bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
150 years of the Trades Union Congress – reflections on the past and challenges for the future
Authors: Nowak Paul , Hodder Andy 
Published: February 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look back on 150 years of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and reflect on the recent challenges to organised labour.Design/methodology/approachPlaces unions in their current context and discusses how they have responded to the challenge of declining membership.FindingsWith declining membership levels and the lack of a “silver bullet” solution, unions continue to face many challenges, although there is some light at the end of the organising tunnel.Originality/valueThis paper introduces the special issue which reflects on 150 years of the TUC.
An investigation of the factors influencing cost system functionality using decision trees, support vector machines and logistic regression
Authors: Kuzey Cemil , Uyar Ali , Delen Dursun 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
The paper aims to identify and critically analyze the factors influencing cost system functionality (CSF) using several machine learning techniques including decision trees, support vector machines and logistic regression.

Design/methodology/approach
The study used a self-administered survey method to collect the necessary data from companies conducting business in Turkey. Several prediction models are developed and tested; a series of sensitivity analyses is performed on the developed prediction models to assess the ranked importance of factors/variables.

Findings
Certain factors/variables influence CSF much more than others. The findings of the study suggest that utilization of management accounting practices require a functional cost system, which is supported by a comprehensive cost data management process (i.e. acquisition, storage and utilization).

Research limitations/implications
The underlying data were collected using a questionnaire survey; thus, it is subjective which reflects the perceptions of the respondents. Ideally, it is expected to reflect the objective of the practices of the firms. Second, the authors have measured CSF it on a “Yes” or “No” basis which does not allow survey respondents reply in between them; thus, it might have limited the choices of the respondents. Third, the Likert scales adopted in the measurement of the other constructs might be limiting the answers of the respondents.

Practical implications
Information technology plays a very important role for the success of CSF practices. That is, successful implementation of a functional cost system relies heavily on a fully integrated information infrastructure capable of constantly feeding CSF with accurate, relevant and timely data.

Originality/value
In addition to providing evidence regarding the factors underlying CSF based on a broad range of industries interesting finding, this study also illustrates the viability of machine learning methods as a research framework to critically analyze domain specific data.
Alignment of business in robotic process automation
Authors: Zhang Ning , Liu Bo 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
This paper aims to find out how business aligns with robotic process automation (RPA) and whether the alignment has the same factors as for IT–business alignment.

Design/Methodology/Approach
Condition configurations for positive and negative impact for business alignment with RPA.

Findings
The positive and negative configurations that possibly impact business alignment with RPA.

Research limitations/implications
There are some human instincts during conditions dichotomization and limited number of cases.

Practical implications
The findings can be used to guide practice application in real industry.

Originality/value
This paper adopted crisp-set qualitative comparative analysis to find condition configurations for alignment of business and RPA for more generalization.
Adaptive whale optimization for intelligent multi-constraints power quality improvement under deregulated environment
Authors: Thakur Niharika , Awasthi Y.K. , Hooda Manisha , Siddiqui Anwar Shahzad 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
Power quality issues highly affect the secure and economic operations of the power system. Although numerous methodologies are reported in the literature, flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) devices play a primary role. However, the FACTS devices require optimal location and sizing to perform the power quality enhancement effectively and in a cost efficient manner. This paper aims to attain the maximum power quality improvements in IEEE 30 and IEEE 57 test bus systems.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper contributes the adaptive whale optimization algorithm (AWOA) algorithm to solve the power quality issues under deregulated sector, which enhances available transfer capability, maintains voltage stability, minimizes loss and mitigates congestions.

Findings
Through the performance analysis, the convergence of the final fitness of AWOA algorithm is 5 per cent better than artificial bee colony (ABC), 3.79 per cent better than genetic algorithm (GA), 2,081 per cent better than particle swarm optimization (PSO) and fire fly (FF) and 2.56 per cent better than whale optimization algorithm (WOA) algorithms at 400 per cent load condition for IEEE 30 test bus system, and the fitness convergence of AWOA algorithm for IEEE 57 test bus system is 4.44, 4.86, 5.49, 7.52 and 9.66 per cent better than FF, ABC, WOA, PSO and GA, respectively.

