bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does corporate governance explain the quality of bank loan portfolios?
Authors: Fiador Vera , Sarpong-Kumankoma Emmanuel 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the impact of corporate governance variables on the quality of bank loan portfolios.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a panel-corrected standard errors estimation model with the most recent 11-year data from 2006 to 2016 on selected Ghanaian banks.FindingsThe findings indicate that corporate governance is relevant within the banking sector and plays a key role in improving loan quality. Having a large board with the attendant pool of expertize, boards with mostly non-executive members and duality of the CEO-board chair can be harnessed to improve bank loan quality. Female participation on boards seems to detract from good performance, creating the impression of tokenism in the Ghanaian banking sector.Originality/valueThe study has important implications for board construction within the banking sector and the discourse on bank asset quality.
Financial liberalisation, financial development and financial crises in SADC countries
Authors: Moyo Clement , Le Roux Pierre 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe impact of financial reforms and financial development on an economy has received considerable attention over the recent past. This paper aims to investigate whether financial liberalisation and financial development increase the likelihood financial crises in Southern African development community (SADC) countries.Design/methodology/approachDue to the binary nature of the dependent variable, the logit model is used for the analysis using data for the period 1990 to 2015.FindingsThe results showed that financial liberalisation captured by real interest rates reduces the likelihood of financial crises. Furthermore, regulatory quality strengthens this reductive effect of financial liberalisation on the probability of financial crises. On the other hand, financial development represented by bank credit increases the incidence of financial crises. The results also suggest that financial liberalisation may increase the likelihood of financial crises indirectly through financial development.Research limitations/implicationsThe study recommends that a sound regulatory and supervisory framework be established as well as institutional quality raised to curb the effect of financial development on the incidence of financial crises.Originality/valueThere is scant evidence on the role that financial liberalisation and financial development play in the incidence of financial crises in the SADC. This study incorporates the effect of institutional quality in the analysis which has been neglected by most studies on financial reforms in SADC countries. A number of recent studies in SADC countries conclude that financial development resulting from financial reforms, may hinder economic growth. Therefore, this study sheds light on this negative relationship.
Consumers' acceptance and diffusion of word-of-mouth in social brand community: the moderating effect of self-monitoring
Authors: Lee Hanna , Hwang Sun-Jin 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore and examine the different word-of-mouth (WOM) acceptance and diffusion in social brand communities according to the level of self-monitoring.Design/methodology/approachA web-based experimental design was used. The design consisted of three-mixed design of 2 (type of social networking sites) × 2 (type of online brand communities) × 2 (self-monitoring). ANOVA analysis was conducted.FindingsFindings indicate that the differences in acceptance and diffusion of WOM according to online brand community type, and there was a significant three-way interaction effect. Specifically, people who have high propensity to self-monitor showed greater WOM acceptance in a consumer-driven community in either type of social networking sites while people who have low propensity to self-monitor showed greater WOM diffusion in a consumer-driven community only in interest-based social networking sites.Practical implicationsAn important implication is that the social networking sites where brand communities can be placed should be chosen with the full consideration of different desires consumers have in terms of their level of self-monitoring to increase WOM effects.Originality/valueThis paper proposes the self-monitoring tendency as the key factor that predicts WOM effects with revealing the optimal combination of types of social networking sites and online brand communities that is most preferable for consumers with different self-monitoring level.
Place crowd safety, crowd science? Case studies and application
Authors: Still Keith , Papalexi Marina , Fan Yiyi , Bamford David 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the development and application of place crowd safety management tools for areas of public assembly and major events, from a practitioner perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe crowd safety risk assessment model is known as design, information, management-ingress, circulation, egress (DIM-ICE) (Still, 2009) is implemented to optimise crowd safety and potentially throughput. Three contrasting case studies represent examples of some of the world’s largest and most challenging crowd safety projects.FindingsThe paper provides some insight into how the DIM-ICE model can be used to aid strategic planning at major events, assess potential crowd risks and to avoid potential crowd safety issues.Practical implicationsIt provides further clarity to what effective place management practice is. Evidence-based on the case studies demonstrates that the application of the DIM-ICE model is useful for recognising potential place crowd safety issues and identifying areas for require improvement.Originality/valueCrowd science is an emerging field of research, which is primarily motivated by place crowd safety issues in congested places; the application and reporting of an evidence-based model (i.e. DIM-ICE model) add to this. The paper addresses a research gap related to the implementation of analytic tools in characterising place crowd dynamics.
