bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychological capital and job satisfaction in Egypt
Authors: Badran Mohga A , Youssef-Morgan Carolyn M. 
Published: April 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to extend the boundaries of positive organizational behavior (Luthans, 2002a, b) to North Africa and the Middle East. Specifically, the relevance of Psychological Capital (PsyCap et al., 2007), composed of the positive psychological resources of hope, efficacy, resilience and optimism, is conceptualized and tested in Egypt in relation to job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach
– A contextualized theoretical model is derived, in which PsyCap can lead to job satisfaction through a set of positive mechanisms. Structural equation modeling is used to test the hypothesized relationships on a sample of 451 Egyptian employees in 11 organizations representing some of Egypt’s most important industries in terms of GDP, employment and world economy integration.

Findings
– Hope, efficacy, resilience and optimism, individually and when integrated into the higher-order multidimensional construct, PsyCap, are positively related to the job satisfaction of Egyptian employees.

Research limitations/implications
– This paper supports the external validity of hope, efficacy, resilience and optimism, individually and when integrated into the higher-order multidimensional construct, PsyCap, in the African and Egyptian context.

Practical implications
– Egyptian organizations, as well as global companies that conduct business operations in Africa, may find PsyCap to be a new potential source of human-based competitive advantage. PsyCap is state-like and thus open to development through workplace interventions.

Originality/value
– This study provides evidence for the first time for the external and construct validity of PsyCap in North Africa. Zoogah (2008) found a dearth of articles that focus on North Africa, specifically the Arabian heritage. This paper begins to fill this gap. A context-bound approach is used to refine and integrate PsyCap theory with the cognitive, affective and behavioral processes of the African and Egyptian context.
Examining the frustration-aggression model among Tunisian blue-collar workers
Authors: Sassi Narjes , El Akremi Assâad , Vandenberghe Christian 
Published: April 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the links between work stressors, perceived stress, emotional exhaustion, and workplace aggression, using the traits of negative affectivity and external locus of control as individual moderators.

Design/methodology/approach
– Data were collected using a survey questionnaire among 477 blue-collar workers from a Tunisian manufacturing company.

Findings
– Results indicate that perceived stress mediates a positive relationship between work stressors (quantitative workload, role ambiguity, and interpersonal conflicts) and emotional exhaustion. Moreover, the relationship between quantitative workload and interpersonal conflicts and perceived stress is stronger among individuals with high levels of negative affectivity. Similarly, the relationship between quantitative workload and perceived stress is stronger at high levels of external locus of control. Finally, emotional exhaustion mediates a positive relationship between perceived stress and interpersonal and organizational aggression.

Practical implications
– The findings suggest that Tunisian organizations may reduce perceived stress and aggressive behavior among blue-collar workers through reducing quantitative workload, role ambiguity, and interpersonal conflicts. Moreover, specific training programs, job redesign, and formal mentorship that provide employees with improved social skills can also be recommended as soon as early signs of frustration or intentions to misbehave appear. Finally, leadership development practices may help supervisors better manage workplace stressors and reduce the occurrence of workplace aggression.

Originality/value
– The current study is an initial attempt to look at an integrated model of stress and aggression among blue-collar workers in Tunisia. While some of the findings are consistent with the literature, others might reflect the unique aspects of the Tunisian culture.
Destructive Spondyloarthropathy in Patients on Long‐Term Peritoneal Dialysis or Hemodialysis
Authors: Hayami Noriko , Hoshino Junichi , Suwabe Tastuya , Sumida Keiichi , Mise Koki , Hamanoue Satoshi , Sawa Naoki , Kitajima Izuru , Hirota Yutaka , Oohashi Kenichi , Fujii Takeshi , Okuda Itsuko , Takaichi Kenmei , Ubara Yoshifumi 
Published: April 2015

