bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bias in two-sample Mendelian randomization when using heritable covariable-adjusted summary associations
Authors: Hartwig Fernando Pires , Tilling Kate , Smith George Davey , Lawlor Deborah A , Borges Maria Carolina 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundTwo-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) allows the use of freely accessible summary association results from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to estimate causal effects of modifiable exposures on outcomes. Some GWAS adjust for heritable covariables in an attempt to estimate direct effects of genetic variants on the trait of interest. One, both or neither of the exposure GWAS and outcome GWAS may have been adjusted for covariables.MethodsWe performed a simulation study comprising different scenarios that could motivate covariable adjustment in a GWAS and analysed real data to assess the influence of using covariable-adjusted summary association results in two-sample MR.ResultsIn the absence of residual confounding between exposure and covariable, between exposure and outcome, and between covariable and outcome, using covariable-adjusted summary associations for two-sample MR eliminated bias due to horizontal pleiotropy. However, covariable adjustment led to bias in the presence of residual confounding (especially between the covariable and the outcome), even in the absence of horizontal pleiotropy (when the genetic variants would be valid instruments without covariable adjustment). In an analysis using real data from the Genetic Investigation of ANthropometric Traits (GIANT) consortium and UK Biobank, the causal effect estimate of waist circumference on blood pressure changed direction upon adjustment of waist circumference for body mass index.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that using covariable-adjusted summary associations in MR should generally be avoided. When that is not possible, careful consideration of the causal relationships underlying the data (including potentially unmeasured confounders) is required to direct sensitivity analyses and interpret results with appropriate caution.Key messagesSummary genetic associations from large genome-wide associations studies (GWAS) have been increasingly used in two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.Many GWAS adjust for heritable covariates in an attempt to estimate direct genetic effects on the trait of interest.In an extensive simulation study, we demonstrate that using covariable-adjusted summary associations may bias MR analyses.The bias largely depends on the underlying causal structure, specially the presence of unmeasured common causes between the covariable and the outcome.Our findings indicate that using covariable-adjusted summary associations in MR should generally be avoided.
Hypoxia-mediated regulation of mitochondrial transcription factors: Implications for hypertensive renal physiology
Authors: Natarajan Bhargavi , Arige Vikas , Khan Abrar A. , Reddy S. Santosh , Santhoshkumar Rashmi , Sagar B. K. Chandrasekhar , Barthwal Manoj K. , Mahapatra Nitish R. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractKidneys have a high resting metabolic rate and low tissue partial pressure of oxygen due to enhanced mitochondrial oxygen consumption and ATP production for active solute transport. Enhanced mitochondrial activity leads to progressive hypoxia from the renal cortex to renal medulla. Renal tubulointerstitial hypoxia (TiH) is severe in hypertensive rats due to increased sodium reabsorption within their nephrons. Additionally, these rats display increased energy demand and therefore, require healthy mitochondria for adequate salt reabsorption. Hence, we sought to study the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and expression of mitochondrial transcription factors (mtTFs, viz. Tfam, Tfb1m and Tfb2m) during hypoxic conditions and in rodent models of genetic hypertension. We report that the expressions of HIF-1α (hypoxia inducible factor-1α), PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ co-activator-1α), mtTFs and OXPHOS proteins are elevated in hypertensive rats as compared to their normotensive counterparts. Additionally, studies in cultured kidney cells show that acute hypoxia augments the expression of these genes. We also observe a positive correlation between HIF-1α and mtTFs transcripts in human tissues. Furthermore, we report for the first time to our knowledge, that HIF-1α binds to promoters of Tfam, Tfb1m and Tfb2m genes and augments their promoter activities in NRK52e cells subjected to acute hypoxia. Taken together, this study suggests that acute hypoxia may enhance mitochondrial function to meet the energy demand in renal tubular epithelial cells and in young/pre-hypertensive SHR kidneys.Translational StatementOur results suggest that tubulointerstitial hypoxia (TiH) prevailing in prehypertensive rats augments the expression of mitochondrial transcription factors and proteins of electron transport chain. Moreover, previous reports indicate that ATP synthesis in these rats are elevated. Thus, our study provides insights into the molecular mechanism of such enhanced mitochondrial function. We propose that during early stages of kidney diseases (marked by mild TiH) an enhancement of mitochondrial function via stimulation of HIF-1α/PGC-1α production may delay renal tubular damage.
Regional difference analyzing and prediction model building for Chinese wine consumers’ sensory preference
Authors: Chu Xiaoquan , Li Yue , Xie Yimeng , Tian Dong , Mu Weisong 
Published: October 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide further insight into Chinese wine consumers’ preference, grasp the regional sensory preference differences of China and build up a predictive model for wine consumers’ sensory preferences.

