bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CEO ability and sustainability disclosures: The mediating effect of corporate social responsibility performance
Authors: García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , Aibar‐Guzmán Beatriz , Aibar‐Guzmán Cristina , Azevedo Tânia‐Cristina 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCombining the postulates of the upper echelons theory and the economic theories of information disclosure, one might expect that the effect of chief executive officers' (CEOs') managerial ability on their firms' disclosure policies has both a direct and indirect nature. The latter would be associated with the mediating role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance on the relationship between CEOs' ability and corporate transparency. Using a sample of 956 international firms over the period 2006–2014 (6,442 firm‐year observations), we examine the role that the CEO ability plays in determining the relevance of CSR disclosures and whether this role is mediated by CSR performance. By proposing several regression models, we document that more able CEOs are more willing to disclose comparable and useful CSR information that favours stakeholder engagement. This relationship is mediated by the impact that CEO's ability has over the implementation of sustainability strategies that improve CSR performance.
One size does not fit all: Customizing MCMC methods for hierarchical models using NIMBLE
Authors: Ponisio Lauren C. , de Valpine Perry , Michaud Nicholas , Turek Daniel 
Published: February 2020

AbstractImproved efficiency of Markov chain Monte Carlo facilitates all aspects of statistical analysis with Bayesian hierarchical models. Identifying strategies to improve MCMC performance is becoming increasingly crucial as the complexity of models, and the run times to fit them, increases. We evaluate different strategies for improving MCMC efficiency using the open‐source software NIMBLE (R package nimble) using common ecological models of species occurrence and abundance as examples. We ask how MCMC efficiency depends on model formulation, model size, data, and sampling strategy. For multiseason and/or multispecies occupancy models and for N‐mixture models, we compare the efficiency of sampling discrete latent states vs. integrating over them, including more vs. fewer hierarchical model components, and univariate vs. block‐sampling methods. We include the common MCMC tool JAGS in comparisons. For simple models, there is little practical difference between computational approaches. As model complexity increases, there are strong interactions between model formulation and sampling strategy on MCMC efficiency. There is no one‐size‐fits‐all best strategy, but rather problem‐specific best strategies related to model structure and type. In all but the simplest cases, NIMBLE's default or customized performance achieves much higher efficiency than JAGS. In the two most complex examples, NIMBLE was 10–12 times more efficient than JAGS. We find NIMBLE is a valuable tool for many ecologists utilizing Bayesian inference, particularly for complex models where JAGS is prohibitively slow. Our results highlight the need for more guidelines and customizable approaches to fit hierarchical models to ensure practitioners can make the most of occupancy and other hierarchical models. By implementing model‐generic MCMC procedures in open‐source software, including the NIMBLE extensions for integrating over latent states (implemented in the R package nimbleEcology), we have made progress toward this aim.
Predictors of left ventricular remodelling in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy – a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study
Authors: Tayal Upasana , Wage Ricardo , Newsome Simon , Manivarmane Ramasamy , Izgi Cemil , Muthumala Amal , Dungu Jason N. , Assomull Ravi , Hatipoglu Suzan , Halliday Brian P. , Lota Amrit S. , Ware James S. , Gregson John , Frenneaux Michael , Cook Stuart A. , Pennell Dudley J. , Scott Andrew D. , Cleland John G.F. , Prasad Sanjay K. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimsThere is an important need for better biomarkers to predict left ventricular (LV) remodelling in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We undertook a comprehensive assessment of cardiac structure and myocardial composition to determine predictors of remodelling.Methods and resultsProspective study of patients with recent‐onset DCM with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) assessment of ventricular structure and function, extracellular volume (T1 mapping), myocardial strain, myocardial scar (late gadolinium enhancement) and contractile reserve (dobutamine stress). Regression analyses were used to evaluate predictors of change in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) over 12 months. We evaluated 56 participants (34 DCM patients, median LVEF 43%; 22 controls). Absolute LV contractile reserve predicted change in LVEF (1% increase associated with 0.4% increase in LVEF at 12 months, P = 0.02). Baseline myocardial strain (P = 0.39 global longitudinal strain), interstitial myocardial fibrosis (P = 0.41), replacement myocardial fibrosis (P = 0.25), and right ventricular contractile reserve (P = 0.17) were not associated with LV reverse remodelling. There was a poor correlation between contractile reserve and either LV extracellular volume fraction (r = −0.22, P = 0.23) or baseline LVEF (r = 0.07, P = 0.62). Men were more likely to experience adverse LV remodelling (P = 0.01) but age (P = 0.88) and disease‐modifying heart failure medication (beta‐blocker, P = 0.28; angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor, P = 0.92) did not predict follow‐up LVEF.ConclusionsSubstantial recovery of LV function occurs within 12 months in most patients with recent‐onset DCM. Women had the greatest improvement in LVEF. A low LV contractile reserve measured by dobutamine stress CMR appears to identify patients whose LVEF is less likely to recover.
