bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a transcriptional signature for the assessment of fibrosis in organs
Authors: Wang Bin , Chen Shiju , Qian Hongyan , Chen Rongjuan , He Yan , Zhang Xinwei , Xuan Jingxiu , Liu Yuan , Shi Guixiu 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundFibrosis in most organs has proven to be an critical factor related to high risk of morbidity and mortality, but an adequate assessment of fibrosis severity is still challenging. This study tried to evaluate fibrosis severity through a fibrosis transcriptional signature.MethodsA fibrosis transcriptional signature was developed through an integrated analysis of multiple expression profiling datasets of human organs with fibrosis-related diseases. A fibrosis severity score for each sample was the calculated through gene set variation analysis (GSVA), and its role in evaluating fibrosis severity was then analyzed.ResultsTen expression profiling datasets of human tissues with organ failure were integrated with robust rank aggregation method, and a fibrosis severity score consisting of 149 genes. Most of those included genes were involved in fibrogenic pathways. GSEA analysis revealed that fibrosis transcriptional signature was significantly enriched in the fibrogenic tissues. Additionally, we found that fibrosis transcriptional signature could effectively differentiate fibrosis tissues and non-fibrosis tissues.ConclusionThis study developed an useful fibrosis transcriptional signature involved in fibrosis-related diseases. This fibrosis transcriptional signature is helpful in precisely evaluating the fibrosis severity in common organs at the transcriptional level.
Sulfisoxazole does not inhibit the secretion of small extracellular vesicles
Authors: Fonseka Pamali , Chitti Sai V , Sanwlani Rahul , Mathivanan Suresh 
Published: March 2020

AbstractRecently, the study by Im etal. focused on blocking the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) by cancer cells, as a strategy to block metastasis, by deploying a drug repurposing screen. Upon screening the library of FDA approved drugs in breast cancer cellsin vitro, the authors reported the ability of the antibiotic Sulfisoxazole (SFX) in inhibiting EV biogenesis and secretion. SFX was also effective in reducing breast primary tumor burden and blocking metastasis in immunocompromised and immunocompetent mouse models. As we seek a compound to block EV biogenesis and secretion in our currentin vivostudies, we intended to use SFX and hence performedin vitrocharacterization as the first step. However, treatment of two cancer cells with SFX did not reduce the amount of EVs as reported by the authors.
The nutritional behavior of pregnant women attending antenatal classes and non-attendees
Authors: Ługowska Katarzyna , Kolanowski Wojciech 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional behavior regarding the frequency of consumption of the main types of food by pregnant women attending antenatal classes in comparison to non-attendees.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was conducted in Poland among 200 women in the first pregnancy, 100 of whom were attending antenatal classes and 100 were non-attendees.FindingsWomen attending antenatal classes exhibited more favorable health-related nutritional behaviors in comparison with those not attending. Attendees eat more vegetables and milk products whereas non-attendees declared more processed meat and sweets consumption. Three-fourth of non-attendees and two-fourth of attendees considered their diet as good. It was also found that the level of physical activity of pregnant women attending antenatal classes was significantly higher than among those who did not attend such classes.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of the study was that it took place in Poland and voices from women of other European countries as well as diverse ethnicities were not represented. In addition, women were interviewed only during their pregnancy, and therefore it was not possible to investigate women's nutritional behaviors after delivery.Practical implicationsThis research shows clearly that attending antenatal classes may involve with a beneficial effect on the nutritional behavior of pregnant women. It is expected that once established healthy nutritional habits should be practiced further.Originality/valueThis research is the indication of the important role of antenatal classes in developing more favorable health-related dietary behavior expressed by the participants. To our knowledge in Poland, it is the first time that the nutritional behavior of pregnant women attending and not attending antenatal classes were examined and compared. So far in Poland, the extent and type of nutritional education received by pregnant women across antenatal care has not been examined. This research can contribute to a broader recognition of nutritional knowledge and practice of pregnant women important for the health of mother and her baby.
Barriers to Total Quality Management for sustainability in Indian organizations
Authors: Kumar Vimal , Verma Pratima , Mangla Sachin Kumar , Mishra Atul , Chowdhary Dababrata , Sung Chi Hsu , Lai Kuei Kuei 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThe paper aims to identify key human and operational focused barriers to the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM). It develops a comprehensive structural relationship between various barriers to successfully implement TQM for sustainability in Indian organizations.Design/methodology/approachWith the help of expert opinions and extant literature review, we identified the case of TQM failure companies and barriers to implement TQM effectively. Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and fuzzy MICMAC techniques are employed to develop a structural model and the identified barriers are categorized based on their dependence and driving power in the various categories.FindingsFrom the intensive case analysis, we identify fourteen barriers that constrain the successful implementation of TQM. The findings also provide a hierarchy of barriers in which the absence of top management involvement and ineffective leadership are the human barriers having the highest dependence.Research limitations/implicationsThe critical inputs show the implementation of TQM in the firms being more proactive and well prepared in the selected five companies. The study's emphasis on barriers will help organizations in implementing TQM for better sustainability in an organizational context.Originality/valueIn the successful implementation of TQM, barriers need to be identified because failure has often eliminated the organizations from the market. Thus, TQM is the source of strength to achieve higher productivity, profitability, and sustainable business performance. The barriers must be identified to improve organizational performance to contribute to sustainable development.
Benchmarking contractors’ financial performance: case study of Singapore
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Koh Zhi Ye , Ling Florence 
Published: March 2020

