bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Repercussion of SARS-CoV-2 on the Blood Glucose Level of Diabetes Patients’ Prior and During the Lockdown in Bangladesh
Authors: Abrar Shams Mohammad 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPurposeDiabetes Mellitus (DM) patients were exposed to subacute risk as a result of the unanticipated lockdown. Furthermore, most DM patients were unable to engage in physical activity during that period. This impediment to proper healthcare management had increased Blood Glucose Levels (BGL). Therefore, initiatives must be adopted to prevent the same result in the second lockdown in 2021 for the well-being of patients.MethodThis statistical analysis aimed to assess the rise in BGL of diabetic patients before and during the lockdown. A survey was conducted among the DM patients in the Bangladeshi cohort, who came from various socioeconomic backgrounds and included both men and women. The statistical modeling, performed with the help of stat-ease software, was conducted by applying the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) method to Response Surface Methodology (RSM).ResultOut of the 3 models applied (quadratic, main effect and sequential sum of squares for 2 factor interaction (2FI)) in 2 different response vectors the 2FI model was the best suited (p value - 0.0441 and 0.0015). The results yielded by the 2FI model were used to evaluate RSM.ConclusionThe analysis had shown a significant rise in the BGL among the DM patients during the lockdown, and the patients with the higher BMI tend to have a more significant increment in the BGL. Male patients experienced a greater rise in BGL. Furthermore, elderly patients with high Random Blood Glucose (RBG) levels before lockdown were more likely to have high RBG levels during the lockdown.
Complex fitness landscape shapes variation in a hyperpolymorphic species
Authors: Stolyarova A. V. , Neretina T. V. , Zvyagina E. A. , Fedotova A. V. , Kondrashov A. S. , Bazykin G. A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIt is natural to assume that patterns of genetic variation in hyperpolymorphic species can reveal large-scale properties of the fitness landscape that are hard to detect by studying species with ordinary levels of genetic variation1,2. Here, we study such patterns in a fungus Schizophyllum commune, the most polymorphic species known3. Throughout the genome, short-range linkage disequilibrium caused by attraction of rare alleles is higher between pairs of nonsynonymous than of synonymous sites. This effect is especially pronounced for pairs of sites that are located within the same gene, especially if a large fraction of the gene is covered by haploblocks, genome segments where the gene pool consists of two highly divergent haplotypes, which is a signature of balancing selection. Haploblocks are usually shorter than 1000 nucleotides, and collectively cover about 10% of the S. commune genome. LD tends to be substantially higher for pairs of nonsynonymous sites encoding amino acids that interact within the protein. There is a substantial correlation between LDs at the same pairs of nonsynonymous sites in the USA and the Russian populations. These patterns indicate that selection in S. commune involves positive epistasis due to compensatory interactions between nonsynonymous alleles. When less polymorphic species are studied, analogous patterns can be detected only through interspecific comparisons.
The Japanese wolf is most closely related to modern dogs and its ancestral genome has been widely inherited by dogs throughout East Eurasia
Authors: Gojobori Jun , Arakawa Nami , Xiayire Xiaokaiti , Matsumoto Yuki , Matsumura Shuichi , Hongo Hitomi , Ishiguro Naotaka , Terai Yohey 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe Japanese wolf (Canis lupus hodophilaxTemminck, 1839) was a subspecies of the gray wolf that inhabited the Japanese Archipelago and became extinct 100-120 years ago. In this study, we determined the whole genomes of nine Japanese wolves from the 19th- early 20thcenturies and 11 Japanese dogs and analyzed them along with both modern and ancient wolves and dogs. Genomic analyses indicate that the Japanese wolf was a unique subspecies of the gray wolf that was genetically distinct from both modern and ancient gray wolves, lacking gene flow with other gray wolves. A Phylogenetic tree that minimizes the effects of introgression shows that Japanese wolves are closest to the dog monophyletic group among the gray wolves. Moreover, Japanese wolves show significant genetic affinities with East Eurasian dogs. We estimated the level of introgression from the ancestor of the Japanese wolves to the ancestor of East Eurasian dogs that had occurred in the transitional period from the Pleistocene to the Holocene, at an early stage after divergence from West Eurasian dog lineages. Because of this introgression, Japanese wolf ancestry has been inherited by many dogs through admixture between East Eurasian dog lineages. As a result of this heredity, up to 5.5% of modern dog genomes throughout East Eurasia are derived from Japanese wolf ancestry.
The role of pension knowledge in voluntary pension and banking savings in Chile
Authors: Diaz David , Ruiz José L. , Tapia Pablo 
Published: October 2021

