bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of quality management on organization performance: service quality and product characteristics as a medium
Authors: Sumardi Sumardi , Fernandes Adji Achmad Rinaldo 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe effect of the quality management system on service performance. The mediating effect of service quality on the influence of the quality management system on service performance. The mediating effect of product characteristics on the influence of the quality management system on service performance.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis unit of this research were the service organizations/fields presented by each of the experts working in the consulting companies/business entities of construction planners that have Grade 4 qualification and have been the members ofInkindoregistered since 2016 and located in the territory of Indonesia. The sample target were the organizations/fields of the consulting companies represented by the permanent experts or skilled manpower working accordingly with the field of construction planning services. This becomes important, considering that the position of experts is crucial to the success and quality of the management of construction planner consulting services. Determination of the use of the sample was based on therule of thumbin SEM, which amounted to 10 × 20 indicators or 200 respondents.FindingsThere is significant influence between the variables of the quality management system to service quality and company performance, but there is no significant effect on product characteristics. The analysis also showed that mediating effects to service quality or characteristics of the product were not found on the influence of the quality management system to company performance.Originality/valueThe quality management system focuses on earning users’ satisfaction by applying basic principles to the management of good companies. The scope of a broad management system not only revolves around the quality of products making the quality management system very well applied in various types of companies or organizations, but it can also be applied to organizing-related services to customers.
Determinants of corporate social performance disclosure: a literature review
Authors: Garcia Editinete André da Rocha , Carvalho Gustavo Macedo de , Boaventura Joao Mauricio Gama , Souza Filho José Milton de 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThis review aims to identify the determinants of voluntary disclosure of corporate social performance (CSP) and to analyze and consolidate previous quantitative studies to identify the theoretical perspectives and the variables used in measuring the determinants of CSP disclosure (CSP-D).Design/methodology/approachA literature review of articles published from 1987 to 2015 was conducted using the three databases, Ebsco, ISI and Jstor, with CSP-D as the dependent variable. The goal was to identify the theoretical perspectives underlying the studies and the independent variables.FindingsThe literature revealed a set of variables and their general measures, but the consensus confirmed that there was no single explanation for what determined CSP-D. The published theories that support a relationship between CSP-D and its determinants are legitimacy, institutional, stakeholder, agency and voluntary disclosure theory.Originality/valueThe results allowed us to identify the perspectives underlying the major theories and disclosed a set of factors considered by the literature as the ones that influence CSP-D. This information will be useful for researchers interested in developing their own studies on CSP-D because it presents the evolution of CSP-D factors over time and organizes the findings of multiple studies developed since the emergence of the theme.
Non-kinetic hybrid threats in Europe – the Portuguese case study (2017-18)
Authors: Pathe Duarte Felipe 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to understand whether Portugal, being a relatively peripheral country – in political, economic and military terms – of Southwest Europe, was recently a target of hybrid threats. The prevalence of a specific type of threat was found. Thus, this paper analyses the non-kinetic hybrid threats in Portugal, in a temporary hiatus of two years (2017-2018).Design/methodology/approachThis study has two parts: a conceptual analysis of hybrid threats created by us and, based on the typology previously presented, an analysis of the hybrid threats in Portugal between 2017 and 2018. The first part relied on source analysis, as the result of a desk review methodology, supported by monographs, declassified official documents and reports. The second part is also the result of source analysis, but more extensive. In addition to the desk review methodology, the study included semi-structured interviews with different stakeholders from the Portuguese security and armed forces, who asked not to be quoted. Media content analysis was also carried out – for trends and fact-check – mostly for the events related to the “narratives led operations” (for propaganda, misinformation, counter-information and strategic leaks).FindingsTo date, Portugal – compared with other European states – has not been a significant target for hybrid threats. It is diluted in the Portuguese geopolitical dimension. Nevertheless, not escaping what is happening in Europe, it has also been the target of non-kinetic hybrid threats, especially in cyberspace. In the field of so-called “narrative-driven operations”, there have been some occurrences – whether related to fake news, far-right movements or strategic leaks. In addition, cyberattacks from foreign groups for information and data gathering have increased in recent years, making governmental and private critical infrastructures more vulnerable.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the characteristics of hybrid threats is their difficult identification. Therefore, information is scarce, which has complicated the research, leading us to assume, in many cases, speculation about the threat. It should also be taken into account that, in the case of cyberspace, until 2018, 90% of the occurrences were not reported, and the study has dealt with only official numbers.Originality/valueIt is not a policy paper. Although it neither points out national vulnerabilities to this type of threat nor makes procedural recommendations or considerations, it is fundamental in identifying the peculiarity of hybrid threats in a democratic state.
