bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychological mechanisms linking ethical climate to employee whistle-blowing intention
Authors: Zhou Lulu , Liu Yan , Chen Zhihong , Zhao Shuming 
Published: June 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how a perceived ethical climate influences employees’ intention to whistle-blow through internal organizational channels and incorporates the mediating role of organizational identification and moral identity as well as the moderating role of individual risk aversion.Design/methodology/approachThe five proposed hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression analysis with two waves of data collected in 2016 from 667 employees in Chinese organizations.FindingsThe findings indicate that perceived ethical climate had a positive effect on employees’ internal whistle-blowing intention, which was mediated by organizational identification and moral identity. Furthermore, employees’ risk aversion weakened the effect of organizational identification, while the moderating role by moral identity on internal whistle-blowing intention was not validated.Originality/valueThis study explains the psychological mechanism of whistle-blowing intention from the perspective of social identity, which contributes to opening the “black box” of the transmitting processes from the perceived ethical climate to whistle-blowing intention. This study also extends the literature by defining a boundary condition of risk aversion that hinders organizational identification influence on employee whistle-blowing intention.
Outsourcing and firm performance: a meta-analysis
Authors: Awe Olajumoke A. , Kulangara Nisha , Henderson Demetria F. 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
In the extant literature, the effect of outsourcing activities on the firm performance has been an area of interest for several decades; yet, the body of knowledge lacks a holistic view of this phenomenon. The potential outcomes of outsourcing and its impact on firm performance have not been aggregated in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a meta-analysis of 51 empirical results using 24 articles to examine the relationship between these variables and firm performance. The authors discuss the extant literature and examine which type of outsourcing has the greatest influence on firm performance. The authors also present the limitations and future opportunities. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed to highlight which outsourcing functions would be fiscally beneficial for firms.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper takes a granular approach by looking at different outsourced functions in the both the manufacturing and service industry. Using meta- analysis, this paper combined the quantitative study data from several selected studies in an effort to increase power, improve the effect size and resolve the uncertainty about the effects of outsourcing activities on firm performance measures.

Findings
The authors found that outsourcing enhances the firm performance. When outsourcing functions were studied individually, only IT outsourcing had significant effects on firm performance in comparison to other forms of outsourcing. This might be attributed to the fact that IT outsourcing is less costly to implement in the organization compared with other forms of outsourcing.

Originality/value
This paper is the first paper that uses a meta-analytic approach to investigate the relationship between outsourcing and performance measures based on past empirical studies that have used both primary and secondary data.
Sustain and legitimize reputation
Authors: Mapa Nubia Cristina , Oliveira Luiz Claudio Vieira de , Reis Neto Mario Teixeira 
Published: June 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the discursive resources used to sustain and legitimize the reputation of the mining company Samarco Mineração regarding sustainability, before the environmental accident occurred in 2015.Design/methodology/approachThe sustainability reports from 2005 to 2014 were accessed for the analysis of the presentation texts, and the discourse analysis method was applied to access the discursive resources employed.FindingsFrom the classical concepts of rhetoric, ethos, pathos and logos, it was found that they reinforced the reputation and legitimacy of the company. The ethos is responsible for the company’s image, while pathos triggers the emotional reception of that image, provoking positive expectations. The logos relate the built image and its emotional reception to a rational discourse that values the company’s expertise. The analysis, in the light of the new rhetoric, exposes the strategies to lead the public to accept the image of solidity and confidence given by a reputation respected nationally and internationally.Research limitations/implicationsAs a limitation, the quantitative data of the report were not analyzed, since the objective was to analyze the discourse construction, understanding that the research was adequate for the established purposes. For the future, it is suggested to analyze the discourse of the company after the environmental accident in order to verify the strategies used in the same theme; analyze the discourses in other reports published in the Global Reporting Initiative model; investigate how the logic of sustainability report construction based on a standard model can interfere in the formation of reputation and legitimacy of the companies; and analyze the impact of CSR on the strategy of the companies.Practical implicationsThe knowledge about the functioning of the language and discourse as an indicative of subjectivity provides a more critical reading and reveals elements implicit in the discourse of the organization. It was verified that the sustainability reports in encapsulated formats allow some stability in the discourse, since companies tend to follow the same line of previous years, even with changes in the organizational structure.Originality/valueDiscourses built by the companies do not always reflect the true operational and engineering situation practiced by them, and that successful and reputed companies can surprise their stakeholders with events of great magnitude that cause significant losses, be they monetary or human lives.
From ornament to armament or loss of function? Breeding plumage acquisition in a genetically monogamous bird
Authors: Fan Marie , Teunissen Niki , Hall Michelle L. , Hidalgo Aranzamendi Nataly , Kingma Sjouke A. , Roast Michael , Delhey Kaspar , Peters Anne 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