Purpose
This study aims to develop benchmarks of the financial performance of contractors and a decision support tool for evaluation, selection and appointment of contractors. The financial benchmarks allow contractors to know where they are relative to the best-performing contractors, and they can then take steps to improve their own performance. The decision support tool helps clients to decide which contractor should be awarded the project.

Design/methodology/approach
Financial data between 2013 and 2015 of 44 Singapore-based contractors were acquired from a Singaporean public agency. Benchmarks for Z-score and financial ratios were developed. A decision tree for evaluating contractors was constructed.

Findings
This study found that between 57% and 64% of contractors stayed in the financially healthy zone from 2013 to 2015. Ratios related to financial liabilities are relatively bad compared with international standards.

Research limitations/implications
The limitation is that the data is obtained from a cross-sectional survey of contractors’ financial performance in Singapore over a three-year period. Regarding the finding that ratios relating to financial liabilities are weak, the implication is that contractors need to reduce their financial liabilities to achieve a good solvency profile. Contractors may use the benchmarks to check their financial performances relative to that of their competitors. To reduce financial risks, project clients may use these benchmarks to examine contractors’ financial performance.

Originality/value
This study provides benchmarks for contractors and clients to examine the financial performance of contractors in Singapore. A decision tree is provided to aid clients in making decisions on which contractors to appoint.
Vulnerability of multinational corporation knowledge network facing resource loss
Authors: Su Jiafu , Bai Qun , Sindakis Stavros , Zhang Xuefeng , Yang Tao 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThe vulnerability of multinational corporation (MNC) knowledge network is one of the major causes for the failure and even the death of MNCs in the fierce global market competition. Employee turnover and knowledge loss are the triggers for the MNC knowledge network vulnerability and a matter of serious concern in the evolution and development of MNC knowledge network. The purpose of this work is to propose a valid and quantitative measurement method to investigate the influence of employee loss and knowledge loss on the vulnerability of MNC knowledge network.Design/methodology/approachMNC knowledge network is inherently a heterogeneous network where there are mainly two types of units: employees and their knowledge. Therefore, this paper establishes a weighted super-network model for MNC knowledge network to depict its heterogeneous composition. On the basis of the weighted MNC knowledge super-network, the static and dynamic vulnerability measurement methods are further proposed to investigate and evaluate MNC knowledge network vulnerability.FindingsA real case is given to illustrate the applicability of the proposed weighted MNC knowledge super-network model and the network vulnerability measurement methods. The results show the super-network model proposed in this paper can effectively embody the complex features of MNC knowledge network, and the vulnerability measurement methods can effectively investigate the influence of employee loss and knowledge loss on network vulnerability.Originality/valueFrom the perspective of super-network, researchers and practitioners can get a more systematic and deeper understanding of the MNC knowledge network and its human and knowledge resource constitute which are vital for the evolution and development of MNC. Moreover, the MNC knowledge network vulnerability measurement methods can effectively measure and analyze the influence of resource loss on network vulnerability, which can provide a helpful decision support for monitoring and managing of MNC knowledge network vulnerability to reduce its adverse effects.
Non-destructive quality control methods in additive manufacturing: a survey
Authors: Charalampous Paschalis , Kostavelis Ioannis , Tzovaras Dimitrios 
Published: March 2020

