bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Explorations into sex, gender and leadership in the UK Civil Service Part 2. Hypotheses and research findings
Authors: Manning Tony , Robertson Bob 
Published: August 2015

Purpose
– This is the second part of a three-part paper exploring the intersection between sex, gender and leadership in the UK Civil Service. The first part of this paper outlined the training and development activities carried out by the authors, provided a literature review and drew conclusions, in the form of conjectures. The purpose of this paper is to present a series of null hypotheses derived from the conjectures. It then outlines the research methodology and research findings. The final part of this paper discusses the implications of the research findings, presents an evidence-based leadership framework and offers prescriptions for its use.

Design/methodology/approach
– Information was collected from a wide cross-section of UK Civil Servants between 1993 and 2013. Individuals were participants on training and development activities carried out by the authors. The information collected was a by-product of these activities. Individuals completed a variety of psychometric instruments, including self-assessments and 360-degree assessments, and provided information on their sex, work role and work situation. Statistical analysis was carried out on differences in the behaviour of male and female managers, differences in how such behaviours were assessed, using 360-degree assessments, and differences in behaviour and assessments of behaviour in different contexts.

Findings
– Research evidence presented points to the existence of contrasting gender stereotypes and sex differences in behaviour. It also shows that such differences are small and that there are far greater differences amongst men and women managers than between the average man and women manager. Differences in behaviour and assessments of behaviour were also more strongly linked to context than either sex or gender.

Research limitations/implications
– The research was a by-product of training activities. It was not a wide ranging, purpose-built research programme to explain the “glass ceiling”. It was carried out on a particular population and may not generalise to other contexts. Nonetheless, findings are broadly consistent with previous research.

Practical implications
– The third part of this paper discusses the implications of these findings, particularly for training and development professionals. It also presents and discusses additional research findings on leadership in the UK Civil Service.

Social implications
– The findings are relevant to the understanding of sex and gender differences in the work place. They relate to wider considerations of equality of opportunity and diversity.

Originality/value
– There is an extensive body of theory and research on sex, gender and leadership, although little is directly relevant to the UK Civil Service. This is new research, relevant to this context, that brings together these three themes.
The Millennium Development Goals and Production Engineering training
Authors: Jabbour Charbel Jose Chiappetta , Jabbour Ana Beatriz Lopes de Sousa , Leal Filho Walter , Gunasekaran Angappa 
Published: August 2015

Purpose
– The search for a more sustainable society depends on more sustainable organisations and, as such, Production (Industrial) Engineering may contribute to this process through the training of professionals with a greater social and environmental consciousness. The purpose of this paper is to present arguments in favour of the integration of Production Engineering and the Millennium Development Goals and evaluate the potential of Production Engineering subareas in contributing to the Millennium Development Goals.

Design/methodology/approach
– This work is conceptual and integrative in order to provide an original framework. A Brazilian perspective on Production Engineering has been adopted.

Findings
– A framework is proposed to guide this integration process by providing suggestions for an agenda of opportunities for academics and practitioners in favour of a more sustainable society.

Originality/value
– This work presents a new framework integrating Production Engineering and the Millennium Development Goals in order to promote a more sustainable training in Production (Industrial) Engineering field of research.
Does the effect of media influence suicide rates?
Authors: Loureiro Paulo Roberto Amorim , Moreira Tito Belchior Silva , Sachsida Adolfo 
Published: August 2015

Purpose
– An important question about the determinants of suicide refers to the role of media. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to investigate if there are groups of people who are susceptible to suicide as a result of the effect of media.

Design/methodology/approach
– Using data for the 27 Brazilian states, for the period 1980-2009, to investigate the impact of the media index, unemployment rate, divorce rate and other explanatory variables on the rate of suicide by gender and age. First of all, the authors estimated a model of fixed effects panel. The second estimation method makes use of dynamic panel data with instrumental variables. Each of the results generated by these two estimated models is compared with those obtained by ordinary least squares in stacked data. The authors develop a model about the suicide epidemic where the media works as a contagion effect to disseminate suicidal behavior.

Findings
– The authors observe that, the media index is the third motivator of suicide, after unemployment and violence, for all groups of people. The estimated model shows that 1 percent increase in media index increases suicide rate of young men (aged between 15 and 29 years) at 4.22 percent.

Research limitations/implications
– The empirical results are limited because the authors developed a media index based on quantities of televisions and radios. The authors suggest other research include social media in the index as well.