Why do females of a lekking species mate with multiple males?
Authors: Kempenaers Bart 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn Focus: Rivers, P. R., & DuVal, E. H. (2020). Multiple paternity in a lek mating system: Females mate multiply when they choose inexperienced sires. Journal of Animal Ecology, 89, 1142–1152. In many socially monogamous species with biparental care, some females engage in extra‐pair copulations, despite the apparent risk of losing male help in raising their brood. Why females mate with multiple males remains the focus of intense debate, but may be linked to constraints in social mate choice. If so, multiple mating is not expected in a lekking mating system, where females receive no resources from the male other than sperm and are free to choose the ‘best’ mate to sire their offspring. Rivers and DuVal (2020) report on the occurrence of multiple paternity in lekking lance‐tailed manakins and test several hypotheses to explain it. Their study shows that lower‐ranked males and males with less experience were more likely to share paternity. However, the process underlying this pattern remains puzzling. The authors suggest female choice related to male characteristics that change with experience as an explanation, but alternative scenarios cannot be excluded.
Seasonal habitat drives intestinal microbiome composition in anadromous Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus)
Authors: Element Geraint , Engel Katja , Neufeld Josh D. , Casselman John M. , van Coeverden de Groot Peter , Greer Charles W. , Walker Virginia K. 
Published: May 2020

SummaryIntestinal microbial communities from 362 anadromous Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) from the high Arctic Kitikmeot region, Nunavut, Canada, were characterized using high‐throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The resulting bacterial communities were compared across four seasonal habitats that correspond to different stages of annual migration. Arctic char intestinal communities differed by sampling site, salinity and stages of freshwater residence. Although microbiota from fish sampled in brackish water were broadly consistent with taxa seen in other anadromous salmonids, they were enriched with putative psychrophiles, including the nonluminous gut symbiont Photobacterium iliopiscarium that was detected in >90% of intestinal samples from these waters. Microbiota from freshwater‐associated fish were less consistent with results reported for other salmonids, and highly variable, possibly reflecting winter fasting behaviour of these char. We identified microbiota links to age for those fish sampled during the autumn upriver migration, but little impact of the intestinal content and water microbiota on the intestinal community. The strongest driver of intestinal community composition was seasonal habitat, and this finding combined with identification of psychrophiles suggested that water temperature and migratory behaviour are key to understanding the relationship between Arctic char and their symbionts.
Flavonoids repress the production of antifungal 2,4‐DAPG but potentially facilitate root colonization of the rhizobacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens
Authors: Yu Xiao‐Quan , Yan Xu , Zhang Meng‐Yuan , Zhang Li‐Qun , He Yong‐Xing 
Published: May 2020

SummaryIn the well‐known legume–rhizobia symbiosis, flavonoids released by legume roots induce expression of the Nod factors and trigger early plant responses involved in root nodulation. However, it remains largely unknown how the plant‐derived flavonoids influence the physiology of non‐symbiotic beneficial rhizobacteria. In this work, we demonstrated that the flavonoids apigenin and/or phloretin enhanced the swarming motility and production of cellulose and curli in Pseudomonas fluorescens 2P24, both traits of which are essential for root colonization. Using a label‐free quantitative proteomics approach, we showed that apigenin and phloretin significantly reduced the biosynthesis of the antifungal metabolite 2,4‐DAPG and further identified a novel flavonoid‐sensing TetR regulator PhlH, which was shown to modulate 2,4‐DAPG production by regulating the expression of 2,4‐DAPG hydrolase PhlG. Although having similar structures, apigenin and phloretin could also influence different physiological characteristics of P. fluorescens 2P24, with apigenin decreasing the biofilm formation and phloretin inducing expression of proteins involved in the denitrification and arginine fermentation processes. Taken together, our results suggest that plant‐derived flavonoids could be sensed by the TetR regulator PhlH in P. fluorescens 2P24 and acts as important signalling molecules that strengthen mutually beneficial interactions between plants and non‐symbiotic beneficial rhizobacteria.
