bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin A supplement after neonatalStreptococcus pneumoniaepneumonia alters CD4+T cell subset and inhibits allergic asthma in mice model
Authors: Tian Yonglu , Tian Qinqin , Wu Yi , Peng Xin , Chen Yunxiu , Li Qinyuan , Zhang Guangli , Tian Xiaoyin , Ren Luo , Luo Zhengxiu 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundPreviously, we showed that neonatal pneumonia caused byStreptococcus pneumoniae(S. pneumoniae) promoted adulthood ovalbumin (OVA) induced allergic asthma. Many studies have demonstrated that vitamin A deficiency induced the development of allergic asthma. Whether neonatalS. pneumoniaepneumonia promoted allergic asthma development was associated with vitamin A concentrations remains unclear.MethodsFemale BALB/c neonates were infected withS. pneumoniaestrain D39 and subsequently treated with vitamin A. Vitamin A concentrations in lung, serum and liver were monitored on 2, 5, 7, 14, 21, 28 days post infection. Four weeks after infection, mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA to induce allergic airway disease (AAD) in early adulthood. Twenty-four hours after the final challenge, lung histo-pathology, cytokine concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and lung CD4+T cells were measured.ResultsWe demonstrated that neonatalS. pneumoniaepneumonia induce lung vitamin A deficiency up to early adulthood. Moreover, neonatalS. pneumoniaepneumonia aggravated airway inflammatory cells accumulation and increased AHR during AAD, decreased Foxp3+Treg and Th1 productions remarkably, while Th2 cell expression was increased significantly. Further study indicated that vitamin A supplement after neonatalS. pneumoniaepneumonia can promote Foxp3+Treg and Th1 productions, decrease Th2 cell expressions, alleviate AHR and inflammatory cells infiltration during AAD.ConclusionsUsing a mouse model, we demonstrate that Vitamin A supplement after neonatal Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia alters the CD4+T cell subset and inhibits the development of early adulthood allergic asthma.
Critical role of miR-10b in BRafV600E dependent anchorage-independent growth and invasion of melanoma cells
Authors: Datar Ila , Kalpana Gardiyawasam , de la Serna Ivana , Trumbly Robert , Choi Jungmin , Yeung Kam C. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractRecent high-throughput-sequencing of cancer genomes has identified oncogenic mutations in the BRaf genetic locus as one of the critical events in melanomagenesis. BRaf encodes a serine/threonine kinase that regulates the MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) protein kinase cascade. In normal cells, the activity of BRaf is tightly regulated and is required for cell growth and survival. BRaf gain-of-function mutations in melanoma frequently lead to unrestrained growth, enhanced cell invasion and increased viability of cancer cells. Although it is clear that the invasive phenotypes of BRaf mutated melanoma cells are stringently dependent on BRaf-MEK-ERK activation, the downstream effector targets that are required for oncogenic BRaf-mediated melanomagenesis are not well defined. miRNAs have regulatory functions towards the expression of genes that are important in carcinogenesis. We observed that miR-10b expression correlates with the presence of the oncogenic BRaf (BRafV600E) mutation in melanoma cells. While expression of miR-10b enhances anchorage-independent growth of BRaf wild-type melanoma cells, miR-10b silencing decreases BRafV600E cancer cell invasion in vitro. Importantly, the expression of miR-10b is required for BRafV600E-mediated anchorage-independent growth and invasion of melanoma cells in vitro. Taken together our results suggest that miR-10b is an important mediator of oncogenic BRafV600E activity in melanoma.
Formation of the substantia nigra requires Reelin-mediated fast, laterally-directed migration of dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Vaswani Ankita Ravi , Weykopf Beatrice , Hagemann Cathleen , Fried Hans-Ulrich , Brüstle Oliver , Blaess Sandra 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMidbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons migrate to form the laterally-located substantia nigra pars compacta (SN) and medially-located ventral tegmental area (VTA), but little is known about the underlying cellular and molecular processes. Reelin signaling regulates tangential migration of SN-mDA neurons, but whether Reelin acts directly on SN-mDA neurons and how it affects their cellular morphology and migratory behavior has not been explored. Here we visualize the dynamic cell morphologies of tangentially migrating SN-mDA neurons with 3D-time-lapse imaging and identify two distinct migration modes. Slow migration is the default mode in SN-mDA neurons, while fast, laterally-directed migration occurs infrequently and is strongly associated with bipolar cell morphology. By speci1cally inactivating Reelin signaling in mDA neurons we demonstrate its direct role in SN-mDA tangential migration. We show that Reelin signaling promotes laterally-biased movements in mDA neurons during their slow migration mode, stabilizes leading process morphology and increases the probability of fast, laterally-directed migration.
The influence of Confucianism on Chinese politics and foreign policy
Authors: Zhao Quansheng 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the role Confucianism has in affecting domestic and foreign policy which is accomplished by looking at historical trends and contemporary developments and arguments posed by leading scholars. This paper finds that Confucianism has had a significant impact on current Chinese policy; however, it has been a selective application. In particular, the Chinese Government has focused on the traditional Confucian moral framework and the mandate to rule, which has allowed the Chinese Government to work toward further securing their right to rule and enhance a more assertive foreign policy abroad.

