bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A survey on bankers’ perception of corporate social responsibility in India
Authors: Pratihari Suvendu Kumar , Uzma Shigufta Hena 
Published: May 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the perception of the bankers towards an integrated approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in a strategic way of achieving sustainable growth of the banking sector. The paper additionally provides insights into different CSR initiatives and their implementation process in the context of scheduled commercial banks (SCB) of India.Design/methodology/approachThe study is exploratory and endorses the qualitative approach of primary research methodology by adopting a non-random stratified sampling method. The localist approach of the face-to-face interview has been applied to collect the data from 26 elite class respondents from 13 SCBs. The interview method was semi-structured and open-ended. The conformity, trustworthiness, credibility, transferability, dependability test of the study have ensured the quality of the data.FindingsThe study reveals that the bankers perceive CSR as a moral obligation for the benefit of the society, beyond the regular banking operations. Further, the study comprehends that the CSR initiatives play a vital role in establishing the bank's image, brand and reputation, as well as, building a strong bond of trust among the employees and the bank management. Besides, CSR activities facilitate to cultivate a better culture by improvising in the quality of customer service for achieving competitive advantages.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of the study represent a significant contribution to CSR theory from the interface of banking and society. Significantly, the results confirm that CSR initiatives play a vital role in building trust and minimise the gap between the employees and the management of the bank. The banks can increase its acceptance in the society and achieve competitive advantage by integrating CSR objectives with the business objectives to strengthen the corporate personality and brand.Practical implicationsThe study will help practitioners to develop the social identity of their firm to achieve competitive advantages in long-run. The bankers can channelise their limited resources while planning, designing and the implementation of different CSR activities with the overall goal of the bank in a cost-effective way. The study is confined only to public and private SCBs and limited to the geographical scope of one state in India. Therefore, further exploration may be carried out by considering other banks and geographic regions in India and different cross-cultural settings.Originality/valueThe originality of the study lies with the in-depth analysis and quality check of the data. The results can contribute significant value to the qualitative method of conducting research.
Ginseng stem‐leaf saponins in combination with selenium enhance immune responses to an attenuated pseudorabies virus vaccine
Authors: Maqbool Babar , Wang Yong , Cui Xuemei , He Shanshan , Guan Ran , Wang Shenghao , Wang Yuemin , Hu Songhua 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPseudorabies, a herpesvirus infection, is mainly controlled by using attenuated live vaccines. In this study, the effect of ginseng stem and leaf saponins (GSLS) in combination with selenium (Se; in the form of sodium selenite) on vaccination against attenuated pseudorabies virus (aPrV) was evaluated. It was found that GSLS and Se have an adjuvant effect and that a combination of GSLS and Se stimulates significantly enhanced immune responses than does GSLS or Se alone. Following oral administration of GSLS, mice immunized with an attenuated PrV vaccine diluted in Se‐containing physiological saline solution (PSS) provoked a significantly stronger gB‐specific serum antibodies response (IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a), enhanced lymphocyte proliferation and cytolytic activity of NK cells, along with higher production of cytokines (IFN‐γ, IL‐12, IL‐5 and IL‐10) by splenocytes. Notably, the combination of GSLS and Se conferred a much higher resistance to fPrV challenge after immunization of the mice with aPrV vaccine. This study offers convincing experimental evidence that an injection of Se with oral GSLS is a promising adjuvant combination that improves the efficacy of vaccination against PrV and deserves further study regarding improvement of responses to other animal vaccines.
