bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of quality performance in the Egyptian manufacturing industry
Authors: ElMelegy Ahmed Rashad , Alnajem Mohamad , Albuloushi Nour 
Published: September 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the quality performance of the Egyptian manufacturing industry based on Flynn's quality management practices framework.Design/methodology/approachA literature-based questionnaire was developed to collect the research data. The sample studied included 193 professionals from different manufacturing firms in Egypt. The research model utilized seven first-order constructs to measure infrastructure and core quality practices and the model was analyzed by structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results of the study showed that infrastructure practices had a positive effect on core quality practices, which in turn, significantly influenced quality performance. The findings confirmed that Egyptian manufacturing firms have a good foundation of quality management practices enabling them to improve quality performance.Practical implicationsThis study provides a foundation for Egyptian manufacturing firms to develop a practical plan for implementing total quality management (TQM). In addition, the results of this study will help managers and policy makers develop a thorough understanding of the current status of TQM initiatives, enablers and barriers in Egypt.Originality/valueThe study represents one of the few attempts to examine quality practices and quality performance in the manufacturing sector in Egypt. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study to examine these parameters in this context in Egypt.
The Supposed Burning of the Racovian Catechism in 1614: A Historiographical Myth Exposed
Authors: Hessayon Ariel , Lucci Diego 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe Racovian catechism is a famous summary treatise of Socinian thought. It was written in the early seventeenth century by several members of the Minor Reformed Church of Poland. It is a common misconception that, upon reading the Latin edition of the Racovian catechism, which was dedicated to him, King James VI & I consigned it to the flames in 1614. Indeed, a comprehensive list of scholars who have repeated this mistake would take up too much space. Accordingly, the purpose of this article is first and foremost to demonstrate that the Racovian catechism was not burnt in England in 1614. This historiographical myth originated and was transmitted because of a series of misunderstandings occurring since the 1670s, whereas not one primary source testifies to the burning of the catechism in England during James's reign. In the process, we will provide essential context, examining relevant developments not only in the British Isles, but also in the Dutch Republic and the Polish‐Lithuanian Commonwealth. Moreover, we will argue that there is no evidence to support the claim that an edition of the Racovian catechism was secretly printed in England shortly after the supposed burning of 1614, although some subsequent editions of the catechism bore a false imprint and had a connected publishing history. Finally, we will explain how these erroneous assumptions entered the historical record together with their subsequent transmission. Our conclusion is that the early history of anti‐Trinitarianism and Socinianism in England must be rewritten.
A unified model of species abundance, genetic diversity, and functional diversity reveals the mechanisms structuring ecological communities
Authors: Overcast Isaac , Ruffley Megan , Rosindell James , Harmon Luke , Borges Paulo A. V. , Emerson Brent C. , Etienne Rampal S. , Gillespie Rosemary , Krehenwinkel Henrik , Mahler D. Luke , Massol Francois , Parent Christine E. , Patiño Jairo , Peter Ben , Week Bob , Wagner Catherine , Hickerson Michael J. , Rominger Andrew 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBiodiversity accumulates hierarchically by means of ecological and evolutionary processes and feedbacks. Within ecological communities drift, dispersal, speciation, and selection operate simultaneously to shape patterns of biodiversity. Reconciling the relative importance of these is hindered by current models and inference methods, which tend to focus on a subset of processes and their resulting predictions. Here we introduce massive ecoevolutionary synthesis simulations (MESS), a unified mechanistic model of community assembly, rooted in classic island biogeography theory, which makes temporally explicit joint predictions across three biodiversity data axes: (i) species richness and abundances, (ii) population genetic diversities, and (iii) trait variation in a phylogenetic context. Using simulations we demonstrate that each data axis captures information at different timescales, and that integrating these axes enables discriminating among previously unidentifiable community assembly models. MESS is unique in generating predictions of community‐scale genetic diversity, and in characterizing joint patterns of genetic diversity, abundance, and trait values. MESS unlocks the full potential for investigation of biodiversity processes using multidimensional community data including a genetic component, such as might be produced by contemporary eDNA or metabarcoding studies. We combine MESS with supervised machine learning to fit the parameters of the model to real data and infer processes underlying how biodiversity accumulates, using communities of tropical trees, arthropods, and gastropods as case studies that span a range of data availability scenarios, and spatial and taxonomic scales.
