bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anaemic women are more at risk of injectable contraceptive discontinuation due to side-effects in Ethiopia
Authors: Stevens Rose , Malbos Blandine , Gurmu Eshetu , Riou Jérémie , Alvergne Alexandra 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionThis paper investigates the importance of women’s physiological condition for predicting the risk of discontinuation due to side-effects of the injectable contraceptive in Ethiopia, where side-effects account for around 20% of all discontinuations.MethodsContraceptive calendar data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey were analysed. Women aged 15-49 who had initiated the injectable contraceptive in the two years prior to interview were included in the analysis (N=1,513). After checking for reverse causality, the associations between physiological risk factors and discontinuation of the injectable contraceptive due to either side-effects (DSE) or other reasons (DOR) were estimated using multivariate Cox proportional regression analyses.ResultsIn 2016, 10% of women had initiated the injectable in the last two years, and 1 in 4 had discontinued use by the time of the interview. Of these, 1 in 5 discontinued due to side-effects. Women with anaemia were at twice the risk of DSE compared with non-anaemic women, while anaemia status was not associated with DOR. The association between anaemia and experience of side-effects is likely driven by iron-deficiency anaemia, as having taken iron supplements during last pregnancy is found to decrease the risk of DSE. Sociocultural factors including religion, wealth and relationship status were significant predictors for DOR, but not for DSE.ConclusionAccounting for diversity in physiological condition is key for understanding contraceptive discontinuation due to side-effects. To reduce side-effects and thereby unmet need for contraception, family planning programs may benefit from providing an integrated service package addressing anaemia as well as supplying hormonal contraception.
Pseudomonas aeruginosaandCandida albicansboth accumulate greater biomass in dual species biofilms under flow
Authors: Kasetty Swetha , Mould Dallas L. , Hogan Deborah A. , Nadell Carey D. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSpatially structured communities of microbes – biofilms – are widespread in nature, and biofilm-dwelling microbes often respond to their environments in ways that are different from their planktonic counterparts. Further, most natural biofilms are multi-species mixtures of microorganisms; the ecology of intra- and inter-species interactions in these consortia, and the resulting effects on total community properties, are often not well understood. A common site of polymicrobial biofilm infections is the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a genetic disorder in humans that leads to colonization of the lungs by a variety of microorganisms, includingPseudomonas aeruginosaandCandida albicans.These opportunistic pathogens are frequently co-isolated from infected lungs, in addition to other infection sites including urinary and intravenous catheters. To study how these microbes behave together in biofilms, we developed a modified artificial sputum medium that is optically clear for use with microfluidic culture. In addition, we engineered strains with optimized fluorescent protein expression constructs allowing for single-cell resolution confocal microscopy. Using these tools and recently developed methods for spatial analysis of 3-D image data, we found that bothP. aeruginosaandC. albicansdisplay increased biovolume accumulation in multi-species biofilms relative to single-species biofilms. This pattern did not occur in planktonic co-culture and was thus specific to the biofilm environment. Interestingly, introduction ofP. aeruginosasupernatants over dual-species biofilms strongly reducedC. albicansbiovolume. This suggests that products that accumulate in batch culture were still inhibitory toC. albicansunder a flow regime, but that they theirde novoproduction in mixed species biofilms was not sufficient to inhibitC. albicansbiofilm accumulation. Altogether our results indicate a critical impact of flow environment for the outcome of polymicrobial interactions and the need for high-resolution analysis of such communities in future work.
Possible functions of the conserved peptide encoded by the RNA-precursor of miR-156a in plants of the familyBrassicaceae
Authors: Erokhina T.N. , Ryazantsev D.Y. , Samochvalova L.V. , Orsa A.N. , Zavriev S.K. , Morozov S.Y. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRecent studies have shown that the primary transcripts of some microRNA genes (pri-miRNAs) are able to express short proteins (peptides) ranging usually from 12-15 amino acid residues to around 30 residues in length. These peptides, called miPEPs, may participate in the regulation of transcription of their own pri-miRNAs. Using bioinformatic comparative analysis of pri-miRNA sequences in plant genomes, we previously discovered a new group of miPEPs (miPEP-156a), which is encoded by pri-miR156a in several dozen species from theBrassicaceaefamily. Exogenous peptides miPEP-156a can effectively penetrate plant seedlings through the root system and spread systemically to the leaves of young seedlings. At the same time, a moderate morphological effect is observed, which consists in accelerated growth of the main root of the seedling. In parallel, a positive effect is observed at the level of pri-miR156a expression. It is important that the effects at the morphological and molecular levels are seemingly related to the ability of the peptide to quickly transfer into the cell nuclei and bind to nuclear chromatin. In this work, the secondary structure of the peptide was also experimentally established, and changes in this structure in the complex with DNA were shown.
Transient systemic inflammation in adult male mice results in underweight progeny
Authors: Rokade Sushama , Upadhya Manoj , Bhat Dattatray S. , Subhedar Nishikant , Yajnik Chittaranjan S. , Ghose Aurnab , Rath Satyajit , Bal Vineeta 
Published: October 2020