Design/methodology/approach
This study based on historical, theoretical and empirical discussions.

Findings
It is clear that Confucianism has had profound influence on Chinese politics and foreign policy. As rulers in the past of Chinese history, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has also utilized Confucianism to enhance nationalist sentiments among the people. Confucianism, therefore, has been served as the codifying ideology to further secure the CCP’s right to rule domestically, and to enhance a more assertive foreign policy abroad. With confidence, one can argue that Confucianism will continue to serve as a leading source of ideas in China for its effort to pursue modernization.

Originality/value
This paper focuses on the impact of Confucianism on Chinese politics and foreign policy. In the field of international relations and foreign policy analysis, it is well known that ideas are always critical to any changes of a country’s foreign policy. That is to say, a country’s politics and foreign policy would be heavily influenced not only by the changes of tide in contemporary world politics, but also heavily influenced by its traditional thinking and heritage. In this paper, the author will examine the influence of Confucianism on Chinese domestic politics and foreign policy. The analysis will cover recent arguments about the role of Confucianism from several leading contemporary thinkers. It will also make some brief comparisons between China and other East Asian societies, including Japan and Korea.
Examining spatio-temporal patterns, drivers and trends of residential fires in South East Queensland, Australia
Authors: Chhetri Prem , Corcoran Jonathan , Ahmad Shafiq , KC Kiran 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is twofold: first is to examine the changing spatio-temporal patterns and regional trends in residential fires; and second is to investigate the likely association of fire risk with seasons, calendar events and socio-economic disadvantage.

Design/methodology/approach
Using spatial analytic and predictive techniques, 11 years of fire incident data supplied by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services are mapped and analysed.

Findings
The results show significant spatial and temporal variability in the distribution of residential fires. Residential fire incidents are more likely to occur in the inner city and across more disadvantaged areas. Mapped outputs show some areas in Brisbane at a higher risk of fire than others and that the risk of fire escalates at specific times of the year, in neighbourhoods with a higher disadvantage, during major sporting events and school holidays. The residential fires showed strong seasonal periodicity. There is a continuous yet gradual increase in the number of fire incidents recorded for all five sub-regions within SEQ. Sunshine Coast experienced the highest upward trend whereas Toowoomba and West Moreton show the lowest increase.

Originality/value
This study provides an empirical basis to guide future operational strategies through targeting high fire risk areas at particular times. This, in turn, will help utilise finite resources in areas where and when they need and thus enable minimise emergency management costs.
A multi-methods study exploring the role of stakeholders in the digital preservation environment
Authors: Adu Kofi Koranteng 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
This study aims to examine the role of stakeholders in the digital preservation under the following key research questions: What are the levels of awareness of the volumes of digital material? What are the contributory factors for the growth of digital records and the types of information and communication technology products?

Design/methodology/approach
With the convergence of questionnaire, documentary evidence, observation, interview and questionnaire, this paper aims to examine the state and role of stakeholders in the digital preservation environment. The adoption of the multi-methods approach to the study offered a panoramic view of the inquiry where the quantitative paradigm became the emphasis or the priority for the study, while the qualitative data set provided a secondary or supportive role.

Findings
The study underscored the adoption of collaborative and participatory opportunities in the digital preservation environment and reinforced the concept of Open Data, which thrives on citizen’s trust, participation and collaboration (UN e-government survey, 2014). It further revealed lack of knowledge about the likely growth of digital material across the ministries and agencies and confirmed that government legislations have contributed to the increased demand for information and the growth of digital records.