A Review of Corporate Social Responsibility and Reputational Costs in the Tax Avoidance Literature*
Authors: Krieg Kimberly S. , Li John 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTIn recent years, academic researchers, policymakers, and the public have increasingly focused on the tax avoidance behavior of corporations. At the same time, firms are increasingly pressured to incorporate corporate social responsibility (CSR) into their decision making, leading to heightened academic interest in CSR. Given that opponents of corporate tax avoidance often argue that avoiding tax is socially irresponsible, we review the growing literature surrounding this issue. We begin with a theoretical review of how corporate tax avoidance fits into the CSR framework. We then review the empirical evidence on the interrelationship between CSR and firm reputation in the tax avoidance literature. We frame our review around three questions: (i) Do firms view tax avoidance as a CSR issue? (ii) Do stakeholders view tax avoidance as socially irresponsible, leading to reputational costs of tax avoidance? And (iii) Do firms change their tax avoidance behavior due to fear of these reputational consequences? Throughout our review, we provide discussions on the state of the current literature and offer suggestions for future research opportunities.
Synthesis and activities of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
Authors: Zhou Shiyang , Huang Gangliang 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCholinesterase (ChE) inhibitors can be divided into two categories: acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors and butylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitors. Therefore, the development of selective inhibition of AChE and BuChE activities is the central content of ChE pharmacochemistry research. In order to clarify the progress of AChE inhibitor‐based design, synthesis, and activity studies, we reviewed the pharmacochemical and pharmacological properties of selective AChE inhibitors over the past decade. We hope that this review will make it easier for readers to understand the development of new drug chemistry methods for AChE inhibitors in order to develop more effective and selective AChE inhibitors.
Hypersensitivity may be involved in severe COVID‐19
Authors: Tan Cuiyan , Zheng Xiaobin , Sun Fengfei , He Jianzhong , Shi Honglei , Chen Meizhu , Tu Changli , Huang Yiying , Wang Zhenguo , Liang Yingjian , Wu Jian , liu Ye , Liu Jing , Huang Jin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundDeaths attributed to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) are mainly due to severe hypoxemic respiratory failure. Although the inflammatory storm has been considered the main pathogenesis of severe COVID‐19, hypersensitivity may be another important mechanism involved in severe cases, which have a perfect response to corticosteroids (CS).MethodWe detected the serum level of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2–spike S1 protein‐specific IgE (SP‐IgE) and anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid protein‐specific IgE (NP‐IgE) in COVID‐19. Correlation of levels of specific IgE and clinical severity were analysed. Pulmonary function test and bronchial provocation test were conducted in early convalescence of COVID‐19. We also obtained histological samples via endoscopy to detect the evidence of mast cell activation.ResultThe levels of serum SP‐IgE and NP‐IgE were significantly higher in severe cases, and were correlated with the total lung severity scores (TLSS) and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio. Nucleocapsid protein could be detected in both airway and intestinal tissues, which was stained positive together with activated mast cells, binded with IgE. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) exists in the early convalescence of COVID‐19. After the application of CS in severe COVID‐19, SP‐IgE and NP‐IgE decreased, but maintained at a high level.ConclusionHypersensitivity may be involved in severe COVID‐19.