The evolution of conspicuous male traits is thought to be driven by female mate choice or male–male competition. These two mechanisms are often viewed as distinct processes, with most studies focusing on female choice.

However, both mechanisms of sexual selection can act simultaneously on the same trait (i.e., dual function) and/or interact in a synergistic or conflicting way. Dual‐function traits are commonly assumed to originate through male–male competition before being used in female choice; yet, most studies focusing on such traits could not determine the direction of change, lacking phylogenetic information.

We investigated the role of conspicuous male seasonal plumage in male–male competitive interactions in the purple‐crowned fairy‐wren Malurus coronatus, a cooperatively breeding bird. Male breeding plumage in most Malurus species is selected by female choice through extra‐pair mate choice, but unlike its congeners, M. coronatus is genetically monogamous, and females do not seem to choose males based on breeding plumage acquisition.

Our study shows that, within groups, subordinate males that were older, and therefore higher‐ranked in the queue for breeder position inheritance, produced a more complete breeding plumage. In line with this, subordinate males that were older and/or displayed a more complete breeding plumage were more successful in competitively acquiring a breeder position.

A role as a signal of competitive ability was experimentally confirmed by presenting models of males: in breeding colours, these received more aggression from resident breeder males than in nonbreeding colours, but elicited limited response from females, consistent with competitors in breeding plumage being perceived as a bigger threat to the breeder male.

The role of the conspicuous breeding plumage in mediating male–male interactions might account for its presence in this genetically monogamous species. As phylogenetic reconstructions suggest a past female choice function in M. coronatus, this could represent a sexual trait that shifted functions, or a dual‐function trait that lost one function. These evolutionary scenarios imply that intra‐ and intersexual functions of ornaments may be gained or lost independently and offer new perspectives in understanding the complex dynamics of sexual selection.
Beneficial effects of cilostazol on liver injury induced by common bile duct ligation in rats: Role of SIRT1 signaling pathway
Authors: Kabil Soad L. 
Published: June 2018

SummaryLiver fibrosis is a health challenge requiring alternative therapeutic approaches. Cilostazol is a selective phosphodiesterase‐3 inhibitor and possesses antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antifibrotic properties. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a member of the silent information regulator 2 family. Cilostazol upregulates SIRT1 expression. Cilostazol protects against the cholestatic liver insults caused by bile duct obstruction. Involvement of SIRT1 pathway in this protective effect has not been studied yet. So, we hypothesized that SIRT1 signaling may have a role in cilostazol protective effects against bile duct ligation‐induced liver damages. Rats were subjected to common bile duct ligation then treated with cilostazol (9 mg/kg or 27 mg/kg) in the presence or absence of specific SIRT1 inhibitor EX527. Cilostazol improved liver function, reduced inflammation, enhanced antioxidant status, ameliorated cholestatic liver injury and upregulated hepatic SIRT1. However, these protective effects were abrogated by EX527, suggesting that SIRT1 signaling may have a role in these effects. In conclusion, cilostazol in a dose‐dependent way produced hepatoprotective effects via anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antifibrotic effects which were mediated, in part, through SIRT1 upregulation.
Estimating plate‐based model food proportions in adults living in Scotland using short dietary assessment questionnaires
Authors: Hollis Jenna L. , Whybrow Stephen , Craig Leone C.A. , Clark Heather , Garden Leanne , McNeill Geraldine 
Published: June 2018

