bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statistical analysis of no observed effect concentrations or levels in eco-toxicological assays with overdispersed count endpoints
Authors: Hothorn Ludwig A. , Kluxen Felix M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn (eco-)toxicological hazard characterization, the No Observed Adverse Effect Concentration or Level (NOAEC or NOAEL) approach is used and often required despite of its known limitations. For count data, statistical testing can be challenging, due to several confounding factors, such as zero inflation, low observation numbers, variance heterogeneity, over- or under-dispersion when applying the Poisson model or hierarchical experimental designs. As several tests are available for count data, we selected sixteen tests suitable for overdispersed counts and compared them in a simulation study. We assessed their performance considering data sets containing mixing distribution and over-dispersion with different observation numbers. It shows that there is no uniformly best approach because the assumed data conditions and assumptions are very different. However, the Dunnett-type procedure based on most likely transformation can be recommended, because of its size and power behavior, which is relatively better over most data conditions as compared to the available alternative test methods, and because it allows flexible modeling and effect sizes can be estimated by confidence intervals. Related R-code is provided for real data examples.
The gamma-Protocadherins regulate the survival of GABAergic interneurons during developmentally-regulated cell death
Authors: Carriere Candace H. , Sing Anson D. , Wang Wendy Xueyi , Jones Brian E. , Yee Yohan , Ellegood Jacob , Marocha Julie , Maganti Harinad , Awofala Lola , Aziz Amar , Lerch Jason P. , Lefebvre Julie L. 
Published: January 2020

SUMMARYInhibitory interneurons integrate into developing circuits in specific ratios and distributions. In the cortex, the formation of inhibitory networks occurs concurrently with the apoptotic elimination of a third of GABAergic interneurons. The molecular mechanisms that select GABAergic interneurons to survive or die are unknown. Here we report that the clustered Protocadherins regulate GABAergic cell survival in the developing brain. Deletion of thePcdh-gammagenes (Pcdhgs) from GABAergic neurons in mice causes a severe loss of inhibitory neurons in multiple brain regions and results in motor deficits and seizure activities. By focusing on the neocortex and cerebellar cortex, we demonstrate that GABAergic interneuron loss results from elevated apoptosis during the postnatal wave ofBax-dependent programmed cell death. Pro-survival AKT signals are reduced inPcdhg-deficient interneurons, diminishing the intrinsic capacity of interneurons to compete and incorporate into developing networks. We propose that the Pcdhgs mediate selective GABAergic interneuron survival to contribute to the formation of balanced inhibitory networks.
Neuraminidase activity mediates IL-6 production through TLR4 and p38/ERK MAPK signaling in MRL/lpr mesangial cells
Authors: Sundararaj Kamala P. , Rodgers Jessalyn , Angel Peggi , Wolf Bethany , Nowling Tamara K. 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTMesangial cells (MCs), considered the immune cell of the kidney, secrete a number of cytokines including IL-6, which serves as an autocrine factor for MCs stimulating proliferation. IL-6 is associated with disease in patients and mouse strains with lupus nephritis, promoting tissue damage. Previously, we demonstrated the activity or levels of the enzyme neuraminidase (NEU) is increased in the kidneys of lupus mice and urine of human patients with nephritis and that NEU activity plays a role in mediating IL-6 secretion from lupus prone MRL/lpr primary mouse MCs. In this study, we further elucidate the mechanisms by which NEU activity mediates cytokine production by primary lupus prone MCs. MRL/lpr primary MCs were cultured with lupus serum to stimulate cytokine production in the absence or presence of NEU activity inhibitor. Our results show lupus serum increases NEU activity, and secretion of GM-CSF and MIP1α, in addition to IL-6, is significantly reduced when NEU activity is inhibited. mRNA expression ofIl-6andGm-csfwas also increased in response to lupus serum, and reduced when NEU activity was inhibited. Using neutralizing antibodies to specific receptors, inhibitors of MAP kinase signaling pathways, and LPS stimulation we show TLR4 and p38/ERK MAPK play a role in NEU-mediated secretion of IL-6. Together, our results suggest NEU activity plays an important role in the response of lupus prone MCs to factor(s) in lupus serum that stimulates IL-6 expression and secretion through TLR4-p38/ERK MAPK signaling, likely through desialyation of one or more glycoproteins in this pathway.
Origin of perseveration in the trade-off between reward and complexity
Authors: Gershman Samuel J. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWhen humans and other animals make repeated choices, they tend to repeat previously chosen actions independently of their reward history. This paper locates the origin of perseveration in a trade-off between two computational goals: maximizing rewards and minimizing the complexity of the action policy. We develop an information-theoretic formalization of policy complexity and show how optimizing the trade-off leads to perseveration. Analysis of two data sets reveals that people attain close to optimal trade-offs. Parameter estimation and model comparison supports the claim that perseveration quantitatively agrees with the theoretically predicted functional form.
Structure and photophysical and electrochemical properties of a copper porphyrin complex with a three-dimensional framework
Authors: Chen Wen-Tong 
Published: January 2020