Identification of the ryanodine receptor mutation I4743M and its contribution to diamide insecticide resistance in Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Zuo Ya‐Yun , Ma Huan‐Huan , Lu Wen‐Jie , Wang Xing‐Liang , Wu Shu‐Wen , Nauen Ralf , Wu Yi‐Dong , Yang Yi‐Hua 
Published: May 2019

AbstractInsect ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are the targets of diamide insecticides. Two point mutations G4946E and I4790M (numbering according to Plutella xylostella, PxRyR) in the transmembrane domain of the insect RyRs associated with diamide resistance have so far been identified in three lepidopteran pests, P. xylostella, Tuta absoluta and Chilo suppressalis. In this study, we identified one of the known RyR target site resistance mutations (I4790M) in a field‐collected population of Spodoptera exigua. The field‐collected WF population of S. exigua exhibited 154 fold resistance to chlorantraniliprole when compared with the susceptible WH‐S strain. Sequencing the transmembrane domains of S. exigua RyR (SeRyR) revealed that the resistant WF strain was homozygous for the I4743M mutation (corresponding to I4790M in PxRyR), whereas the G4900E allele (corresponding to G4946E of PxRyR) was not detected. The 4743M allele was introgressed into the susceptible WH‐S strain by crossing WF with WH‐S, followed by three rounds of backcrossing with WH‐S. The introgressed strain 4743M was homozygous for the mutant 4743M allele and shared about 94% of its genetic background with that of the recipient WH‐S strain. Compared with WH‐S, the near‐isogenic 4743M strain showed moderate levels of resistance to chlorantraniliprole (21 fold), cyantraniliprole (25 fold) and flubendiamide (22 fold), suggesting that the I4743M mutation confers medium levels of resistance to all three diamides. Genetic analysis showed diamide resistance in the 4743M strain was inherited as an autosomal and recessive trait. Results from this study have direct implications for the design of appropriate resistance monitoring and management practices to sustainably control S. exigua.
Fragmented Conflict: Handling the Current World Disorder
Authors: Zartman I. William 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe current context of increasing entropy in international politics characterizes actions and relations on many levels: internationally among leading regional states, and domestically, within states. Following a few decades of progress in conflict management after the bipolar system. Major regions of the world have seen dedicated attempts to bring conflicts under control in the current decade failing for lack of ripeness, tradeoffs, reframing, mediation and support. New structures of world order embodying high values such as the UN/World Bank sustainable peace are good to keep in mind but in the meanwhile there is a need for smaller, immediately feasible measures, procedural and structural, to build and channel interim responses until the disorder of the system can be overcome. Examples are offered here, focusing on regional conflict, coalition of the willing responses, but also on building state capacity and legitimacy.
A Pilot Follow‐Up Study of Older Alcohol‐Dependent COGA Adults
Authors: Chan Grace , Kramer John R. , Schuckit Marc A. , Hesselbrock Victor , Bucholz Kathleen K. , Edenberg Howard J. , Acion Laura , Langbehn Douglas , McCutcheon Vivia , Nurnberger John I. , Hesselbrock Michie , Porjesz Bernice , Bierut Laura , Marenna Bethany C. , Cookman Angella , Kuperman Samuel 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundAlcohol consumption and problems are increasing among older adults, who are at elevated risk for alcohol‐related accidents and medical problems. This paper describes a pilot follow‐up of older adults with a history of alcohol dependence that was designed to determine the feasibility of conducting a more extensive investigation.MethodsThe sample consisted of previously assessed subjects in the Collaborative Studies on the Genetics of Alcoholism who: (i) were age 50+; (ii) had lifetime DSM‐IV AD; and (iii) had DNA available. Individuals were located through family contacts, Internet searches, and death registries. A brief telephone interview assessed demographics, health, and alcohol involvement.ResultsOf the total sample (N = 2,174), 36% were contacted, 24% were deceased, and 40% were not yet located. Most (89%) contacted subjects were interviewed, and 99% of them agreed to future evaluation. Thirty percent of interviewed subjects reported abstinence for 10+ years, 56% reported drinking within the past year, and 14% last drank between >1 and 10 years ago. There were no age‐related past‐year differences in weekly consumption (overall sample mean: 16 drinks), number of drinking weeks (30.8), maximum number of drinks in 24 hours (8.1), or prevalence of weekly risky drinking (19%). Among those who drank within the past 5 years, the 3 most common alcohol‐related problems were spending excessive time drinking or recovering (49%), drinking more/longer than intended (35%), and driving while intoxicated (35%); and about a third (32%) received some form of treatment.ConclusionsOver a 1‐year period, we located 60% of individuals last seen an average of 23 years ago. The majority of contacted individuals were interviewed and willing to be evaluated again. Although the proportion of individuals currently drinking diminished with age, subjects exhibited troublesome levels of alcohol consumption and problems. Our findings suggest the importance and feasibility of a more comprehensive follow‐up.