Development of Fully Bio‐Based Lubricants from Agro‐Industrial Residues under Environmentally Friendly Processes
Authors: de Almeida Mayara O. , Silva Lucas R. R. , Kotzebue Lloyd R. V. , Maia Francisco J. N. , Acero Juan S. R. , Mele Giuseppe , Mazzetto Selma E. , Sinatora Amilton , Lomonaco Diego 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBiolubricants are becoming interesting alternatives to mineral lubricants. Despite their advantages, development of lubricants from vegetable oils may compete with food production, turning their use impractical due to socio‐economic aspects. Here, cardanol is used as raw material in the synthesis of novel biolubricants under environmentally friendly conditions. These compounds are characterized by NMR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Thermal‐oxidative studies show the elevated stability and higher onset oxidative temperatures. Tribological analyses performed under high‐frequency linear‐oscillation motion indicate lower coefficients of friction and wear rates compared to a synthetic oil. Therefore, cardanol, under simple, fast, and sustainable processes can be transformed into valuable alternatives for petroleum‐based lubricants.Practical Applications: The novel cardanol‐based biolubricants presented in this work show interesting chemical and lubricity properties superior to standard synthetic oils, which make them potential substitutes for the current oil‐based products used as lubricants. Additionally, the ecofriendly methodologies employed reduce significantly the reaction time as well as eliminating the need for catalysts or solvents, making these processes viable alternatives for the traditional methods reported in literature for the synthesis of this class of compounds.
Protective effects of fermented rice extract on ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate in mice
Authors: Oh Won‐Seok , Jung Jae‐Chul , Choi Yong‐Min , Mun Ju‐Young , Ku Sae‐Kwang , Song Chang‐Hyun 
Published: February 2020

AbstractUlcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by the gut mucosal ulceration. Growing evidence indicates that dysregulation of immune response to the commensal microbiota involves the pathogenesis of IBD. Previous studies have demonstrated the favorable probiotic effects of fermented rice extracts through triple fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Weissella cibaria (FRe). Thus, the therapeutic potential of FRe for UC was examined. Dextran sodium sulfate UC mice model was orally administered distilled water as a control, sulfasalazine, or FRe at 300, 200, and 100 mg/kg, once a day for a week. The UC control exhibited body weight loss, bloody stools, and colonic shortening. However, the FRe, especially at 300 mg/kg, led to a reduction in weight loss, disease activity index scores, and colon weight, and an increase in colorectal length. The histopathological analyses revealed mild changes involved in the colonic crypt and mucosal damages in the FRe groups, along with inhibited inflammation. Indeed, the FRe reduced neutrophil infiltration and production of proinflammatory cytokines (i.e., tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6/‐8). This was accompanied by the down‐regulation of nuclear factor‐kappa B. The gene expression responsible for the intestinal barrier integrity (i.e., Zonna occludens‐1/‐2, Claudin‐1, Occludin, Mucin‐1/‐2) was up‐regulated in the FRe groups. In addition, the FRe reduced lipid peroxidation and enhanced antioxidant activity. Interestingly, the microbiota dysbiosis was attenuated in the FRe groups, and the number of beneficial bacteria, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, was increased. It suggests that the FRe potently ameliorate UC as a functional food.