Originality/value
The study underlined two mutually exclusive concepts (collaboration and participation) as part of the strategies to ameliorate the digital preservation conundrum confronted by memory institutions in Ghana. The applications of these concepts as solutions to the digital preservation problems are novel and currently gaining prominence and acceptance within the archival community Their adoption in this study could not have come at a better time, particularly when public sector organizations are confronted with the challenge of preserving digital records.
The influence of social interactions on senior customers’ experiences and loneliness
Authors: Song Haiyan , Altinay Levent , Sun Ning , Wang Xuan Lorna 
Published: September 2018

PurposeThis study aims to use the theory of third places to understand how different kinds of social interactions in small hospitality businesses, such as restaurants and cafes, can enhance senior customers’ experiences and alleviate their loneliness.Design/methodology/approachThe target population of this study were Hong Kong residents of age 60 or older. The sampling frame comprised respondents who visited a Cha Chaan Teng (i.e. a Hong Kong-style tea restaurant) more than once a year. The authors distributed 500 questionnaires and collected 411 valid responses in 2016. They used structural equation modeling for data analysis.FindingsThe results show that social interactions (service manner and need identification) with employees and other customers have a positive effect on senior customers’ experiences, while the service manner of employees reduces senior customers’ loneliness.Originality/valueThis study demonstrates the respective contributions of social interactions with employees and those with other customers to enhancing senior customers’ experiences and alleviating their loneliness. This study’s findings may provide a foundation for future research into the relationships between social interactions, customer experience and loneliness in third places (that are, informal public places that offer individuals opportunities to escape from home and the workplace and to enjoy voluntary conversation, entertainment and gatherings). Further, this study also demonstrates the specific role and importance of the hospitality industry in addressing a contemporary social problem in the form of seniors’ loneliness.
A two-phase multiobjective optimization for benchmarking and evaluating service quality in banks
Authors: Ayo Femi Emmanuel 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
Service quality is an evaluation of how well a delivered service meets customers’ expectations. The purpose of this paper is to provide a reliable scale of measurement for service quality in banks.

Design/methodology/approach
The SERVQUAL model was adopted based on a Banking Service Quality (BSQ) model and a two-phase multiobjective optimization model was designed. A structured questionnaire with five-point Likert scale was administered with a 93 percent response rate of 270 sample size. A total of 22 variables were considered based on the BSQ model and the significance of these variables to customers’ satisfaction were investigated. Factor analysis was used to extract the most influential factors on the measure of service quality and four factors were selected namely: they deliver when promised, precision on account statements, queues that move rapidly and sufficient number of ATMs per branch. In order to determine the reliability of the multiple Likert questions in the survey, Cronbach’s α was used indicating a scale reliability of 0.743. Moreover, multiple regression analysis was carried out on the selected factors to design an objective function for the design and evaluation of service quality model. The model design used for benchmarking was done using multiobjective genetic algorithm in MATLAB. Similarly, the model evaluation was done in a java interface using multiobjective particle swamp optimization.

Findings
The evaluation results validated the designed model and showed that the factors they deliver when promised and queues that move rapidly are a more reliable scale of measurement for customer’s satisfaction than the factors precision on account statements and sufficient number of ATMs per branch.

Research limitations/implications
The implication of the results is that effectiveness and assurance combined with access is a more significant factor for measuring customers’ satisfaction than tangibles based on the BSQ model.

Originality/value
The introduction of a two-phase optimization model for model benchmarking and evaluation as compared to ordinary factor analysis of the dimension constructs.
Citizens and expatriates satisfaction with public services in Qatar – evidence from a survey
Authors: Abdelkader Benmansour Nada 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze citizens’ and expatriates’ satisfaction with public service delivery in Qatar, one of the world’s highest per capita incomes countries.

Design/methodology/approach
The author uses a 2017 survey conducted in Qatar among both Qatari and expatriates’ respondents. The scientifically grounded sample consisted of 1,356 respondents, who were 18 years of age and older. The data were collected through a face-to-face survey. The focus was on citizen satisfaction with basic public services such as education, health, roads and infrastructure, water and electricity and government services. The author uses logit and regression analysis to estimate the determinants of satisfaction.

Findings
Expatriates hold more positive feelings about local public services than citizens. The highest levels of satisfaction are with government offices and the lowest levels of satisfaction are with independent schools. The dispersion by municipality is less significant as there is no municipality where citizens and expatriates are totally satisfied with all the public services provided.

Research limitations/implications
Qatar has one of the fastest population growth and highest migrant population which makes the question of the satisfaction with public services unique. And, since the blockade on Qatar in May 2017 and the environment of economic restriction, the issue becomes even more critical.

Originality/value
Until now, there have been no empirical studies published analyzing the level of satisfaction with public services in Qatar for citizens and for expatriates.
An empirical analysis of service quality factors pertaining to ocean freight forwarding services
Authors: Subhashini S. , Preetha S. 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
The service sector is the key driver of a country’s economic growth. The quality of service is more important for the survival of any organization. It is the interactive process by which the organization understands the customer and satisfies their needs. The main purpose of this study is to identify the factors influencing service quality in ocean freight forwarding and to study the association between the factors.