AbstractDestructive spondyloarthropathy (DSA) is the most serious spinal complication of dialysis‐related amyloidosis in patients on long‐term hemodialysis (HD), but we could not find any information about DSA in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) for over 10 years. We retrospectively evaluated factors contributing to DSA in HD and PD patients. Sixty‐seven patients on dialysis for 10 to 19 years were compared between a PD group (n = 23) or a HD group (n = 44). In the PD group, nine patients (39%) developed DSA. The mean age of DSA patients was significantly higher than that of non‐DSA patients (66.2 ± 10.0 vs. 51.0 ± 12.8 years, P = 0.03). The frequency of cervical spine DSA did not show any difference between the PD and HD groups, but the frequency of lumbar spine DSA showed a significant difference (22% vs. 5%, P = 0.04). The serum beta‐2 microglobulin (B2MG) level was significantly higher in PD patients than in HD patients (38.4 mg/L vs. 27.4 mg/L, P = 0.0025). Mechanical stress such as elevation of the intra‐abdominal pressure due to infusion of PD fluid (1500 mL to 2000 mL) for over 10 years might contribute to lumbar DSA in patients on long‐term PD.
Extracorporeal Treatment in Severe Hypertriglyceridemia‐Induced Pancreatitis
Authors: Zeitler Heike , Balta Zeynep , Klein Burkhard , Strassburg Christian P. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPlasmapheresis is a well‐accepted treatment option in severe hypertriglyceridemia‐induced pancreatitis (HTGP). The rationale behind this approach is the depletion of triglycerides and the reduction of inflammatory cytokines. The time span between onset of clinical symptoms and start of plasmapheresis might have an important impact on mortality. Hyperviscosity of patients' plasma represents another special challenge for the applied separation technology. The procedures can be performed either by centrifugal device (CFD) or membrane based (MBS) units. The present study reports the outcome of 10 patients suffering from HTG. The expected mortality of the collective was 25%. Plasmapheresis was started after an average 16.3 h (SD ± 6.7 h) after onset of symptoms. No mortality occurred. Apheresis was statistically equally effective with both devices. A median of 3 sessions reduced the TG level to normal and correlated with patients' improvement. During follow up, three patients developed a pancreatic pseudocyst requiring surgical intervention without further complication.
Two Years of Cinacalcet Hydrochloride Treatment Decreased Parathyroid Gland Volume and Serum Parathyroid Hormone Level in Hemodialysis Patients With Advanced Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Yamada Shunsuke , Tokumoto Masanori , Taniguchi Masatomo , Toyonaga Jiro , Suehiro Takaichi , Eriguchi Rieko , Fujimi Satoru , Ooboshi Hiroaki , Kitazono Takanari , Tsuruya Kazuhiko 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe long‐term effect of cinacalcet hydrochloride treatment on parathyroid gland (PTG) volume has been scarcely investigated in patients with moderate to advanced secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). The present study was a prospective observational study to determine the effect of cinacalcet treatment on PTG volume and serum biochemical parameters in 60 patients with renal SHPT, already treated with intravenous vitamin D receptor activator (VDRA). Measurement of biochemical parameters and PTG volumes were performed periodically, which were analyzed by stratification into tertiles across the baseline parathyroid hormone (PTH) level or PTG volume. We also determined the factors that can estimate the changes in PTG volume and the achievement of the target PTH range by multivariable analyses. Two years of cinacalcet treatment significantly decreased the serum levels of PTH, calcium, and phosphate, followed by the improvement of achieving the target ranges for these parameters recommended by the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy. Cinacalcet decreased the maximal and total PTG volume by about 30%, and also decreased the serum PTH level independent of the baseline serum PTH level and PTG volume. Ten out of 60 patients showed 30% increase in maximal PTG after 2 years. Multivariable analysis showed that patients with nodular PTG at baseline and patients with higher serum calcium and PTH levels at 1 year were likely to exceed the target range of PTH at two years. In conclusion, cinacalcet treatment with intravenous VDRA therapy decreased both PTG volume and serum intact PTH level, irrespective of the pretreatment PTG status and past treatment history.
Extractability and Chromatographic Characterization of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Bran Protein
Authors: De Brier N. , Gomand S.V. , Celus I. , Courtin C.M. , Brijs K. , Delcour J.A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAbout 70% of the protein for human consumption is derived from plants, with cereals as the most important source. Wheat bran protein has a more balanced amino acid profile than that of flour. We here for the first time report the amino acid, size exclusion, and SDS‐PAGE profiles of bran Osborne protein fractions (OPFs). Moreover, we also investigated how OPFs are affected when physical barriers which entrap proteins in bran tissues are removed. Albumin/globulin is the most abundant OPF. It is richer in lysine and asparagine/aspartic acid than other OPF. Most bran albumin/globulin proteins have a molecular weight (MW) lower than 30 k and their chromatographic profiles differ from those of flour. The prolamin has high levels of proline and glutamine/glutamic acid. It is rich in proteins with a MW of 30 to 45 k and about 66 k reflecting contamination with gliadin from endosperm. The glutelin has high levels of glycine, proline, and glutamine/glutamic acid. Its protein is of intermediate and high MW with little protein with MW lower than 30 k. The high (MWs from 80 to 120 k) and low (MW around 45 k) MW glutenin subunits of flour are also present in bran. The glutelin of wheat endosperm is named glutenin. Ball milling releases albumin/globulin and glutelin but not prolamin. Not all glutelin was endosperm glutenin as a substantial part was entrapped in the aleurone cells.
Extracellular Streptomyces lividans vesicles: composition, biogenesis and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Schrempf Hildgund , Merling Philipp 
Published: April 2015

