bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A model for the diffusion of knowledge sharing technologies inside private transport companies
Authors: Del Giudice Manlio , Della Peruta Maria Rosaria , Maggioni Vincenzo 
Published: May 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to investigate, inside the private sector of transport, a model for the diffusion of knowledge-sharing technologies with non-uniform internal influence that has been developed by Easingwoodet al.(1983).Design/methodology/approach– The authors performed an empirical evaluation of the performances of the model by Easingwoodet al.(1983) by analyzing data gathered from almost 230 taxi drivers joining two of the biggest taxi brokers operating in the Southern Italian city of Naples.Findings– Such an analysis reveals that the model by Easingwoodet al.(1983) provides an excellent agreement with the empirical data and allows to obtain interesting predictions on the future evolution of the sector performances in terms of increasing use of knowledge-sharing technologies within the taxi drivers’ community of practice (CoP).Research limitations/implications– In particular, the authors show that a unique solution always exists, which is defined on the whole (positive) set of times and, in the long run, tends to a steady-state equilibrium. A first limit of the present research is certainly the use of a sample restricted to the taxi companies from only one city: future investigations should consider a larger sample by interviewing taxi companies from multiple regions as well. Another limit is that the model performed does not take into account all the factors influencing the diffusion of knowledge-sharing technologies within the CoP. Finally, the research design is not considering the impact of the diffusion of knowledge-sharing technologies on the customer relationship management.Originality/value– The research shows the application of a valid model both for evaluating the diffusion of technologies for sharing knowledge within a CoP and for estimating its development trend. It represents the first original study in Italy that empirically investigates the diffusion of technological innovations for the knowledge management in an industry typically dominated by tacit codes of knowledge-sharing: the taxi companies.
Public sector knowledge management: a structured literature review
Authors: Massaro Maurizio , Dumay John , Garlatti Andrea 
Published: May 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to review and critique the public sector knowledge management (KM) literature, offers an overview of the state of public sector KM research and outlines a future research agenda.Design/methodology/approach– Articles published in KM journals are analyzed using a structured literature review methodology. The paper analyzes 180 papers published within ten journals specializing in the field of KM.Findings– Public sector KM is a research area of growing importance. Findings show that few authors specialize in the field and there are several obstacles to developing a cohesive body of literature. Low levels of international cooperation among authors and international comparisons mean that the literature is fragmented. Some research topics and some geographical areas within the public sector theme are over-analyzed, while others are under-investigated. Additionally, academic researchers should re-think their methodological approach if they wish to make significant contributions to the literature and work toward developing research which impacts practice in conjunction with practitioners.Originality/value– The paper presents a comprehensive structured literature review of the articles published in KM journals. The paper’s findings can offer insights into future research needs.
Understanding “disengagement from knowledge sharing”: engagement theory versus adaptive cost theory
Authors: Ford Dianne , Myrden Susan E. , Jones Tim D 
Published: May 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is using competing hypotheses (a spillover hypothesis, based on Engagement Theory, and a provisioning hypothesis, based on Adaptive Cost Theory) to help explain why employees become disengaged from knowledge sharing.Design/methodology/approach– Employed knowledge workers completed an online questionnaire regarding their job characteristics, their general health and wellness, perceived organizational support, job engagement and disengagement from knowledge sharing.Findings– The findings provide empirical support for Adaptive Cost Theory and illustrate the relationship between Engagement Theory and the Disengagement from Knowledge Sharing. In particular, this research illustrates the importance of health and wellness for preventing disengagement from knowledge sharing. In addition, the findings introduce a new finding of tensions between job engagement and knowledge sharing, which supports knowledge workers’ complaints of “being too busy” to share.Research limitations/implications– This study uses cross-sectional methodology; however, the participants are employed and in the field. Given the theoretical arguments that disengagement from knowledge sharing should be either short term or transient, future research should follow-up with diary methods to capture this to confirm the study’s conclusions.Practical implications– The findings of this study provide some insight for practitioners on how to prevent disengagement from knowledge sharing. New predictors and an interesting tension between job engagement and knowledge sharing are identified.Originality/value– This study examines an alternative explanation for the lack of knowledge sharing in organizations, and uses competing theories to identify the reasons for the disengagement from knowledge sharing.