Impact of algorithmic trading on speed of adjustment to new information: Evidence from interest rate derivatives
Authors: Frino Alex , Garcia Michael , Zhou Zeyang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn February 2012, the Australian Securities Exchange introduced co‐location services for futures traders, thus providing a natural experiment to test the impact of algorithmic trading (AT) on the speed of adjustment and price discovery during scheduled macroeconomic releases. Our results demonstrate that, in the presence of AT, the speed of adjustment to new information has improved for both exchange‐traded futures and over‐the‐counter‐traded swaps. In addition, we find that the price discovery contribution of the futures market improves in the post‐AT period, with this improvement significant for macroeconomic announcement days.
Caregiving representations in war conditions: Associations with maternal trauma, mental health, and mother–infant interaction
Authors: Isosävi Sanna , Diab Safwat Y. , Qouta Samir , Kangaslampi Samuli , Sleed Michelle , Kankaanpää Saija , Puura Kaija , Punamäki Raija‐Leena 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTRisk features in mothers’ caregiving representations remain understudied in dangerous environments where infants most urgently need protective parenting. This pilot study examines the feasibility of a novel coding system for the Parent Development Interview (PDI) interview (ARR, Assessment of Representational Risk) in assessing 50 war‐exposed Palestinian mothers’ caregiving representations. First, we explored the content and structure of risks in the representations. Second, we examined associations between the high‐risk representations, mothers’ pre‐ and postnatal exposure to traumatic war events (TWE), depressive and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and self‐rated emotional availability (EA) with their 1‐year‐old infants. Following three dimensions of high‐risk caregiving representations were identified: self/dyadic dysregulation, unavailable, and fearful. Mothers’ prenatal depressive symptoms were associated with dysregulating and fearful representations, and their postnatal PTSD with fearful representations. TWE were not associated with the high‐risk representations. Moreover, mothers of boys reported more fearful representations, and mothers with financial difficulties reported more unavailable representations. TWE and high‐risk representations were not associated with EA. However, qualitative analysis of the representations indicated risks in the mother–infant relationship. Further, older mothers and mothers with postnatal PTSD reported lower EA. Cultural variance in caregiving representations and the use of self‐report measures among traumatized mothers are discussed.
Triadic interactions, parental reflective functioning, and early social‐emotional difficulties
Authors: León María José , Olhaberry Marcia 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTEarly childhood is a critical period for social‐emotional development; during this period, the child's immediate family is the system with the greatest influence on his or her development. The parents’ capacity to reflect on the children's ability to process and interact within a social environment, called parental reflective functioning (RF), is considered an important factor in protecting children from highly prevalent social‐emotional difficulties and may have a strong influence on children's long‐term development.ObjectiveTo describe and analyze the relationships among parents’ RF, the quality of the mother–father–child triadic interaction, and children's social‐emotional difficulties.MethodA nonexperimental, cross‐sectional, correlational study was conducted. Fifty mother–father–child triads, each in a current relationship that included at least one child aged 12–36 months, were evaluated. Sociodemographic background, triadic interaction, parental RF, and social‐emotional difficulties were assessed.ResultsTriadic interaction was found to have a significant effect on the child's social‐emotional difficulties, explaining 9% of the variance. In addition, the mothers’ RF had a significant influence on triadic interaction, explaining 19% of the variance. An exploratory finding showed that triadic interaction mediates the relationship between mothers’ RF and children's social‐emotional difficulties.
