bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing environment and human health by cement industry
Authors: Zeb Khaqan , Ali Yousaf , Khan Muhammad Waseem 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
Cement industry for both developed and developing countries is important from the economic point of view. It is playing a vital role in economic development of a developing country like Pakistan. However, these industries are posing threat to the environment, human health and plant species. The purpose of this paper is to identify the most critical factors of cement industry that have a negative impact on the environment, human health and plant species in the context of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach
The factors are categorized into air pollution, noise pollution, soil pollution, human health and plant species. These factors are categorized on the basis of previous literature and environmental safety reports. Air pollution is caused by iron and sulphur while noise pollution is mainly caused by crusher room and rotatory kiln end. The soil is being polluted by zinc and lead while human health and plant species are being damaged by sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. For the analysis purpose, a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique, i.e., decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) is used.

Findings
The result shows that the major cause of air pollution is “sulphur” while “crusher room and rotatory kiln end” are responsible for noise pollution. On the other hand, “mercury” is responsible for causing soil pollution while human health and plant species are influenced by the toxic effect of “nitrogen dioxide.”

Research limitations/implications
The results obtained are specific to cement manufacturing industry of Pakistan and cannot be generalized for any other manufacturing sector.

Practical implications
The proposed methodology shows the most critical factors toward which concertation should be given for mitigating their impact. This study will help the government and the cement industry to focus on all those elements that are the most responsible for causing different types of pollution.

Originality/value
No such work is reported in previous research that proposes a framework using DEMATEL technique for analysis of critical factors of cement industries that have a dangerous impact on the environment and human health, especially in a developing country, like Pakistan.
On the ability of New Zealand actively managed funds to generate outperformance in their domestic equity allocations
Authors: Frijns Bart , Indriawan Ivan 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to assess the ability of New Zealand (NZ) actively managed funds to generate risk-adjusted outperformance using portfolio holdings data. Focusing on domestic equity allocations addresses the benchmark selection issue, particularly for funds with national and international exposures.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors assess performance using several asset pricing models including the CAPM, three-factor and four-factor models. The authors also assess performance across funds with different characteristics such as fund size, size of local holdings, type of fund provider, past returns and fees. The authors further examine whether funds engage in any stock-picking or market timing by considering the active share and tracking error.

Findings
The returns on NZ equity holdings of NZ actively managed funds from 2010 to 2017 provide little evidence of risk-adjusted outperformance and stock-picking skill. These exposures yield pre-cost returns that have a nearly perfect correlation with the market index and an insignificant alpha. Funds show little tendency to bet on any of the main characteristics known to predict stock returns, such as size, book-to-market and momentum. In addition, the authors show that the average active shares and tracking errors are low, suggesting that the majority of funds hold NZ equity portfolios that closely mimic the market index.

Originality/value
Existing studies rely on returns data which aggregate performance across all asset classes with varying exposures. This may lead to benchmark selection issues (particularly for funds with international exposures) which may obscure the fund manager’s true stock-picking skills. Assessment using holdings data would enable suitable performance measurement by researchers and industry analysts.
How and why did regulatory governance fail finance company directors in New Zealand?
Authors: Chiang Christina , Wells Paul 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
The theory of economic regulation is used to ascertain how and why the failure of regulatory governance in New Zealand contributed to investor losses of $8.5bn following the collapse of more than 60 public finance companies since 2006.

Design/methodology/approach
Relevant documents in the public domain, including government documents, government agency reports, newspaper articles, business journals, academic journals and trade publications were examined to gather evidence for this study.

Findings
This study found that the regulatory and supervisory framework failed to provide the trustee companies with the necessary enforcement powers and/or responsibilities and ensure effective auditor performance.

Practical implications
The findings suggest that, segmenting the market with different regulations for each market segment may discourage competition and may protect private interests rather than the public interest. It was also found that the control mechanisms for monitoring auditor performance are detective rather than preventive in nature which means investor losses from poor auditor performance can only be mitigated and not prevented.

Originality/value
This study analyses the contributing factors to the investor losses.
Records management practice in support of governance in the county governments of Kenya, a case of Nyamira County
Authors: Osebe Rodger , Maina Jane , Kurgat Kibiwott 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
The study aims to establish the records management practice, in support of governance in Nyamira County. The objectives were to determine the types of records managed in Nyamira County, to establish the contribution of records management in the running of Nyamira County, to determine the adoption of records management policies in Nyamira County and to assess strategies that will lead to sound records management in Nyamira County.

Design/methodology/approach
The sample population comprised 27 respondents who were drawn from different categories of staff through census sampling as follows: 4 records officers, 3 record clerks, 10 chief officers and 10 secretaries. The study used a qualitative research approach where interview schedules and observation were used for data collection.

Findings
It was established that Nyamira County generated various types of records including policy related records, financial records and auditing records. It was submitted that records management is essential in support of governance as it forms a basis for equity in resource distribution, hence fostering confidence among the public, which results in good will from the people on County government projects. The study noted various challenges including inadequately trained staff on records management, lack of records disposal and retention schedules, inadequate equipment and space and inadequate policies and standards.