Originality/value
– This result seems to suggest a type of contagion effect on suicide rates, which reinforces the results obtained by Cutler et al. (2001).
Assessing retail market competition for multi-aquaculture products
Authors: Fofana Abdulai , Jaffry Shabbar 
Published: August 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate market competition for three product types of salmon (smoke, fresh and whole salmon) to understand whether supermarkets are exercising market power over salmon consumers in the UK retail market.Design/methodology/approach– Competition and the corresponding pricing conduct among supermarkets are tested by applying dynamic structural simultaneous system equations and using similar data set used by Jaffryet al.(2003).Findings– The results indicate that the market is competitive for fresh fillets and whole salmon but retailers appeared to exert some level of market power for smoke salmon. The hypothesis that market power is the same for all three products in the study was rejected; further indicating that the market for fresh products are competitive while retailers may be exercising market power over consumers for smoke salmon.Research limitations/implications– Current data limitations did not allow the investigation to cover the past few years in the modelling process. However, the results are still relevant as there have been no major structural changes in aquaculture products retailing landscape in the recent past.Practical implications– Concerns over the supermarkets’ exercise of market power over consumers have prompted the competition authorities to continue investigating the situation in the UK supermarket sector since 1996. The most recent investigation by competition authorities was in 2006. In all cases, no evidence of market power was found despite increased market concentration. Results from this study generally uphold the claim of the competition authorities in the UK.Originality/value– This is the first study to use a model within a structural econometric framework of firms to test for competitiveness of salmon products in the UK market place.
Firing costs in a business cycle model with endogenous separations
Authors: Wesselbaum Dennis 
Published: August 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to introduce productivity-dependent firing costs into an otherwise standard endogenous separations matching model. The authors suggest an alternative to the standard fix cost approach and account for empirical evidence emphasizing that firing costs vary across workers. The authors show that the model with firing costs outperformes the model without firing costs and replicates the empirical facts fairly well. Furthermore, the authors present cross-country evidence that countries with stricter employment protection have a weaker Beveridge curve relation and surprisingly more volatile job flow rates.Design/methodology/approach– The authors begin the analysis at the intersection of labor and product markets. For this purpose, the authors derive a real business cycle model with search and matching frictions and endogenous separations. The authors enrich this set-up by introducing productivity-dependent firing costs.Findings– The authors show that the model with firing costs outperformes the model without firing costs and replicates the empirical facts fairly well. Furthermore, the authors present cross-country evidence that countries with stricter employment protection have a weaker Beveridge curve relation and surprisingly more volatile job flow rates.Originality/value– This paper introduces productivity-dependent firing costs into an otherwise standard endogenous separations matching model. The authors suggest an alternative to the standard fix cost approach and account for empirical evidence emphasizing that firing costs vary across workers. The authors show that the model with firing costs outperformes the model without firing costs and replicates the empirical facts fairly well. Furthermore, the authors present cross-country evidence that countries with stricter employment protection have a weaker Beveridge curve relation and surprisingly more volatile job flow rates.
HPLC‐MSn Identification of Betalain Profile of Different Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L. ssp. vulgaris) Parts and Cultivars
Authors: Slatnar Ana , Stampar Franci , Veberic Robert , Jakopic Jerneja 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe distribution of betalains in peel, flesh, and petioles of yellow and red beetroot cultivars has been investigated using an High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system with electrospray mass spectrometry. Differences in the levels of betacyanins and betaxanthins between different colored cultivars were individually determined for 3 plant parts. The content of almost all analyzed compounds decreased in the following order: peel > flesh > petiole. Betanin/isobetanin pigments comprised a major portion of the relative peak area measured in red beetroot peel. Isobetanin relative peak areas were also high in leaf petioles (68.94% to 74.16%) of red colored cultivars. However, betacyanins were completely absent from the extracts of all analyzed parts of yellow beet. Glutamine‐bx represented a very high relative peak area (59.54% to 64.18%) in flesh of red‐colored cultivars analyzed in the study. Our results indicate that red beet cultivars can be utilized as a potential source of red and yellow natural colorants. However, differences in pigment composition among different beetroot parts must be considered and in order to maximize the pigment yields petioles can also be used as a source rich in specific betalain compounds.
Membrane biofilm development improves COD removal in anaerobic membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment
Authors: Smith Adam L. , Skerlos Steven J. , Raskin Lutgarde 
Published: August 2015