Design/methodology/approach
This research uses a deductive approach, which understands the theory first and collects the data. A questionnaire is designed to collect the data. The sampling technique used is two-stage sampling. First, the freight forwarders are selected and then the customers, importers and exporters are selected randomly. Likert scales are used to measure quality factors such as tangibility, reliability, responsibility, value, empathy and assurance. The association of factors is empirically evaluated. The SPSS tool is used for the correlation analysis.

Findings
An extensive review of the literature has been done to study and identify these service quality factors influencing customer satisfaction and loyalty. The result of this extensive literature review revealed that tangibility, responsiveness, reliability, trust, empathy and value are the service quality. It has been proved that there exists a significant association between the service quality factors and is positively related to the customer satisfaction.

Originality/value
Some studies have examined the freight forwarders’ service quality, but not specifically related to any dimension. This study attempts to bring together the five dimensions of SERVQUAL scale and the value dimension evaluating the cost, freight charges, safety and security criteria in the industry and examines the association between the quality factors and customer satisfaction.
Patsy Flanagan in conversation with Jerome Carson
Authors: Flanagan Patsy , Carson Jerome 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Patsy Flanagan.

Design/methodology/approach
Patsy provides a short background to her life story and is then interviewed by Jerome.

Findings
Patsy shares with us a journey of suffering that started when she was only five, to today where she feels she has been saved by motherhood and would like to save others through her books.

Research limitations/implications
Case studies illustrate the complexities and the richness of human experience and help us understand mental health and mental illness better.

Practical implications
Patsy makes a heartfelt plea to those contemplating suicide, “I beg of you, reconsider. Life can improve”.

Social implications
To tackle the mental health epidemic we are witnessing, Patsy says we must start conversations about mental wellbeing in childhood. Schools have a vital role to play.

Originality/value
Patsy states that creativity and empathy can arise from suffering. Her own story bears witness to this.
Optimal Deficit Financing in a Constrained Fiscal Space in Ghana
Authors: Alagidede Paul , Mensah Jones Odei , Ibrahim Muazu 
Published: September 2018

AbstractGhana's public debt has been on the rise in recent years, raising questions of fiscal sustainability. At the same time prices of Ghana's main commodities such as crude oil, gold and cocoa have not fared well in world markets. Coupled with an underdeveloped financial system and weak domestic revenue mobilization capacity, the higher public debt levels pose a significant challenge to macroeconomic stability, and long‐run economic growth. This study contributes to a better understanding of the growth effects of high fiscal deficit in Ghana. We employ annual data spanning 1967–2013 and a sample splitting approach to examine the threshold level of Ghana's fiscal deficit and its impact on the country's economic growth. Our finding reveals an optimal fiscal deficit of 7.6 per cent of GDP. We find that the impact on economic growth of fiscal deficit is negative regardless of the sample splitting. However, our evidence shows that this effect is only statistically significant above the threshold. Although, the impact of fiscal deficit on growth is less clear and debatable, we document that fiscal deficit significantly hurts growth when the level exceeds the threshold. We discuss key implications for policy.
Drug Shortage Impacts Patient Receipt of Induction Treatment
Authors: Hedlund Nancy G. , Isgor Zeynep , Zwanziger Jack , Rondelli Damiano , Crawford Stephanie Y. , Hynes Denise M. , Powell Lisa M. 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveExamine the impact of the 2011 shortage of the drug cytarabine on patient receipt and timeliness of induction treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).Study DesignA retrospective cohort was utilized to examine odds of receipt of inpatient induction chemotherapy and time to first dose across major (N = 105) and moderate (N = 316) shortage time periods as compared to a nonshortage baseline (N = 1,147).Data Collection/Extraction MethodsDe‐identified patient data from 2008 to 2011 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) were linked to 2007–2013 Medicare claims and 2007–2013 Hospital Characteristics.Principal FindingsCompared to prior nonshortage time period, patients diagnosed during a major drug shortage were 47 percent less likely (p < .05) to receive inpatient chemotherapy within 14 days of diagnosis. Patients who were younger, had a lower Charlson Comorbidity score, and for whom AML was a first primary cancer were prioritized across all periods.ConclusionsPeriod of major shortage of a generic oncolytic, without an equivalent therapeutic substitute, reduced timely receipt of induction chemotherapy treatment. More favorable economic and regulatory policies for generic drug suppliers might result in greater availability of essential, older generic drug products that face prolonged or chronic shortage.