Parenthood and social policy preferences: A gender and time sensitive examination
Authors: BURLACU DIANA , LÜHISTE MAARJA 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAttitudes towards social spending and the welfare state have been characterised by one of the longest standing and widest gender gaps. Past research suggests that parenthood deepens this divide further. Yet, the exact relationship between parenthood and support for social policies – and the gendered nature of this process – has been difficult to establish because it can vary across welfare policy areas and the age of the children, which past studies, relying on cross‐sectional data, has found difficult to unravel. Using panel data from the Swiss Household Panel, we examine individual level changes in fathers’ and mothers’ views towards specific welfare state policies. We find that individuals’ support for social spending fluctuates at different stages of parenthood, and that mothers’ demands differ from fathers’ in relation to care related but not in terms of educational spending. This implies that parents are not a homogeneous group that parties could target with uniform electoral pledges. As a result, building widespread electoral support for expanding a broad range of social investment policies is likely to be challenging in a context where, first and foremost, self‐interest appears to drive (or depress) individuals’ support for specific welfare state policies.
How accurately can multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging measure the tumour volume of a prostate cancer? Results of a systematic review
Authors: Christie David R.H. , Sharpley Christopher F. 
Published: May 2020

SummaryThe tumour volume of a cancer within the prostate gland is commonly measured with multiparametric MRI. The measurement has a role in many clinical scenarios including focal therapy, but the accuracy of it has never been systematically reviewed. We included articles if they compared tumour volume measurements obtained by mpMRI with a reference volume measurement obtained after radical prostatectomy. Correlation and concordance statistics were summarised. A simple accuracy score was derived by dividing the given mean or median mpMRI volume by the histopathological reference volume. Factors affecting the accuracy were noted. Scores for potential bias and quality were calculated for each article. A total of 18 articles describing 1438 patients were identified. Nine articles gave Pearson’s correlation scores, with a median value of 0.75 but the range was wide (0.42–0.97). A total of 11 articles reported mean values for volume while 9 reported median values. For all 18 articles, the mean or median values for MRI volumes were lower than the corresponding reference values suggesting consistent underestimation. For articles reporting mean and median values for volume, the median accuracy scores were 0.83 and 0.80, respectively. The accuracy was higher for tumours of greater volume, higher grade and when an endorectal coil was used. Accuracy did not seem to improve over time, with a 3 Tesla magnet or by applying a shrinkage factor to the reference measurement. Most studies showed evidence of at least moderate bias, and their quality was highly variable, but neither of these appeared to affect accuracy.
Determinants of accelerated metabolomic and epigenetic aging in a UK cohort
Authors: Robinson Oliver , Chadeau Hyam Marc , Karaman Ibrahim , Climaco Pinto Rui , Ala-Korpela Mika , Handakas Evangelos , Fiorito Giovanni , Gao He , Heard Andy , Jarvelin Marjo‐Riitta , Lewis Matthew , Pazoki Raha , Polidoro Silvia , Tzoulaki Ioanna , Wielscher Matthias , Elliott Paul , Vineis Paolo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMarkers of biological aging have potential utility in primary care and public health. We developed a model of age based on untargeted metabolic profiling across multiple platforms, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry in urine and serum, within a large sample (N = 2,239) from the UK Airwave cohort. We validated a subset of model predictors in a Finnish cohort including repeat measurements from 2,144 individuals. We investigated the determinants of accelerated aging, including lifestyle and psychological risk factors for premature mortality. The metabolomic age model was well correlated with chronological age (mean r = .86 across independent test sets). Increased metabolomic age acceleration (mAA) was associated after false discovery rate (FDR) correction with overweight/obesity, diabetes, heavy alcohol use and depression. DNA methylation age acceleration measures were uncorrelated with mAA. Increased DNA methylation phenotypic age acceleration (N = 1,110) was associated after FDR correction with heavy alcohol use, hypertension and low income. In conclusion, metabolomics is a promising approach for the assessment of biological age and appears complementary to established epigenetic clocks.