Pathogenic variants in the survival of motor neurons complex gene GEMIN5 cause cerebellar atrophy
Authors: Saida Ken , Tamaoki Junya , Sasaki Masayuki , Haniffa Muzhirah , Koshimizu Eriko , Sengoku Toru , Maeda Hiroki , Kikuchi Masahiro , Yokoyama Haruna , Sakamoto Masamune , Iwama Kazuhiro , Sekiguchi Futoshi , Hamanaka Kohei , Fujita Atsushi , Mizuguchi Takeshi , Ogata Kazuhiro , Miyake Noriko , Miyatake Satoko , Kobayashi Makoto , Matsumoto Naomichi 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCerebellar ataxia is a genetically heterogeneous disorder. GEMIN5 encoding an RNA‐binding protein of the survival of motor neuron complex, is essential for small nuclear ribonucleoprotein biogenesis, and it was recently reported that biallelic loss‐of‐function variants cause neurodevelopmental delay, hypotonia, and cerebellar ataxia. Here, whole‐exome analysis revealed compound heterozygous GEMIN5 variants in two individuals from our cohort of 162 patients with cerebellar atrophy/hypoplasia. Three novel truncating variants and one previously reported missense variant were identified: c.2196dupA, p.(Arg733Thrfs*6) and c.1831G > A, p.(Val611Met) in individual 1, and c.3913delG, p.(Ala1305Leufs*14) and c.4496dupA, p.(Tyr1499*) in individual 2. Western blotting analysis using lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from both affected individuals showed significantly reduced levels of GEMIN5 protein. Zebrafish model for null variants p.(Arg733Thrfs*6) and p.(Ala1305Leufs*14) exhibited complete lethality at 2 weeks and recapitulated a distinct dysplastic phenotype. The phenotypes of affected individuals and the zebrafish mutant models strongly suggest that biallelic loss‐of‐function variants in GEMIN5 cause cerebellar atrophy/hypoplasia.
Clinical cost evaluation and health benefits of post‐bariatric intervention for patients with type 2 diabetes living in the UK
Authors: Alkharaiji Mohammed , Anyanwagu Uchenna , Crabtree Thomas , Gordon Jason , Idris Iskandar 
Published: September 2021

SummaryTo assess associated healthcare costs and risk of developing obesity‐related comorbidities among patients with type 2 diabetes with severe obesity and receiving insulin treatment, following bariatric surgery (BS). A retrospective cohort study was conducted from a UK electronic primary care database. Propensity score matching (1:1) was performed for BS with non‐BS cohort. Follow‐up was over 5 years (694 person‐years), comparing drug utilization with clinical cost differences, such as visits to General practitioners (GPs), hospitalization, and laboratory use. Cox proportional regression was used to compute differences in the risk of obesity‐related comorbidities and chi‐square analysis to explore differences in insulin independency and diabetes remission proportions during follow‐up. Eighty patients who received BS were matched to 80 non‐BS (N = 160). The baseline mean age was 48.3 years (SD: 12.9) (61% female), and body mass index was 39.3 kg/m2 (SD: 9.3). During follow‐up, antidiabetic drug cost was significantly lower in the BS group than in the non‐BS (median cost/person [£]: 527.77 [interquartile range (IQR): 1196.11] vs. 1564.13 [IQR: 1576.01]; p < 0.001). Overall, aggregate cost analysis showed a significant total healthcare cost reduction in the BS group (median cost/person [£]: 1597.96 [IQR: 2631.84] vs. 2440.12 [IQR: 2242.95]; p = 0.050). BS significantly protected against obesity‐related comorbidities compared with the non‐BS (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.56; 95% confidence interval: 0.32–0.96; p = 0.036) and increased insulin independency throughout all follow‐up points: at year 5: 48.1% versus 28.9%; p = 0.044, respectively. While BS shows evidence of cost efficiency, cost saving was not identified. The efficiency is evident by the protective effect against crude obesity‐related comorbidities associated with increased insulin independency.
Do Apis and non‐Apis bees provide a similar contribution to crop production with different levels of pollination dependency? A review using meta‐analysis
Authors: Junqueira Camila Nonato , Pereira Rodrigo Augusto Santinelo , da Silva Rafael Carvalho , Alves Cardoso Kobal Renan Oliveira , Araújo Thayane Nogueira , Prato Amanda , Pedrosa Jéferson , Martínez‐Martínez Carlos A. , Castrillon Kevin Palmera , Felício Daniel Tirapeli , Ferronato Petra , Augusto Solange Cristina 
Published: September 2021

1. Recent studies have demonstrated that the richness of pollinators in crop systems can improve productivity due to the effect of functional trait differences between species. These findings reinforce the potential effectiveness of integrated management of both Apis and non‐Apis bees to ensure global crop yields.2. Thus, we used meta‐analysis techniques to synthesise published literature on crop pollination and verify whether Apis and non‐Apis bees perform equivalent contributions to worldwide crop production considering the differences in both functional traits of these bees and pollination requirements of the crops. We expected that pollination by both Apis and non‐Apis bees would contribute to enhancing all crop production measures (fruit/seed weight, fruit/seed yield, no. fruit/seed, and pollination/fertilisation) independently of levels of pollination dependency.3. The final database used in the meta‐analysis included 33 published studies, reporting 72 independent pollination experiments of A. mellifera and non‐Apis bees on crop production, including fruits, vegetables, spices, and oil crops. As expected, our results demonstrated that crop production was greater with bee pollination regardless of being provided by Apis or non‐Apis species. We also observed a stronger positive effect on flower pollination/fertilisation and production of crops with essential/great dependency on pollination.4. The overall analysis of the contribution of Apis and non‐Apis bees to crop production indicated that both groups are essential for the maintenance of agricultural production.