AimTo determine whether a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a short dietary assessment tool can be used to accurately estimate the Eatwell Guide proportions (a plate‐based food model) of diets of adults living in Scotland.MethodsThe cross‐sectional study was conducted as a follow up of the 2010 Scottish Health Survey (participants aged 18–65 years old). Proportions of the Eatwell Guide food groups (starchy carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables (F&V), dairy and alternatives, protein foods and oils and spreads) were calculated from the Scottish Health Survey Eating Habits Module (SHeS EHM), Scottish Collaborative Group FFQ (SCG FFQ) and a seven‐day estimated food diary (reference method), and compared using the Aitchison method and Wilcoxon Signed‐Rank Test. Bland–Altman analyses assessed mean difference and 95% limits of agreement between the methods for each food group.ResultsNinety‐six adults were included (mean (SD) age = 51.4 (11.1) years; body mass index = 27.1 (4.9) kg/m2; 58% female). The SCG FFQ scored a lower median Aitchison distance (1.47) than the SHeS EHM (1.99) (P < 0.001), showing greater agreement with the reference method (P < 0.001). Bland–Altman plots also showed better agreement for the SCG FFQ than the SHeS EHM. Poorest agreement was for starchy carbohydrates (both methods), protein foods (SHeS EHM) and dairy (SCG FFQ).ConclusionsThe SCG FFQ could be used to estimate Eatwell Guide proportions and monitor compliance to the Eatwell Guide recommendations and could be improved with small changes. The SHeS EHM is less suitable, but additional questions on dairy foods, and oils and spreads would improve its ability to estimate the Eatwell Guide proportions.
Do Corporate Site Visits Impact Stock Prices?
Authors: Cheng Qiang , Du Fei , Wang Brian Yutao , Wang Xin 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTWe examine the stock price impact of corporate site visits using a unique data set of site visits to listed firms in China. Our main findings are as follows. First, the market reaction around corporate site visits is statistically and economically significant and is stronger for group visits, visits conducted by mutual fund managers, visits covering accounting and finance topics, visits to firms with poor information environments, and visits to manufacturing firms. Second, the stock returns around site visits are positively associated with firms’ future performance. Third, the changes in visiting funds’ holdings are more predictive of firms’ future performance than those of nonvisiting funds. Overall, this study contributes to the literature by providing evidence that site visits are important venues for investors to collect information about firms and make informed trades.
Spontaneous development of Alzheimer's disease‐associated brain pathology in a Shugoshin‐1 mouse cohesinopathy model
Authors: Rao Chinthalapally V. , Farooqui Mudassir , Zhang Yuting , Asch Adam S. , Yamada Hiroshi Y. 
Published: June 2018