AbstractProblemWhile the testes represent animmune privilegedorgan, there is evidence that systemic inflammation is accompanied by local inflammatory responses. We therefore examined if transient systemic inflammation caused any inflammatory and functional consequences in murine testes.Method of StudyUsing a single systemic administration of Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists [lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or peptidoglycan (PG) or polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (polyIC)] in young adult male mice, we assessed testicular immune-inflammatory landscape and reproductive functionality.ResultsOur findings demonstrated a significant induction of testicular TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 transcripts within 24 h of TLR agonist injection. By day 6 these cytokine levels returned to baseline. While there was no change in caudal sperm counts at early time points, eight weeks later, two-fold decrease of sperm count and reduced testicular testosterone levels was evident. When these mice were subjected to mating studies, no differences in mating efficiencies or litter sizes were observed compared to controls. Nonetheless, the neonatal weights of progeny from LPS/PG/polyIC treated sires were significantly lower than controls. Postnatal weight gain up to three weeks was also slower in the progeny of LPS/polyIC treated sires. Placental weights at 17.5 days post-coitum were significantly lower in females mated to LPS and polyIC treated males. Given this likelihood of an epigenetic effect, we found lower testicular levels of histone methyl-transferase enzyme, mixed-lineage leukemia-1, in mice given LPS/PG/polyIC eight weeks earlier.ConclusionExposure to transient systemic inflammation leads to transient local inflammation in the testes, with persistent sperm-mediated consequences for fetal development.
Subjective time is predicted by local and early visual processing
Authors: Tonoyan Yelena , Fornaciai Michele , Parsons Brent , Bueti Domenica 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTTime is as pervasive as it is elusive to study, and how the brain keeps track of millisecond time is still unclear. Here we studied the mechanisms underlying duration perception by looking for a neural signature of subjective time distortion induced by motion adaptation. We recorded electroencephalographic signals in human participants while they were asked to discriminate the duration of visual stimuli after translational motion adaptation. Our results show that distortions of subjective time can be predicted by the amplitude of the N200 event-related potential and by the activity in the Beta band frequency spectrum. Both effects were observed from occipital electrodes contralateral to the adapted stimulus. Finally, a multivariate decoding analysis highlights the impact of motion adaptation throughout the visual stream. Overall, our findings show the crucial involvement of local and low-level perceptual processes in generating a subjective sense of time.
The possibilities and limitations regarding the use of impact evaluation in corporate social responsibility programs in Latin America
Authors: Kowszyk Yanina , Vanclay Frank 
Published: October 2020