Purpose
In recent years, additive manufacturing (AM) technology has been acknowledged as an efficient method for producing geometrical complex objects with a wide range of applications. However, dimensional inaccuracies and presence of defects hinder the broad adaption of AM procedures. These factors arouse concerns regarding the quality of the products produced with AM and the utilization of quality control (QC) techniques constitutes a must to further support this emerging technology. This paper aims to assist researchers to obtain a clear sight of what are the trends and what has been inspected so far concerning non-destructive testing (NDT) QC methods in AM.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, a survey on research advances on non-destructive QC procedures used in AM technology has been conducted. The paper is organized as follows: Section 2 discusses the existing NDT methods applied for the examination of the feedstock material, i.e. incoming quality control (IQC). Section 3 outlines the inspection methods for in situ QC, while Section 4 presents the methods of NDT applied after the manufacturing process i.e. outgoing QC methods. In Section 5, statistical QC methods used in AM technologies are documented. Future trends and challenges are included in Section 6 and conclusions are drawn in Section 7.

Findings
The primary scope of the study is to present the available and reliable NDT methods applied in every AM technology and all stages of the process. Most of the developed techniques so far are concentrated mainly in the inspection of the manufactured part during and post the AM process, compared to prior to the procedure. Moreover, material extrusion, direct energy deposition and powder bed processes are the focal points of the research in NDT methods applied in AM.

Originality/value
This literature review paper is the first to collect the latest and the most compatible techniques to evaluate the quality of parts produced by the main AM processes prior, during and after the manufacturing procedure.
Channel choice in China
Authors: Reddick Christopher , Zheng Yueping , Perlman Bruce 
Published: March 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the influence of user characteristics on preference for government service delivery channels. Preferences are understood as citizen use of and satisfaction with digital and traditional government contact modalities. User characteristics are represented by three constructs encapsulating the key elements of citizen features and attitudes.

Design/methodology/approach
The constructs are tested on data from a survey of 30 cities in China, resulting in 3,000 respondents, which asked questions on respondents’ use of and satisfaction with traditional modes (hotlines and service center channels) and digital modes (e-government and m-government channels) as well as respondents’ sociodemographics, technological capacity and view of government.

Findings
The results showed two important findings. First, service channel use was related to the first and second constructs (sociodemographics and technological capacity). Second, service channel satisfaction showed strong evidence of relation to the third construct, view of government.

Research limitations/implications
The results of this study make an empirical contribution to understanding the features of citizens that influence channel choice for public service contacts.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the understanding of channel choice in three areas. First, it is an empirical study using survey data and so adds to a largely case-based and conceptual literature. Second, by looking at the impact of citizen attitudes about government and not just their sociodemographic features. Third, by examining channel choice in the context of a fast-developing country like China.
Optical traits perform equally well as directly‐measured functional traits in explaining the impact of an invasive plant on litter decomposition
Authors: Helsen Kenny , Van Cleemput Elisa , Bassi Leonardo , Somers Ben , Honnay Olivier 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Functional traits can help elucidate and predict the impact of invasive plant species on ecosystem functioning. Yet, this approach requires comprehensive and labour‐intensive trait collection campaigns, covering intraspecific trait variation of both the invader and native species in the invaded community. One potential way to overcome these logistic constraints is using hyperspectral remote sensing technology to efficiently quantify functional trait values. Although such spectrally derived or ‘optical’ traits are known to closely link to directly measured functional traits, little research has explored how well these optical traits perform in assessing invader‐induced ecosystem impact.

Here, we explored the trait‐mediated impact of the invasive Rosa rugosa on litter decomposition and evaluated whether optical traits perform equally well as directly measured traits in predicting litter decomposition variation. We collected data on species‐specific functional traits, leaf hyperspectral reflectance and standardized ‘tea bag index’ litter decomposition across 25 invaded and 25 uninvaded coastal grassland plots. The selected traits were all potentially related to litter decomposition and covered the leaf economics spectrum, additional leaf structural components and competitive ability. Optical traits were quantified through a combination of a physical radiative transfer model inversion and vegetation indices calculations.

Invasion significantly increased the stabilization factor, i.e. the amount of resulting recalcitrant litter. Invader impact on litter decomposition could be entirely explained by changes it induced in the functional traits of the native community, rather than by the invader's traits itself. More specifically, the invader pushed the invaded community towards traits associated with high litter quality. Optical traits performed equally well as directly measured traits in explaining the invasion impact on the stabilization factor (R2 = 41.9% vs. 38.5%). Furthermore, the interpretation of the results based on optical traits resulted in a similar functional understanding of the invader impact.