Can soap be a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based thermal insulation?
Authors: Read Lee , Arayici Yusuf 
Published: May 2015

Purpose– Thermal insulation is important to achieve energy efficiency in a buildings’ lifespan while maintaining comfort. Traditionally, the majority of insulation in buildings is man-made petroleum based products with limited or no-end life usage. However, from an environmental and economic sustainability perspective, they are not sustainable as natural resources are finite and in danger of run-out. Furthermore, they are also highly influenced by the increasing price and the ongoing scarcity of fossil fuel oils. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach– This paper introduces soap based insulation from recycled materials as a sustainable alternative to petroleum counterparts. The methodology is lab based experimentation and iterative tests. The phased based research process for the incremental development of the soap based thermal insulation is explained.Findings– Findings reveal that soap based insulation can be one possible way forward in the quest for natural and sustainable thermal insulation from recycled products to preserve and conserve the sustainable environment.Originality/value– Thus, the paper provides a unique environmentally friendly approach as an alternative to those existing petroleum counterparts for thermal insulation in buildings.
Turning building renovation measures into energy saving opportunities
Authors: Gohardani Navid , Af Klintberg Tord , Björk Folke 
Published: May 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to promote energy saving measures concurrent with major planned renovation/refurbishment in residential buildings.

Design/methodology/approach
– The methodology comprises of case studies, in which the influence of various factors is identified on the overall decision making related to building renovation/refurbishment.

Findings
– The employed operational decision support process enables energy saving opportunities for residential buildings in conjunction with planned major renovations/refurbishments.

Research limitations/implications
– The research scope is confined to residential buildings in Sweden and cooperatives with tenants as the owners and governors.

Practical implications
– A novel approach to synergistic energy saving and renovation in residential buildings is exhibited.

Social implications
– The paper presents an altered viewpoint of energy renovation means for residential buildings in the built environment.

Originality/value
– The paper presents a novel approach for building owners to renovate a building in terms of improved performance, energy efficiency and indoor comfort in combination with planned renovations/refurbishments.
Altered profile of serum microRNAs in pancreatic cancer‐associated new‐onset diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dai Xin , Pang Wenjing , Zhou Yufeng , Yao Weiyan , Xia Lu , Wang Cheng , Chen Xi , Zen Ke , Zhang Chen‐Yu , Yuan Yaozong 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundNew‐onset diabetes mellitus in pancreatic cancer has been recognized as a paraneoplastic phenomenon caused by the existence of the tumor. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as non‐invasive biomarkers for the detection of various cancers. In the present study, we hypothesized that a specific serum miRNA profile exists in pancreatic cancer‐associated new‐onset diabetes mellitus (PaC‐DM).MethodsInitial screening of differentially expressed miRNAs in pooled serum samples from 25 PaC‐DM patients, 25 non‐cancer new‐onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, and 25 healthy controls was performed by TaqMan low‐density arrays (TLDA). A stem–loop quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was conducted to confirm the relative concentrations of candidate miRNAs in 80 PaC‐DM, 85 non‐cancer new‐onset T2DM patients, and 80 healthy controls.ResultsThe TLDA identified 16 serum miRNAs that were significantly increased in PaC‐DM samples. A combination of six serum miRNAs (miR‐483‐5p, miR‐19a, miR‐29a, miR‐20a, miR‐24, miR‐25) was selected by qRT‐PCR as a biomarker for PaC‐DM. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the six‐miRNA panel training and validation sets was 0.959 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.890–1.028) and 0.902 (95% CI 0.844–0.955), respectively. The combination of these six miRNAs enabled the discrimination of PaC‐DM from non‐cancer new‐onset T2DM with an AUC of 0.885 (95% CI 0.784–0.986) and 0.887 (95% CI 0.823–0.952) for the training and validation sets, respectively.ConclusionThe six‐serum miRNA panel may have potential as a biomarker for the accurate diagnosis and discrimination of PaC‐DM from healthy controls and non‐cancer new‐onset T2DM.