Infant illness severity and family adjustment in the aftermath of NICU hospitalization
Authors: Grunberg Victoria A. , Geller Pamela A. , Patterson Chavis A. 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTUp to 15% of parents have an infant who will spend time in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). After discharge, parents may care for a medically fragile infant and worry about their development. The current study examined how infant illness severity is associated with family adjustment. Participants included parents with infants who had been discharged from the NICU 6 months to 3 years prior to study participation (N = 199). Via a Qualtrics online survey, parents reported their infants’ medical history, parenting stress, family burden, couple functioning, and access to resources. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that more severe infant medical issues during hospitalization (e.g., longer length of stay and more medical devices) were associated with greater family burden, but not stress or couple functioning. Infant health issues following hospitalization (i.e., medical diagnosis and more medical specialists) were associated with greater stress, poorer couple functioning, and greater family burden. Less time for parents was associated with increased stress and poorer couple functioning. Surprisingly, parents of infants who were rehospitalized reported less stress and better couple functioning, but greater family burden. Family‐focused interventions that incorporate psychoeducation about provider−patient communication, partner support, and self‐care may be effective to prevent negative psychosocial sequelae among families.
The potential role of chitosan‐based nanoparticles as drug delivery systems in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Sadoughi Fatemeh , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Mirhashemi Seyyed Mehdi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal cancers and 12th most common cancer in the world. Due to the inaccessible anatomical position of the pancreas and asymptomatic early stages of this disease, PC has a high mortality rate. Therefore, providing reliable diagnostic and therapeutic tools are the keys to increase the PC survival rate. Nanotechnology is an inchoate field of science that previously scientists' tendency to enhance the efficacy of current preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic methods has oriented them to build a bridge between this science and medicine. In the case of PC, nanotechnology suggests using drug delivery devices for a more effective and targeted therapy. Chitosan is a natural polymer that recently has attracted a lot of attention for being renewable, nontoxic, and bioabsorbable. In this article, we tend to look for the answer to this question: has nanotechnology been successful in using chitosan‐based nanoformulations as carriers for preventing more individuals from suffering or at least increasing the 5‐year survival of the PC patients?
Measuring Multiple Dimensions of Chinese Adolescents’ Attitudes Toward Reading: Introducing the Survey of Adolescent Reading Attitudes to Chinese Teachers
Authors: Wang Xiaocheng , Jin Yuanying 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe authors examined the cross‐cultural validation of a Chinese version of the Survey of Adolescent Reading Attitudes (CSARA) in a sample of 524 students in grades 7–9 in China. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that Chinese adolescents’ attitudes toward reading can be measured in four dimensions—attitudes toward academic print, academic digital reading, recreational print, and recreational digital reading—all of which showed adequate internal consistency reliabilities. Additional validity of the CSARA was supported by its significant positive correlations with reading motivation and strategy use. Additionally, the reading medium seemed to be an important factor affecting Chinese adolescents’ attitudes toward recreational reading but not academic reading. Chinese adolescents perceived recreational digital reading differently than the other types of reading. Findings suggest that the culturally expanded Survey of Adolescent Reading Attitudes can provide nuanced but practical information that may foster effective and differentiated teaching practices and offer a valuable frame of reference for guiding future studies.
Hyaluronan‐based hydrogels as versatile tumor‐like models: Tunable ECM and stiffness with genipin‐crosslinking
Authors: Bonnesœur Sarah , Morin‐Grognet Sandrine , Thoumire Olivier , Le Cerf Didier , Boyer Olivier , Vannier Jean‐Pierre , Labat Béatrice 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThree‐dimensional (3D) biomimetic cell culture platforms offer more realistic microenvironments that cells naturally experience in vivo. We developed a tunable hyaluronan‐based hydrogels that could easily be modified to mimic healthy or malignant extracellular matrices (ECMs). For that, we pre‐functionalized our hydrogels with an adhesive polypeptide (poly‐l‐lysine, PLL) or ECM proteins (type III and type IV collagens), naturally present in tumorous tissues, and next, we tuned their stiffness by crosslinking with gradual concentrations of genipin (GnP). Then, we thoroughly characterized our substrates before testing them with glioblastoma and breast cancer cells, and thereafter with endothelial cells. Overall, our hydrogels exhibited (a) increasing stiffness with GnP concentration for every pre‐functionalization and (b) efficient enzyme resistance with PLL treatment, and also with type IV collagen but to a lesser extent. While PLL‐treated hydrogels were not favorable to the culture of any glioblastoma cell lines, they enhanced the proliferation of breast cancer cells in a stiffness‐dependent manner. Contrary to type III collagen, type IV collagen pre‐treated hydrogels supported the proliferation of glioblastoma cells. The as‐desired HA‐based 3D tumor‐like models we developed may provide a useful platform for the study of various cancer cells by simply tuning their biochemical composition and their mechanical properties.