PurposeImprovement in the evaluation methodologies used in the public policy and development fields has increased the amount of evidence-based information available to decision makers. This helps firms evaluate the impacts of their social investments. However, it is not clear whether the business sector is interested in using these methods. This paper aims to describe the level of interest in, knowledge of and preferences relating to the impact evaluation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs by managers in Latin American companies and foundations.Design/methodology/approachA survey of 115 companies and foundations in 15 countries in Latin America was conducted in 2019.FindingsThe results indicated that most respondents believed that quantitative impact evaluation could address concerns about CSR program outcomes. However, monitoring and evaluation were primarily seen to be for tracking program objectives rather than for making strategic decisions about innovations to enhance the achievement of outcomes. Decision-making tended to respond to community demands. The main challenges to increasing the use of impact evaluation were the lack of skills and knowledge of management staff and the methodological complexity of evaluation designs. We conclude that there needs to be increased awareness about: the appropriate understanding of social outcomes; the benefits of evaluation; when impact evaluation is useful; how to prepare an evaluation budget; and the effective use of rigorous evidence to inform program design.Originality/valueAcceptance by the business sector of quantitative measurement of the social impact of CSR programs will lead to improved outcomes from social investment programs.
An in-depth qualitative study of Pakistani academic library professionals’ conceptions of linked data technology
Authors: Warraich Nosheen Fatima , Rorissa Abebe , Rasool Tayyba 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThis study aims to present a broad discussion of Linked Data (LD) and Semantic Web technologies, specifically their potential application in information environments such as libraries. It aims to explore library professionals’ conception about barriers to implement LD in libraries and strategies to take advantage of this technology.Design/methodology/approachIt is a qualitative study and uses phenomenology to explore library professionals’ common conceptions regarding the implementation of LD technology in libraries. Data were collected through interviews with the experts who are professionals and researchers, immersed with technology, actively involved in LD initiatives and/or are advocates of its implementation in libraries. Data were analyzed through NVivo software.FindingsBased on the study findings, it is elucidated that lack of awareness and skills among information professionals along with non-compatibility of traditional machine-readable cataloging-based standards with LD are some barriers that are creating hindrance in the implementation of LD. Findings also show that LD technology applications in Pakistan are at infancy level and facing legal, ethical and technical challenges. information communication technology skills of library professionals, designing new library management systems, structured data, standards, frameworks and training sessions, workshops, seminars and conferences are proposed strategies to implement LD in libraries in the perspective of a developing country.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has a few limitations; first, its focus is on prospects and perceptions of information professionals instead of LD practices in libraries. Second, sample is limited to information professionals immersed in technology and actively involved in LD initiatives and/or are advocates of its implementation in libraries, as Pakistan is a developing country and limited numbers of information professionals familiar and use LD technology. Finally, the results of this study are based on information professionals’ perceptions, so there is a need to measure actual application of LD technology with assessments.Originality/valueThe findings of the study are helpful for the library professionals, teachers and system designers. The library professionals may know the need for LD in the libraries.
Determinants of rental strategy: short-term vs long-term rental strategy
Authors: Shokoohyar Sina , Sobhani Ahmad , Sobhani Anae 
Published: October 2020

PurposeShort-term rental option enabled via accommodation sharing platforms is an attractive alternative to conventional long-term rental. The purpose of this study is to compare rental strategies (short-term vs long-term) and explore the main determinants for strategy selection.Design/methodology/approachUsing logistic regression, this study predicts the rental strategy with the highest rate of return for a given property in the City of Philadelphia. The modeling result is then compared with the applied machine learning methods, including random forest, k-nearest neighbor, support vector machine, naïve Bayes and neural networks. The best model is finally selected based on different performance metrics that determine the prediction strength of underlying models.FindingsBy analyzing 2,163 properties, the results show that properties with more bedrooms, closer to the historic attractions, in neighborhoods with lower minority rates and higher nightlife vibe are more likely to have a higher return if they are rented out through short-term rental contract. Additionally, the property location is found out to have a significant impact on the selection of the rental strategy, which emphasizes the widely known term of “location, location, location” in the real estate market.Originality/valueThe findings of this study contribute to the literature by determining the neighborhood and property characteristics that make a property more suitable for the short-term rental vs the long-term one. This contribution is extremely important as it facilitates differentiating the short-term rentals from the long-term rentals and would help better understanding the supply-side in the sharing economy-based accommodation market.
Impact of buyer-supplier TMT misalignment on environmental performance
Authors: Kumar Anupam , Steven Adams , Paraskevas John-Patrick 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThis study investigates the relationship between buyer-supplier top management team (TMT) demographic misalignment (defined as differences in TMT composition based on background, age and gender) and environmental performance (EVP).Design/methodology/approachThe empirical setting is publicly held US manufacturing firms that are present in both the Kinder, Lydenberg and Domini’s (KLD's) annual EVP ratings and Bloomberg's supply chain database. The study employs panel data regression methods on an unbalanced panel dataset of 7,493 dyad-year observations comprising 427 unique firms.FindingsThe research shows that misalignment in functional background and gender composition between TMTs have a negative outcome on both the buyer's and the suppliers' EVP. However, increasing presence of females across TMTs has a positive influence on EVP. Further, the research shows that misalignment based on age between the TMTs does not impact EVP in any significant way. On the contrary, increasing age across TMTs is a significant predictor of EVP.Originality/valueThis study builds on existing works in TMT heterogeneity and adds context to the heightening belief in the positive linkage between heterogeneity and performance through extension to a boundary spanning interfirm context.
Female empowerment/participation in the workplace and firm performance: a study of privately-owned firms
Authors: Achkar Jessica , Bouri Elie 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between female empowerment/participation and firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThe data are cross-sectional, extracted from the records of the Enterprise Surveys of the World Bank (ESWB). It covers 561 privately-owned firms from Lebanon. Tobit regressions are used in the analysis.FindingsThe findings show that firm performance is positively associated with one form of female empowerment (female involvement in management), and the positive and significant association remains significant when several control variables are considered. However, the positive association between firm performance and the other form of female empowerment (female involvement in ownership) does not hold the inclusion of control variables in the regression. Furthermore, there is a positive association between firm performance and female participation in the workplace (the percentage of female workers), which remains qualitatively unchanged when several control variables are considered.Originality/valueThis is one of the first research studies that examines the relationship between female empowerment/participation and firm performance, while differentiating between female involvement in management and female involvement in ownership. Notably, the study extends the authors’ limited understanding on that relationship in the context of a small and understudied country such as Lebanon, where privately-held firms dominate.
SMEs' market orientation toward public sector customers in public procurement
Authors: Saastamoinen Jani , Reijonen Helen , Tammi Timo 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThis paper investigates how the market orientation of SMEs toward public sector customers enables firms to participate and succeed in public procurement.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a survey-based methodology. First, the authors reconfigured an empirical construct of market orientation for private sector markets to measure the market orientation toward public sector customers. Then they conducted a survey of Finnish firms to test the construct and how it predicted firm performance in public procurement.FindingsThe authors find empirical support for firms to adopt a market orientation toward public sector customers. Their results suggest that customer and competitor orientations are positive predictors of participating and winning supply contracts in public sector tenders.Research limitations/implicationsSelf-reported survey data from a single country may limit the generalizability of results.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to report a market orientation toward public sector customers and describe how it is related to supplier performance in public procurement.
Flourishing consumers from brands: brand well-being's conception, dimensions and scale
Authors: Shu Lifang , Wei Haiying , Ran Yaxuan 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThe present research aims to construct the brand well-being concept and develop the brand well-being scale.Design/methodology/approachBy interviewing 21 consumers and coding interview text, the authors propose and construct the definition of brand well-being. Using two large sample surveys, the authors develop 11 items for the brand well-being scale.FindingsBy interviewing 21 consumers and coding interview text, the authors propose and construct the definition of brand well-being. Using two large sample surveys, the authors develop 11 items for the brand well-being scale.Originality/valueThis research combines the branding theory and positive psychology theory, expands the extant understanding of brand value and provides new insights into optimizing a brand strategy.
Adopting social media as an information system – a case study of an internet service company in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Inieke Otobong , Raimi-Lawal Babatunde Mustapha 
Published: October 2020