Genetic dissection of reproductive performance of dairy cows under heat stress
Authors: Sigdel A. , Liu L. , Abdollahi‐Arpanahi R. , Aguilar I. , Peñagaricano F. 
Published: May 2020

SummaryHeat stress negatively impacts the reproductive performance of dairy cows. The main objective of this study was to dissect the genetic basis underlying dairy cow fertility under heat stress conditions. Our first goal was to estimate genetic components of cow conception across lactations considering heat stress. Our second goal was to reveal individual genes and functional gene‐sets that explain a cow’s ability to conceive under thermal stress. Data consisted of 74 221 insemination records on 13 704 Holstein cows. Multitrait linear repeatability test‐day models with random regressions on a function of temperature–humidity index values were used for the analyses. Heritability estimates for cow conception under heat stress were around 2–3%, whereas genetic correlations between general and thermotolerance additive genetic effects were negative and ranged between −0.35 and −0.82, indicating an unfavorable relationship between cows’ ability to conceive under thermo‐neutral vs. thermo‐stress conditions. Whole‐genome scans identified at least six genomic regions on BTA1, BTA10, BTA11, BTA17, BTA21 and BTA23 associated with conception under thermal stress. These regions harbor candidate genes such as BRWD1, EXD2, ADAM20, EPAS1, TAOK3, and NOS1, which are directly implicated in reproductive functions and cellular response to heat stress. The gene‐set enrichment analysis revealed functional terms related to fertilization, developmental biology, heat shock proteins and oxidative stress, among others. Overall, our findings contribute to a better understanding of the genetics underlying the reproductive performance of dairy cattle under heat stress conditions and point out novel genomic strategies for improving thermotolerance and fertility via marker‐assisted breeding.
Role of colour‐Doppler high‐frequency ultrasonography in capillary malformation‐arteriovenous malformation syndrome: a case series
Authors: Rodríguez Bandera Ana Isabel , Feito Rodríguez Marta , Chiloeches Fernández Clara , Stewart Nicholas , Valdivielso‐Ramos Marta 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHigh‐frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) represents a useful adjunct for dermatologists in the diagnosis of capillary malformation‐arteriovenous malformation (CM‐AVM) syndrome. We present a paediatric case series of 6 patients with confirmed RASA1 gene mutation in whom HFUS demonstrated AVM beneath cutaneous CM‐like lesions greater than 1.5 cm.
Early repolarization pattern associated with coronary artery disease and increased the risk of cardiac death in acute myocardium infarction
Authors: Fan Jun , Yao Feng‐Juan , Cheng Yun‐Jiu , Ji Cheng‐Cheng , Chen Xu‐Miao , Wu Su‐Hua 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundEarly repolarization pattern (ERP) was associated with sudden cardiac death in recent studies. However, the associations between ERP and coronary artery disease (CAD), and ERP and cardiac death caused by acute myocardial infarction (MI) remains unclear.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled consecutive 1,545 CAD patients and 908 non‐CAD subjects as control group which were confirmed by coronary angiograph. The CAD patients include stable CAD, acute MI patients, and old MI patients. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to evaluate the relationship between ERP and CAD, and ERP and cardiac death caused by acute MI.ResultsOf the 1,545 CAD subjects, there were 1,029 stable CAD patients, 404 acute MI patients, and 112 old MI patients. The incidence of ERP was much higher among patients with CAD than without CAD subjects (20.1% vs. 6.2%, p < .001) after adjusting for major cardiovascular risk factors. No significant correlation was observed between lead region of ERP on 12‐lead ECG and single abnormal artery. Of the 404 acute MI patients, 342 patients survived and 62 patients died. Incidence of ERP was higher in non‐survivor than survivor patients with acute MI (24.2% vs. 17.5%, p = .006) after adjustment for major cardiovascular risk factors.ConclusionThe incidence of ERP was higher in CAD patients than subjects without CAD and in non‐survivor patients than survivor patients with acute MI. The lead region of ERP on 12‐lead ECG was not associated with single abnormal coronary artery.