MEG3 is restored by schisandrin A and represses tumor growth in choriocarcinoma cells
Authors: Ji Li , Ma Li 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSchisandrin A (SchA) has been reported as a multidrug resistance‐reversing agent; however, its antitumor effects have been rarely reported. Consequently, we attempted to explore whether SchA per se possesses an antitumor property in choriocarcinoma JEG‐3 and BeWo cells and its potential mechanisms. JEG‐3, BeWo, and HTR‐8/SVneo cells were stimulated with SchA at different concentrations (10‐100 μM), and cellular viability was evaluated with Cell Counting Kit‐8. After stimulation with SchA, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were detected by bromodeoxyuridine assay, Annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide (Annexin V‐FITC/PI) method, and a Transwell system, in JEG‐3 cells transfected with short hairpin‐RNA for maternally expressed 3. Western blot was performed to quantify protein. MEG3 was examined by a quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. MEG3 was downregulated in choriocarcinoma tissues. SchA diminished cellular viability, decreased proliferative activity, inhibited migratory and invasive behaviors, and repressed phosphorylation of regulators of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B/nuclear factor κB (PI3K/AKT/NF‐κB) signaling cascade in gestational choriocarcinoma cells. MEG3 was upregulated by SchA in JEG‐3 and BeWo cells. SchA exhibited little suppressive effects in JEG‐3 cells lacking MEG3. Besides, the phosphorylation of transducers was evoked in MEG3‐silenced JEG‐3 cells despite stimulation with SchA. SchA administration repressed the growth of JEG‐3 and BeWo cells by upregulating MEG3. Besides, SchA blocked PI3K/AKT/NF‐κB signal cascade by elevating MEG3.
Participation as a mechanism to favour psychological empowerment and positive interaction: The “Ágora Infantil” participatory democracy programme
Authors: Albornoz‐Manyoma Nazly G. , García‐Leiva Patricia , Palacios‐Gálvez María S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis investigation aims to show the relationship between participation and psychological empowerment and between participation and interaction under an institutional political participation programme. This initiative known as Ágora Infantil (AI) is characterised by an obligatory draw‐based deliberative participation methodology with superordinate goals based on group dynamics, with games playing a central role. The evaluation was carried out using a quasi‐experimental design, with quantitative measurements of the experimental and control groups, along with systematic observation of the target group. The results support the hypotheses proposed: Participation in the AI programme led to an increase in psychological empowerment and positive interactions between the participants. These results offer information as to what design should be used for these types of political initiatives to favour inclusion and empowerment of children, while at the same time improving classroom relationships.
Does SARS‐CoV‐2 has a longer incubation period than SARS and MERS?
Authors: Jiang Xuan , Rayner Simon , Luo Min‐Hua 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe outbreak of a novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) since December 2019 in Wuhan, the major transportation hub in central China, became an emergency of major international concern. While several etiological studies have begun to reveal the specific biological features of this virus, the epidemic characteristics need to be elucidated. Notably, a long incubation time was reported to be associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, leading to adjustments in screening and control policies. To avoid the risk of virus spread, all potentially exposed subjects are required to be isolated for 14 days, which is the longest predicted incubation time. However, based on our analysis of a larger dataset available so far, we find there is no observable difference between the incubation time for SARS‐CoV‐2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV), and middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV), highlighting the need for larger and well‐annotated datasets.