Design/methodology/approach
The study involved 3,421 Chinese wine consumers in the survey. Classified statistics were conducted to excavate regional differences of wine consumers’ sensory preferences. By analyzing influencing factors, prediction models for consumers’ sensory attribute preferences were constructed on the basis of multivariate disorder logistic regression method.

Findings
Empirical research showed that the wine with the following sensory attributes was the most preferred by Chinese consumers: dry red, refreshing and soft taste, still type, moderate aroma degree and mellow aroma, and sweet wine was also popular. Consumers’ preference varied from region to region. The proposed predicting method of the study realized more than 70 percent accuracy when conducting prediction for color, sweetness, aroma type and flavor preferences.

Social implications
By shedding light on the latest sensory attribute preferences of Chinese wine consumers, this study will help wine industry participants conduct market segmentation based on the diversification of consumers’ preferences. The wine enterprises can gain guidance from the results to conduct market positioning, adjust strategies and provide specific production for target wine consumers.

Originality/value
Based on the actual situation of Chinese wine market, this study defines sensory attribute indexes of wine from the perspective of wine consumers and presents the most recent comprehensive research on the sensory preferences of Chinese wine consumers through a nationwide survey.
Coexistence of continuity and change in institutional work
Authors: Topal Cagri 
Published: October 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to answer the question of how continuity and change coexist in the work of institutional actors who can combine maintenance, disruption and/or creation. Past studies mention this coexistence without an explanation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper develops a perspective through literature review.FindingsInstitutional actors are both socialized into the norm-oriented space of continuity and maintenance through their reciprocal relations and associated social knowledge and roles and disciplined into the goal-oriented space of change and disruption/creation through their power relations and associated expert discourse and subject positions. Their institutional existence indicates a particular combination of reciprocity and power and thus their work includes changing degrees of maintenance, disruption and creation, depending on the nature of this combination.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper points out research directions on the relational conditions of the actors, which facilitate or constrain their work toward institutional continuity or change.Practical implicationsOrganizations whose concern is to continue the existing practices in a stable environment should emphasize reciprocal relations whereas organizations whose concern is to change those practices for more effectiveness in a dynamic environment should emphasize power relations. Also, too much emphasis on either relations leads to inflexibility or instability.Originality/valueThe paper provides an explanation on the sources of coexistence of continuity and change in institutional work. It also contributes to the discussions on contingency of institutions, resistance productive of institutional change, reflexivity of institutional actors and intersubjective construction of institutional work.
Data schemas for multiple hazards, exposure and vulnerability
Authors: Murnane Richard J. , Allegri Giovanni , Bushi Alphonce , Dabbeek Jamal , de Moel Hans , Duncan Melanie , Fraser Stuart , Galasso Carmine , Giovando Cristiano , Henshaw Paul , Horsburgh Kevin , Huyck Charles , Jenkins Susanna , Johnson Cassidy , Kamihanda Godson , Kijazi Justice , Kikwasi Wilberforce , Kombe Wilbard , Loughlin Susan , Løvholt Finn , Masanja Alex , Mbongoni Gabriel , Minas Stelios , Msabi Michael , Msechu Maruvuko , Mtongori Habiba , Nadim Farrokh , O’Hara Mhairi , Pagani Marco , Phillips Emma , Rossetto Tiziana , Rudari Roberto , Sangana Peter , Silva Vitor , Twigg John , Uhinga Guido , Verrucci Enrica 
Published: October 2019

Purpose
Using risk-related data often require a significant amount of upfront work to collect, extract and transform data. In addition, the lack of a consistent data structure hinders the development of tools that can be used with more than one set of data. The purpose of this paper is to report on an effort to solve these problems through the development of extensible, internally consistent schemas for risk-related data.

Design/methodology/approach
The consortia coordinated their efforts so the hazard, exposure and vulnerability schemas are compatible. Hazard data can be provided as either event footprints or stochastic catalogs. Exposure classes include buildings, infrastructure, agriculture, livestock, forestry and socio-economic data. The vulnerability component includes fragility and vulnerability functions and indicators for physical and social vulnerability. The schemas also provide the ability to define uncertainties and allow the scoring of vulnerability data for relevance and quality.

Findings
As a proof of concept, the schemas were populated with data for Tanzania and with exposure data for several other countries.

Research limitations/implications
The data schema and data exploration tool are open source and, if widely accepted, could become widely used by practitioners.