SummaryMembrane biofilm development was evaluated to improve psychrophilic (15°C) anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) treatment of domestic wastewater. An AnMBR containing three replicate submerged membrane housings with separate permeate collection was operated at three levels of membrane fouling by independently controlling biogas sparging for each membrane unit. High membrane fouling significantly improved permeate quality, but resulted in dissolved methane in the permeate at a concentration two to three times the equilibrium concentration predicted by Henry's law. Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA targeting Bacteria and Archaea and reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction targeting the methyl coenzyme‐M reductase (mcrA) gene in methanogens indicated that the membrane biofilm was enriched in highly active methanogens and syntrophic bacteria. Restoring fouled membranes to a transmembrane pressure (TMP) near zero by increasing biogas sparging did not disrupt the biofilm's treatment performance, suggesting that microbes in the foulant layer were tightly adhered and did not significantly contribute to TMP. Dissolved methane oversaturation persisted without high TMP, implying that methanogenesis in the biofilm, rather than high TMP, was the primary driving force in methane oversaturation. The results describe an attractive operational strategy to improve treatment performance in low‐temperature AnMBR by supporting syntrophy and methanogenesis in the membrane biofilm through controlled membrane fouling.
Duloxetine in treating generalized anxiety disorder in adults: A meta‐analysis of published randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials
Authors: Zhang Yingli , Huang Guoping , Yang Shichang , Liang Wei , Zhang Lei , Wang Changhong 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIntroductionWe carried out a meta‐analysis of published randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trails to assess the efficacy and tolerability of duloxetine in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).MethodsA literature search was conducted using PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases until October 2014. The search terms used were “anxiety or anxious or generalized anxiety disorder” and “duloxetine or Cymbalta.” Meta‐analysis was conducted using Revman 5.1. A fixed‐effects model was carried out on the response rates, remission rates, and symptom improvement. Risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) were calculated. The overall effect size was calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsSeven studies (n = 2,674) were found eligible for inclusion in analysis. Six studies provided data on response, which showed a significant difference between duloxetine and placebo (n = 1,975, RR = 1.48, 95% CI, 1.34–1.63). Remission rates revealed significant superiority of duloxetine (n = 2,399, RR = 1.60, 95% CI, 1.43–1.80). Change from baseline scores on Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety showed a reduction in anxiety symptoms to be significantly efficient for duloxetine (n = 1,135, MD = 3.34, 95% CI, 2.37–4.32). Duloxetine increased statistically Sheehan Disability Scale total score (n = 1,652, MD = 2.84, 95% CI, 2.08–3.60). The discontinuation of the duloxetine was not significantly different from that of the placebo.ConclusionDuloxetine is moderately effective in treating GAD with improvement in overall function and well tolerability.
Toll‐like receptor 2 activators modulate oral tolerance in mice
Authors: Tunis M. C. , Dawod B. , Carson K. R. , Veinotte L. L. , Marshall J. S. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryBackgroundToll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) is a widely expressed pattern recognition receptor critical for innate immunity. TLR2 is also a key regulator of mucosal immunity implicated in the development of allergic disease. TLR2 activators are found in many common foods, but the role of TLR2 in oral tolerance and allergic sensitization to foods is not well understood.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the impacts of TLR2 expression and TLR2 activation on oral tolerance to food antigens in a murine model.MethodsMice were fed ovalbumin (OVA) or peanut butter with or without the addition of low doses of TLR2 activators Pam3CSK4 or FSL‐1. Oral tolerance was assessed by analysing antibody responses after a systemic antigen challenge. OVA‐specific Tregs were assessed in the Peyer's patches, mesenteric lymph nodes, and spleen in wild‐type and TLR2−/− mice. Low‐dose Pam3CSK4 was also tested as an oral adjuvant.ResultsOral tolerance was successfully induced in both wild‐type and TLR2−/− recipient mice, with an associated regulatory T‐cell response. Oral TLR2 activation, with low‐dose Pam3CSK4 or FSL‐1, during oral antigen exposure was found to alter oral tolerance and was associated with the development of substantial IgE and IgA responses to foods upon systemic challenge. Low‐dose oral Pam3CSK4 treatment also selectively enhanced antigen‐specific IgA responses to oral antigen exposure.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceTLR2 is not necessary for oral tolerance induction, but oral TLR2 activation modulates humoral IgE and IgA responses during tolerance development. Low‐dose Pam3CSK4 is also an effective oral adjuvant that selectively enhances IgA production. These observations are pertinent to the optimization of oral allergen immunotherapy and oral vaccine development.
Rho‐kinase inhibitor fasudil reduces allergic airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion by regulating STAT6 and NFκB
