bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new mineral policy development framework for Pakistan
Authors: Ashraf Hamid , Cawood Frederick 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a mineral policy development framework for Pakistan based on seven key elements derived from the gap analysis of Pakistan’s current framework with leading developing minerals-based economies. Pakistan is gifted with significant mineral resources that have the potential to lift its economy and bring prosperity to its citizens. For this to happen, Pakistan must formulate a mineral policy based on leading practices to attract mining investment for economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper develops a new mineral policy framework from the lessons derived from the gap analysis conducted in the first paper of this research. These lessons are called the “elements of development” which, after evaluation with the existing framework, will provide the suggested strategic fit measures for the formulation of the new mineral policy framework for Pakistan.

Findings
A new mineral policy framework is proposed based on seven key enablers, namely, institutional framework, stable political economy, legal framework, regulatory framework, fiscal framework, stakeholder participation and sustainable development. A new organisational structure of the Ministry is also proposed based on the generally accepted organisational structure of tiers, implementation and regulatory bodies.

Practical implications
The key constraints for Pakistan’s mineral sector are as follows: the sector is lacking an enabling institutional framework for efficient access to mineral resources and lacks an enabling fiscal and regulatory framework including secure mineral rights system for mining to enhance the economic attractiveness of the sector.

Originality/value
This paper presents original work on the development of a new mineral policy framework for Pakistan to extract maximum benefit from its mineral resources.
How the human-machine interchange will transform business operations
Authors: Butner Karen , Ho Grace 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
Machine learning is beginning to transform the way businesses organize their operations and benefit from technology investments.

Design/methodology/approach
To learn more about how far along organizations are in deploying intelligent automation and in developing plans and strategies for its adoption, the IBM Institute for Business Value, in collaboration with Oxford Economics surveyed and interviewed 550 technology and operations executives.

Findings
The primary purpose of intelligent automation is to augment employees’ skills, experience and expertise, extending the human mind in ways that allow for higher productivity, creative problem-solving and more engaging jobs for employees.

Practical implications
Automation is not a plug-and-play solution: companies cannot just buy the technology, flip the switch and watch robots run the business without any human intervention.

Originality/value
This recent survey of operations executive with specific knowledge of their companies plans provides insights into best practice. Executives believe that layering new technologies on top of old business processes is apt to be less productive ? and less cost-effective ? than rethinking processes to make the most of intelligent automation. Executives must optimize workflows for automation; this means envisioning the end result, enabling it through logical steps and prototyping the process ? then repairing as necessary before scaling.
Strategic negotiations: three essentials for successful partnerships with startups
Authors: Freytag Rudolf 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
The author presents a tried-and-tested strategy for how startups can systematically and efficiently negotiate partnerships with established companies.

Design/methodology/approach
The concept consists of three elements: strategic balance, stakeholder alignment, and negotiation space. Real-world examples illustrate how this strategy can be applied.

Findings
The “strategic balance” element weighs the strategic benefits of the partnership against the strategic costs. This determines the negotiation strategy. The “stakeholder alignment” element gives due consideration to the interests and priorities of all stakeholder groups. Lastly, the “negotiation space” element is instrumental in streamlining the negotiations by focusing on the issues that are actually negotiable.

Practical implications
The concept can generally be applied to all aspects of negotiations between startups and established companies and has a long and proven track record in the real world. The issue of strategic balance in particular is useful in recognizing the strategic costs, which are sometimes hard to discern and only manifest themselves down the road, and comparing them with the strategic benefits, which are frequently obvious. A careful stakeholder alignment increases the chance that negotiations will succeed while building a foundation for constructive collaboration in the eventual partnership.

Originality/value
Startups that use this tried-and-tested strategy have a tool that can help them systematically and efficiently negotiate partnerships with established companies. The tool also helps the partners recognize early on whether negotiations actually have any prospect for success. The concept can also serve as a guideline for a corporate in negotiating a successful partnership with a startup.
The financial performance of rural banks in Ghana
Authors: Awo Joyce Patience , Akotey Joseph Oscar 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
Rural and community banks (RCBs) provide financial services to small enterprises in rural and sub-urban areas. The purpose of this paper is to examine their financial performance through a case-specific evaluation of a small bank situated in the northern part of Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors employed a triangulation method comprising relative ratio analysis, bivariate and generalized method of moments (GMM) techniques for the evaluation of the audited annual financial statements of the bank covering a period of 15 years.

Findings
The relative ratio analysis show that the bank's financial performance has generally been above the average of the rural banking industry. The bivariate analysis indicates that although the loans portfolio is positive, it is not properly fitted. That is, some of its loan portfolio deviates from the path of expectation. The GMM analysis indicates that its financial performance is significantly influenced by liquidity management, bank capital and size which have enhanced its expansion and intermediation to rural households and microenterprises. However, an increase in the government treasury bill rate has a declining effect on the bank’s profitability.