SummaryWe selected Streptomyces lividans to elucidate firstly the biogenesis and antimicrobial activities of extracellular vesicles that a filamentous and highly differentiated Gram‐positive bacterium produces. Vesicle types range in diameter from 110 to 230 nm and 20 to 60 nm, respectively; they assemble to clusters, and contain lipids and phospholipids allowing their in situ imaging by specific fluorescent dyes. The presence of the identified secondary metabolite undecylprodigiosin provokes red fluorescence of a portion of the heterogeneous vesicle populations facilitating in vivo monitoring. Protuberances containing vesicles generate at tips, and alongside of substrate hyphae, and enumerate during late vegetative growth to droplet‐like exudates. Owing to in situ imaging in the presence and absence of a green fluorescent vancomycin derivative, we conclude that protuberances comprising vesicles arise at sites with enhanced levels of peptidoglycan subunits [pentapeptide of lipid II (C55)‐linked disaccharides], and reduced levels of polymerized and cross‐linked peptidoglycan within hyphae. These sites correlate with enhanced levels of anionic phospholipids and lipids. Vesicles provoke pronounced damages of Aspergillus proliferans, Verticillium dahliae and induced clumping and distortion of Escherichia coli. These harmful effects are likely attributable to the action of the identified vesicular compounds including different enzyme types, components of signal transduction cascades and undecylprodigiosin. Based on our pioneering findings, we highlight novel clues with environmental implications and application potential.
Decimal growth stages for precision wheat production in changing environments?
Authors: Barber H.M. , Carney J. , Alghabari F. , Gooding M.J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe utility of the decimal growth stage (DGS) scoring system for cereals is reviewed. The DGS is the most widely used scale in academic and commercial applications because of its comprehensive coverage of cereal developmental stages, the ease of use and definition provided and adoption by official agencies. The DGS has demonstrable and established value in helping to optimise the timing of agronomic inputs, particularly with regard to plant growth regulators, herbicides, fungicides and soluble nitrogen fertilisers. In addition, the DGS is used to help parameterise crop models, and also in understanding the response and adaptation of crops to the environment. The value of the DGS for increasing precision relies on it indicating, to some degree, the various stages in the development of the stem apex and spike. Coincidence of specific growth stage scores with the transition of the apical meristem from a vegetative to a reproductive state, and also with the period of meiosis, is unreliable. Nonetheless, in pot experiments it is shown that the broad period of booting (DGS 41–49) appears adequate for covering the duration when the vulnerability of meiosis to drought and heat stress is exposed. Similarly, the duration of anthesis (61–69) is particularly susceptible to abiotic stresses: initially from a fertility perspective, but increasingly from a mean grain weight perspective as flowering progresses to DGS 69 and then milk development. These associations with DGS can have value at the crop level of organisation: for interpreting environmental effects, and in crop modelling. However, genetic, biochemical and physiological analysis to develop greater understanding of stress acclimation during the vegetative state, and tolerance at meiosis, does require more precision than DGS can provide. Similarly, individual floret analysis is needed to further understand the genetic basis of stress tolerance during anthesis.
The impact of grain self‐sufficiency regime on regional welfare and agricultural productivity in China
Authors: Selim Sheikh 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe nineties’ agricultural reforms in China that were aimed at deregulating the agricultural market eventually resulted in a huge drop in agricultural production and a high rate of inflation in agricultural input prices; this apparently motivated the government to introduce the grain self‐sufficiency regime in 1998. We examine how and to what extent this reform affected the productivity and welfare of grain farmers in China at the regional level. We find that the price regulations that destroyed the incentive to exert more effort adversely affected the growth in agricultural productivity but contributed to the growth in farmers’ welfare. Although the price regulations resulted in short‐term improvement in welfare across all the regions, in the long run such regulations can potentially result in larger drop in agricultural production because of its negative impact on the incentives to produce more.
Cultured blood T‐cell responses predict anti‐TNF therapy response in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Magnusson M. K. , Strid H. , Isaksson S. , Bajor A. , Lasson A. , Ung K.‐A. , Öhman L. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryBackgroundAnti‐tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy is used for treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). As approximately 30% of patients with UC do not benefit from the treatment, it is of clinical interest to identify biomarkers of response before therapy is initiated.AimTo identify prognostic biomarkers of anti‐TNF therapy response in anti‐TNF therapy‐naïve patients with UC.MethodsPeripheral blood cells were obtained from 56 patients with UC before therapy started. Thirty‐four patients were included in an exploratory cohort and 22 patients in a validation cohort. Blood cells were stimulated in vitro with influenza vaccine with and without anti‐TNF. T‐cell surface receptor expression and cytokine release were determined (in total 17 variables). Treatment response was evaluated using the Mayo score 12–14 weeks after the first infusion.ResultsIn the exploratory cohort, blood cells from the patients showed stronger anti‐TNF‐dependent suppression of T‐cell surface receptor expression and cytokine secretion among therapy responders than nonresponders. In particular, anti‐TNF suppressed the expression of CD25 on T cells and secretion of interleukin 5, to a higher degree in responders than in nonresponders. These variables were used to a create model to predict therapy outcome, which was confirmed in the validation cohort. Correct classification of future therapy response was achieved in 91% of the cases in the validation cohort.ConclusionThe effects of anti‐TNF on cultured blood T cells, obtained before therapy started, predict treatment outcome in patients with UC.
Lost in translation? How project actors shape REDD+ policy and outcomes in Cambodia
Authors: Pasgaard Maya 
Published: April 2015