PurposeIn an era of increasing financial vulnerability, people are not saving enough to either fund their future pension benefits or having precautionary savings. The authors propose that pension knowledge makes people increase their probability of having voluntary pension and banking savings.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use the social protection survey in Chile, a unique set of panel data for affiliates in 2006 and 2009. First, the authors use clustering algorithms to find naturally occurring groupings in the level of pension knowledge. Second, the authors run a probit regression model for explaining the probability of having a voluntary pension and banking savings, using as determinants the level of pension knowledge and several control variables that are usually explored in the literature.FindingsThe authors find two clusters of pension knowledge in the Chilean pension system. In addition, the authors find that there is a positive correlation between high pension knowledge and good financial decision-making, as these people have voluntary retirement and banking savings.Practical implicationsAs people who spend time planning accumulate more wealth, it is important to develop public policies that promote the advantages to know better about the benefits of having voluntary savings for the long-term horizon. Conscientious people are also more likely to have voluntary savings.Social implicationsPolicy programs to increase to be responsible can have positive effects on society's welfare.Originality/valueUp to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that connects clustering algorithms and pension knowledge.
An investigation into occupational health and safety of scaffolding practices on construction sites in Malaysia
Authors: Olanrewaju AbdulLateef , Khor Jack Son , Preece Christopher Nigel 
Published: October 2021

PurposeStatistics show that the construction sector has the second-highest number of accident cases in Malaysia. A total of 100, 000 construction workers suffer from work-related bad health each year. Scaffolding accidents are the second cause of accidents on construction sites. Therefore, this present research provided answers to the following questions: (1) what are the causes of scaffolding accidents and (2) what are the possible measures to reduce scaffolding accidents?Design/methodology/approachThe research developed a questionnaire instrument that included 24 causes of scaffolding accidents and 21 remedial actions. The research was based on a cross-sectional survey questionnaire administered to 129 members of construction organizations.FindingsData revealed that scaffolding-related cases caused a total of 70% of the deaths/injuries on sites. Furthermore, scaffolding accidents were mainly caused by a lack of guard rails on scaffoldings, poor inspections, improper assembly, a poor safety culture, poor attitudes towards safety, poor footing of scaffoldings and unsecured planking. To reduce scaffolding accidents, there must be a lifeline on scaffolding, proper guardrails and proper assembling of scaffoldings, and preventing access to incomplete or defective scaffoldings. The 24 causes are structured into six factors through factor analysis and the 21 remedial actions into six factors.Originality/valueThis research serves as the first attempt to conduct broad research on the causes and remedial actions concerning scaffolding accidents on construction sites in Malaysia. Theoretically, the research has provided fresh insights into the impact of scaffolding accidents.
EGMM video surveillance for monitoring urban traffic scenario
Authors: Reyana A. , Kautish Sandeep , Vibith A.S. , Goyal S.B. 
Published: October 2021