Practical implications
The findings have significant policy implications for the management and supervision of RCBs. RCBs should deal with the spillover effects of the banking and MFIs’ crisis by educating and re-assuring their customers of their financial integrity. Most importantly, they differentiate their services from the other financial institutions within the space of the rural financial architecture.

Originality/value
Majority of research into this area has focused heavily on large commercial banks. This research adds value to the literature by re-focusing the searchlight on the financial performance of small banks.
High diversity and rapid spatial turnover of integron gene cassettes in soil
Authors: Ghaly Timothy M. , Geoghegan Jemma L. , Alroy John , Gillings Michael R. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryIntegrons are genetic elements that promote rapid adaptation in bacteria by capturing exogenous, mobile gene cassettes. Recently, a subset of gene cassettes has facilitated the global spread of antibiotic resistance. However, outside clinical settings, very little is known about their diversity and spatial ecology. To address this question, we sequenced integron gene cassettes from soils sampled across Australia and Antarctica. We recovered 44 970 open reading frames that encoded 27 215 unique proteins, representing an order of magnitude more cassettes than previous sequencing efforts. We found that cassettes have extremely high local richness, significantly greater than previously predicted, with estimates ranging from 4000 to 18 000 unique cassettes per 0.3 g of soil. We show that cassettes have a heterogeneous distribution across space, and that they exhibit rapid turnover with distance. Similarity between samples drops to between 0.1% and 10% at distances of as little as 100 m. Together, these data provide key insights into the ecology and size of the gene cassette metagenome.
Spatial separation of anaerobic ammonium oxidation and nitrite‐dependent anaerobic methane oxidation in permeable riverbeds
Authors: Shen Lidong , Ouyang Liao , Zhu Yizhu , Trimmer Mark 
Published: February 2019

SummaryAnaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) and nitrite‐dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (n‐damo) play important roles in nitrogen and carbon cycling in fresh waters but we do not know how these two processes compete for their common electron acceptor, nitrite. Here, we investigated the spatial distribution of anammox and n‐damo across a range of permeable riverbed sediments. Anammox activity and gene abundance were detected in both gravel and sandy riverbeds and showed a simple, common vertical distribution pattern, while the patterns in n‐damo were more complex and n‐damo activity was confined to the more reduced, sandy riverbeds. Anammox was most active in surficial sediment (0–2 cm), coincident with a peak in hzsA gene abundance and nitrite. In contrast, n‐damo activity peaked deeper down (4–8 cm) in the sandy riverbeds, coincident with a peak in n‐damo 16S rRNA gene abundance and higher methane concentration. Pore water nitrite, methane and oxygen were key factors influencing the distribution of these two processes in permeable riverbeds. Furthermore, both anammox‐ and n‐damo‐ activity were positively correlated with denitrification activity, suggesting a role for denitrification in supplying both processes with nitrite. Our data reveal spatial separation between anammox and n‐damo in permeable riverbed sediments that potentially avoids them competing for nitrite.
Complexity and hybrid effects in the delivery and evaluation of youth programmes in a remote Indigenous community
Authors: Staines Zoe , Moran Mark 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIndigenous Australians continue to experience entrenched disadvantage. Despite billions being spent, ‘Closing the Gap’ indicators remain resistant to change. It has become increasingly apparent that progress has been hindered by persistent administration and implementation issues in Indigenous Affairs, especially with the funding modalities deployed. This study uses the remote Queensland Indigenous community of Aurukun as a case study to examine the effectiveness and evaluation problems arising from overlapping programmes delivered to Aurukun children and youth (5–18 years of age). It documents programmatic crowding occurring in Aurukun, which has the potential to place considerable demands on the intended participants, and results in hybridised effects that are not understood. Within this context, robust evaluation – even through the use of sophisticated methods – is near impossible.
Developing Absorptive Capacity Theory for Public Service Organizations: Emerging UK Empirical Evidence
Authors: Butler Michael J. R. , Ferlie Ewan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA strong public policy focus on high performance means that utilizing management knowledge effectively is at a premium for UK public service organizations. This study empirically examined two English public agencies to explore the inter‐sectoral transfer of a strategic management model originally developed in the private sector – absorptive capacity – which is one way of conceptualizing an organizational competence in such knowledge mobilization. Two theoretical contributions are made. First, a new absorptive capacity framework for public service organizations is developed which recognizes the participation of public agency project teams during an innovation process proceeding over time with phases of co‐creation, testing, metamorphosis and diffusion. Second, our novel framework modifies an early influential model of absorptive capacity. Counter to this model, we argue that realized absorptive capacity requires agency from skilled and embedded actors to turn ‘curbing routines’ into ‘enabling routines’ in all four stages. Project (middle) managers have flexibility in their roles to seize episodic moments of opportunity to innovate and achieve service delivery goals, and to build absorptive capacity capability. Absorptive capacity capability develops organically over time. Future research directions are discussed.
Influence of activation mode and preheating on intracanal irrigant temperature
Authors: Leonardi Denise Piotto , Grande Nicola Maria , Tomazinho Flávia Sens Fagundes , Marques‐da‐Silva Bruno , Gonzaga Carla Castiglia , Baratto‐Filho Flares , Plotino Gianluca 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis ex vivo study assessed the effectiveness of two activation modes to increase the intracanal temperature of 5.25% NaOCl solution and the time for a preheated‐irrigant to return to its initial temperature. Ten single‐rooted extracted human teeth were used. Thermocouples were adapted to the root surface and the temperature was registered following two activation modes: ultrasound (US) and thermal. Furthermore, a preheated‐solution (45°C/60°C) was flushed into root canal to test the time needed to return to its initial temperature. Data were analysed using two‐way ANOVA and Tukey's post‐hoc tests (P = 0.05). Statistical analysis showed differences between the activation modes. US and thermal activation increased from 37 to 40.4°C and to 62.8°C respectively in 60 s. Time for preheated‐irrigant to return to its initial temperature was longer for 60°C. Preheating irrigant at 60°C and using thermal activation to keep it warm may represent a further step of the irrigation protocol.
Asymmetric Investor Reaction around Earnings Benchmark under Economic Uncertainty
Authors: Shin Jae Eun 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis study examines the effect of macro‐economic shocks on asymmetric investor reactions to earnings announcements. Specifically, we focus on a small range around the earnings benchmark and find a disproportionately large market penalty for firms with small negative earnings surprises (ESs) following an increase in macro‐uncertainty. By contrast, we find no evidence of an asymmetric market reaction to firms with small negative ESs following a decrease in macro‐uncertainty. While prior empirical research failed to document the large penalty for small negative ESs, our findings suggest macro‐economic shocks as a factor that explains the asymmetric pricing effect.
First‐trimester ultrasound features associated with subsequent miscarriage: A prospective study
Authors: Taylor Tracey J. , Quinton Ann E. , de Vries Bradley S. , Hyett Jonathon A. 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundFirst‐trimester miscarriage is common, with women increasingly offered an ultrasound scan early in the first trimester to assess the status of their pregnancy. Ultrasound is uniquely situated to significantly impact the clinical management of these women.AimsThis study aims to determine whether there were any differences in the early ultrasound appearances of pregnancies that continued to be viable or resulted in miscarriage before 12 weeks gestation.Materials and MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study including ultrasound measurements: mean sac diameter (MSD), yolk sac diameter (YSD), crown‐rump length (CRL), fetal heart rate (FHR), trophoblast thickness, trophoblast volume (TTV) and mean uterine artery pulsatility index (meanUAPI). Regression models were fitted for each parameter and Z‐scores compared between cohorts that progressed or miscarried after the scan but before 12 weeks gestation. Logistic regression analysis was used to create a prediction model for miscarriage prior to 12 weeks gestation based on the standardised ultrasound measurements recorded during the early first‐trimester scan.ResultsComparison of Z‐Scores for meanUAPI, TTV, FHR and MSD demonstrated significant variation between the two groups. The proposed logistic regression model resulted in an area under the receiver operator curve of 0.81. At a false‐positive rate of 30%, the model resulted in a sensitivity of 76% (95% CI 64–89%).ConclusionThe combination of FHR, meanUAPI, TTV in a prediction model for miscarriage may prove to be of value for ongoing pregnancy management in the first trimester.