AbstractForest protection policies to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) are currently being implemented by international donors, governments and conservation agencies across the developing world aiming for reduction of greenhouse gases while ensuring fair distribution of benefits. This paper draws on a case study in northern Cambodia to analyse how conservation practitioners and the local forest management committees engaged in implementing REDD+ actively translate and influence the policy and its implementation in accordance with their respective interests through particular communication strategies. When assessing project progress and outcomes, the conservation practitioners involved in implementing projects show an interest in emphasising positive project assessments by downplaying potential project complications, and by primarily communicating with pro‐REDD+ members of the local communities. Powerful actors in the local forest management committees adopt the conservation rhetoric of these practitioners; at the same time, they can interpret and control local access to resources to their own advantage. By doing so, they can ensure continued support, while not necessarily representing all community members or sharing benefits equally. The processes and consequences of this policy translation in a REDD+ arena are discussed and compared with existing dominant trends in environment and development policies.
Governing carbon, transforming forest politics: A case study of Indonesia's REDD+ Task Force
Authors: Astuti Rini , McGregor Andrew 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Plus (REDD+) programme seeks to reshape the way we value, govern and interact with forests. Rather than managing forests according to interests in timber, conservation, land or livelihoods, REDD+ encourages forms of forest management that prioritise carbon. While international negotiations are shaping the rules of the programme, how it takes place on the ground will depend on its interpretation and implementation in different places. In this paper, we are interested in how the REDD+ Task Force (Satgas REDD+), an ad hoc body formed by presidential decree to design and implement REDD+ readiness activities in Indonesia, has attempted to mainstream the programme from 2010 to 2013. We develop a governmentality approach to focus on how the Task Force sought to introduce REDD+ carbon rationalities to forest politics. Based on extended ethnographic research, we identify three strategies: adopting and promoting the carbon discourses circulating among global REDD+ communities; making carbon visible and governable through mapping technologies; and implementing participatory technologies to encourage pro‐REDD+ subjectivities. In some ways, the Task Force has been successful in building awareness about forest carbon among forest stakeholders in Indonesia. National civil society organisations, in particular, appear to be supportive of REDD+; however, they emphasise ‘co‐benefits’ framed as ‘Beyond Carbon’, informed by social and environmental justice. For others, however, forests remain sources of timber and land, and new strategies are required if REDD+ is to have substantial impacts on forest governance in Indonesia. The Task Force's efforts reveal the difficult and contested processes through which global climate change programmes come to be embedded in national arenas.
Institutional drivers and barriers to faculty adoption of blended learning in higher education
Authors: Porter Wendy W. , Graham Charles R. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractRelatively little research on blended learning (BL) addresses institutional adoption, although such research would benefit institutions of higher education in strategically adopting and implementing BL. In a prior study, the authors proposed a framework for institutional BL adoption, identifying three stages: (1) awareness/exploration, (2) adoption/early implementation, and (3) mature implementation/growth. The framework also identified key strategy, structure and support issues universities may address at each stage. The current study applies that framework as well as Rogers' diffusion of innovations theory to determine the degree to which institutional strategy, structure and support decisions facilitate or impede BL adoption among higher education faculty. The authors also explore whether faculty members' innovation adoption category (innovator, early adopter, early majority, late majority or laggard) affects which decisions facilitate or impede BL adoption. To achieve these objectives, the authors surveyed 214 faculty members at a university in the adoption/early implementation stage, Brigham Young University‐Idaho. We found that the availability of sufficient infrastructure, technological support, pedagogical support, evaluation data and an institution's purpose for adopting BL would most significantly influence faculty adoption. We also identified a wide range of factors that would influence each category of innovation adopters.