Practical implications
A single set of hazard, exposure and vulnerability schemas will not fit all purposes. Tools will be needed to transform the data into other formats.

Originality/value
This paper describes extensible, internally consistent, multi-hazard, exposure and vulnerability schemas that can be used to store disaster risk-related data and a data exploration tool that promotes data discovery and use.
The relationship between TQM and SMEs’ performance
Authors: Hilman Haim , Ali Gamal Abdualmajed , Gorondutse Abdullahi Hassan 
Published: October 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically test the association between total quality management (TQM) and small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) performance. In particular, it examines whether organizational culture (OC) has a mediating effect on the TQM–SME performance relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual model for this study was developed based on the literature review of TQM, OC and SME performance. As the research framework, a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from managers/owners of SMEs in the Riyadh, Mecca and Eastern regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The instrument was evaluated for its validity and reliability. A structural equation model was designed to examine the relationships, using PLS 3.0.FindingsStatistical outcomes add to the literature through displaying a positive direct effect of TQM and OC on SMEs’ performance, and a significant and positive indirect effect of TQM on SMEs’ performance through OC.Research limitations/implicationsThe quantitative cross-sectional research design investigated a sample of manufacturing SMEs. Future research could use qualitative techniques or a case study approach for further information analysis.Practical implicationsThe findings of this research provide insights into SMEs’ owners/managers in today’s dynamic manufacturing environment, focussing on TQM as a mechanism for improving their performance. The results can help SMEs by providing guidance on OC, because of its effect on the successful implementation of TQM, therefore improving the level of performance.Originality/valueThe research extends the literature of TQM with a comprehensive understanding of TQM from the perspective of SMEs in Saudi Arabia. It fills the gap in empirical studies that investigate the joint effect of TQM and OC on SMEs’ performance. This paper highlights the theoretical contribution and managerial implications as well as making recommendations for future research.
Integrating performance measurement, system dynamics, and problem-solving methods
Authors: Irfani Dian Prama , Wibisono Dermawan , Basri Mursyid Hasan 
Published: October 2019

Purpose
Transport logistics systems in companies with additional public service roles are complex and could benefit from new approaches to performance management. Existing approaches tend to be fragmented; thus, the purpose of this paper is to integrate balanced performance measures, a dynamics model, and the problem-solving method into a new model.

Design/methodology/approach
An integrated framework is developed by reviewing literature and synthesising attributes of performance measurement systems, system dynamics and problem-solving methods. The framework is then applied to a multiple-role company’s sea transportation system. The study uses statistical methods to identify performance indicators, management interviews with document study to develop a dynamics model, and simulation methods to formulate an improvement plan.

Findings
The performance measurement design stage allowed for the identification of balanced, aligned performance indicators, while the system dynamics model illuminated the impact of the system components’ interrelationships on performance output. The problem-solving method allowed for analysis of system performance, identification of constraints and formulation of a performance improvement plan.

Practical implications
This framework can help transport logistics system stakeholders in multiple-role companies avoid silo thinking, misaligned performance objectives, local optima and short-term solutions.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the existing body of research by introducing a novel framework integrating performance measurement, system dynamics and the problem-solving method. It also addresses a theoretical gap by showing how interconnecting components of sea transportation systems affect transport logistics performance.
Development of a risk disclosure index and its application in an Indian context
Authors: Shivaani MV , Jain P.K. , Yadav Surendra S. 
Published: October 2019