Low‐dose vaginal misoprostol vs vaginal dinoprostone insert for induction of labor beyond 41st week: A randomized trial
Authors: De Bonrostro Torralba Carlos , Tejero Cabrejas Eva Lucía , Envid Lázaro Blanca Mar , Franco Royo Maria Jesús , Roca Arquillué Montserrat , Campillos Maza Jose Manuel 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a low‐dose protocol of vaginal misoprostol and vaginal dinoprostone insert for induction of labor in women with post‐term pregnancies.Material and methodsWe designed a prospective, randomized, open‐labeled trial with evaluators blinded to the end‐point, including women of at least 41 weeks of gestational age with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies and a Bishop score <6. They were randomized into dinoprostone or misoprostol groups in a 1:1 ratio. Baseline maternal data and perinatal outcomes were recorded for statistical analysis. Successful vaginal delivery within 24 hours was the primary outcome variable. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (number NTC03744364).ResultsWe included 198 women for analysis (99 women in each group). Vaginal birth rate within 24 hours did not differ between groups (49.5% vs 42.4%; P = 0.412). When the Bishop score was <4, dinoprostone insert showed a higher probability of vaginal delivery within 12 hours (17.8% vs 4%; P = 0.012). In the dinoprostone group, removal of the insert was more likely to be due to an adverse event (5.1% vs 14.1%; P = 0.051) and an abnormal fetal heart rate pattern during active labor (44.4% vs 58.6%; P = 0.047). Both groups were similar in neonatal outcomes including Apgar score, umbilical cord pH and neonatal intensive care unit admission.ConclusionsLow‐dose vaginal misoprostol and vaginal dinoprostone insert seem to be equally effective and safe for induction of labor in pregnant women with a gestational age beyond 41 weeks.
The development of ovarian tissue cryopreservation in Edinburgh: Translation from a rodent model through validation in a large mammal and then into clinical practice
Authors: Anderson Richard A. , Baird David T. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractOvarian tissue cryopreservation has developed rapidly from its origins in experiments in sheep in the 1990s, and is now becoming recognized as a standard, rather than experimental, procedure. This review summarizes the origins of the technique, and key milestones in its development since the first reported sheep pregnancy in 1994 to the first successful human pregnancy in 2004, and now to the first baby born following cryopreservation of prepubertal ovarian tissue. Many challenges remain to optimize this technique, to improve the survival of follicles within the reimplanted ovarian tissue, to improve its reproducibility and hence the success rate and the lifespan of the graft. The other key area remains the possibility of the grafted tissue containing malignant cells, most importantly in leukemia.
Induction of labor at full‐term in pregnant women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Saccone Gabriele , Della Corte Luigi , Maruotti Giuseppe M. , Quist‐Nelson Johanna , Raffone Antonio , De Vivo Valentino , Esposito Gennaro , Zullo Fulvio , Berghella Vincenzo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe lowest incidence of perinatal morbidity and mortality occurs around 39‐40 weeks. Therefore, some have advocated induction of uncomplicated singleton gestations once they reach full‐term. The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk of cesarean delivery, and any maternal and perinatal effects of a policy of induction of labor in women with full‐term uncomplicated singleton gestations.Material and methodsWe performed an electronic search from inception of each database to August 2018. All results were then limited to randomized trial. No restrictions for language or geographic location were applied. Inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trials of asymptomatic women with uncomplicated, singleton gestations at full‐term (ie, between 39+0 and 40+6 weeks) who were randomized to either planned induction of labor or control (ie, expectant management). Only trials on asymptomatic singleton gestations without premature rupture of membranes or any other indications for induction evaluating the effectiveness of planned induction of labor in full‐term singleton gestations were included. The primary outcome was the incidence of cesarean delivery.ResultsSeven randomized clinical trials, including 7598 participants were analyzed. Three studies enrolled only women with favorable cervix, defined as a Bishop score of ≥5 in nulliparous women or ≥4 in multiparous women. One trial included only women aged 35 years or older. Women randomized to the planned induction of labor, received scheduled induction usually at 39+0 to 39+6 weeks of gestation, whereas women in the control group received expectant management usually until 41‐42 weeks of gestation, or earlier if medically indicated. Methods of induction usually included cervical ripening, with either misoprostol or Foley catheter, in conjunction with or followed by oxytocin for women with unfavorable cervix, and oxytocin and artificial rupture of membranes for those with favorable cervix. Five trials also used artificial rupture of membranes as a method for induction. Uncomplicated full‐term singleton gestations that were randomized to receive induction of labor had similar incidence of cesarean delivery compared with controls (18.6% vs 21.4%; relative risk 0.96, 95% CI 0.78‐1.19). Regarding neonatal outcomes, induction of labor at full‐term was associated with a significantly lower rate of meconium‐stained amniotic fluid (4.0% vs 13.5%; relative risk 0.32, 95% CI 0.18‐0.57), and lower mean birthweight (mean difference −98.96 g, 95% CI −126.29 to −71.63) compared with the control group. There were no between‐group differences in other adverse neonatal outcomes.ConclusionsInduction of labor at about 39 weeks is not associated with increased risk of cesarean delivery.
Evaluation criterion for response to selection with constraint
Authors: Satoh Masahiro 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe aims of the present study are to represent the concept of restricted breeding values algebraically and to propose a criterion for evaluating the genetic responses achieved by using a restricted selection procedure. An additive genetic mixed model characterized by multiple traits with constraints was assumed. If the random errors approach zero and the fixed effects can be completely estimated correctly in the model, the restricted best linear unbiased predictor of breeding values (uR) is equal to , where G0, C0, and u are the additive genetic variance‐covariance matrix for the q traits, the matrix for restriction, and the vector of breeding values, respectively. Therefore, if we want to evaluate the response to restricted selection, such as by a stochastic computer simulation study with known breeding values, we can use uR as only one criterion.