bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Virtual machine placement mechanisms in the cloud environments: a systematic review
Authors: Zhuang Haiyan , Esmaeilpour Ghouchani Babak 
Published: February 2020

PurposeVirtual machines (VMs) are suggested by the providers of cloud services as the services for the users over the internet. The consolidation of VM is the tactic of the competent and smart utilization of resources from cloud data centers. Placement of a VM is one of the significant issues in cloud computing (CC). Physical machines in a cloud environment are aware of the way of the VM placement (VMP) as the mapping VMs. The basic target of placement of VM issue is to reduce the physical machines' items that are running or the hosts in cloud data centers. The VMP methods have an important role in the CC. However, there is no systematic and complete way to discuss and analyze the algorithms. The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic survey of VMP techniques. Also, the benefits and weaknesses connected with selected VMP techniques have been debated, and the significant issues of these techniques are addressed to develop the more efficient VMP technique for the future.Design/methodology/approachBecause of the importance of VMP in the cloud environments, in this paper, the articles and important mechanisms in this domain have been investigated systematically. The VMP mechanisms have been categorized into two major groups, including static and dynamic mechanisms.FindingsThe results have indicated that an appropriate VMP has the capacity to decrease the resource consumption rate, energy consumption and carbon emission rate. VMP approaches in computing environment still need improvements in terms of reducing related overhead, consolidation of the cloud environment to become an extremely on-demand mechanism, balancing the load between physical machines, power consumption and refining performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis study aimed to be comprehensive, but there were some limitations. Some perfect work may be eliminated because of applying some filters to choose the original articles. Surveying all the papers on the topic of VMP is impossible, too. Nevertheless, the authors are trying to present a complete survey over the VMP.Practical implicationsThe consequences of this research will be valuable for academicians, and it can provide good ideas for future research in this domain. By providing comparative information and analyzing the contemporary developments in this area, this research will directly support academics and working professionals for better knowing the growth in the VMP area.Originality/valueThe gathered information in this paper helps to inform the researchers with the state of the art in the VMP area. Totally, the VMP's principal intention, current challenges, open issues, strategies and mechanisms in cloud systems are summarized by explaining the answers.
Association of allium vegetables intake and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease risk
Authors: Emamat Hadi , Farhadnejad Hossein , Tangestani Hadith , Saneei Totmaj Ali , Poustchi Hossein , Hekmatdoost Azita 
Published: February 2020

PurposeNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver disease worldwide. The purpose of this study is to assess the possible association between habitual intake of allium vegetables and NAFLD risk.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, 196 cases of NAFLD and 803 age-matched controls were enrolled from the same clinic. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Consumption of allium vegetables, including raw garlic and onions, were calculated and considered as grams/day in all participants.FindingsParticipants in the highest tertile of allium vegetable intake had 64% lower risk of NAFLD compared with those in the lowest tertile of the allium vegetables intake (odds ratio [OR]: 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.23-0.51;p< 0.001). After controlling for potential confounders, there was no significant change in this inverse association (OR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.22-0.56;p< 0.001).Originality/valueThis study for the first time showed that higher consumption of allium vegetables was associated with lower risk of NAFLD. The results did not change when the authors adjusted the analysis for the known risk factors of the disease, which indicate the independency of the association.
CSR in developing countries – the importance of good governance and economic growth: evidence from Africa
Authors: Inekwe Murumba , Hashim Fathyah , Yahya Sofri B. 
Published: February 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the effect of public governance and economic growth on corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance in Egypt, Morocco, Mauritius, Nigeria and South Africa. It also assesses the trend of CSR performance in these countries over time.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a sample of five countries in Africa for the period 2012-2017. The multivariate regression model was used in testing the research questions/hypotheses. Robustness tests were performed to provide evidence to strengthen the findings of the study.FindingsFindings suggest that both good governance and economic growth are significantly positively associated with CSR performance. However, while good governance has a relatively substantial effect size, economic growth has a small effect size. Overall, both variables have a considerably low confidence interval ratio and therefore stand a good chance of holding up in future research.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis is limited to within-country effects, thereby forgoing the opportunity to explain between-countries effects. Second, the sample size is relatively small because of the limitation of data availability on CSR in Africa; hence, population generalization is not intended but theory generalization.Practical implicationsFindings have implications for studies on CSR performance in Africa that fail to consider the socio-political and socio-economic level of development as contextual variables in the research design.Originality/valuePrior studies on CSR have focused majorly on CSR performance–corporate financial performance relationship. Furthermore, there are several calls in the literature for research for a new direction on CSR in the context of developing countries, especially Africa. This paper responds to these literature gaps.
Positive and negative impact to decomposition of pig cadavers by ants (hymenoptera: Formicidae) at the Islet Yeongdo in Busan, South Korea
Authors: Park Sang‐Hyun , Moon Tae‐Young 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe observed how ants affected the decomposition process of pig cadavers. Experiments were carried out with six pig cadavers during three seasons without winter. Fifteen ant species belonging to 14 genera 3 subfamilies were recorded from pig cadavers. The species richness and species composition of ants were different significantly at bloated and decay stages from the remaining stages, regardless of season. Ant species Nylanderia flavipes, Aphaenogaster japonica, Pheidole fervida, and Ectomomyrmex javanus kept hunting a considerable amount of eggs and maggots of flies in the two stages. In particular, Lasius japonicus continually interrupted landing and ovipositing of flies and removed eggs and maggots from pig cadavers. Our observation suggests that ants may affect decomposition process of dead animals by participating in positive and negative ways by massive removal of eggs and maggots of flies.
Implications of immunoglobulin G deposit in glomeruli in Chinese patients with diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Zhang Junlin , Zhang Jie , Zhang Rui , Wang Yiting , Liang Yan , Yang Zhen , Wang Tingli , Xu Xuan , Liu Fang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn the current study, we explored the associations of glomerular immunoglobulin G (IgG) deposit and further investigated the pattern of IgG subclass deposition in the renal biopsy specimens from patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN).MethodsA total of 170 inpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and biopsy‐proven DN who were followed up for at least 1 year were retrospectively recruited. Renal outcomes were defined by DN progression (end‐stage renal disease [ESRD] or ≥ 50% reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] from baseline). Additionally, 38 renal biopsy specimens of patients with renal IgG deposit underwent the immunofluorescence IgG1‐4 staining.ResultsThe median follow‐up period was 22 months. During follow‐up, 38.23% (65) of patients progressed to ESRD, and 6.47% (11) of patients had an eGFR decline ≥50%. The multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated that the glomerular IgG deposit (hazard ratio, 1.835; 95% CI, 1.013‐3.324, P = .045) was still significantly associated with DN progression when adjusted for the important clinical variables and pathological findings. In addition, a logistic regression showed that the glomerular IgG deposit was independently associated with glomerular basement membrane (GBM) thickness (odds ratio [OR], 1.276; 95% CI, 1.046‐1.558; P = .016), Kimmelstiel‐Wilson nodules formation (OR, 3.822; 95% CI, 1.052‐13.881; P = .042), and C3 deposit in the glomeruli (OR, 124.883; 95% CI, 20.754‐751.472; P < .001). The IgG subclass staining showed that IgG1 deposit along the GBM tended to be dominant (28/38) in IgG (+) patients with DN.ConclusionsThe glomerular IgG deposit affected glomerular structure and emerged as an independent risk factor for the renal clinical outcomes. In addition, IgG1 predominantly deposited along the GBM among the DN patients with IgG (+), which might be involved in the renal injury and progression of DN.
Metformin alleviates breast cancer through targeting high‐mobility group AT‐hook 2
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Dan , Ren Hui , Feng Wei 
Published: February 2020

BackgroundAs a classic oral drug used in diabetic patients, metformin has exhibited an anticancer role in many types of cancers in recent years. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of metformin in the growth of breast cancer and its novel targets.MethodsA cell viability assay was utilized to examine the inhibitory effect of metformin on proliferation of breast cancer cells. Western blotting and RT‐PCR assays were used to detect the regulation of metformin on the expression of oncogenic HMGA2. The luciferase reporter vector of HMGA2 promoter was constructed. A luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to analyze the effect of metformin on HMGA2 promoter activity in breast cancer cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was performed to show the binding of Sp1 to HMGA2 promoter in breast cancer cells with or without metformin treatment. The function of metformin‐regulated HMGA2 in breast cancer growth was tested using a cell viability assay.ResultsCell proliferation was obviously inhibited in breast cancer cells treated with different concentrations of metformin. The level of mRNA and protein of HMGA2 was significantly reduced by metformin in the cells. Mechanistically, metformin was able to inactivate the HMGA2 promoter through downregulating transcription factor Sp1 in the cells. In terms of function, treatment with metformin suppressed the proliferation of breast cancer cells and overexpressed HMGA2 reversed the inhibition of cell proliferation mediated by metformin.ConclusionMetformin resists the growth of breast cancer through targeting Sp1/HMGA2 signal.
moveVis: Animating movement trajectories in synchronicity with static or temporally dynamic environmental data in r
Authors: Schwalb‐Willmann Jakob , Remelgado Ruben , Safi Kamran , Wegmann Martin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Visualizing movement data is challenging: While traditional spatial data can be sufficiently displayed as two‐dimensional plots or maps, movement trajectories require the representation of time in a third dimension. To address this, we present moveVis, an r package, which provides tools to animate movement trajectories, overlaying simultaneous uni‐ or multi‐temporal raster imagery or vector data.