PurposeThis paper aims to gauge the quality of risk disclosure in 3,872 annual reports of Indian corporates, using a risk disclosure index (RDI) developed to capture both quality and quantity of risk disclosures.Design/methodology/approachFocussing on 69 risk items, the paper uses manual textual analysis and scores risk items using an ordinal scale, as opposed to the general practice of using a dichotomous scale.FindingsThe average risk index is low, but greater in the post-recession period than in the pre-recession period. Most disclosures are qualitative, both backward and forward-looking, and exhibit a negative tone. In addition, company age and industry sector have a significant impact on disclosure levels.Research limitations/implicationsThe choice and weighting of semantic qualities used to construct RDIs used in disclosure studies are inherently subjective. This exploratory study uses univariate analysis and does not explore the reasons for poor disclosure.Practical implicationsIn addition to its usefulness for investors and companies’ management, the findings of non-compliance with certain mandatory provisions and a low average RDI is particularly relevant for policymakers and regulatory bodies.Originality/valueDevelopment of a summary measure/RDI that is novel in its differential weighting of the semantic qualities pertaining to quantification, time-orientation and tone. Further, it serves as an exploratory study about risk disclosure practices in the Indian context that reveals notable differences from findings of previous risk disclosure research. Moreover, the study examines the relationship between firms’ age and risk disclosure levels, a largely ignored aspect in disclosure research.
Building capacity in indigenous governance: Comparing the Australian and American experiences
Authors: Hendrix Burke A. , Delaney Danielle , Witmer Richard C. , Moran Mark , Sanders Will , Ganter Elizabeth 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis paper compares key aspects of governance structures for Indigenous populations in the United States and Australia. The paper focuses on policy coordination and administration, in particular the nodes of decision‐making in the two countries in relation to government contracting and accountability. The U.S. approach to funding Indigenous organizations stems from the 1975 Indian Self‐Determination and Education Act and its subsequent expansions. Through the development of contracting into permanent compacting via block grants, this approach builds established nodes of Indigenous government and facilitates whole‐of‐government coherence at the level of the American Indian tribe. The U.S. approach seems correlated with better performance and may lighten bureaucratic loads over the long term. The Australian model, on the other hand, seeks to create whole‐of‐government coherence through top‐down financial accountability in a way that hampers the development of Indigenous political capacity. The paper traces the development of these practices through time and illustrates how they contribute to the fragmentation rather than growth of Indigenous political capacities. It suggests ways the Australian model could be improved even in the absence of fundamental reform by drawing on the contracting‐to‐compacting framework of longstanding U.S. practices.
Clinical effectiveness and safety of additional administration of tacrolimus in rheumatoid arthritis patients with an inadequate response to abatacept: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Suzuki Mochihito , Takahashi Nobunori , Kida Daihei , Hirano Yuji , Kato Takefumi , Yabe Yuichiro , Oguchi Takeshi , Fujibayashi Takayoshi , Hayashi Masatoshi , Asai Shuji , Ishiguro Naoki , Kojima Toshihisa 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveAbatacept (ABT) demonstrates good clinical efficacy and retention in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. However, no rescue treatment option against inadequate response to ABT exists. Since tacrolimus (TAC) and ABT suppress T lymphocytes via different mechanisms and a combination of these agents could potentially be effective, this study aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of add‐on TAC therapy in RA patients with inadequate response to ABT.MethodsOf 550 patients treated with ABT and registered in a Japanese multicenter registry, 25 consecutive patients who underwent add‐on TAC therapy and were followed for longer than 24 weeks were included in this study.ResultsMean patient age was 67.0 years, disease duration was 16.2 years, and duration of ABT treatment was 1.2 years at the initiation of add‐on TAC therapy. Mean TAC dose was 1.2 mg/d at baseline and 1.6 mg/d at week 24. Mean Disease Activity Score of 28 joints – erythrocyte sedimentation rate was significantly improved at week 24 (3.35) relative to baseline (4.97). The proportion of patients who achieved low disease activity or remission was 40.0%, and the European League Against Rheumatism moderate or good response was 72.0%. ABT retention rate was 92.0% at week 24, as calculated by Kaplan‐Meier analysis. Only one patient discontinued add‐on TAC therapy due to an adverse event (itching sensation).ConclusionThis is the first report describing the efficacy and safety profile of add‐on TAC therapy with a focus on RA patients with inadequate response to ABT. Our findings suggest that add‐on TAC therapy is a worthwhile complementary treatment option in daily clinical practice.
In utero exposure to antidepressant medication and neonatal and child outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Fitton C. A. , Steiner M. F. C. , Aucott L. , Pell J. P. , Mackay D. F. , Fleming M. , McLay J. S. 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to systematically review published studies, reporting outcomes to offspring following in utero exposure to antidepressant medications, which used an untreated depressed comparison group.MethodsOVID, Scopus, EBSCO Collections, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant publications published between January 1950 and May 2018 and a total of 188 potentially eligible studies were identified.ResultsFollowing review, 16 primary studies were eligible for inclusion. Antidepressant exposure was associated with an increased risk of lower gestational age, preterm birth, but not low birthweight or being small for gestational age compared to untreated depression. There is some evidence that congenital defects are associated with antidepressant use, particularly between cardiac defects and paroxetine use. There is conflicting evidence regarding neurodevelopment in offspring, with some reports of increased incidence of autistic spectrum disorders and depression, but also reports of no problems when measuring emotional symptoms, peer problems, conduct problems and hyperactivity‐inattention scores.ConclusionWhen compared with an untreated depressed group, antidepressant exposure was associated with adverse outcomes at birth, while there is insufficient data to determine whether the association between antidepressants and congenital defects or developmental disorders is a true association. However, although we compared treated vs. untreated depression there still may be residual confounding as an untreated depressed group is likely to have less severe depression.