Efficacy and safety of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in Asian patients with knee osteoarthritis: summary of a randomized, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Essex Margaret N. , O'Connell Michael A. , Behar Regina , Bao Weihang 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimTo compare the efficacy, tolerability and safety of celecoxib, naproxen and placebo in Asian patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.MethodPatients of Asian descent with knee OA, aged ≥ 45 years, in a flare state with a functional capacity classification of I–III, received celecoxib 200 mg once daily, naproxen 500 mg twice daily or placebo, for 6 weeks. The change in Patient's Assessment of Arthritis Pain (week 6 vs. baseline) was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints, including Patient's and Physician's Global Assessments of Arthritis, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index (WOMAC), use of complementary and alternative medicines, incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and measurements of upper gastrointestinal tolerability, were also assessed.ResultsThree hundred and sixty‐seven patients were randomized: 145 to celecoxib, 144 to naproxen and 78 to placebo. Celecoxib was as effective as naproxen in reducing OA pain (least squares mean change from baseline in visual analogue scale score [standard error] −37.1 [2.0] for celecoxib and −37.5 [2.0] for naproxen). Patient's and Physician's Global Assessment of Arthritis, WOMAC scores, Pain Satisfaction Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 showed statistically significant improvement in active treatment groups versus placebo, with the exception of naproxen WOMAC scores. Treatment‐related TEAEs occurred in 19 (13%), 34 (24%) and six (8%) patients in the celecoxib, naproxen and placebo groups, respectively.ConclusionCelecoxib and naproxen were comparable in their effects to reduce the signs and symptoms of knee OA in Asian patients. Celecoxib was shown to be safe and well tolerated in this patient population.
Rad51 in regulating the radiosensitivity of non‐small cell lung cancer with different epidermal growth factor receptor mutation status
Authors: Zhong Xing , Luo Guomin , Zhou Xiaojuan , Luo Wen , Wu Xia , Zhong Renming , Wang Yanping , Xu Feng , Wang Jin 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundNon‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring kinase‐domain mutations in epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) has been observed to be sensitive to ionizing radiation (IR). We explore Rad51‐dependent homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair in regulating radiosensitivity in two NSCLC cell lines with different EGFR mutation status.MethodsNSCLC cell lines, wild‐type EGFR A549 and mutant EGFR H820 with an in‐frame deletion in exon 19 of EGFR (ΔE746–E750), were cultured. Radiosensitivity was estimated by colony forming assay. Rad51 expression was evaluated by quantitative real time‐polymerase chain reaction and Western‐blot. Lentiviral small hairpin ribonucleic acid‐Rad51 and ΔE746–E750 deletion mutant EGFR were constructed and transfected into cells. Flowcytometry assay was used to analyze DNA double strand breaks, cell cycle alterations, and apoptosis.ResultsA549 had a higher survival factor (SF)2 (0.66 vs. 0.44) and lower α/β value (4.07 vs. 9.01). Compared with the A549 cell, the H820 cell exhibited defective arrest in the S‐phase, a higher rate of G2/M accumulation, early apoptosis, and residual γ‐H2AX. Downregulated Rad51 expression decreased SF2 (0.42 vs. 0.31) and increased the α/β ratio (7.51 vs. 10.5), G2/M accumulation, early apoptosis, and γ‐H2AX in two cell lines. H820 had a low IR‐induced Rad51 expression and nuclear translocation. Exogenous expression of the ΔE746–E750 deletion mutant EGFR caused the A549 cell to become more radiosensitive.ConclusionsAn EGFR mutated NSCLC cell line is sensitive to IR, which is correlated with reduced IR‐induced Rad51 expression and nuclear translocation. The signaling pathway of EGFR maintaining Rad51 protein levels maybe a novel lung cancer therapeutic target to overcome radioresistance.