Rayleigh–Bénard convection in a non-Newtonian dielectric fluid with Maxwell–Cattaneo law under the effect of internal heat generation/consumption
Authors: R Keerthi , Mahanthesh B. , Nagouda Smita Saklesh 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe study of instability due to the effects of Maxwell–Cattaneo law and internal heat source/sink on Casson dielectric fluid horizontal layer is an open question. Therefore, in this paper, the impact of internal heat generation/absorption on Rayleigh–Bénard convection in a non-Newtonian dielectric fluid with Maxwell–Cattaneo heat flux is investigated. The horizontal layer of the fluid is cooled from the upper boundary, while an isothermal boundary condition is utilized at the lower boundary.Design/methodology/approachThe Casson fluid model is utilized to characterize the non-Newtonian fluid behavior. The horizontal layer of the fluid is cooled from the upper boundary, while an isothermal boundary condition is utilized at the lower boundary. The governing equations are non-dimensionalized using appropriate dimensionless variables and the subsequent equations are solved for the critical Rayleigh number using the normal mode technique (NMT).FindingsResults are presented for two different cases namely dielectric Newtonian fluid (DNF) and dielectric non-Newtonian Casson fluid (DNCF). The effects of Cattaneo number, Casson fluid parameter, heat source/sink parameter on critical Rayleigh number and wavenumber are analyzed in detail. It is found that the value Rayleigh number for non-Newtonian fluid is higher than that of Newtonian fluid; also the heat source aspect decreases the magnitude of the Rayleigh number.Originality/valueThe effect of Maxwell–Cattaneo heat flux and internal heat source/sink on Rayleigh-Bénard convection in Casson dielectric fluid is investigated for the first time.
Utilization of underrated pseudo-cereals of North East India: a systematic review
Authors: Patil Swati Bhauso , Jena Sujata 
Published: April 2020

Purpose
This study aims to create a systematic knowledge base on importance and utilization patterns of underrated pseudo-cereals prevalent in the northeastern hilly (NEH) region of India, namely, buckwheat, Job’s tears, chenopod and amaranth, enabling their diversified use to develop innovative food products from them. The information presented in the paper would facilitate scientists, trainers and young entrepreneurs in developing many novel food products from these underrated pseudo-cereals.

Design/methodology/approach
Major scientific information has been collected from Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Several keywords such as underrated crop, pseudo-cereals, buckwheat, chenopod, Job’s tears, amaranth, value addition and utilization were used to find the data. Relevant information was collected by using about 60 recent research and review articles.

Findings
The main findings of this comprehensive study include compiled record of utilization of underrated pseudo-cereals found in the NEH region of India and their scope to innovate smart food products.

Originality/value
The paper presents a comprehensive record of nutritional benefits and utilization status of the underrated pseudo-cereals available in the NEH region of India. This knowledge base would help both the researchers and other professional working in the processing of these crops.