Porphyrins and metalloporphyrins can generally show attractive structural motifs and interesting properties. A new copper porphyrin, namely poly[[μ-chlorido-[μ5-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(pyridin-4-yl)-21H,23H-porphine]tricopper(I)] [aquadichloridocopper(II)]], {[Cu3(C40H24N8)Cl][CuCl2(H2O)]}
n
(1), was synthesized by the self-assembly of copper chloride with 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(pyridin-4-yl)-21H,23H-porphine under solvothermal conditions. The structure of this copper porphyrin was characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and elemental analysis. The porphyrin macrocycle shows a distorted saddle geometry, with the four pyrrole rings slightly distorted in an alternating mode either upwards or downwards. The copper ions show three-coordinated triangular and four-coordinated square-planar geometries. Every copper–porphyrin unit connects to 12 others via four μ4-bridging Cu2Cl moieties to complete the three-dimensional framework of compound 1, with isolated CuCl2(H2O) units located in the voids. This copper porphyrin displays a red photoluminescence. Electrochemical measurements showed that compound 1 has two redox waves (E
1/2 = −160 and 91 mV).
A meta-analysis of export spillovers from FDI: advanced vs emerging markets
Authors: Villar Cristina , Mesa Ramón Javier , Plà Barber Jose 
Published: January 2020

PurposeThis paper analyzes the available literature on export spillovers from foreign direct investment (FDI) and their effects on domestic firms’ export activities. The purpose of this paper is to advance our knowledge of whether export spillovers from FDI exist, and if so if they differ according to the institutional context of the targeted markets (developed vs emerging markets).Design/methodology/approachDrawing from the pioneering work of Aitkenet al.(1997), the authors develop a meta-analysis using a selection of 73 studies for the period 1997–2018, including a wide range of developed and emerging markets.FindingsThe meta-analysis confirms a high probability of finding positive effects when studying the different types of spillovers. The authors also show that the type of export spillover depends on the institutional context. Spillovers drive a complementary effect which generates more direct commercial links between domestic firms and foreign multinationals for advanced economies, whereas for emerging markets the nature of the spillover generates a competition/imitation effect that pressures domestic firms to be better inserted into foreign markets. In emerging markets, local governments play a fundamental role in accompanying the local industry, not only with investments in infrastructure and training of human capital but also in the configuration of an institutional environment that favors this type of indirect linkages. In developed countries, two business strategies are particularly important as catalytic axes of competitive upgrading at the international level: cooperation agreements between domestic and foreign firms and integration. These processes of concentration are necessary to compete globally, and therefore, governments should promote this type of strategies.Originality/valueThe study offers an original classification of the different types of spillovers based on the different channels through which MNE help local firms to improve their export performance and shows which specific spillover is associated with the different level of country development. These results have important implications in terms of theory development and managerial and policy implications.
Office cake culture
Authors: Walker Louise , Flannery Orla 
Published: January 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the characteristics of office cake (OC) consumption and the associated attitudes and behaviours among UK office workers to gain insight into the implications for workplace health.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional online questionnaire was completed by 940 respondents. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation withχ2tests for between-group difference.FindingsRespondents reported both positive social and negative health-related consequences of OC. OC influenced eating behaviour through increased salience and availability, and the effects of social influencing. Almost all (94.8 per cent) reported ideal OC frequency to be once/week or less. Gender and age significantly affected attitudes and behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThe questionnaire was not validated so data accuracy could have been diminished or biased. Portion size was not examined and consumption data were self-reported which could have resulted in under-reporting. Only office workers were investigated therefore results may not be applicable to other workplaces.Practical implicationsOC appears to influence both the workplace eating environment and employee eating behaviour. It could therefore affect employee health and workplace health promotion programme efficacy. However the findings suggest that nudge-based initiatives could reduce OC consumption to make workplaces healthier while retaining social benefits.Originality/valueThe present study provides the first data on OC culture and insights on how to address it sensitively. It also highlights that sweet treats used for celebration and employee recognition should be considered a relevant part of workplace food provision alongside canteens and vending.
Assessment of performance of teamwork in construction projects delivery in South-Southern Nigeria
Authors: Adu Emmanuel Tayo , Opawole Akintayo 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
Effort towards improving project performance has necessitated the need for effective teamwork among the stakeholders in the construction industry. The purpose of this paper is to identify the major attributes of effective teamwork and the challenges encountered by the team during construction with a view to improving performance of projects.