SummarySpontaneous late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) accounts for more than 95% of all human AD. As mice do not normally develop AD and as understanding on molecular processes leading to spontaneous LOAD has been insufficient to successfully model LOAD in mouse, no mouse model for LOAD has been available. Existing mouse AD models are all early‐onset AD (EOAD) models that rely on forcible expression of AD‐associated protein(s), which may not recapitulate prerequisites for spontaneous LOAD. This limitation in AD modeling may contribute to the high failure rate of AD drugs in clinical trials. In this study, we hypothesized that genomic instability facilitates development of LOAD and tested two genomic instability mice models in the brain pathology at the old age. Shugoshin‐1 (Sgo1) haploinsufficient (∓) mice, a model of chromosome instability (CIN) with chromosomal and centrosomal cohesinopathy, spontaneously exhibited a major feature of AD pathology; amyloid beta accumulation that colocalized with phosphorylated Tau, beta‐secretase 1 (BACE), and mitotic marker phospho‐Histone H3 (p‐H3) in the brain. Another CIN model, spindle checkpoint‐defective BubR1−/+ haploinsufficient mice, did not exhibit the pathology at the same age, suggesting the prolonged mitosis‐origin of the AD pathology. RNA‐seq identified ten differentially expressed genes, among which seven genes have indicated association with AD pathology or neuronal functions (e.g., ARC, EBF3). Thus, the model represents a novel model that recapitulates spontaneous LOAD pathology in mouse. The Sgo1−/+ mouse may serve as a novel tool for investigating mechanisms of spontaneous progression of LOAD pathology, for early diagnosis markers, and for drug development.
SNARE Complex‐Associated Proteins in the Lateral Amygdala of Macaca mulatta Following Long‐Term Ethanol Drinking
Authors: Alexander Nancy J. , Rau Andrew R. , Jimenez Vanessa A. , Daunais James B. , Grant Kathleen A. , McCool Brian A. 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundRecent work with long‐term ethanol (EtOH) self‐administration in nonhuman primate models has revealed a complex array of behavioral and physiological effects that closely mimic human alcohol abuse. Detailed neurophysiological analysis in these models suggests a myriad of pre‐ and postsynaptic neurobiological effects that may contribute to the behavioral manifestations of long‐term EtOH drinking. The molecular mechanisms regulating presynaptic effects of this chronic EtOH exposure are largely unknown. To this end, we analyzed the effects of long‐term EtOH self‐administration on the levels of presynaptic SNARE complex proteins in Macaca mulatta basolateral amygdala, a brain region known to regulate both aversive and reward‐seeking behaviors.MethodsBasolateral amygdala samples from control and EtOH‐drinking male and female monkeys were processed. Total basolateral amygdala protein was analyzed by Western blotting using antibodies directed against both core SNARE and SNARE‐associated proteins. We also performed correlational analyses between protein expression levels and a number of EtOH drinking parameters, including lifetime grams of EtOH consumed, preference, and blood alcohol concentration.ResultsSignificant interactions or main effects of sex/drinking were seen for a number of SNARE core and SNARE‐associated proteins. Across the range of EtOH‐drinking phenotypes, SNAP25 and Munc13‐1 proteins levels were significantly different between males and females, and Munc13‐2 levels were significantly lower in animals with a history of EtOH drinking. A separate analysis of very heavy‐drinking individuals revealed significant decreases in Rab3c (females) and complexin 2 (males).ConclusionsProtein expression analysis of basolateral amygdala total protein from controls and animals following long‐term EtOH self‐administration suggests a number of alterations in core SNARE or SNARE‐associated components that could dramatically alter presynaptic function. A number of proteins or multiprotein components were also correlated with EtOH drinking behavior, which suggest a potentially heritable role for presynaptic SNARE proteins.
Maturation ability after transfer of freeze‐dried germinal vesicles from porcine oocytes
Authors: Dang‐Nguyen Thanh Quang , Nguyen Hiep Thi , Nguyen Men Thi , Somfai Tamas , Noguchi Junko , Kaneko Hiroyuki , Kikuchi Kazuhiro 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine whether freeze‐dried germinal vesicles (GV) can be matured in vitro after being injected into enucleated fresh oocytes in pigs as an alternative method for conservation of genetic resources. Although no reduction of the size of GV (p = .094), resveratrol treatment significantly enhanced the survival rates following GV transfer (GVT) (p < .001). Supplementation with 100 or 200 mmol/L trehalose in freeze‐drying medium significantly increased the proportions of GVs with intact nuclear membrane and DNA integrity compared with the control group. Following transfer of freeze‐dried GVs into enucleated fresh oocytes, the proportion of reconstructed oocytes reached the metaphase‐II stage (2.4% ± 1.4%) was significantly lower (p < .05) than that of the in vitro matured control group (83.2% ± 2.5%), it was comparable with the GVT control group (7.4% ± 2.7%). The rates of freeze‐dried GVs with intact nuclear membrane and DNA stored at −20°C for 5 days were significantly higher (p < .05) than those at 4°C and room temperature. The rates of intact nuclear membrane and DNA in the freeze‐dried GV stored for 15 or 30 days at −20, 4°C and RT were not significantly different. In conclusion, matured oocytes were produced derived from freeze‐dried GVs.
Laparoscopic transection of restrictive bands of the mesosalpinx as adjunct to the use of prostaglandin E2for mares with suspected uterine tubal blockage
Authors: Pye J , Clulow J , Adkins A 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveTo describe the laparoscopic transection of restrictive bands of the mesosalpinx as a useful adjunct to the topical application of prostaglandin E2to treat mares with suspected uterine tubal blockage.MethodsA standard left flank laparoscopic approach was made to the abdomen using three laparoscopic portals. If restrictive bands of the mesosalpinx were observed traversing the uterine tube perpendicularly, they were carefully transected and 1 mg of prostaglandin E2was then applied to the external surface of the uterine tube. Skin incisions were closed with surgical staples and the procedure was repeated on the right uterine tube.ResultsNine Thoroughbred mares suspected of uterine tubal blockage were treated. The treated mares had been barren for 1.8 years on average (range: 1–5 years). The overall postoperative conception rate in treated mares was 89% (8/9 mares). The mean number of mated oestrus cycles before pregnancy in the eight mares that conceived was 1.9 ± 1.6. These mares had been bred on average 6.2 ± 1.9 cycles without becoming pregnant prior to surgery.ConclusionTransection of restrictive bands of the mesosalpinx is easily performed as an adjunctive procedure to laparoscopic‐guided application of prostaglandin E2to the uterine tube. The procedure does not appear to have any detrimental effects on fertility and may improve fertility in a particular subset of mares with complicated uterine tubal disease.
A comparative pharmacokinetic study of DRL_BZ, a candidate biosimilar of bevacizumab, with Avastin® (EU and US) in healthy male subjects
Authors: Wynne Chris , Schwabe Christian , Batra Sonica Sachdeva , Lopez‐Lazaro Luis , Kankanwadi Suresh 
Published: June 2018