PurposeIn the traffic monitoring system, the detection of stirring vehicles is monitored by fitting static cameras in the traffic scenarios. Background subtraction a commonly used method detaches poignant objects in the foreground from the background. The method applies a Gaussian Mixture Model, which can effortlessly be contaminated through slow-moving or momentarily stopped vehicles.Design/methodology/approachThis paper proposes the Enhanced Gaussian Mixture Model to overcome the addressed issue, efficiently detecting vehicles in complex traffic scenarios.FindingsThe model was evaluated with experiments conducted using real-world on-road travel videos. The evidence intimates that the proposed model excels with other approaches showing the accuracy of 0.9759 when compared with the existing Gaussian mixture model (GMM) model and avoids contamination of slow-moving or momentarily stopped vehicles.Originality/valueThe proposed method effectively combines, tracks and classifies the traffic vehicles, resolving the contamination problem that occurred by slow-moving or momentarily stopped vehicles.
The validity of the irrelevant theory in Middle East and North African markets: conventional banks versus Islamic banks
Authors: Budagaga Akram Ramadan 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to test the validity of irrelevant theory empirically by exploring the relationship between cash dividends, profitability, leverage and investment policy with the value of banking institutions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) markets.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopts Ohlson’s (1995) valuation model. The author estimates models by using static panel (random and fixed effects) techniques and the dynamic technique, namely, the GMM estimation. The empirical study covers a sample of 122 conventional and 37 Islamic banks listed on stock markets in 12 MENA countries over the period 1999–2018.

Findings
The empirical results show that dividend yield has no significant association with the value of conventional banks, whereas profitability, growth opportunity and leverage have a significant positive impact on the value of conventional banks. In contrast, the results for a sample of Islamic banks indicate that the dividend yield, profitability and leverage have a significant positive effect on the value of Islamic banks, whereas growth opportunity has no significant effect on the value of Islamic banks. Therefore, these results support, to a greater extent, the validity of the dividend irrelevance theory of Modigliani and Miller for conventional banks but would not be accepted for Islamic banks in the MENA region.

Research limitations/implications
This study is restricted to a sample of one type of financial firms, banking firms listed in the MENA countries. In addition, the study has dealt with one type of dividend (the cash dividend).

Practical implications
Highlighting the difference between conventional and Islamic banks is crucial to understanding dividend policy behavior and to providing investors information to be integrated in their valuation setting to make informed corporate decisions.

Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, the present study is the first of its kind that it draws a comparative analysis by testing empirically the validity of the Irrelevant Theory to banks in the MENA region covering a long time period in the recent past.
Exploring the link between institutional pressures and the timeliness of corporate internet reporting: the case of an emerging economy
Authors: Hasan Mahade , Taha Islam Shah Md 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the role played by coercive, normative and mimetic pressures in stimulating timeliness of corporate internet reporting (TCIR).

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses content analysis technique to track the TCIR practices of top 100 non-financial companies listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange. A disclosure index of 14 items is developed to capture the extent of TCIR. The authors collected the relevant data from multiple sources, such as corporate websites, monthly review reports and corporate annual reports for the year-end 2019. This study uses Poisson regression models to explore the association between institutional pressures and TCIR.

Findings
Consistent with the predictions of institutional isomorphism theory, the authors find that coercive isomorphic pressures through ownership by foreign investors, government, general public and connection with parent multinational corporations have positive associations with TCIR. The authors also find that normative pressures resulting from cross-directorships have positive influence on TCIR. The authors provide evidence of mimetic pressures through industry memberships (i.e. companies operating in technology-based industry) positively impacting TCIR. The additional analysis suggests that institutional pressures are rather associated with the extent of voluntary TICR and to a lesser extent to regulatory TICR.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to show the positive impacts of coercive, normative and mimetic isomorphic pressures on TCIR in an emerging economy characterized by weak institutional environment and mixed prospects for TCIR.
Green meets social media: young travelers’ perceptions of hotel environmental sustainability
Authors: Clark Melissa , Kang Bomi , Calhoun Jennifer R. 
Published: October 2021