Originality/value
This paper presents a technique for minimizing the power quality problems using AWOA algorithm. This is the first work to use WOA-based optimization for the power quality improvements.
Explaining primary care physicians’ decision to quit patient‐centered medical homes: Evidence from Quebec, Canada
Authors: Ammi Mehdi , Diop Mamadou , Strumpf Erin 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveTo examine the factors explaining primary care physicians’ (PCPs) decision to leave patient‐centered medical homes (PCMHs).Data SourcesFive‐year longitudinal data on all the 906 PCPs who joined a PCMH in the Canadian province of Quebec, known there as a Family Medicine Group.Study DesignWe use fixed‐effects and random‐effects logit models, with a variety of regression specifications and various subsamples. In addition to these models, we examine the robustness of our results using survival analysis, one lag in the regressions and focusing on a matched sample of quitters and stayers.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsWe extract information from Quebec's universal health insurer billing data on all the PCPs who joined a PCMH between 2003 and 2005, supplemented by information on their elderly and chronically ill patients.Principal FindingsAbout 17 percent of PCPs leave PCMHs within 5 years of follow‐up. Physicians’ demographics have little influence. However, those with more complex patients and higher revenues are less likely to leave the medical homes. These findings are robust across a variety of specifications.ConclusionAs expected, higher revenue favors retention. Importantly, our results suggest that PCMH may provide appropriate support to physicians dealing with complex patients.
The role of DNA methyltransferase activity in cocaine treatment and withdrawal in the nucleus accumbens of mice
Authors: Urb Mari , Niinep Kerly , Matsalu Terje , Kipper Karin , Herodes Koit , Zharkovsky Alexander , Timmusk Tõnis , Anier Kaili , Kalda Anti 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAn increasing number of reports have provided crucial evidence that epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, may be involved in initiating and establishing psychostimulant‐induced stable changes at the cellular level by coordinating the expression of gene networks, which then manifests as long‐term behavioral changes. In this study, we evaluated the enzyme activity of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) after cocaine treatment and during withdrawal. Furthermore, we studied how genetic or pharmacological inhibition of DNMTs in mouse nucleus accumbens (NAc) affects the induction and expression of cocaine‐induced behavioral sensitization. Our results showed that after silencing Dnmt3a in the NAc during the induction phase of cocaine‐induced sensitization, overall DNMT activity decreases, correlating negatively with behavioral sensitization. Reduced Dnmt3a mRNA during this phase was the largest contributing factor for decreased DNMT activity. Cocaine withdrawal and a challenge dose increased DNMT activity in the NAc, which was associated with the expression of behavioral sensitization. Long‐term selective Dnmt3a transcription silencing in the NAc did not alter DNMT activity or the expression of cocaine‐induced behavioral sensitization. However, bilateral intra‐NAc injection of a non‐specific inhibitor of DNMT (RG108) during withdrawal from cocaine decreased DNMT activity in the NAc and had a small effect on the expression of cocaine‐induced behavioral sensitization. Thus, cocaine treatment and withdrawal is associated with biphasic changes in DNMT activity in the NAc, and the expression of behavioral sensitization decreases with non‐selective inhibition of DNMT but not with selective silencing of Dnmt3a.
Identification of a novel mutation in EXT2 in a fourth‐generation Korean family with multiple osteochondromas and overview of mutation spectrum
Authors: Yang Aram , Kim Jinsup , Jang Ja‐Hyun , Lee Chung , Lee Ji‐Eun , Cho Sung Yoon , Jin Dong‐Kyu 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMultiple osteochondromas (MOs) or hereditary multiple exostoses is a rare autosomal‐dominant disease characterized by growths of MOs, which are benign cartilage‐capped bone tumors that grow away from the growth plates. Almost 90% of MOs have a molecular explanation and 10% are unexplained. MOs are genetically heterogeneous with two causal genes on 8q24.11 (EXT1) and 11p12 (EXT2), with a higher frequency in EXT1. MO is a very rare genetic disorder, and the genotype–phenotype of MO with EXT2 mutation has not been well investigated in Korea. We present the clinical radiographic and molecular analysis of a four‐generation Korean family with 11 MO‐affected members (seven males and four females). The affected members from the third generation available for molecular analysis and their detailed medical histories showed moderate‐to‐severe phenotypes (clinical classes II–III), including bony deformities and limb misalignment with pain requiring surgical correction. The x‐rays showed MOs in multiple sites. A novel EXT2 frameshift mutation (c.590delC, p.P197Qfs*73) was revealed by targeted exome sequencing in the affected members of this family. In this article, we not only expand the phenotypic–genotypic spectrum of MOs but also highlight the phenotypic heterogeneity in a family with the same mutation. In addition, we compiled the mutation spectrum of EXT2 from a literature review and identified that exon 2 of EXT2 is a mutation hot spot. Early medical attention with diagnosis of MO through careful examination of the clinical manifestations and genetic analysis can provide the opportunity to establish coordinated multispecialty management of the patient.
Mate searching inEnnya maculicornis(Membracidae: Polyglyptini) initiated by females: behavioural and acoustic descriptions
Authors: Cossio‐Rodriguez Romina , Cocroft Reginald B. , Niemeyer Hermann M. , Pinto Carlos F. 
Published: February 2019