Community composition and activity of insectivorous bats in Mediterranean olive farms
Authors: Herrera J. M. , Costa P. , Medinas D. , Marques J. T. , Mira A. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractOlive (Olea europaea L.) farming is one of the most widespread agricultural practice throughout the Mediterranean basin. Current trends even predict an increase in land area devoted to olive farms as well as the intensification of farming practices. However, knowledge of the effects of olive farming on animal species still remains elusive and conservation and management guidelines for the relevant stakeholders are therefore urgently needed. Here, we investigate community composition and activity patterns of insectivorous bats in Mediterranean olive monocultures in Southern Portugal. Bats surveys were carried out in three types of olive farms representing increasing levels of management intensity: (1) traditional olive farms, managed with few or no chemical inputs or manual labor; (2) semi‐intensive olive farms, which share certain characteristics with traditional plantations, but are more intensively managed; (3) intensive olive farms, which are managed with high and frequent chemical inputs, and highly mechanized systems. We found differences in species richness and activity levels between farming practices. Both the number of species and foraging activity declined with increasing management intensity. However, olive groves as a whole showed a lower number of species compared with the regional species pool and extremely low activity levels, suggesting that large and homogeneous olive monocultures may serve more as commuting areas than true foraging habitats for bats. To our knowledge, this is the first study explicitly demonstrating the pervasive impact of olive farming on the community composition and activity levels of insectivorous bats. In the face of an even‐increasing proportion of land surface devoted to olive farming in Mediterranean landscapes, our findings are therefore of great concern. We suggest that increasing habitat heterogeneity would contribute to preserve the community composition and ecological functionality of insectivorous bats in extensive olive monocultures.
E‐cigarettes generate high levels of aldehydes only in ‘dry puff’ conditions
Authors: Farsalinos Konstantinos E. , Voudris Vassilis , Poulas Konstantinos 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground and aimsAldehydes are emitted by electronic cigarettes due to thermal decomposition of liquid components. Although elevated levels have been reported with new‐generation high‐power devices, it is unclear whether they are relevant to true exposure of users (vapers) because overheating produces an unpleasant taste, called a dry puff, which vapers learn to avoid. The aim was to evaluate aldehyde emissions at different power levels associated with normal and dry puff conditions.DesignTwo customizable atomizers were prepared so that one (A1) had a double wick, resulting in high liquid supply and lower chance of overheating at high power levels, while the other (A2) was a conventional setup (single wick). Experienced vapers took 4‐s puffs at 6.5 watts (W), 7.5 W, 9 W and 10 W power levels with both atomizers and were asked to report whether dry puffs were generated. The atomizers were then attached to a smoking machine and aerosol was trapped.SettingClinic office and analytical chemistry laboratory in Greece.ParticipantsSeven experienced vapers.MeasurementsAldehyde levels were measured in the aerosol.FindingsAll vapers identified dry puff conditions at 9 W and 10 W with A2. A1 did not lead to dry puffs at any power level. Minimal amounts of aldehydes per 10 puffs were found at all power levels with A1 (up to 11.3 µg for formaldehyde, 4.5 µg for acetaldehyde and 1.0 µg for acrolein) and at 6.5 W and 7.5 W with A2 (up to 3.7 µg for formaldehyde, 0.8 µg for acetaldehyde and 1.3 µg for acrolein). The levels were increased by 30 to 250 times in dry puff conditions (up to 344.6 µg for formaldehyde, 206.3 µg for acetaldehyde and 210.4 µg for acrolein, P < 0.001), while acetone was detected only in dry puff conditions (up to 22.5 µg).ConclusionsElectronic cigarettes produce high levels of aldehyde only in dry puff conditions, in which the liquid overheats, causing a strong unpleasant taste that e‐cigarette users detect and avoid. Under normal vaping conditions aldehyde emissions are minimal, even in new‐generation high‐power e‐cigarettes.