Design/methodology/approach
Data for the study were obtained through 420 structured questionnaires, which were administered to a sample of project participants including clients’, contractors’ and consultants’ organizations’ representatives in South-Southern region of Nigeria. Data collected were analyzed using percentage, mean item score and Kruskal–Wallis rank test.

Findings
The findings revealed leadership skills, top management support and interpersonal dynamics of the team among the critical attributes for effective teamwork. The prevailing challenges of effective teamwork were identified as essentially; poor leadership, poor rapport among team members and lack of effective communication.

Practical implications
The study ultimately provides implication for effective team building among clients’, consultants’ and contractors’ organizations towards efficient delivery of construction projects. Moreover, the stakeholders in the industry would find the results of this research useful in managing human and non-human components of construction projects through the understanding of the attributes and challenges of teamwork with ultimate aim of achieving effective project performance.

Originality/value
The findings reveal that all the key stakeholders’ organizations; clients, consultants and contractors’ organizations exhibit similar perceptions of the attributes and challenges confronting teamwork in construction project delivery. The empirical evidence provided on the attributes and challenges would therefore offer robust information in building effective project team by stakeholders during the planning and implementation stages, which is a right step towards enhancing construction project performance.
“Trolls” or “warriors of faith”?
Authors: Eberwein Tobias 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
The idea that user comments on journalistic articles would help to increase the quality of the media has long been greeted with enthusiasm. By now, however, these high hopes have mostly evaporated. Practical experience has shown that user participation does not automatically lead to better journalism but may also result in hate speech and systematic trolling – thus having a dysfunctional impact on journalistic actors. Although empirical journalism research has made it possible to describe various kinds of disruptive follow-up communication on journalistic platforms, it has not yet succeeded in explaining what exactly drives certain users to indulge in flaming and trolling. This paper intends to fill this gap.

Design/methodology/approach
It does so on the basis of problem-centered interviews with media users who regularly publish negative comments on news websites.

Findings
The evaluation allows for a nuanced view on current phenomena of dysfunctional follow-up communication on journalistic news sites. It shows that the typical “troll” does not exist. Instead, it seems to be more appropriate to differentiate disruptive commenters according to their varying backgrounds and motives. Quite often, the interviewed users display a distinct political (or other) devotion to a certain cause that rather makes them appear as “warriors of faith.” However, they are united in their dissatisfaction with the quality of the (mass) media, which they attack critically and often with a harsh tone.

Originality/value
The study reflects these differences by developing a typology of dysfunctional online commenters. By helping to understand their aims and intentions, it contributes to the development of sustainable strategies for stimulating constructive user participation in a post-truth age.
Climate engineering management: an emerging interdisciplinary subject
Authors: Wei Yi-Ming , Yu Bi-Ying , Li Hui , Kang Jia-Ning , Wang Jin-Wei , Chen Wei-Ming 
Published: January 2020

PurposeClimate engineering management (CEM) as an emerging and cross-disciplinary subject gradually draws the attention to researchers. This paper aims to focus on economic and social impacts on the technologies of climate engineering themselves. However, very few research concentrates on the management of climate engineering. Furthermore, scientific knowledge and a unified system of CEM are limited.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the concept of CEM and its characteristics are proposed and elaborated. In addition, the framework of CEM is established based on management objectives, management processes and supporting theory and technology of management. Moreover, a multi-agent synergistic theory of CEM is put forward to guide efficient management of climate engineering, which is composed of time synergy, space synergy, and factor synergy. This theory is suitable for solving all problems encountered in the management of various climate engineering rather than a specific climate engineering. Specifically, the proposed CEM system aims to mitigate the impact of climate change via refining and summarizing the interrelationship of each component.FindingsOverall, the six research frontiers and hotspots in the field of CEM are explored based on the current status of research.Originality/valueIn terms of the objectives listed above, this paper seeks to provide a reference for formulating the standards and norms in the management of various climate engineering, as well as contribute to policy implementation and efficient management.
Social support, depressive symptoms, and online gaming network communication
Authors: Prochnow Tyler , Patterson Megan S. , Hartnell Logan 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
The increase of videogame use has raised concerns regarding mental health of gamers (e.g. social isolation, depression); however, online gaming may offer the benefit of social connectivity. Many games provide ways for people to meet and interact, providing social opportunities difficult to come by for some young adults. One way to investigate social connection is through social network analysis, which explores the influence of connections on behaviors. The purpose of this paper is to analyze factors related to social connections within an online gaming community, with an emphasis on the influence of social support and depressive symptoms on network ties.