moveVis automates the processing of movement and environmental data to turn such into an animation. This includes (a) the regularization of movement trajectories enforcing uniform time instances and intervals across all trajectories, (b) the frame‐wise mapping of movement trajectories onto temporally static or dynamic environmental layers, (c) the addition of customizations, for example, map elements or colour scales and (d) the rendering of frames into an animation encoded as GIF or video file.

moveVis is designed to display interactions and concurrencies of animal movement and environmental data. We present examples and use cases, ranging from data exploration to visualizing scientific findings.

Static spatial plots of movement data disregard the temporal dimension that distinguishes movement from other spatial data. In contrast, animations allow to display relocation in both time and space. We deem animations a powerful way to visually explore movement data, frame analytical findings and display potential interactions with spatially continuous and temporally dynamic environmental covariates.
Youth daily exposure to tobacco outlets and cigarette smoking behaviors: does exposure within activity space matter?
Authors: Lipperman‐Kreda Sharon , Finan Laura J. , Kowitt Sarah D. , Grube Joel W. , Abadi Melissa , Balassone Anna , Kaner Emily 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimsTo examine whether daily exposure to tobacco outlets within activity spaces is associated with cigarette smoking and with the number of cigarettes smoked by youth that day.DesignThe study used geographic ecological momentary assessment (GEMA) data that combined daily surveys with ecological momentary assessment of global positioning systems (GPS) using geographic information systems (GIS) to allow for real‐time data collection of participants' environments and behaviors.SettingEight mid‐sized California (USA) city areas.ParticipantsThe analytical sample included 1065 days, which were clustered within 100 smoker and non‐smoker participants (aged 16–20 years, 60% female).MeasurementsAny cigarette smoking and number of cigarettes smoked on a given day, the number of tobacco outlets within 100 m of activity space polylines each day, the number of minutes participants spent within 100 m of tobacco outlets each day and demographic characteristics (age, sex, race/ethnicity and perceived socio‐economic status).FindingsControlling for demographic characteristics, the findings of multi‐level mixed effects logistic models were inconclusive, whether or not the number of tobacco outlets within 100 m of youths' activity space polylines or the number of minutes spent within 100 m of tobacco outlets were associated with whether the participant smoked cigarettes on a given day [odds ratio (OR) = 1.05, P = 0.24; OR = 0.99, P = 0.81, respectively]. However, in multi‐level zero‐inflated negative binomial models, the risk of smoking an additional cigarette on a given day increased with each additional tobacco outlet [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.04, P < 0.05] and each additional minute spent within 100 m of tobacco outlets (IRR = 1.01, P < 0.001) each day.ConclusionsAmong young people in urban California, differences in day‐to‐day exposure to tobacco outlets within activity spaces does not seem to be significantly associated with whether a person smokes a cigarette on a given day, but higher exposure to tobacco outlets appears to be positively associated with the number of cigarettes smoked on that day.
Experiences of barriers and facilitators to establishing and sustaining radiotherapy services in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A qualitative study
Authors: Donkor Andrew , Luckett Tim , Aranda Sanchia , Vanderpuye Verna , Phillips Jane 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimsThe factors contributing to the establishment of high‐quality radiotherapy services in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) are poorly understood. The aim was to identify and describe barriers and facilitators to establishing and sustaining high‐quality and accessible radiotherapy services in LMICs based on the experience of successful and unsuccessful attempts.MethodsAn exploratory‐descriptive qualitative study using semistructured telephone interviews was undertaken. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit participants. The World Health Organization Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions Framework informed the interview guide. A constant comparative data analysis approach was adopted.FindingsSeventeen participants were interviewed. Ten were working permanently in nine LMICs and seven were permanently employed in four high‐income countries. Three themes were developed: committing to a vision of improving cancer care; making it happen and sustaining a safe service; and leveraging off radiotherapy to strengthen integrated cancer care. Identified barriers included lack of political leadership continuity, lack of a coordinated advocacy effort, non‐Member State of the IAEA, lack of reliable epidemiological data, lack of a comprehensive budget and lack of local expertise. Facilitators identified included strong political support, vision champion, availability of a regulator, costed cancer control plan, diversified sources of funding, responsible project manager, adoption of evidence‐based practice, strategic partnerships, motivation to provide patient‐centered care, and availability of supportive technology.ConclusionsAssessing the level of readiness to establish and sustain a radiotherapy service is highly recommended. Future research is recommended to develop a readiness assessment tool for radiotherapy services implementation at LMICs.
Regional anaesthesia practice for arteriovenous fistula formation surgery
Authors: Armstrong R. A. , Wilson C. , Elliott L. , Fielding C. A. , Rogers C. A. , Caskey F. J. , Hinchliffe R. J. , Mouton R. , Rooshenas L. 
Published: February 2020