There's an App for That: Telecom, Children's Rights, and Conflicting Logics of Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Campoamor Leigh M. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTThis article examines how a Spanish telecom giant legitimizes its market expansion through a corporate social responsibility (CSR) narrative that links generic notions of technological innovation and children's rights to projects of development and democracy. At a broad level, I explore how the neoliberal privatization of the telecommunications industry has involved a reconfiguration of corporate‐state relations rather than an erasure of the state in corporate discourse. I trace how Telefónica accrues currency as a digital pioneer and provider of a social good by incorporating consumers, state actors, and other corporations into its moral apparatus. My point of entry is a smartphone application that the company's Colombian subsidiary developed and subsequently gamified to empower consumer‐citizens to end street‐based child labor. Within a digital economy of “instant gratification” and national context of securitization, the process whereby consumers are interpellated as citizen‐activists highlights the thin line between profiling techniques and humanitarian action, and between surveillance and activism, while disguising the limits of the state bureaucracy and the company's own distance from its purported beneficiaries. Ultimately, I show how the company maintained its narrative about its innovative and sustainable commitment to children even when explaining the failures of its CSR strategy. [digital activism, corporate social responsibility, children's rights, corporate–state relations, urban Latin America]
Implementation and obstacles of pharmacogenetics in clinical practice: An international survey
Authors: Abou Diwan Elizabeth , Zeitoun Ralph I. , Abou Haidar Lea , Cascorbi Ingolf , Khoueiry Zgheib Nathalie 
Published: May 2019

AimsEight years ago, a paper‐based survey was administered during the World Pharma 2010 meeting, asking about the challenges of implementing pharmacogenetics (PGx) in clinical practice. The data collected at the time gave an idea about the progress of this implementation and what still needs to be done. Since then, although there have been major initiatives to push PGx forward, PGx clinical implementation may still be facing different challenges in different parts of the world. Our aim was therefore to distribute a follow‐up international survey in electronic format to elucidate an overview on the current stage of implementation, acceptance and challenges of PGx in academic institutions around the world.MethodsThis is an online anonymous LimeSurvey‐based study launched on 11 November 2018. Survey questions were adapted from the initially published manuscript in 2010. An extensive web search for worldwide scientists potentially involved in PGx research resulted in a total of 1973 names. Countries were grouped based on the Human Development Index.ResultsThere were 204 respondents from 43 countries. Despite the wide availability of PGx tests, the consistently positive attitude towards their applications and advances in the field, progress of the clinical implementation of PGx still faces many challenges all around the globe.ConclusionsClinical implementation of PGx started over a decade ago but there is a gap in progress around the globe and discrepancies between the challenges reported by different countries, despite some challenges being universal. Further studies on ways to overcome these challenges are warranted.
Predicting anaemia and transfusion dependency in severe alloimmune haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn in the first 3 months after birth
Authors: Ree Isabelle M. C. , de Haas Masja , Middelburg Rutger A. , Zwiers Carolien , Oepkes Dick , van der Bom Johanna G. , Lopriore Enrico 
Published: May 2019

SummaryInfants with haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) often require erythrocyte transfusions in the first 3 months of life. We aimed to evaluate the incidence, timing and potential predictors of transfusion‐dependent anaemia. An observational cohort of 298 term and near‐term infants with severe HDFN treated with or without intrauterine transfusion (IUT) was evaluated. Transfusions were administered to 88% (169/193) of infants with IUT and 60% (63/105) without IUT. The following potential predictors were associated with less anaemia: K compared to D immunisation [odds ratio (OR) 0·13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0·03–0·55], higher reticulocyte count at birth [per 10 parts per thousand (‰) higher, OR 0·99, CI: 0·97–1·00] and exchange transfusion (OR 0·11, 95% CI: 0·03–0·50). Without IUT, these variables were: lower reticulocyte count at birth (per 10‰ lower, OR 1·02, 95% CI: 1·00–1·03), lower maximum bilirubin after birth (per 10 μmol/l lower, OR 1·01, 95% CI: 1·01–1·02) and exchange transfusion (OR 0·07, 95% CI: 0·01–0·20). In conclusion, potential predictors for anaemia in infants with severe HDFN varied between infants treated with and without IUT and are useful for selecting subgroups of infants at increased risk of anaemia.