Design/methodology/approach
All members of an online gaming site were asked to report demographics, site use, depressive symptoms, “in-real-life” (IRL) social support, and online social support. Members were also asked to nominate those in their gaming network with whom they spoke to about important life matters. Moran’s I determined the spatial autocorrelation of depressive symptoms and IRL support within the network. Exponential random graph modeling determined factors significantly associated with tie presence between members.

Findings
Members (n=37) were significantly more likely to speak to other members about important life matters if they reported more site hours, more depressive symptoms, and less IRL support. Depressive symptoms and IRL support were not significantly spatially autocorrelated within this network.

Originality/value
Results suggest members may be filling an IRL social support deficit with friends they have met online. Additionally, members who reported more depressive symptoms may be seeking help from informal online connections through online gaming.
Development of probiotic vegetable juice usingLactobacillus RhamnosusGR-1
Authors: Dunkley Kristina Elizabeth , Hekmat Sharareh 
Published: January 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the growth and viability ofLactobacillus rhamnosusGR-1 (L. rhamnosusGR-1) in carrot juice (CJ), carrot apple juice (CAJ), carrot orange juice (COJ) and carrot beet juice (CBJ) over 72 h of fermentation and 30 days of refrigerated storage at 4°C. The secondary objective is to evaluate sensory properties.Design/methodology/approachFour vegetable juice samples were inoculated with the probiotic strainL. rhamnosusGR-1 and fermented for 72 h. To observe the samples’ storage ability, the samples were refrigerated for 30 days. Microbial enumeration was conducted throughout the fermentation and storage periods to determine the viability ofL. rhamnosusGR-1. Sensory evaluation with 106 participants was also conducted to assess the consumer acceptability of the vegetable juices.FindingsAll tested samples achieved mean microbial counts of at least 109 CFU/ml. During the 72-h fermentation period significant differences in microbial counts in juices CJ (p= 0.001), CAJ (p= 0.031), COJ (p= 0.047) and CBJ (p= 0.001) were observed. Over the 30-day storage period, significant differences in microbial counts were only found in juices CJ (p= 0.001) and COJ (p= 0.019). A significant decline in pH (p= 0.001) was also observed during 72 h of fermentation and 30-days of cold storage. Sensory evaluation of all juices showed significant differences in sensory attributes such as appearance (p= 0.001), flavour (p= 0.001), texture (p= 0.001) and overall acceptability (p= 0.001). Sensory results showed that the probiotic CBJ and CJ had the highest hedonic scores for flavour, texture and overall acceptability (p= 0.001) among participants. This study demonstrated that non-dairy vegetable juices could be an alternative to dairy-based probiotic products.Originality/valueCommercially available probiotic dairy-based foods make up a large sector of the consumer market. However, the growing consumer interest in healthful eating has led to an increased demand for plant-based products. The probioticL. rhamnosusGR-1 provides numerous therapeutic benefits, such as reducing the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis, yeast and urinary tract infections. The results of this study may have a significant influence on the health of individuals, especially in less economically developed countries.
Atmospheric and soil drought risks combined shape community assembly of trees in a tropical dry forest
Authors: Méndez‐Toribio Moisés , Ibarra‐Manríquez Guillermo , Paz Horacio , Lebrija‐Trejos Edwin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Predicting plant community assembly is challenging in part because the influence of environmental conditions via plant functional strategies and the relevance of mechanisms of community assembly change across habitats and these changes remain poorly studied.

To assess how environmental conditions drive species sorting in a tropical dry forest, we used the combined RLQ and Fourth‐Corner methods to analyse changes in tree species assemblages among sites with distinct atmospheric and soil drought risks. We asked how variation in potential radiation, soil water availability and evapotranspiration interact with functional traits to explain the cross‐site sorting of species lying along a continuum of drought coping strategies ranging from acquisitive to conservative resource‐use.

Environment and traits were tightly related. Opposing common expectations on the success of strategies in resource limited environments, drought tolerant conservative species with dense tissues and tardily deciduous leaves were favoured on sites with higher resource (soil water) availability. Drought avoiding acquisitive species with water storing tissues and thin, light leaves with short retention time periods were favoured in sites with drier soils. A decoupling of stressing conditions caused by soil and atmospheric aridity combined with differences in species adaptations to each of these factors can explain the apparent discrepancies.

Synthesis. Drought stress gradients entailed shifts in community functional composition. We show that atmospheric and soil drought risks can be decoupled and jointly determine species distribution in relation to their functional strategies. By considering atmospheric drought stress, a key yet often overlooked factor in studies of community assembly, we offer a novel explanation to a seemingly contrasting pattern in tropical dry forests where species with acquisitive, rather than conservative strategies, predominate in the most resource‐limited yet less water demanding environment. More generally, our results emphasize the need for detailed studies of the multiple habitat‐dependent relationships between traits and environment to advance our predictive understanding of species distributions and community assembly.