Co‐cultures of renal progenitors and endothelial cells on kidney decellularized matrices replicate the renal tubular environment in vitro
Authors: Sobreiro‐Almeida Rita , Melica Maria Elena , Lasagni Laura , Romagnani Paola , Neves Nuno M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimHerein we propose creating a bilayer tubular kidney in‐vitro model. It is hypothesized that membranes composed of decellularized porcine kidney extracellular matrix are valid substitutes of the tubular basement membrane by mimicking the physiological relevance of the in vivo environment and disease phenotypes.MethodsExtracellular matrix was obtained from decellularized porcine kidneys. After processing by lyophilization and milling, it was dissolved in an organic solvent and blended with poly(caprolactone). Porous membranes were obtained by electrospinning and seeded with human primary renal progenitor cells to evaluate phenotypic alterations. To create a bilayer model of the in vivo tubule, the same cells were differentiated into epithelial tubular cells and co‐cultured with endothelial cells in opposite sites.ResultsOur results demonstrate increasing metabolic activity, proliferation and total protein content of renal progenitors over time. We confirmed the expression of several genes encoding epithelial transport proteins and we could also detect tubular‐specific proteins by immunofluorescence stainings. Functional and transport assays were performed trough the bilayer by quantifying both human serum albumin uptake and inulin leakage. Furthermore, we validated the chemical modulation of nephrotoxicity on this epithelium‐endothelium model by cisplatin exposure.ConclusionThe use of decellularized matrices in combination with primary renal cells was shown to be a valuable tool for modelling renal function and disease in vitro. We successfully validated our hypothesis by replicating the physiological conditions of an in vitro tubular bilayer model. The developed system may contribute significantly for the future investigation of advanced therapies for kidney diseases.
The value of myocardial perfusion imaging in screening coronary artery disease before kidney transplantation
Authors: Helve Salla , Nieminen Tuomo , Helanterä Ilkka , Finne Patrik , Rajala Helena , Sinisalo Juha , Laine Mika 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe value of myocardial single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in pre‐transplant evaluation of kidney transplant recipients is controversial. We assessed whether myocardial SPECT predicts major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and determined whether SPECT findings affected transplant recipients' medical and invasive treatment. We analyzed 301 patients referred for myocardial SPECT before kidney transplantation and combined the results with information from patient files and the Transplantation Registry. During the median follow‐up time of 96 months (IQR 70.75‐118.25 months), the incidence of MACE was higher in patients (n = 37) with severely abnormal SPECT (>10% reversible perfusion defect) than in patients (n = 35) with mildly abnormal or normal SPECT (51.4%, 29.4%, and 27.0%, respectively, P = .011). Severely abnormal SPECT findings predicted long‐term MACE in a univariable analysis but not after adjusting for other risk factors. Following SPECT, 29 patients (9.6%) underwent coronary angiography and 14 (4.6%) were revascularized. New antithrombotic or statin medication was prescribed to 7.3% of patients with ischemia in SPECT. Kidney transplantation patients are at high long‐term risk of MACE even with normal preoperative myocardial SPECT. Abnormal SPECT did not predict MACE when adjusted for other risk factors. Minority of the patients underwent coronary revascularization or had changes in preventive medication before transplantation.