anthropogenic landscape change.

Using an 8‐year study in Canada (2003–2010), we examined how nest survival of burrowing owls Athene cunicularia varied in relation to weather, vegetation and soil type around the nest. Using a 3‐year (1992, 1993 and 1996) feeding experiment, we examined whether food limitation also causes owlet mortality during inclement weather. Lastly, we examined how productivity (i.e. annual fledgling output) between 2003 and 2010 varied as a function of breeding season precipitation anomalies. Using this relationship, we estimated how productivity has changed in response to breeding season precipitation anomalies from 1960 to 2012.

During extreme precipitation events, nest survival decreased because of flooding. When burrow flooding did not occur, the youngest owlets in broods that were not food‐supplemented had the lowest survival rates when there was precipitation, yet almost all food‐supplemented owlets survived bouts of inclement weather. Accordingly, annual productivity from 2003 to 2010 varied inversely with breeding season precipitation anomalies, and we estimated that mean annual productivity decreased by 12% from 1960 to 2012.

Synthesis and applications. Extreme rainfall during the breeding season reduced reproductive success of burrowing owls. Given that many raptors experience food limitation during extreme rainfall, large‐scale habitat management to increase the abundance and availability of prey may allow these species to better withstand acute food shortages. In light of predicted increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather, supplemental feeding could be used in triage situations for burrowing owl management and has the potential to be an effective short‐term conservation measure for other raptors. Protecting or reclaiming pastures in uplands that are less prone to flooding would further buffer burrowing owls and other ground‐nesting species from extreme precipitation. These actions should mitigate the negative effects of extreme rainfall in the short term; however, long‐term persistence of many species will become increasingly uncertain, as climate change scenarios predict an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather.
Modelling the interactive effects of selective fishing and environmental change on Atlantic salmon demogenetics
Authors: Piou Cyril , Taylor Marc H. , Papaïx Julien , Prévost Etienne 
Published: July 2015

Summary

Changes in life‐history traits have been observed in many fish species over past decades. This led to the ‘fisheries‐induced evolution’ hypothesis proposing that fisheries may be causing genetic changes to populations through selective harvesting. Another hypothesis, which is not mutually exclusive, is that observed changes are due to phenotypic plasticity in response to environmental changes.

Using an individual‐based demogenetic model, we investigate the relative importance of selective fishing and environmental change scenarios on the Atlantic salmon Salmo salar.

In simulation experiments, results show that poor oceanic growth conditions resulting from environmental change drove mainly phenotypic responses, such as a shift towards a multiple‐sea‐winter life history accompanied by a decline in population size. These changes were attributable to the longer time needed to reach maturation and the resulting increase in cumulative mortality during the oceanic phase.

Increased selective fishing against multiple‐sea‐winter fish mainly induced an evolutionary effect in the form of a lower maturation threshold in females, increasing the proportion of one sea‐winter fish. The maturation threshold of males was not modified by selective fishing due to their earlier reproduction and return after a single winter at sea, thereby avoiding most of the selective effects of fishing.

Policy implications. The results suggest that given the present configuration of traditional fisheries, fishing is likely to worsen the effects of oceanic environmental change. Management strategies avoiding targeting multiple‐sea‐winter fish may need to be considered in order to ensure the populations’ resilience to poor oceanic conditions for growth.
Towards a mechanistic understanding of human‐induced rapid environmental change: a case study linking energy development, nest predation and predators
Authors: Hethcoat Matthew G. , Chalfoun Anna D. 
Published: July 2015

Summary

Demographic consequences of human‐induced rapid environmental change (HIREC) have been widely documented for many populations. The mechanisms underlying such patterns, however, are rarely investigated and yet are critical to understand for effective conservation and management.

We investigated the mechanisms underlying reduced avian nest survival with intensification of natural gas development, an increasing source of human‐induced rapid environmental change globally. We tested the hypothesis that energy development increased the local activity of important nest predator species, thereby elevating nest predation rates. During 2011–2012, we surveyed predators and monitored 668 nests of Brewer's sparrows Spizella breweri (BRSP), sagebrush sparrows Artemisiospiza nevadensis (SASPs) and sage thrashers Oreoscoptes montanus (SATHs) breeding at twelve sites spanning a gradient of habitat loss from energy development in western Wyoming, USA.