SummaryWe conducted a survey and semi‐structured qualitative interviews to investigate current anaesthetic practice for arteriovenous fistula formation surgery in the UK. Responses were received from 39 out of 59 vascular centres where arteriovenous access surgery is performed, a response rate of 66%. Thirty‐five centres reported routine use of brachial plexus blocks, but variation in anaesthetic skill‐mix and practice were observed. Interviews were conducted with 19 clinicians from 10 NHS Trusts including anaesthetists, vascular access and renal nurses, surgeons and nephrologists. Thematic analysis identified five key findings: (1) current anaesthetic practice showed that centres could be classified as ‘regional anaesthesia dominant’ or ‘local anaesthesia/mixed’; (2) decision making around mode of anaesthesia highlighted the key role of surgeons as frontline decision makers across both centre types; (3) perceived barriers and facilitators of regional block use included clinicians’ beliefs and preferences, resource considerations and patients’ treatment preferences; (4) anaesthetists’ preference for supraclavicular blocks emerged, alongside acknowledgement of varied practice; (5) there was widespread support for a future randomised controlled trial, although clinician equipoise issues and logistical/resource‐related concerns were viewed as potential challenges. The use of regional anaesthesia for arteriovenous fistula formation in the UK is varied and influenced by a multitude of factors. Despite the availability of anaesthetists capable of performing regional blocks, there are other limiting factors that influence the routine use of this technique. The study also highlighted the perceived need for a large multicentre, randomised controlled trial to provide an evidence base to inform current practice.
Acute kidney injury in paediatric patients with sickle cell disease is associated with increased morbidity and resource utilization
Authors: McCormick Meghan , Richardson Troy , Warady Bradley A. , Novelli Enrico M. , Kalpatthi Ramasubramanian 
Published: February 2020

SummaryRenal disease is a common complication experienced by patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), though the epidemiology of acute kidney injury (AKI) in paediatric patients and its impact on long‐term renal outcomes is unclear. We utilized the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) to identify inpatient encounters of paediatric patients with SCD admitted for vaso‐occlusive pain crisis (VOC). Overall, 1·4% of patients experienced at least one episode of AKI and 2·5% of admissions were complicated by AKI. Patients with at least one episode of AKI were more likely to be adolescents or young adults at the time of their initial admission, had increased rates of admission to the ICU, longer lengths of stay, increased costs of hospitalization, increased risk of readmission and increased rates of SCD‐related comorbidities. Generalized estimating equation modelling demonstrated that increasing age, history of hypertension, history of haematuria and history of chronic kidney disease were associated with increased odds of developing AKI, though hydroxycarbamide use (OR 0·64, 95% CI 0·44–0·94) was protective. Episodes of AKI during hospitalization in children with SCD are associated with increased morbidity and utilization of hospital resources. Increasing the use of hydroxycarbamide may decrease the likelihood of this complication.
A court file analysis of child protection cases: What do children say?
Authors: Kratky Nicole , Schröder‐Abé Michela 
Published: February 2020

AbstractChildren's participation in legal proceedings affecting them personally has been gaining importance. So far, a primary research concern has been how children experience their participation in court proceedings. However, little is known about the child's voice itself: Are children able to clearly express their wishes, and if so, what do they say in child protection cases? In this study, we extracted information about children's statements from court file data of 220 child protection cases in Germany. We found 182 children were asked about their wishes. The majority of the statements found came either from reports of the guardians ad litem or from judicial records of the child hearings. Using content analysis, three main aspects of the statements were extracted: wishes concerning main place of residence, wishes about whom to have or not contact with, and children granting decision‐making authority to someone else. Children's main focus was on their parents, but others (e.g., relatives and foster care providers) were also mentioned. Intercoder agreement was substantial. Making sure that child hearings are as informative as possible is in the child's best interest. Therefore, the categories developed herein might help professionals to ask questions more precisely relevant to the child.