PurposeA competitive hospitality environment requires attracting new target markets. The purpose of this research is to investigate how young travelers’ intention to stay and electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) are impacted by a hotel’s environmental sustainability communications on social media.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected from 306 participants via online survey and analyzed in SPSS and AMOS. Structural equation modeling was utilized for hypotheses testing.FindingsThe results support the use of social media marketing (SMM) by hotels to communicate sustainability efforts, increasing intentions to stay and expanding eWOM. Hospitality marketers can use these findings to better understand young travelers’ priorities and their information-gathering process when planning travel.Practical implicationsThe study revealed the positive relationship between travelers’ perceptions of hotel environmental sustainability and greater intention to stay and positive eWOM. This could lead to increased business and recommendations for hospitality companies from young consumers.Originality/valueThis study advances the understanding of how young customers respond to hotels’ efforts to promote environmental sustainability on social media. The findings add value to practitioners and academics in their understanding of how hospitality marketers can increase intention to stay and eWOM by marketing to young travelers about environmental sustainability on social media.
Critical analysis of internal audit processes carried out by Brazilian companies
Authors: Melo Filho Geraldo P. , Martins Vitor William Batista , Rampasso Izabela Simon , Quelhas Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves , Souza Pinto Jefferson , Silva Dirceu , Osiro Lauro , Anholon Rosley 
Published: October 2021

PurposeThe main objective of this study is to analyze internal audit processes performed by Brazilian companies considering ISO 19011:2018 guidelines.Design/methodology/approachThe methodological strategy used was a survey conducted with professionals who assist audit processes of Brazilian companies from different segments. Eight main aspects presented by ISO 19011:2018 were evaluated, and data were analysed through fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). These aspects were ranked, and it was possible to identify those most critical.FindingsThree aspects that are evidenced as critical in the study are as follows (1) to correctly establish the objectives to be achieved and the extension of internal audits program; (2) to correctly assess risks and opportunities that can affect internal audits implementation, defining actions for better results and (3) to monitor, critically analyze and improve the internal audit program.Originality/valueThis study has an exploratory character, and the information presented here can be useful for market professionals and researchers interested in the subject. No similar study was found in the literature.
Vehicular Locard’s principle and patterned tire markings
Authors: Byard Roger W. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA 32‐year‐old man was found dead beside a road with severe complex traumatic brain injuries due to blunt craniocerebral trauma compatible with being run over by a vehicle. A subsequent review of closed‐circuit television (CCTV) footage showed him to be unaccompanied and to fall over beside the road. At autopsy, distinctive black patterned markings were present on the left side of his face and head, which were not associated with significant underlying patterned bruising or abrasions. These corresponded to the pattern of tire tread taken from a vehicle identified by police as likely to have been involved in the incident. This case demonstrates an unusual form of tire track marking on the skin due to the transfer of oil/dirt/rubber from the projecting tread, that is, a vehicular form of Locard's principle where every contact leaves a trace. Although this may be extremely useful in linking a particular vehicle to a crash, the superficial nature of the residue renders it vulnerable to being wiped off by rubbing with a body bag during transport or washing if a body is cleaned. Careful photographic documentation of such tire markings at the scene will preserve this type of evidence and avoid it being subsequently compromised by body handling.
The protective effect of solidagenone from Solidago chilensis Meyen in a mouse model of airway inflammation
Authors: Vasconcelos Juliana Fraga , Santos Ivanilson Pimenta , de Oliveira Temistocles Barroso , Kelly Andressa Maia , do Reis Bruna Padilha Zurita Claro , Orge Iasmim Diniz , Meira Cássio Santana , Valverde Simone Sacramento , Soares Milena Botelho Pereira 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSolidagenone is the main active constituent present in Solidago chilensis Meyen which is used in folk medicine to treat pain and inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory activity of solidagenone in vitro and in a model of allergic airway inflammation. In vitro studies were performed in activated macrophages and lymphocytes. BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin and treated with solidagenone orally (30 or 90 mg/kg body weight) or dexamethasone, as a positive control in our in vivo analysis. Supernatant concentrations of nitrite, TNF and IL‐1β, as well as gene expression of pro‐inflammatory mediators in macrophages cultures, were reduced after solidagenone treatment, without affecting macrophages viability. Besides, solidagenone significantly decreased T cell proliferation and secretion of IFNγ and IL‐2. Th2 cytokine concentrations and inflammatory cell counts, especially eosinophils, in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were reduced in mice treated with solidagenone. Histopathological evaluation of lung tissue was performed, and morphometrical analyses demonstrated reduction of cellular infiltration and mucus hypersecretion. Altogether, solidagenone presented anti‐inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo in the OVA‐induced airway inflammation model, suggesting its promising pharmacological use as an anti‐inflammatory agent for allergic hypersensitivity.
Extended phenotyping does not preclude the occurrence of delayed haemolytic transfusion reactions in sickle cell disease
Authors: Gerritsma Jorn , Bongaerts Vera , Eckhardt Corien , Heijboer Harriet , Nur Erfan , Biemond Bart , van der Schoot Ellen , Fijnvandraat Karin ,   SCORE consortium
Published: October 2021