1. In treehoppers in which courtship has been studied, males initiate the search for females by periodically emitting a vibrational signal. The responses by the female are used by males as a beacon and give rise to a duet.2. Courtship and mating of the treehopperEnnya maculicorniswere characterised through the simultaneous recording of vibrational signals and the behaviour of males and females in an arena.3. InE. maculicornis, female initiated mate searching. Females produced two types of signals during the this process: (i) a signal that preceded the approach by the male and (ii) a signal that preceded mating. Males emitted two signals associated with two stereotyped body movements: (i) a signal produced as a response to the first signal emitted by the female, involving a change in the male's locomotory mode and the approach to the female, and (ii) a signal produced after finding and holding on to the female, involving simultaneous abdomen raising and wing fluttering. These signals were repeated several times before the female emitted the second signal. The four signalling patterns were observed in all recordings in which mating was observed. When any of the signals was missing, mating did not occur.4. Female‐biased sex ratios inE. maculicornis, along with iteroparity, are suggested to explain the initiation of mate searching behaviour by females. A comparison of data with that from other treehoppers indicates that vibrational signals and their associated behaviour are more diverse among treehoppers than has been appreciated previously.
Foreign market portfolio concentration and performance
Authors: Fjesme Sturla Lyngnes 
Published: February 2019

AbstractUsing security holdings of 49,857 foreign investors on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE), I test whether concentrated investment strategies in international markets result in excess risk‐adjusted returns. I find that investors with higher learning capacity increase returns, while investors with lower learning capacity decrease returns from the portfolio concentration. I measure learning capacity as institutional classification, geographical proximity to Norway, and cultural closeness to Norwegian investors (as based on the Hofstede cultural closeness measures). I conclude, consistent with the information advantage theory, that concentrated investment strategies in foreign markets can be optimal (disastrous) for investors with higher (lower) learning capacity.
Pulmonary sarcoidosis as a cause of intermittent fever of unknown origin in a hemodialysis patient with renal cell carcinoma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Shima Hisato , Nishitani Masaaki , Tashiro Manabu , Inoue Tomoko , Kawahara Kazuhiko , Okada Kazuyoshi , Minakuchi Jun , Kawashima Shu 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHemodialysis patients have weakened immune systems and can exhibit fever due to various causes. Herein, we describe the case of a 61‐year‐old hemodialysis patient who exhibited intermittent low‐grade fever after a pacemaker had been implanted 2 months before due to sick sinus syndrome. She had a medical history of subcutaneous sarcoidosis and uveitis. Active pulmonary sarcoidosis was diagnosed based on elevated soluble interleukin‐2 receptor, elevated lysozyme level, and gallium‐67 scintigraphy uptake in hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes. She was also diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma via contrast computed tomography. However, because her C‐reactive protein level remained normal, the possibility of neoplastic fever was considered low. After the initiation of prednisolone administration, her fever gradually disappeared. Her serum soluble interleukin‐2 receptor and lysozyme level improved in parallel with the enlargement of the mediastinal lymph node and gallium‐67 scintigraphy uptake.
Media content analysis of the introduction of a “soft opt‐out” system of organ donation in Wales 2015‐17
Authors: Dallimore David J. , McLaughlin Leah , Williams Carol , Noyes Jane 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn an attempt to improve organ donation rates, some countries are considering moving from “opt‐in” systems where citizens must express their willingness to be an organ donor, to “opt‐out” systems where consent is presumed unless individuals have expressed their wishes otherwise, by, for example, joining an “opt‐out” register. In Wales—a part of the United Kingdom—the devolved government recently legislated for an “opt‐out” system. For the change to be effective, a public awareness campaign was critical to the policy's success. Using quantitative and qualitative content analysis, we explored media coverage of the change to better understand the relationship between the state, policy actors, media and the public when such policy changes take place. Our findings illustrate how a state communication campaign can effectively set the media agenda within which we saw a degree of interdependency created with the state using the media to promote policy, and the media relying on the state for credible information. Yet we also found that the media is not uncritical and observed how it uses its autonomy to influence policy setting. Over the period of study, we found that a change in tone and view towards deemed consent organ donation has taken place in the media. However, while this may influence or reflect public attitudes, it is yet to be seen whether the media campaign translates into behavioural change that will result in increases in organ donations.
MicroRNA‐488 inhibits endometrial glandular epithelial cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in endometriosis mice via Wnt by inhibiting FZD7
Authors: Zhu Hui , Cao Xi‐Xia , Liu Juan , Hua Hua 
Published: February 2019