AimThe aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics (PK) of DRL_BZ with that of EU‐approved (reference medicinal product; RMP) and US‐licensed (reference product; RP) bevacizumab (Avastin®) in healthy male subjects.MethodsIn this double‐blind, parallel‐group, Phase 1 study (BZ‐01‐001), men aged 20–45 years were randomized 1:1:1 to receive a single intravenous infusion of 1 mg kg−1 of bevacizumab as DRL_BZ, RMP or RP. A total of 149 subjects were randomized (DRL_BZ, 50; RMP, 50; RP, 49). Primary endpoints included maximum observed serum concentration (Cmax), area under the concentration–time curve from time zero (pre‐dose) extrapolated to infinity (AUC(0–∞)), and area under the concentration–time curve from time zero (pre‐dose) to last quantifiable concentration (AUC(0–t)). Secondary objectives were to compare the safety and immunogenicity of DRL_BZ with those of the reference products.ResultsPrimary PK parameters were comparable across groups, and 90% confidence intervals for the geometric mean ratios of the primary PK endpoints were within the pre‐specified equivalence margins (80–125%) for all pairwise comparisons (DRL_BZ vs. RMP, DRL_BZ vs. RP and RMP vs. RP). No deaths or serious adverse events were reported. Similar numbers of subjects reported similar numbers of treatment‐emergent adverse events in the three treatment groups. One subject who received DRL_BZ had anti‐drug antibodies at the Day 85 visit; however, no anti‐drug antibodies were detected in this subject at the 12‐month follow‐up visit.ConclusionsPK, safety and immunogenicity of DRL_BZ were comparable to EU‐approved and US‐licensed bevacizumab in healthy male subjects.
The federal government's banks: Financial services and public policy
Authors: Bird Malcolm G. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractInternationally, interest in and research on state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) have increased significantly, particularly in the developing world, where they play a vital role in national economies. The evolution of Canadian SOEs is, for the most part, largely absent from this literature. This article analyzes and evaluates the performance of three SOEs in the financial sector owned and operated by the federal government: Export Development Canada (EDC), the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Farm Credit Canada (FCC). The article seeks to evaluate the performance of these commercially oriented hybrid entities which are policy (and politically) sensitive to the needs of their single shareholder. There is evidence that these firms take on higher‐risk investments than their private sector counterparts, in addition to performing other politically significant policy roles. There is also evidence that, as publicly owned entities, they enjoy some significant advantages over other actors in the sector.