bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of citizens’ electronic participation: insights from India
Authors: Alathur Sreejith , Vigneswara Ilavarasan P. , Gupta M.P. 
Published: September 2014

Purpose– The purpose of the present paper is to attempt to examine the determinants of citizens’ electronic participation with respect to the communication aspects. To accomplish this objective, using the extant literature, the paper delineated factors that determine and the theories that can explain citizens’ e-participation. An analysis of citizens’ democratic communication through multiple e-participation forums is carried out, and the determinants of electronic participation are described in the paper.Design/methodology/approach– In light of the literature, e-participation services were classified on the basis of characteristics of democratic communications. The factors that determine citizens’ online democratic participation were also identified and validated. Indian citizens who often e-participate were surveyed through online and offline questionnaires. A regression analysis of the 407 responses was carried out to predict the influence of individual, governance and technology components on various e-participation initiatives.Findings– Citizens’ participation efficacy, value system and participation freedom were found to determine different e-participation initiatives. Further, e-participation is also found to be varyingly determined by the governance and technology components.Research limitations/implications– The theoretical contribution of this study includes the classification of determining factors and the illustrative labeling (I, G and T) for an e-participation framework. The delineation of e-participation from democratic communication aspects also contributes to the e-participation literature. However, this research had considered only one set of e-participation services and had incorporated only select forms of e-participation that are in coherence with the services selected.Originality/value– Past studies often consider separate e-participation forums and infrequently report a simultaneous analysis of multiple e-participation forums. The factors that determine citizens’ e-participation from a democratic communication aspect are also inadequately discussed. The significant contribution of this study includes policy recommendations to improve e-participation in different information and communication technologies initiatives.
The moderating role of individual and social factors in Internet banking loyalty: an exploratory study
Authors: Mohammadi Hossein 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore barriers; the mediating role of usability; and the moderating effects of subjective norms, personal innovativeness, self-efficacy and perceived image on users’ attitudes toward loyalty to Internet banking (IB) in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach
– Based on the consumer data collected from a survey, structural equations modeling and path analysis were used to test the research model.

Findings
– The results revealed that “low perceived usefulness” and “low perceived ease of use” both had negative effects on users’ attitudes. “Low awareness” and “low system compatibility” were found to be the main factors impeding users’ attitudes toward loyalty to IB. “Perceived usefulness” showed no mediating role in the relationship between ease of use and users’ attitudes. At last, all concerned moderators moderated the relationships between ease of use/usefulness and users’ attitudes.

Research limitation/implication
– The sample was only composed of IB users of one Iranian bank, and non-users were not studied.

Originality/value
– Past studies have seldom examined the role of individual drivers such as personal innovativeness and self-efficacy and social drivers such as subjective norms and perceived image as moderating variables in the context of developing countries.
Trans‐generational parasite protection associated with paternal diet
Authors: Sternberg Eleanore D. , de Roode Jacobus C. , Hunter Mark D. 
Published: September 2014

Summary

Multiple generations of hosts are often exposed to the same pathogens, favouring the evolution of trans‐generational defences. Because females have more opportunities to transfer protective molecules to offspring, many studies have focused on maternally derived protection. However, males of many species can transfer compounds along with sperm, including chemicals that could provide protection.

Here, we assess maternally and paternally derived protection in a monarch butterfly–protozoan parasite system where parasite resistance is heavily influenced by secondary plant chemicals, known as cardenolides, present in the larval diet of milkweed plants.

We reared monarch butterflies on medicinal and non‐medicinal milkweed species and then measured resistance of their offspring to infection. We also measured cardenolide content in adult monarchs reared on the two species, and in the eggs that they produced.

We found that offspring were more resistant to infection when their fathers were reared on medicinal milkweed, while maternal diet had less of an effect. We also found that eggs contained the highest levels of cardenolides when both parents were reared on the medicinal species. Moreover, females reared on non‐medicinal milkweed produced eggs with significantly higher levels of cardenolides if they mated with males reared on the medicinal milkweed species. However, we found an equivocal relationship between the cardenolides present in eggs and parasite resistance in the offspring.

Our results demonstrate that males reared on medicinal plants can transfer protection to their offspring, but the exact mechanism remains unresolved. This suggests that paternal protection from parasitism might be important, particularly when there are environmental sources of parasite resistance and when males transfer spermatophores during mating.
Hidden semi‐Markov models reveal multiphasic movement of the endangered Florida panther
Authors: van de Kerk Madelon , Onorato David P. , Criffield Marc A. , Bolker Benjamin M. , Augustine Ben C. , McKinley Scott A. , Oli Madan K. 
Published: September 2014

Summary

Animals must move to find food and mates, and to avoid predators; movement thus influences survival and reproduction, and ultimately determines fitness. Precise description of movement and understanding of spatial and temporal patterns as well as relationships with intrinsic and extrinsic factors is important both for theoretical and applied reasons.