First molecular detection of Babesia gibsoni in a horse
Authors: Karnik M. , Kumar A. , Shabir Khaki A. , Mirza H. 
Published: September 2021

SummaryEquine babesiosis in India has always been a severe and life‐threatening disease attributed to infection with Theileria equi and Babesia caballi. These organisms are not host‐specific, as both T. equi and B. caballi are reported in dogs. Likewise, Babesia canis canis and Babesia canis rossi, the common causative agents in canines, have also been identified in horses. However, no molecular evidence of Babesia gibsoni has been reported in horses in India. A 5‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding residing in Bengaluru showed signs of recurrent intermittent fever, inappetence, poor performance, anaemia and depression. A regular complete blood count and biochemical profile were done, however, the results were unresponsive to treatment interventions. The blood sample was submitted for screening equine haemoprotozoans using polymerase chain reaction. The current blood sample was screened for haemoprotozoans. The sample was positive for B. gibsoni and was confirmed by sequencing. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) search against GenBank revealed the highest similarity (95.17%, Accession No. MN385430.1) with B. gibsoni 18s rRNA partial sequence.
Vascular air embolisation and expansile sphenopalatine sinus haematoma secondary to a fracture of the rostral skull in a horse
Authors: Easton‐Jones C. A. , Marr C. M. , Peter V. G. , Foote A. K. 
Published: September 2021

SummaryA 13‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding presented with acute onset respiratory distress, muscle fasciculations and ataxia during ridden exercise. On physical examination, the horse was extremely distressed and had a markedly increased respiratory rate of 92 breaths/min and heart rate of 82 beats/min. Auscultation of the thorax revealed adventitious sounds throughout the lung fields. A continuous, loud, splashing (‘water‐wheel’) murmur was evident on cardiac auscultation. A diffuse, marked interstitial and patchy alveolar pattern was present on thoracic radiographs and comet tail artefacts were found on thoracic ultrasonography. Echocardiography showed air embolisation, with the right ventricle and atrium markedly opacified with air bubbles. The horse deteriorated despite treatment with intranasal oxygen therapy, anti‐inflammatories, antimicrobials, diuretics and glycopyrrolate. Post‐mortem examination identified an expansile haematoma of the sphenopalatine sinus secondary to a rostral fracture of the skull, a previously unreported differential for vascular air embolism in the horse.
The induction of inflammation by the cGAS–STING pathway in human dental pulp cells: A laboratory investigation
Authors: Tian Xinxin , Liu Chao , Wang Zhongquan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimTo explore the presence of the cGAS–STING inflammatory pathway in human pulp tissue and human dental pulp cells (HDPCs).MethodologyPulp tissue was collected from freshly extracted human healthy third molars or third molars with irreversible pulpitis. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA) were performed to assess IFN‐β, TNF and IL‐6. Human dental pulp cells prepared from healthy human pulp tissues were transfected with interferon stimulatory DNA (ISD), bacterial genomic DNA, bacterial cyclic dinucleotides c‐di‐AMP, c‐di‐GMP or host cyclic dinucleotide cGAMP. SiRNA was used to knock down the endogenous cGAS or STING. G140 and H‐151 were used to inhibit cGAS and STING respectively. Amlexanox and BAY 11‐7082 were used to inhibit TBK1 and NF‐κB respectively. qRT‐PCR and ELISA were performed to detect the level of IFN‐β, TNF and IL‐6. Western blot was performed to evaluate the TBK1, IRF3 and p65 phosphorylation. The Student's t‐test and one‐way anova were used for statistical analysis.ResultsIFN‐β, TNF and IL‐6 were up‐regulated in the inflamed human dental pulp tissue. CGAS and STING mRNA were increased in the inflamed human dental pulp tissue and detected in HDPCs prepared from healthy human pulp tissues. ISD transfection induced TBK1, IRF3 and p65 phosphorylation as well as IFN‐β, TNF and IL‐6 production. IFN‐β, TNF and IL‐6 production were also induced by transfection of