AbstractEndometriosis is a chronic inflammatory syndrome and nearly 6%‐10% of women are affected by it during the reproductive period. Previous studies have proved that microRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of ovarian endometriosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate that restored miR‐488 would effectively inhibit the development of endometriosis. The microarray‐based data analysis was performed to screen endometriosis‐related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The mouse model in endometriosis syndrome was established by being subcutaneously injected with Estradiol benzoate, and the ectopic endometrial tissues and normal endometrial tissues were collected. Additionally, the endometrial glandular epithelial cells were extracted from the endometrial glandular epithelial tissues from normal and endometriosis mice. In order to examine the role of miR‐488 in mice with endometriosis, we measured miR‐488 expression and expression levels of Frizzled‐7 (FZD7), cyclinD1, β‐catenin, and c‐Myc in vivo and in vitro. Finally, we detected the effect of miR‐488 on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion in vitro. FZD7 was upregulated in human endometriosis. The data showed higher expression levels of FZD7, β‐catenin, c‐Myc and cyclinD1, and lower miR‐488 expression in mouse endometrial tissues. FZD7 was the target gene of miR‐488. Furthermore, elevated miR‐488 in isolated mouse endometrial glandular endometrial cells inhibited FZD7, the translocation of β‐catenin to nucleus, the activation of Wnt pathway, and the cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Collectively, these findings indicated that up‐regulated miR‐488 may reduce the proliferation, migration and invasion of endometrial glandular epithelial cells through inhibiting the activation of Wnt pathway by down‐regulating FZD7.
Cardioprotective effect of MMP‐2‐inhibitor‐NO‐donor hybrid against ischaemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Krzywonos‐Zawadzka Anna , Franczak Aleksandra , Olejnik Agnieszka , Radomski Marek , Gilmer John F. , Sawicki Grzegorz , Woźniak Mieczysław , Bil‐Lula Iwona 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHypoxic injury of cardiovascular system is one of the most frequent complications following ischaemia. Heart injury arises from increased degradation of contractile proteins, such as myosin light chains (MLCs) and troponin I by matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2). The aim of the current research was to study the effects of 5‐phenyloxyphenyl‐5‐aminoalkyl nitrate barbiturate (MMP‐2‐inhibitor‐NO‐donor hybrid) on hearts subjected to ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Primary human cardiac myocytes and Wistar rat hearts perfused using Langendorff method have been used. Human cardiomyocytes or rat hearts were subjected to I/R in the presence or absence of tested hybrid. Haemodynamic parameters of heart function, markers of I/R injury, gene and protein expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, inducible form of NOS (iNOS), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), as well as MMP‐2 activity were measured. Mechanical heart function, coronary flow (CF) and heart rate (HR) were decreased in hearts subjected to I/R Treatment of hearts with the hybrid (1‐10 µmol/L) resulted in a concentration‐dependent recovery of mechanical function, improved CF and HR. This improvement was associated with decreased tissue injury and reduction of synthesis and activity of MMP‐2. Decreased activity of intracellular MMP‐2 led to reduced degradation of MLC and improved myocyte contractility in a concentration‐dependent manner. An infusion of a MMP‐2‐inhibitor‐NO‐donor hybrid into I/R hearts decreased the expression of iNOS and reduced the levels of ADMA. Thus, 5‐phenyloxyphenyl‐5‐aminoalkyl nitrate barbiturate protects heart from I/R injury.
Sex‐related differences in resting‐state brain activity and connectivity in the orbital frontal cortex and insula in patients with functional constipation
Authors: Jin Qingchao , Duan Shijun , Li Guanya , Sun Lijuan , Hu Yang , Hu Chunxin , Zhao Jizheng , von Deneen Karen M. , Qian Long , Wang Huaning , Ji Gang , Wu Kaichun , Fan Daiming , Cui Guangbin , Nie Yongzhan , Zhang Yi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFunctional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been used to investigate sex‐related differences in brain abnormalities in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Like IBS, women with functional constipation (FC) are 2.1 times as many as men. No study has been performed yet to examine sex‐related differences in brain activity and connectivity in patients with FC. Here, we employed resting‐state fMRI with amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (ALFF) to investigate brain functional differences in 51 patients with FC (34 females) and 52 healthy controls (34 females). Results showed abdominal pain and abdominal distension correlated with trait (TAI) and state (SAI) anxiety ratings in the female FC group, and abdominal distension correlated with sensation of incomplete evacuation in the male FC group. Two‐way ANOVA revealed sex effects on ALFF in precentral gyrus, thalamus, insula (INS), and orbital frontal cortex (OFC, PFWE < 0.05). Post hoc test showed that the female FC group had lower ALFF than males in these brain regions (P < 0.01), and ALFF in INS and OFC was correlated with abdominal pain and difficulty of defecation, respectively. Seed voxel correlation analysis showed that the female FC group had weaker connectivity than males between INS and lateral OFC (lOFC). INS‐lOFC connectivity was negatively correlated with the anxiety score in the female FC group and was negatively correlated with abdominal distension in the male FC group. These findings provide the first insight into sex‐related differences in patients with FC and highlight that INS and OFC play an important role in modulating the intrinsic functional connectivity of the resting brain network showing that this role is influenced by sex.