We applied hidden semi‐Markov models (HSMM) to hourly geographic positioning system (GPS) location data to understand movement patterns of the endangered Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) and to discern factors influencing these patterns.

Three distinct movement modes were identified: (1) Resting mode, characterized by short step lengths and turning angles around 180o; (2) Moderately active (or intermediate) mode characterized by intermediate step lengths and variable turning angles, and (3) Traveling mode, characterized by long step lengths and turning angles around 0o.

Males and females, and females with and without kittens, exhibited distinctly different movement patterns. Using the Viterbi algorithm, we show that differences in movement patterns of male and female Florida panthers were a consequence of sex‐specific differences in diurnal patterns of state occupancy and sex‐specific differences in state‐specific movement parameters, whereas the differences between females with and without dependent kittens were caused solely by variation in state occupancy.

Our study demonstrates the use of HSMM methodology to precisely describe movement and to dissect differences in movement patterns according to sex, and reproductive status.
A Randomized Study of the Relative Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety of Alirocumab, a Fully Human Monoclonal Antibody to PCSK9, After Single Subcutaneous Administration at Three Different Injection Sites in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Lunven Catherine , Paehler Tobias , Poitiers Franck , Brunet Aurélie , Rey Jacques , Hanotin Corinne , Sasiela William J. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryAimsWe investigated the relative pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor alirocumab following injection at three different sites.MethodsSixty healthy subjects (39 male, 21 female; age 20–45 years) were randomized to receive a single subcutaneous injection of alirocumab 75 mg via 1‐mL prefilled pen into the abdomen, upper arm, or thigh (NCT01785329). Subjects were followed for 85 days ± 2 days following study drug administration. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters for the systemic exposure of alirocumab were calculated, and levels of free PCSK9 were assessed. Percentage changes from baseline in LDL‐C were compared between injection site groups using linear mixed‐effects models.ResultsAlirocumab concentration–time profiles were similar, and free PCSK9 levels were reduced to approximately zero between Day 3 and Day 4 postinjection in all groups. LDL‐C levels reached nadir on Day 15 postinjection in all groups with mean percentage reductions of 48.4% (abdomen), 39.5% (upper arm), and 45.6% (thigh) at this time point. A similar effect on LDL‐C levels was seen across the entire time course of the study at all three injection sites. Treatment‐emergent adverse events were experienced by 8/20 (abdomen), 11/20 (upper arm), and 13/20 (thigh) subjects. There were 2 mild/transient injection site reactions. There were no serious adverse events.DiscussionA single subcutaneous administration of alirocumab 75 mg via prefilled pen was well tolerated with similar pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics when injected into the abdomen, upper arm, or thigh.ConclusionThese results suggest that alirocumab can be interchangeably injected in the abdomen, upper arm, or thigh.
Efficacy and Safety of the Glycine Transporter‐1 Inhibitor Org 25935 for the Prevention of Relapse in Alcohol‐Dependent Patients: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: de Bejczy Andrea , Nations Kari R. , Szegedi Armin , Schoemaker Joep , Ruwe Frank , Söderpalm Bo 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundOrg 25935 is a glycine transporter inhibitor that increases extracellular glycine levels and attenuates alcohol‐induced dopaminergic activity in the nucleus accumbens. In animal models, Org 25935 has dose‐dependent effects on ethanol intake, preference, and relapse‐like behavior without tolerance. The current study aimed to translate these animal findings to humans by examining whether Org 25935 prevents relapse in detoxified alcohol‐dependent patients.MethodsThis was a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Adult patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence were randomly assigned to receive Org 25935 12 mg twice a day or placebo for 84 days. The primary end point was percentage heavy drinking days (defined as ≥5 standard drinks per day for men and ≥4 for women). Secondary end points included other measures of relapse‐related drinking behavior (e.g., drinks per day, time to relapse), as well as measures of global functioning, alcohol‐related thoughts and cravings, and motivation.ResultsA total of 140 subjects were included in the intent‐to‐treat analysis. The trial was stopped approximately midway after a futility analysis showing that the likelihood of detecting a signal at study term was <40%. There was no significant difference between Org 25935 and placebo on percentage heavy drinking days or any other measure of relapse‐related drinking behavior. Org 25935 showed no safety issues and was fairly well tolerated, with fatigue, dizziness, and transient visual events as the most commonly occurring side effects.ConclusionsOrg 25935 demonstrated no benefit over placebo in preventing alcohol relapse. Study limitations and implications are discussed.