Authors: Xie T. , Luo GY. , Zhang Y. , Wang X. , Wang XY. , Wu M. , Li GP. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryBackgroundAirway mucus hypersecretion is a key pathophysiological feature in asthma. Fasudil, a selective Rho‐A/Rho kinase inhibitor, has been used in clinical trials to treat pulmonary hypertension. However, its function in modulating airway mucus hypersecretion in asthma remains undefined.ObjectiveWe examined whether fasudil, a selective Rho‐A/Rho kinase inhibitor, affects the mucus hypersecretion by suppressing MUC5AC via signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 6 (STAT6) and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NFκB) in mice and cells.MethodsWe measured mucus secretion and the expression of Rho‐kinase in the airway tissue of patients with asthma. BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) followed with fasudil treatment. The lung tissues were assessed for airway inflammation and mucus secretion. Cytokine levels and airway responsiveness were determined. STAT6 and NFκB were quantified by Western blot. 16HBE cells were stimulated with house dust mite (HDM) extracts. MUC5AC and muc5ac promoter activities were measured. Using siRNA to knockdown STAT6 in epithelial cells, we determined the impact of STAT6 on muc5ac promoter activity. NFκB nuclear translocation was observed with immunostaining.ResultsFasudil administration significantly decreased the number of inflammatory cells, inflammation index in the lung and airway responsiveness. Fasudil also reduced mucous secretion and MUC5AC expression in OVA‐challenged mice. Fasudil down‐regulated the levels of IL‐17, IL‐4 and IL‐13 in the lung tissue of OVA‐challenged mice. Fasudil also decreased the expression and phosphorylation of NFκB and STAT6 as well as the nuclear translocation of NFκB. In addition, human airway epithelial cells (16HBE) were challenged with HDM extracts and then treated with fasudil. Fasudil inhibited HDM extract‐induced MUC5AC expression, which is associated with a reduction in STAT6 and NFκB in epithelial cells.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThese findings indicate that the Rho‐A/Rho kinase inhibitor, fasudil, plays a negative regulatory role in allergen‐induced mucus secretion and MUC5AC expression by regulating STAT6 and NFκB.
Secretion of matrix metalloproteinase‐3 by co‐cultured pigmented and non‐pigmented human trabecular meshwork cells following selective laser trabeculoplasty
Authors: Lee James YJ , Kagan Dov B , Roumeliotis Grayson , Liu Hong , Hutnik Cindy ML 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are reported to contribute to the mechanism of argon laser trabeculoplasty, but it is unknown whether they are also secreted after selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). The aim of this study was to investigate whether human primary trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells secrete MMP‐3 after stimulation by SLT. The relationship between SLT and the two principal forms of cell death, apoptosis and necrosis, was also examined.MethodsNon‐pigmented primary HTM cells were challenged with melanin granules to artificially introduce pigmentation. Isolated non‐pigmented HTM cells and 1:1 co‐cultures of pigmented and non‐pigmented cells were treated with 0.5–1.5 mJ SLT. Cellular metabolic activity (CMA) was quantified using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Apoptosis and necrosis were measured using a cell death ELISA and a lactate dehydrogenase assay, respectively. MMP‐3 secretion was measured by ELISA.ResultsCo‐cultures exhibited a dose‐dependent decline in CMA and a dose‐dependent increase in necrosis 4 and 24 h after SLT. Non‐pigmented cells did not undergo necrosis and displayed a trend towards increased CMA. Apoptosis was reduced in non‐pigmented cells but elevated in co‐cultures. Increased MMP‐3 secretion was observed from co‐cultures but not isolated non‐pigmented cells.ConclusionsPigmentation is necessary for both post‐SLT cell death and MMP‐3 secretion. SLT appears to have a hormetic effect on non‐pigmented HTM cells.
Obstetric risk factors and time trends of neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years in very‐low‐birthweight infants: a single institution study
Authors: Gardella Barbara , Iacobone Anna Daniela , Bogliolo Stefano , Musacchi Valentina , Orcesi Simona , Tzialla Chryssoulla , Spinillo Arsenio 
Published: August 2015

AimTo assess the time trends of neonatal survival and infant neurodevelopmental outcome in very‐low‐birthweight children at 24 months corrected age over a 20‐year period.MethodThe study cohort comprised 857 infants (439 males and 418 females) weighing less than 1500g at birth or delivered before 32 weeks gestational age in the period 1989 to 2008. Neurological examination and cognitive assessment of the infants (Bayley Scales of Infant Development and Griffiths Mental Developmental Scale) were performed at 24 months corrected age.ResultsThe prevalence of neonatal survival with normal neurodevelopmental outcome increased from 55.3% (104/188) in 1989 to 1993, to 61.4% in 1994–1998 (116/189), 68.3% in 1999 to 2003 (138/202), and 84.5% in 2004 to 2008 (235/278) (annual increase=1%, 95% CI 2.1–4.1; p<0.001). In logistic models, the increase in the rate of normal neurodevelopmental outcome during the periods studied was consistent across the categories of birthweight (≤1000g as opposed to >1000g), gestational age (≤28wks as opposed to >28wks), and clinical characteristics (pre‐eclampsia/growth restriction as opposed to spontaneous prematurity/rupture of membranes).InterpretationThe increased rate of normal neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years among very‐low‐birthweight infants is independent of obstetric risk factors.