Synthesis. Our results indicate the potential of hyperspectral data to explain changes in ecosystem functioning. The combination of radiative transfer models and vegetation indices allowed to extract all relevant trait information from the hyperspectral data. This framework thus presents a practical shortcut to assess relevant leaf traits, requiring only a limited amount of field trait measurements.
Regression I. Experimental approaches to regression
Authors: Alexandrov Yuri , Feldman Brian , Svarnik Olga , Znamenskaya Irina , Kolbeneva Marina , Arutyunova Karina , Krylov Andrey , Bulava Alexandra 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe concept of regression is considered with an emphasis on the differences between the positions of Freud and Jung regarding its significance. The paper discusses the results of experimental analyses of individual experience dynamics (from gene expression changes and impulse neuronal activity in animals to prosocial behaviour in healthy humans at different ages, and humans in chronic pain) in those situations where regression occurs: stress, disease, learning, highly emotional states and alcohol intoxication. Common mechanisms of regression in all these situations are proposed. The mechanisms of regression can be described as reversible dedifferentiation, which is understood as a relative increase of the representation of low‐differentiated (older) systems in the actualized experience. In all of the cases of dedifferentiation mentioned above, the complexity of the systemic organization of behaviour significantly decreases.
Displacement trauma: complex states of personal, collective and intergenerational fragmentation and their intergenerational transmission
Authors: Dowd Amanda 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOriginally presented at the Journal’s one day conference entitled ‘Displacement: Contemporary Traumatic Experience’ held in London in November 2019, this paper expands on the author’s theory of the implicit psychological organizing gestalt, an associated pattern of psychic functions which operate in an integrated way to simultaneously structure and organize our experience of self‐cohesion and self‐continuity. The gestalt, which implicitly links the formation of psychic skin, body image, cultural skin and both personal and cultural identity with place, functions as an emergent non‐conscious permanent presence or background ‘constant’. It develops over time and emerges out of embodied emotional experiencing with the total environment – both human and non‐human. The author argues that it is the rupture of this gestalt and the disorganizing consequences of its loss which underlies the experience of displacement trauma. If disruptions in the formation of the gestalt and/or its later rupture remain unrecognized and unrepresented then the absence creates a void which can be intergenerationally transmitted. Case material is presented which describes this and which highlights the ways in which the gestalt can contribute to our understanding of collective displacement anxiety, cultural trauma and cultural complexes.
Grayson Perry and the recalibration of masculine emotional reactions to vulnerability and healing
Authors: Butler Donald 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe so‐called ‘crisis in masculinity’ in the post‐industrial/post‐feminist world is not a new idea but in recent years it does seem to have forced its way back onto the agenda due to a lack of traditional employment, such as coal mining, thus robbing generations of men of their cultural identities. This collective ‘crisis’ has emerged through media attention on a succession of well‐known men in the arts and sports worlds such as Bruce Springsteen, Stormzy, Professor Green and Rio Ferdinand, who share in common a strong sense of masculine identification. In addition, all have openly discussed the healing and relief experienced by embracing the vulnerable, emotional aspects of themselves, or what has been historically characterized as the anima archetype in Jungian psychology. This essay will recount some of their stories of struggle as they have bravely spoken up about their mental health issues, perhaps diminishing, by example, the erroneous notion of depression as a ‘woman's problem’.As noted, in recent times we have witnessed a proliferation of famous men speaking out about their emotional difficulties, often in the context of loss and depression, thus providing potential role‐modelling for a more expanded view of contemporary masculinity. This paper attempts to consider the tendency amongst a particular type of modern man who is both traditionally macho and simultaneously emotionally articulate with the capacity to open up about the experiences of their inner worlds and the environmental pressures they face in a fast‐paced and ever‐changing world. Beginning with some brief stories about the men listed above, the primary focus will be on the work of the UK cross‐dressing artist and Turner Prize winner (2003) Grayson Perry (b. 1960), by studying his unusual and highly creative clarion call to challenge modern men to recalibrate their emotional behaviour and to speak openly about loss and emotional difficulty. As readers will see, he has developed a unique method that includes filmed, televised interactional interviews with various individuals and groups and he then produces art pieces that embody what has transpired through his engagement with their suffering and real‐life dilemmas. This highly creative process offers a double or even triple containment for those struggling with all‐too‐human pain via the holding interview with him directly; the artwork that he creates as a result; and then through the recording on film that is shared with television audiences who are deeply affected by what they witness and who perhaps find a form of healing via identification.