SummaryDelayed haemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) is a potentially life‐threatening complication of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in sickle cell disease (SCD) and is classically induced by reactivation of previously formed antibodies. Improved antigenic matching has reduced alloimmunization and may reduce DHTR risk. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate the incidence rate of DHTR in SCD patients receiving extended matched units (ABO/RhDCcEe/K/Fya/Jkb/S). Occasional transfusion episodes (OTE) between 2011 and 2020 were reviewed for occurrence of DHTR symptoms using four screening criteria: decreased Hb, increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), pain, and dark urine. We included 205 patients who received a cumulative number of 580 transfusion episodes of 1866 RBC units. During follow‐up, 10 DHTR events were observed. The incidence rate of DHTR was 13·8/1000 OTEs [95% confidence interval (CI): 7·37–22·2], with a cumulative incidence of 15·2% (95% CI: 8·4–24·0%) after 25 patients having received RBC units. One DHTR event was fatal (10%). Symptoms were misdiagnosed in four DHTR events (40%) as other acute SCD complications. Despite a lower incidence rate compared to most other studies, the incidence rate of DHTR in SCD remains high, in spite of extended matching of donor RBCs. Increased awareness of DHTR is of utmost importance to facilitate early diagnosis and, consequently, improve outcome.
Liver transplantation in patients with non‐neoplastic portal vein thrombosis: 20 years of experience in a single center
Authors: Pinelli Domenico , Camagni Stefania , Amaduzzi Annalisa , Frosio Fabio , Fontanella Laura , Carioli Greta , Guizzetti Michela , Zambelli Marco Fabrizio , Giovanelli Mara , Fagiuoli Stefano , Colledan Michele 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe Yerdel classification is widely used for describing the severity of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in liver transplant (LT) candidates, but might not accurately predict transplant outcome.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data regarding 97 adult patients with PVT who underwent LT, investigating whether the complexity of portal reconstruction could better correlate with transplant outcome than the site and extent of the thrombosis.Results79/97 (80%) patients underwent thrombectomy and anatomical anastomosis (TAA), 18/97 (20%) patients underwent non‐anatomical physiological reconstructions (non‐TAA). PVT Yerdel grade was 1–2 in 72/97 (74%) patients, and 3–4 in 25/97 (26%) patients. Univariate analysis revealed higher 30‐day mortality, 90‐day mortality, 1‐year mortality, and a higher rate of severe early complications in the non‐TAA group than in the TAA group (p = .018, .001, .014, .009, respectively). In the model adjusted for PVT Yerdel grade, non‐TAA remained independently associated with higher 30‐day, 90‐day, and 1‐year mortality (p = .021, .007, and .015, respectively). The portal vein re‐thrombosis and overall patient and graft survival rates were similar.DiscussionIn our experience, the complexity of portal reconstruction better correlated with transplant outcome than the Yerdel classification, which did not even appear to be a reliable predictor of the surgical complexity and technique.