Nine species, representing four mammalian and three avian families, were video‐recorded depredating eggs and nestlings. Important nest predator species differed across songbird species, despite similar nesting habitats. Approximately 75% of depredation events were by rodents.

Consistent with our predictions, detections of most rodent nest predators increased with surrounding habitat loss due to natural gas development, which was associated with increased probability of nest predation for our three focal bird species.

An altered nest predator assemblage was therefore at least partly responsible for elevated avian nest predation risk in areas with more surrounding energy development.

Synthesis and applications. We demonstrate one mechanism, that is the local augmentation of predators, by which human‐induced rapid environmental change can influence the demography of local populations. Given the accelerating trajectory of global energy demands, an important next step will be to understand why the activity and/or abundance of rodent predators increased with surrounding habitat loss from energy development activities.
Immunomodulation by splenectomy or by FTY720 protects the heart against ischemia reperfusion injury
Authors: Goltz D , Huss S , Ramadori E , Büttner R , Diehl L , Meyer R 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury (MI/R) involves an inflammatory response in the myocardium undergoing reperfusion. Modulation of this response by splenectomy constitutes an option to protect the heart from MI/R. To mimic the effect of splenectomy in a pharmacological approach, the sphingosine‐1‐phosphate agonist FTY720 was applied at the onset of reperfusion. In a closed chest model of MI/R, infarct size was assessed by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining after 1 h of ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion, and by Masson trichrome staining 21 days after reperfusion in splenectomised mice, mice post‐conditioned with FTY720 IP (1 mg/kg), and controls. In addition, hemodynamic parameters were recorded after 24 h and 21 days by catheterization. Infarct size, and immune cell invasion of phagocytic monocytes investigated by FACS after 24 h of reperfusion were significantly reduced by both splenectomy, and FTY720 treatment. Evaluation after 21 days of reperfusion revealed that FTY720 treated animals had an improved hemodynamic outcome compared to placebo treated as well as splenectomised animals. FTY720 treatment reduced cell injury as effectively as splenectomy by lowering the number of phagocytic monocytes invading the myocardium and ameliorated hemodynamic outcome within the first 21 days.
Fibroblast growth factor 23 is associated with the presence of coronary artery disease and the number of stenotic vessels
Authors: Hu Xiang , Ma Xiaojing , Pan Xiaoping , Hao Yaping , Luo Yuqi , Lu Zhigang , Bao Yuqian , Jia Weiping 
Published: July 2015

SummaryFibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has been reported to be involved in cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between FGF23 and the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD), as well as the number of stenotic vessels. A total of 254 eligible participants (167 men and 87 postmenopausal women) were enrolled in this study. Coronary angiography was used for diagnosis of CAD. Serum intact FGF23 levels were determined by a two‐sided sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The median serum FGF23 levels of the entire study population were 39.9 (33.1–47.5) pg/mL. Serum FGF23 levels were higher in subjects with one‐vessel disease than those without CAD (P < 0.05), which further increased significantly in the subjects with multi‐vessel disease (P < 0.05). Serum FGF23 levels increased with cumulative number of stenotic vessels (P for trend < 0.001). Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed estimated glomerular filtration rate (standardized β = −0.298; P < 0.001) and body mass index (standardized β = 0.132; P = 0.049) were independent factors correlated with FGF23. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that FGF23 was positively and independently associated with the presence of CAD (odds ratio = 1.058, 95% confidence interval = 1.025–1.092; P = 0.001). Additionally, FGF23 was also correlated with multi‐vessel disease significantly (odds ratio = 1.034, 95% confidence interval = 1.007–1.062; P = 0.013). In conclusion, serum FGF23 levels exhibit positive and independent association with the presence of CAD and increase with the cumulative number of stenotic vessels.
The expression of the imprinted gene pleckstrin homology‐like domain family A member 2 in placental tissues of preeclampsia and its effects on the proliferation, migration and invasion of trophoblast cells JEG‐3
Authors: Jin Feng , Qiao Chong , Luan Nannan , Shang Tao 
Published: July 2015