A Real‐Time Examination of Context Effects on Alcohol Cognitions
Authors: Monk Rebecca L. , Heim Derek 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundThis research used context aware experiential sampling to investigate the effect of contexts on in vivo alcohol‐related outcome expectancies.MethodsA time‐stratified random sampling strategy was adopted to assess 72 students and young professionals at 5 daily intervals over the course of a week using a specifically designed smartphone application. This application recorded respondents' present situational and social contexts, alcohol consumption, and alcohol‐related cognitions in real‐time.ResultsIn vivo social and environmental contexts and current alcohol consumption accounted for a significant proportion of variance in outcome expectancies. For instance, prompts which occurred while participants were situated in a pub, bar, or club and in a social group of friends were associated with heightened outcome expectancies in comparison with other settings.ConclusionsAlcohol‐related expectancies do not appear to be static but instead demonstrate variation across social and environmental contexts. Modern technology can be usefully employed to provide a more ecologically valid means of measuring such beliefs.
Effects of State Cigarette Excise Taxes and Smoke‐Free Air Policies on State Per Capita Alcohol Consumption in the United States, 1980 to 2009
Authors: Krauss Melissa J. , Cavazos‐Rehg Patricia A. , Plunk Andrew D. , Bierut Laura J. , Grucza Richard A. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundIncreasing state cigarette excise taxes and strengthening smoke‐free air (SFA) laws are known to reduce smoking prevalence. Some studies suggest that such policies may also reduce alcohol use, but results for cigarette taxes have been mixed, and associations with smoke‐free air policies have been limited to some demographic subgroups. To shed further light on the potential secondary effects of tobacco control policy, we examined whether increases in cigarette taxes and strengthening of SFA laws were associated with reductions of per capita alcohol consumption and whether any reductions were specific to certain beverage types.MethodsState per capita alcohol consumption from 1980 to 2009 was modeled as a function of state price per pack of cigarettes and SFA policy scores while controlling for secular trends and salient state covariates. Both policy measures also accounted for local policies. Total alcohol, beer, wine, and spirits consumption per capita were modeled separately. For each type of beverage, we used a nested models approach to determine whether the 2 policies together were associated with reduced consumption.ResultsFor total alcohol consumption, and for beer or spirits (but not wine), one or both tobacco policies were associated with reductions in consumption. A 1% increase in cigarette price per pack was associated with a 0.083% decrease in per capita total alcohol consumption (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.0002 to 0.166, p = 0.0495), and a 1‐point increase in SFA policy score, measured on a 6‐point scale, was associated with a 1.1% decrease in per capita total alcohol consumption (95% CI 0.4 to 1.7, p = 0.001; p < 0.001 for the hypothesis that the 2 policies are jointly associated with reduced alcohol consumption).ConclusionsThe public health benefits of increasing cigarette taxes and smoke‐free policies may go beyond the reduction of smoking and extend to alcohol consumption, specifically beer and spirits.
Association of Increased S100A8 Serum Protein with Early Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Nair Rohini R. , Khanna Anuradha , Singh Kiran 
Published: September 2014

ProblemThe contribution of systemic S100A8 protein in menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and early pregnancy loss (EPL) is not known. Altered expression of S100A8 in maternal decidua is associated with recurrent early pregnancy loss. The objective of this study was to investigate the systemic level of S100A8 in different phases of menstrual cycle, different trimester of pregnancy, and in EPL.Method of StudyLevel of S100A8 was investigated in serum samples of the subjects through enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Result and ConclusionS100A8 levels were elevated during proliferative phase of menstural cycle. We found no statistical difference in S100A8 level in different trimester of pregnancy. S100A8 level was found to be significantly elevated in patients with EPL. This is the first study evaluating the systemic level of S100A8 predicting its role during menstural cycle and pregnancy. It opens a new perspective in which S100A8 can be used as a prognostic marker for EPL.
Subjects with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia‐like B‐cell clones with stereotyped B‐cell receptors frequently show MDS‐associated phenotypes on myeloid cells
Authors: Rodríguez‐Caballero Arancha , Henriques Ana , Criado Ignacio , Langerak Anton W. , Matarraz Sergio , López Antonio , Balanzategui Ana , González Marcos , Nieto Wendy G. , Cortesão Emília , Paiva Artur , Almeida Julia , Orfao Alberto 
Published: September 2014