The effects of hydroxycarbamide on the plasma proteome of children with sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Brewin John , Tewari Sanjay , Menzel Stephan , Kirkham Fenella , Inusa Baba , Renney George , Ward Malcolm , Rees David C. 
Published: May 2019

SummaryWe investigated changes in the plasma proteome of children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) associated with hydroxycarbamide (HC) use, to further characterize the actions of HC. Fifty‐one children with SCA consented to take part in this study. Eighteen were taking HC at a median dose of 22 mg/kg, and 33 were not on HC. Plasma was analysed using an unbiased proteomic approach and a panel of 92 neurological biomarkers. HC was associated with increased haemoglobin (Hb) (89·8 vs. 81·4 g/l, P = 0·007) and HbF (6·7 vs. 15·3%, P < 0·001). Seventeen proteins were decreased on HC compared to controls by a factor of <0·77, and six proteins showed >1·3 increased concentration. HC use was associated with reduced haemolysis (lower α, β, δ globin chains, haptoglobin‐related protein, complement C9; higher haemopexin), reduced inflammation (lower α‐1‐acid glycoprotein, CD5 antigen‐like protein, ceruloplasmin, factor XII, immunoglobulins, cysteine‐rich secretory protein 3, vitamin D‐binding protein) and decreased activation of coagulation (lower factor XII, carboxypeptidase B2, platelet basic protein). There was a significant correlation between the increase in HbF% on HC and haemopexin levels (r = 0·603, P = 0·023). This study demonstrated three ways in which HC may be beneficial in SCA, and identified novel proteins that may be useful to monitor therapeutic response.
Risk of metastatic disease on 68gallium‐prostate‐specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan for primary staging of 1253 men at the diagnosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Yaxley John W. , Raveenthiran Sheliyan , Nouhaud François‐Xavier , Samaratunga Hemamali , Yaxley William J. , Coughlin Geoff , Yaxley Anna J. , Gianduzzo Troy , Kua Boon , McEwan Louise , Wong David 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveTo determine the number of men with 68gallium‐prostate‐specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography (68Ga‐PSMA PET/CT) avid metastasis at diagnosis, as most data on 68Ga‐PSMA PET/CT are for the evaluation of recurrent disease after primary treatment and to our knowledge this study is the largest series of primary prostate cancer staging with 68Ga‐PSMA PET/CT.Patients and MethodsA retrospective review conducted on 1253 consecutive men referred by urologists or radiation oncologists to our tertiary referral centre for 68Ga‐PSMA PET/CT scan for staging at the initial diagnosis of prostate cancer between July 2014 and June 2018.The primary outcome measure was to determine the risk of metastasis based on 68Ga‐PSMA PET/CT. Patients were risk stratified based on histological biopsy International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, and staging with pre‐biopsy multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyse results.ResultsThe median PSA level was 6.5 ng/mL and median ISUP grade was 3, with high‐risk disease in 49.7%. The prostate primary was PSMA avid in 91.7% of men. Metastatic disease was identified in 12.1% of men, including 8.2% with a PSA level of <10 ng/mL and 43% with a PSA level of >20 ng/mL. Metastases were identified in 6.4% with ISUP grade 2–3 and 21% with ISUP grade 4–5. Pre‐biopsy mpMRI identified metastasis in 8.1% of T2 disease, increasing to 42.4% of T3b. Lymph node metastases were suspected in 107 men, with 47.7% outside the boundaries of an extended pelvic lymph node dissection. Skeletal metastases were identified in 4.7%. In men with intermediate‐risk prostate cancer, metastases were identified in 5.2%, compared to 19.9% with high‐risk disease.ConclusionsThese results support the use of 68Ga‐PSMA PET/CT for primary staging of prostate cancer. Increasing PSA level, ISUP grade and radiological staging with mpMRI were all statistically significant prognostic factors for metastasis on both univariate and multivariate analysis.