Purpose
In considering the ubiquity of information systems (ISs) and the increasingly important role served in modern business and service delivery, social media if properly leveraged gives potential competitive advantage to a company in its respective industry. With Paramount Web Nigeria Ltd. as a case study, this paper aims to focus on the important aspects of adopting social media as an IS such as data privacy principles and the role of social media in the context of a small internet service company.

Design/methodology/approach
Relevant research information was relied upon to highlight the various factors involved with adopting social media as an IS.

Findings
Data handling and privacy policies must also be considered and properly devised if the concerned company is to effectively adopt social media as an IS. Decision-making tools such as SWOT analysis and the quality triangle are vital during the planning stages of deploying an IS.

Research limitations/implications
Research papers on aspects of social media as an IS especially in West African academia has been lacking. The challenge is in contextual information related to similar topics.

Practical implications
Findings detailed in this paper will serve to provide a better understanding of the important factors to be considered when adapting a new IS to an existing business.

Originality/value
This paper serves to highlight the potential factors to be considered when dealing with business ISs with a strong focus on social media and internet related services.
Atopic dermatitis does not increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Weng Yu‐Ching , Juan Chao‐Kuei , Ho Hsiu J. , Chang Yi‐Ling , Wu Chun‐Ying , Chen Yi‐Ju 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCoexistence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients has been reported. The long‐term risk of IBD in AD patients remains unclear. Our aim for the study is to examine the long‐term risk of IBD in AD patients. This is a nationwide cohort study. From the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan (1997–2013), a total of 36 400 AD patients were identified and matched with 364 000 reference subjects without AD by age, sex and number of hospital visits. Demographic characteristics and comorbidities were compared. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted to examine the risk of IBD. The 16‐year cumulative incidences of IBD were 0.047% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.040–0.054) and 0.047% (95% CI, 0.025–0.096) in non‐AD and AD cohorts, respectively (P = 0.973). There were 17 cases of IBD (0.05%), including 10 ulcerative colitis and seven Crohn’s disease, among AD patients compared with 169 IBD cases (0.05%) among controls (P > 0.999). Infections (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.71; 95% CI, 1.96–3.95; P < 0.001) and age (adjusted HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02–1.03; P < 0.001) were independently associated with IBD, after adjusting for major comorbidities and conducting multivariate analyses. AD was not associated with IBD development. In conclusion, AD is not independently associated with IBD development.