SummaryPreeclampsia (PE) is one of the most common hypertensive disorders and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality for pregnant women and perinatal babies. Additionally, pleckstrin homology‐like domain family A member 2 (PHLDA2) is associated with placental dysfunction. However, the effect of PHLDA2 on trophoblast cell proliferation, migration and invasion has not been investigated. In this study, 15 PE patients and 15 normal pregnant women were recruited and clinical characteristics were summarized. Pleckstrin homology‐like domain family A member 2 levels in placental tissues were examined using real‐time PCR and western blot. Overexpression plasmid and PHLDA2 siRNA was introduced into JEG‐3 cells, respectively. Cell proliferation was measured using MTT assay and flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion capacities were assessed by wound healing and Transwell assays. It was found that PE patients collectively presented proteinuria, elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and lower gestational ages and birth weights. Pleckstrin homology‐like domain family A member 2 levels in the preeclamptic placenta were significantly upregulated. Pleckstrin homology‐like domain family A member 2 overexpression significantly arrested cells in the G0/G1 phase, inhibited cell proliferation and suppressed the migration and invasion of JEG‐3 cells. Pleckstrin homology‐like domain family A member 2 knockdown significantly blocked the cells in the S phase of the cell cycle. Knockdown of PHLDA2 alleviated the inhibition on the migration and invasion of trophoblast cells JEG‐3. These findings illustrate that PHLDA2 may participate in PE pathogenesis and indicate its potential application in the early diagnosis of PE.
CCN2 and CCN5 exerts opposing effect on fibroblast proliferation and transdifferentiation induced by TGF‐β
Authors: Xu Honghai , Li Peng , Liu Mengting , Liu Cong , Sun Zhengming , Guo Xiong , Zhang Yuelin 
Published: July 2015

SummaryEpidural fibrosis might occur after lumbar discectomy and contributes to failed back syndrome. Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β has been reported to influence multiple organ fibrosis, in which connective tissue growth factor/cysteine‐rich 61/nephroblastoma overexpressed 2 (CCN2) and CCN5 are involved. However, the effect of CCN2 and CCN5 on TGF‐β induced fibrosis has not yet been elucidated. This study reports that CCN2 and CCN5 play opposing roles in cell proliferation and transdifferentiation of human skin fibroblasts or rabbit epidural scar‐derived fibroblasts exposed to TGF‐β. We observed that TGF‐β1 induced fibroblasts proliferation and differentiation in a dose‐dependent manner (from 0 μg/L to 20 μg/L). Meanwhile, CCN2 expression is up‐regulated while CCN5 expression is inhibited by TGF‐β1 exposure. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that CCN2 overexpression leads to promoted proliferation and elevated collagen and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) expression, which are inhibited by CCN5 overexpression. Moreover, it is shown that the cysteine knot (CT) domain, present in CCN2 but absent in CCN5, plays an essential part in fibroblast proliferation and differentiation. Additionally, enhanced TGF‐β and CCN2 expression but decreased CCN5 expression is found in rabbit epidural scar‐derived fibroblasts. Overall, the results show the opposing effects of CCN2 and CCN5 on fibroblast proliferation and transdifferentiation induced by TGF‐β.
Is There a Correlation Between Footstep Length, Lower Extremities, and Stature?, ,
Authors: Kanchan Tanuj , Sinha Shreya , Krishan Kewal 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA probable correlation between stature and footstep length is expected, and consequently, the stature may be estimated from footstep length. The present research was conducted to study the correlation of footstep length with length of the lower extremities and stature. The study participants (n = 142) were asked to walk on a paper sheet with inked feet and footstep length was measured. Mean stature and lower limb length were significantly larger in males. Sex differences were not observed in the average footstep length. Average footstep length and lower limb length did not show a significant correlation among the participants. A statistically significant correlation was observed between average footstep length and stature only among females. Our observations suggest that the length of the lower limb may not be a major factor in determining the footstep length of a person and that the forensic utility of stature estimation from footstep length may be limited.