Transmuscular quadratus lumborum block for percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Study protocol for a dose‐finding trial
Authors: Andersen Christian H. S. , Laier Gunnar H. , Nielsen Martin V. , Dam Mette , Hansen Christian K. , Tanggaard Katrine , Børglum Jens 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundThe objective of this trial is to optimize the transmuscular quadratus lumborum (TQL) block, by investigating the minimal effective volume (MEV90) of ropivacaine 0.75% for single‐shot TQL block in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) patients.MethodsThis double‐blind, randomized and controlled dose‐finding trial is based on a biased coin up‐and‐down sequential design, where the volume of local anaesthetic administered to each patient depends on the response from the previous one. Investigating the TQL block, the first patient recruited receives 20 ml ropivacaine 0.75% preoperatively. In case of block failure, the next patient will receive the same volume with an increment of 2 ml. Given a successful block for the first patient, the next patient will be randomized to either a lower volume (previous volume with a reduction of 2 ml), or the same volume as the previous patient. The respective probabilities being b = 0.11 for a reduced volume and 1‐b = 0.89 for the same volume. Block success is defined as patient reported pain score numeric rated scale (NRS) ≤3 (0‐10/10) 30 minutes after arrival in the post anaesthesia care unit (PACU). The NRS pain score is our primary and only outcome for block success. A minimum of 25 eligible patients are needed to achieve precise estimation of MEV90 with narrow 95% confidence intervals derived by bootstrapping.DiscussionRecruiting will begin June 2020 and is expected to finish November 2020. Data analysis will be performed at interims during and after the study. Results will be published in an international peer‐reviewed medical journal.
Intrapopulation variation of otolith associated with ontogeny and morphological dimorphism in Hormuz tooth‐carp Aphanius hormuzensis (Teleostei: Aphaniidae)
Authors: Teimori Azad , Motamedi Mina , Zeinali Faezeh 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe intrapopulation variation in otolith morphology was investigated for the first time in a recently discovered tooth‐carp Aphanius hormuzensis by considering ontogenetic variation and morphological dimorphism. The otolith materials were examined by scanning electron microscopy and quantitative analyses. The results underlined clear ontogenetic variation in the otolith morphology, which could be valuable to delineate the certain developmental stages of A. hormuzensis. Besides, some otolith features were found to be consistent during fish development and, therefore, appreciated to identify the species. The otoliths of A. hormuzensis demonstrated considerable sexual dimorphism in the adult fishes. Also, morphological side dimorphism was observed more in the otoliths of the females. As a result, the present study designated a clear intrapopulation variation in the otolith of A. hormuzensis, which were mainly influenced by fish development, sexual factors and morphological side dimorphism. The outcomes of the present study provide new basic data on the natural intrapopulation variation of this tooth‐carp during its life history and offered new data to interpret those factors that regulate otolith shape during the development, which has less been considered in previous studies.
Relationships among lymphocyte subsets, cytokines, and the pulmonary inflammation index in coronavirus (COVID‐19) infected patients
Authors: Wan Suxin , Yi Qingjie , Fan Shibing , Lv Jinglong , Zhang Xianxiang , Guo Lian , Lang Chunhui , Xiao Qing , Xiao Kaihu , Yi Zhengjun , Qiang Mao , Xiang Jianglin , Zhang Bangshuo , Chen Yongping , Gao Cailiang 
Published: April 2020

SummaryWe explored the relationships between lymphocyte subsets, cytokines, pulmonary inflammation index (PII) and disease evolution in patients with (corona virus disease 2019) COVID‐19. A total of 123 patients with COVID‐19 were divided into mild and severe groups. Lymphocyte subsets and cytokines were detected on the first day of hospital admission and lung computed tomography results were quantified by PII. Difference analysis and correlation analysis were performed on the two groups. A total of 102 mild and 21 severe patients were included in the analysis. There were significant differences in cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4+ T), cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8+ T), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), interleukin 10 (IL‐10) and PII between the two groups. There were significant positive correlations between CD4+ T and CD8+ T, IL‐6 and IL‐10 in the mild group (r2 = 0·694, r 2 = 0·633, respectively; P < 0·01). After ‘five‐in‐one’ treatment, all patients were discharged with the exception of the four who died. Higher survival rates occurred in the mild group and in those with IL‐6 within normal values. CD4+ T, CD8+ T, IL‐6, IL‐10 and PII can be used as indicators of disease evolution, and the PII can be used as an independent indicator for disease progression of COVID‐19.