bacterial and host cyclic dinucleotides or bacteria DNA. ISD or bacteria DNA transfection elevated the intracellular levels of cGAMP. Knock‐down of cGAS or STING, as well as using cGAS inhibitor G140 or STING inhibitor H‐151 abolished the IFN‐β, TNF and IL‐6 production induced by ISD transfection. Knock‐down of STING or using STING inhibitor H‐151 abolished the IFN‐β, TNF and IL‐6 induction by transfection of bacterial and host cyclic dinucleotides. Both Amlexanox and BAY 11‐7082 inhibited IFN‐β, TNF and IL‐6 production triggered by ISD and cyclic dinucleotides transfection.ConclusionsHuman dental pulp cells expressed an intact cGAS–STING signalling axis. The cGAS–STING signalling axis may play an important role in pulp inflammation and immune defence.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al2O3 ceramic joints achieved by Ag‐SiO2 braze in air
Authors: Wang Zhiquan , Li Chun , Si Xiaoqing , Zheng Mushi , Chen Lei , Huang Yongxian , Qi Junlei , Cao Jian 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAl2O3 ceramics have a wide range of applications because of the superior mechanical properties and chemical stability of the material. In this study, Al2O3 was successfully brazed using an Ag‐SiO2 filler in air. The microstructure of Al2O3 joints was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The composition of the joint was determined to be Al2O3/SiO2/Ag/SiO2/Al2O3. Mechanical properties and fracture characteristics of joints were investigated. The achieved shear strength was highest at 32 MPa when joints were obtained at 1050°C for 30 min using Ag‐1SiO2 braze.
Effects of origin and harvest period on characterisation, structure and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides derived from Porphyra haitanensis
Authors: Ji Chenyang , Pan Chuang , Huang Haichao , Tao Fengting , Lin Shanting , Chen Shengjun , Qi Bo , Hu Xiao , Yang Xianqing 
Published: September 2021

SummaryIn the present study, the influences of different origins and harvest periods on the characterisation, structure and antioxidant activity of Porphyra haitanensis polysaccharides (PHPs) were investigated. PHPR03 obtained from the third harvest period (late December) in Raoping possessed the highest content of sulphate group (14.70%), the lowest viscosity (434.34 mL·g−1) and exhibited better antioxidant activity. FTIR spectrum confirmed that PHPs obtained in different origins and harvest periods had similar functional groups (O—H, C—H and C—O group). Thermal gravimetric analysis suggested that PHPR03 has good thermal stability until 182 °C. PHPR03 microstructure was detected using scanning electron microscopy, and it was mainly irregular flocs. Atomic force microscope data showed that its diameter and height ranged from 1.32 to 1.99 μm and 14.16 to 34.92 nm, respectively. X‐ray diffraction and Congo red experiments indicated that PHPR03 belongs to amorphous material with weak rigidity and exists in the form of random coils in an aqueous solution. PHPR03 resulted in a decrease of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances value of ground pork. This study provides the theoretical basis for rational utilisation and further applications in the food industry of PHPs.
Relative and absolute self‐ratings of work performance: Does social comparison lead to an enhanced thought process in self‐evaluations?
Authors: Carver Sarah , Goffin Richard , Factor Rebecca 
Published: September 2021

AbstractEmployee self‐ratings are often a required and important part of performance‐management programs. We asked self‐raters to provide in‐depth descriptions of their thought processes when rating their own work performance using either a relative (i.e., comparative, percentile‐based) or a conventional absolute rating process. Thematic analysis indicated that relative self‐ratings typically engendered a two‐step evaluation process: initial consideration of one's performance, then comparison to a reference group. Conventional absolute self‐ratings tended to rely on a single‐step, less comprehensive process. Relative self‐rating mean scores were significantly lower than were absolute self‐ratings. Our results provide further insights into the mechanism that may underlie relative ratings' psychometric advantages as previously found in a variety of domains.