Oral mucosal disease in an Australian urban Indigenous community using autofluorescence imaging and reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Lalla Y , Matias MAT , Farah CS 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to document the oral mucosal burden in an urban Indigenous community and to evaluate the efficacy of an adjunctive optical device (Identafi™) in a general dental practice.MethodsThree hundred and forty‐two patients who presented to an urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS) were examined using conventional oral examination (COE) and with a multispectral device (Identafi™). Loss of autofluorescence (LAF) and the visibility of diffuse vasculature were noted.ResultsThe urban Indigenous community assessed did not display significantly higher rates of smoking, alcohol consumption or lesion prevalence compared to non‐Indigenous counterparts. The white and violet light functions of Identafi™ provided excellent lesion visibility in 84.5% and 77.9% of cases respectively compared to 75% with COE, and were capable of highlighting new lesions not seen during COE.ConclusionsThe urban Indigenous community does not appear to display a significantly higher prevalence of risk factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption compared to their non‐Indigenous counterparts living in the same region, nor are they more likely to have oral mucosal lesions. The incidence of intraoral pigmentation has the potential to complicate use of autofluorescence screening devices, emphasizing the importance of skill and training when using this technology.
Exploration of the mechanisms of biofilm formation by Enterococcus faecalis in glucose starvation environments
Authors: Ran SJ , Jiang W , Zhu CL , Liang JP 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundEnterococcus faecalis is the most common single species present in teeth after failed root canal therapy. This is mainly due to its ability to maintain viability for a long time in filled root canals where nutrients are normally sparse. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of E. faecalis survival and biofilm formation in glucose‐starved environments.MethodsEnterococcus faecalis ATCC 33186 was inoculated in energy starvation media for biofilm formation. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and fluorescent DNA‐binding agents were employed to assess biofilm‐forming ability. The physiochemical properties of the biofilm cell wall were investigated by measuring the hydrophobicity, extracellular polysaccharide and ATPase activity. The expression of stress and virulence genes was quantified by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.ResultsThe ability for biofilm formation decreased with a decreasing concentration of glucose. The cell surface hydrophobicity increased dramatically with decreasing glucose concentration. Water‐soluble exopolysaccharide (WSE) synthesis decreased in glucose starvation media, whereas water‐insoluble exopolysaccharide (WIE) synthesis increased. A marked decrease in ATPase activity was observed only in a no glucose medium. In addition, transcription of ace, fsrB and gelE genes increased under glucose starvation stress while atpE, salB and esp genes were down‐regulated.ConclusionsEnterococcus faecalis survival and biofilm formation under glucose starvation stress may be attributed to an increase in cell‐surface hydrophobicity and additionally to the up‐regulation of some genes involved in stress response and biofilm formation. These characteristics may explain why E. faecalis can maintain viability for a long time in an energy‐starved environment and why it is frequently isolated from persistently infected root canals.
Diversity of Cervicovaginal Cytokine Response to Incident Chlamydia trachomatis Infection Among a Prospective Cohort of Young Women
Authors: Hwang Loris Y. , Scott Mark E. , Ma Yifei , Moscicki Anna‐Barbara 
Published: May 2015

ProblemAnimal, in vitro, and ex vivo studies have identified several cytokines involved in host immunity to genital Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection. However, in vivo cytokine responses are not well described. Our objectives were to document cervicovaginal cytokine levels and intrawoman cytokine changes during incident CT in a prospective cohort.MethodsFrom our prospective cohort, 62 women had incident CT, comprising a CT‐negative visit followed by a CT‐positive visit. At these visits, cytokine protein levels (IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐1α, IL‐1β, MIP‐1α, RANTES, IFN‐γ) were measured using cervicovaginal lavages and the MILLIPLEX™/Luminex® multiplex assay. Quartiles were defined for each cytokine from all 124 visits.ResultsAt the group level, RANTES was higher (P < 0.01) at the CT‐positive visit than at baseline, but the other cytokines did not significantly differ. For intrawoman cytokine changes, women with a cytokine level that increased at least one quartile higher (going from baseline to the CT‐positive visit) ranged between 26 and 53%. Women with a cytokine level staying in the same quartile ranged between 32 and 48%. Women with a cytokine level that decreased at least one quartile lower ranged between 15 and 37%.ConclusionIntrawoman cervicovaginal cytokine changes during incident CT appear heterogeneous and may reflect differences in natural host immunity.