Role of inflammasome activation in tumor immunity triggered by immune checkpoint blockers
Authors: Segovia M , Russo S , Girotti M R , Rabinovich G A , Hill M 
Published: April 2020

Summary
Immune checkpoint blockers improve the overall survival of a limited number of patients among different cancers. Identifying pathways that influence the immunological and clinical response to treatment is critical to improve the therapeutic efficacy and predict clinical responses. Recently, a key role has been assigned to innate immune mechanisms in checkpoint blockade-driven anti-tumor responses. However, inflammatory pathways can both improve and impair anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we discuss how different inflammatory pathways, particularly inflammasome activation, can influence the clinical outcome of immune checkpoint blockers. Inflammasome activation may reinforce anti-tumor immunity by boosting CD8+ T cell priming as well as by enhancing T helper type 17 (Th17) responses. In particular, we focus on the modulation of the cation channel transmembrane protein 176B (TMEM176B) and the ectonucleotidase CD39 as potential targets to unleash inflammasome activation leading to reinforced anti-tumor immunity and improved efficacy of immune checkpoint blockers. Future studies should be aimed at investigating the mechanisms and cell subsets involved in inflammasome-driven anti-tumor responses.
Different subclasses and isotypes of antibodies against phosphorylcholine in haemodialysis patients: association with mortality
Authors: Samal S K , Qureshi A R , Rahman M , Stenvinkel P , Frostegård J 
Published: April 2020

Summary
The risk of premature death is high among patients on haemodialysis (HD patients). We previously determined that immunoglobulin (Ig)M antibodies against phosphorylcholine (anti-PC) are negatively associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), atherosclerosis, some autoimmune diseases and mortality among HD patients in this cohort. Here, we also study other subclasses and isotypes of anti-PC in HD patients in relation to mortality, inflammation and gender. The study group is a cohort of 209 prevalent HD patients [median age = 66 years, interquartile range (IQR) = 51–74], vintage time = 29 months (IQR = 15–58; 56% men) with a mean follow-up period of 41 months (IQR = 20–60). Fifty-six per cent were men. We also divided patients into inflamed C-reactive protein (CRP) &gt; 5·6 mg/ml and non-inflamed CRP. Antibody levels were determined by in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IgG1 anti-PC below median was significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality (after adjustment for confounders: P = 0·02), while IgG, IgA and IgG2 anti-PC were not associated with this outcome. Among non-inflamed patients, IgM and IgG1 anti-PC were significantly associated with mortality (P = 0·047 and 0·02). IgG1 anti-PC was significantly associated with mortality among men (P = 0·03) and trending among women (P = 0·26). IgM (as previously reported) and IgG1 anti-PC are negatively associated with survival among HD patients and non-inflamed HD patients, but among inflamed patients there were no associations. IgG, IgA or IgG2 anti-PC were not associated with survival in these groups and subgroups. Further studies are needed to determine if raising anti-PC levels, especially IgM and IgG1 anti-PC, through immunization is beneficial.
H3K27ac‐activated LINC00519 promotes lung squamous cell carcinoma progression by targeting miR‐450b‐5p/miR‐515‐5p/YAP1 axis
Authors: Ye Peng , Lv Xiayi , Aizemaiti Rusidanmu , Cheng Jun , Xia Pinghui , Di Meng 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTObjectivesLong non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are extensively reported as participants in the biological process of diverse malignancies, including lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). Long intergenic non‐protein coding RNA 519 (LINC00519) is identified as a novel lncRNA which has not yet been studied in cancers.Materials and MethodsLINC00519 expression was detected by qRT‐PCR. The effect of LINC00519 on LUSC cellular activities was determined by in vitro and in vivo assays. Subcellular fractionation and FISH assays were conducted to identify the localization of LINC00519. The interaction between miR‐450b‐5p/miR‐515‐5p and LINC00519/YAP1 was verified by RIP, RNA pull‐down and luciferase reporter assays.ResultsElevated level of LINC00519 was identified in LUSC tissues and cell lines. High LINC00519 level predicted unsatisfactory prognosis. Then, loss‐of‐function assays suggested the inhibitive role of silenced LINC00519 in cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tumour growth and promoting effect on cell apoptosis in LUSC. Mechanically, LINC00519 was activated by H3K27 acetylation (H3K27ac). Moreover, LINC00519 sponged miR‐450b‐5p and miR‐515‐5p to up‐regulate Yes1 associated transcriptional regulator (YAP1). Additionally, miR‐450b‐5p and miR‐515‐5p elicited anti‐carcinogenic effects in LUSC. Finally, rescue assays validated the effect of LINC00519‐miR‐450b‐5p‐miR‐515‐5p‐YAP1 axis in LUSC.ConclusionsH3K27ac‐activated LINC00519 acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to promote LUSC progression by targeting miR‐450b‐5p/miR‐515‐5p/YAP1 axis.
Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Malik Aastha , Morya Rajesh Kumar , Saha Sarama , Singh Praveen Kumar , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Rana Satya Vati 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is most demanding public health problem of 21st century. Uncontrolled diabetes may cause complications affecting any part of gut from mouth to rectum presenting as vomiting, nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhoea. The aim of this study was to compare levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)‐positive and negative diabetic patients.Subjects and methodsAn observational analytical study was conducted on 300 T2DM (>5 years' duration) attending Diabetic Clinic. A total of 200 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy individuals were enrolled as controls. Noninvasive glucose hydrogen breath test was used to diagnose SIBO. A total of 5 mL blood was taken. Plasma was used for measurement of inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐10) by ELISA. Hemolysate was used for measurement of lipid peroxidation, reduced GSH, superoxide dismutase and catalase.ResultsIt was observed that constipation was present in 59.6% T2DM patients. SIBO was observed significantly higher (P < .0001) in T2DM patients than controls. Inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were significantly (P < .001) higher in diabetic and SIBO‐positive patients than controls and SIBO negative. Reduced GSH was significantly (P < .05) lower whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase antioxidant enzymes were significantly (<.05) higher in diabetic and SIBO‐positive patients than controls and SIBO‐negative patients.ConclusionFrom this study, it could be concluded that SIBO in T2DM patients can cause oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, SIBO should be taken care to prevent further damage to intestine.
Insect pollinators show constancy for different flower traits between the most‐ and less‐preferred plants: a case study of the long‐proboscid tangle‐veined fly
Authors: Gao Li‐Fang , Wang Yu‐Jie , Zhang Hai‐Yang , Zhang Wen , Zhang Xiao‐Dan , Zhu Zhen‐Qin , Du Bo 
Published: April 2020

The coevolution of insect pollinators and their host plants is a typical example of natural selection; however, how insect pollinators avoid overdependence on one peculiar plant remains unclear. As most insect pollinators exhibit a diet breadth when showing flower constancy, determining the difference and similarity of most and less preferred flowers by insect pollinators may be helpful to understand their trade‐off between flower constancy and overdependence.
This was addressed using the long‐proboscid tangle‐veined fly (Nemetrinus spp.). Dietary investigation indicates that the flies show constancy for the morphological characteristic of the Delphinium caeruleum, which is the most preferred plant for this Nemestrinidae fly that has blue, long‐tubed flowers.
In a colour selection experiment, focal individuals showed obvious preference for white, which is the colour of less preferred flowers by the fly in the natural environment. In a scent selection experiment, focal individuals showed obvious preference for D. caeruleum and Dracocephalum heterophyllum but avoidance to Dasiphora fruticosa and Dasiphora davurica. This indicates that long‐proboscid tangle‐veined flies can forage on other flowers, despite the existing constancy for D. caeruleum, as long as they do not hate the scent. It seems that long‐proboscid tangle‐veined flies can maximise foraging efficiency by showing constancy for the morphological characteristic of the most preferred plant and for the scent and colour of less‐preferred plants.
The trade‐off of long‐proboscid tangle‐veined flies in the selection of nectar sources may be an adaptation to the risk of overdependence on one plant in evolution.