SummaryAn increasing body of evidence suggests the potential occurrence of antigen encounter by the cell of origin in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and CLL‐like monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis (MBL). However, the scenario in which this event might occur remains unknown. In order to gain insight into this scenario we investigated the molecular, cytogenetic and haematological features of 223 CLL‐like (n = 84) and CLL (n = 139) clones with stereotyped (n = 32) versus non‐stereotyped (n = 191) immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IGHV) amino acid sequences. Overall, stereotyped CLL‐like MBL and CLL clones showed a unique IGHV profile, associated with higher IGHV1 and lower IGHV3 gene family usage (P = 0·03), longer IGHV complementary determining region 3 (HCDR3) sequences (P = 0·007) and unmutated IGHV (P < 0·001) versus non‐stereotyped clones. Whilst the overall size of the stereotyped B‐cell clones in peripheral blood did not appear to be associated with the CLL‐related cytogenetic profile of B‐cells (P > 0·05), it did show a significant association with the presence of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)‐associated immunophenotypes on peripheral blood neutrophils and/or monocytes (P = 0·01). Altogether our results point to the potential involvement of different selection forces in the expansion of stereotyped vs. non‐stereotyped CLL and CLL‐like MBL clones, the former being potentially favoured by an underlying altered haematopoiesis.
What does the general public in the UK know about the risk to a developing foetus if exposed to alcohol in pregnancy? Findings from a UK mixed methodology study
Authors: Mukherjee R. , Wray E. , Hollins S. , Curfs L. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIntroductionFoetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a set of preventable conditions where the foetus is exposed to alcohol in utero and as a result suffers adverse consequences. To develop a public health strategy related to FASD, it is important to first establish what is known by the public about this condition. This study aimed to assess the current level of knowledge about FASD in the UK general population.MethodsA mixed methodology study was conducted using a 17‐item questionnaire and focus group sessions. Four focus groups were held with an average of 10 people in each group. Semi‐structured questions and thematic analysis of interviews alongside quantitative analysis of the questionnaire data was completed. The research was approved by an National Health service (NHS) research ethical committee.ResultsA total of 674 people responded to the questionnaire and a majority (86.7%) had heard about FASD, with most receiving their information from the media (26.2%) or from their work (27.7%). Four broad themes emerged. Overall these were: a general lack of knowledge about the subject; information about the subject needed to be personally relevant; there was a need for further education; and there was a lack of clarity in the current guidance on alcohol use in pregnancy.Discussion and conclusionsCurrently there appears to be a superficial level of knowledge about FASD in the UK general public. More detailed work in subgroups, such as young women, to identify their specific needs may be necessary before targeted public health and educational interventions can be developed to meet the needs of the general public.
Development and implementation of a paediatric rehabilitation care path for hard‐to‐reach families: a case report
Authors: Phoenix M. , Rosenbaum P. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractService providers, policy makers and researchers are increasingly concerned with service provisions for hard‐to‐reach families. These are defined as families who are eligible for a service, but are difficult for service providers to identify or engage. In our setting, hard‐to‐reach families were those who missed appointments without prior notice, a problem that was inefficient for the organization, frustrating for clinicians and did not meet child or family needs. This case report describes the development of a care path to promote engagement with hard‐to‐reach families (MATCH: Making Alternative Therapy Choices Happen) and its adoption among clinicians within a community‐based paediatric rehabilitation centre in Ontario, Canada. The care path was developed and implemented at a pilot site at KidsAbility Centre for Child Development (KidsAbility), which allowed us to tailor the care path using clinician input via questionnaires, and to monitor use of the care path. Following pilot implementation clinicians reported being satisfied with the approach and perceived improved child and family outcomes. The care path was expanded to four service sites using a Knowledge Brokering model. After training, clinicians reported a good understanding of the care path: 87% felt that they would have an opportunity to use it within six months, however only 68% felt ready to use it. Challenges to offering MATCH and continuing training preferences were investigated. The MATCH care path illustrates a practical application of the principles of best‐practice for engaging hard‐to‐reach families, tailored for a specific paediatric rehabilitation setting. Continued research is planned to further define the hard‐to‐reach families within paediatric rehabilitation, determine how hard‐to‐reach families view engagement in services, and evaluate the effectiveness of MATCH implementation in reducing missed appointments and promoting family engagement in paediatric rehabilitation services.