Use of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and fusion‐guided biopsies to properly select and follow African‐American men on active surveillance
Authors: Bloom Jonathan B. , Lebastchi Amir H. , Gold Samuel A. , Hale Graham R. , Sanford Thomas , Mehralivand Sherif , Ahdoot Michael , Rayn Kareem N. , Czarniecki Marcin , Smith Clayton , Valera Vladimir , Wood Bradford J. , Merino Maria J. , Choyke Peter L. , Parnes Howard L. , Turkbey Baris , Pinto Peter A. 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesTo determine the rate of Gleason Grade Group (GGG) upgrading in African‐American (AA) men with a prior diagnosis of low‐grade prostate cancer (GGG 1 or GGG 2) on 12‐core systematic biopsy (SB) after multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and fusion biopsy (FB); and whether AA men who continued active surveillance (AS) after mpMRI and FB fared differently than a predominantly Caucasian (non‐AA) population.Patients and methodsA database of men who had undergone mpMRI and FB was queried to determine rates of upgrading by FB amongst men deemed to be AS candidates based on SB prior to referral. After FB, Kaplan–Meier curves were generated for AA men and non‐AA men who then elected AS. The time to GGG upgrading and time continuing AS were compared using the log‐rank test.ResultsAA men referred with GGG 1 disease on previous SB were upgraded to GGG ≥3 by FB more often than non‐AA men, 22.2% vs 12.7% (P = 0.01). A total of 32 AA men and 258 non‐AA men then continued AS, with a median (interquartile range) follow‐up of 39.19 (24.24–56.41) months. The median time to progression was 59.7 and 60.5 months, respectively (P = 0.26). The median time continuing AS was 61.9 months and not reached, respectively (P = 0.80).ConclusionsAA men were more likely to be upgraded from GGG 1 on SB to GGG ≥3 on initial FB; however, AA and non‐AA men on AS subsequently progressed at similar rates following mpMRI and FB. A greater tendency for SB to underestimate tumour grade in AA men may explain prior studies that have shown AA men to be at higher risk of progression during AS.
Hydrogen sulfide lowers hyperhomocysteinemia dependent on cystathionine γ lyase S‐sulfhydration in ApoE‐knockout atherosclerotic mice
Authors: Fan Jinhui , Zheng Fengjiao , Li Shuangyue , Cui Cangting , Jiang Shan , Zhang Jun , Cai Jun , Cui Qinghua , Yang Jichun , Tang Xinjing , Xu Guoheng , Geng Bin 
Published: May 2019

Background and PurposeHydrogen sulfide donors can block the cardiovascular injury of hyperhomocysteinemia. H2S also lowers serum homocysteine in rats with mild hyperhomocysteinemia, but the pharmacological mechanism is unknown. The present study investigated the mechanism(s) involved.Experimental ApproachApoE‐knockout mice were fed a Paigen diet and L‐methionine in drinking water for 16 weeks to create a mouse model of atherosclerosis with hyperhomocysteinemia. H2S donors (NaHS and GYY4137) were administered by intraperitoneal injection. We also assayed the H2S produced (by methylene blue assay and mito‐HS [H2S fluorescence probe]), cystathionine γ lyase (CSE) mRNA and protein expression, and CSE sulfhydration and nitrosylation and its activity.Key ResultsH2S donor treatment significantly lowered atherosclerotic plaque area, macrophage infiltration, and serum homocysteine level in the mouse model of atherosclerosis with co‐existing hyperhomocysteinemia. mRNA and protein levels of CSE, a key enzyme catalyzing homocysteine trans‐sulfuration, were down‐regulated with hyperhomocysteinemia, and CSE catalytic activity was inhibited. All these effects were reversed with H2S donor treatment. Hyperhomocysteinemia induced CSE nitrosylation, whereas H2S sulfhydrated CSE at the same cysteine residues. Nitrosylated CSE decreased and sulfhydrated CSE increased its catalytic and binding activities towards L‐homocysteine. Mutation of C252, C255, C307, and C310 residues in CSE abolished CSE nitrosylation or sulfhydration and prevented its binding to L‐homocysteine.Conclusions and ImplicationsSulfhydration or nitrosylation of CSE represents a yin/yang regulation of catalysis or binding to L‐homocysteine. H2S donor treatment enhanced CSE sulfhydration, thus lowering serum L‐homocysteine, which contributed in part to the anti‐atherosclerosis effects in ApoE‐knockout mice with hyperhomocysteinemia.