Originality/value
The study concluded that poor records management practiced in Nyamira County was a great hindrance to good governance and recommended that county governments should formulate and implement records management policies, standards and guidelines and provide adequate budgetary allocations to ensure that the records management practice that is in place supports governance.
A new regulator RsdA mediating fungal secondary metabolism has a detrimental impact on asexual development in Pestalotiopsis fici
Authors: Zhou Shuang , Zhang Peng , Zhou Haichuan , Liu Xingzhong , Li Shu‐Ming , Guo Liangdong , Li Kuan , Yin Wen‐Bing 
Published: November 2018

SummarySecondary metabolite (SM) production and development are correlated processes in fungi that are often coordinated by pleiotropic regulators. The eukaryotic regulators are critical players in mediating SM production related to fungal development, yet little data are available to support this hypothesis. In this study, a global regulator, RsdA (regulation of secondary metabolism and development), was identified through genome‐wide analysis and deletion of the regulator gene in the endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis fici. Here, we established that RsdA regulation of SMs is accompanied by the repression of asexual development. Deletion of rsdA significantly reduces not only asexual development, resulting in low sporulation and abnormal conidia, but also the major SM production, while remarkably increasing the melanin production. Overproduction of melanin leads to the formation of unusual, heavily pigmented hyphae. Transcriptome analysis data provide the evidence that RsdA globally regulates genes involved in secondary metabolism and asexual development. Double deletion of rsdA and the melanin polyketide synthase gene PfmaE confirm that RsdA regulation of asexual development is independent of the melanin biosynthetic pathway. Finally, our results demonstrate that RsdA can be used for the discovery of secondary metabolites in filamentous fungi.
A new insight into lead (II) tolerance of environmental fungi based on a study of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium oxalicum
Authors: Tian Da , Jiang Zhongquan , Jiang Liu , Su Mu , Feng Zheye , Zhang Lin , Wang Shimei , Li Zhen , Hu Shuijin 
Published: November 2018

SummaryEnvironmental microorganisms have been widely applied in heavy metal remediation. This study explored the mechanisms of lead tolerance of two typical filamentous fungi, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium oxalicum. It is shown that the mechanisms of reducing Pb toxicity by these two fungi have three major pathways. The secreted oxalic acid can react with Pb (II) to form insoluble Pb minerals, primarily lead oxalate. Then, the enhanced biosorption via forming new border of cell wall prevents the transportation of Pb (II) into hypha. In addition, the fungal activity could be maintained even at high Pb concentration due to the intracellular accumulation. It was confirmed that A. niger has the higher Pb tolerance (up to 1500 mg l−1 Pb level) compared with P. oxalicum (up to 1000 mg l−1). Meanwhile, Pb levels below 1000 mg l−1 partially stimulate the bioactivity of A. niger, which was confirmed by its elevated respiration (from 53 to 63 mg C l−1 medium h−1). This subsequently enhanced microbial functions of A. niger to resist Pb toxicity. A better understanding of Pb tolerance of these two fungi sheds a bright future of applying them to remediate lead‐contaminated environments.
Family of origin scripts in coping with adversity: a question
Authors: Mason Barry 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this brief clinical practice paper I suggest a question that can be used in work with families, couples and individuals to address family of origin scripts in coping with adversity. I give a brief background to the question and two examples of its use in practice, including how I respond to the feedback to the question using a previously published idea – an ‘equation for change’ (Mason, 2010, 2011). I end with some concluding thoughts about the use of the question and the potential value of further research.
Admitting privileges and hospital‐based care after presenting for abortion: A retrospective case series
Authors: Upadhyay Ushma D. , Cartwright Alice F. , Goyal Vinita , Belusa Elise , Roberts Sarah C.M. 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveTo examine the pathways of care for abortion patients transferred or referred to emergency departments (EDs) or hospitals before and after abortion‐providing physicians obtained hospital admitting privileges.Data SourcesThis case series was based on retrospective chart review at three abortion clinics in which physicians had obtained admitting privileges in the previous 5 years.Study DesignWe identified patients who were transferred or referred to a hospital or ED. Patients were grouped according to the pathway by which their care was transferred or referred to the ED/hospital.Principal FindingsBoth before and after admitting privileges, the majority of patients were referred to a hospital before the abortion was attempted and most were for suspected ectopic pregnancy or to perform the abortion in a hospital. Direct ambulance transfer from the facility to the ED/hospital was the least common pathway. We observed few changes in practice from before to after admitting privileges. Preexisting mechanisms of coordination and communication facilitated care that was tailored for the specific patient.ConclusionsWe did not find evidence that physician admitting privileges influenced the pathways through which abortion patients obtain hospital‐based care, as existing mechanisms of collaboration between hospitals and abortion facilities allowed for management of patients who sought hospital‐based care.
Application of simple and massive purification system of dsRNA in vivo for acute toxicity to Daphnia magna
Authors: Choi Wonkyun , Lim Hye Song , Kim Jin , Ryu Sung‐Min , Lee Jung Ro 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe RNA interference (RNAi) has been considered as an important genetic tool and applied to develop a new living modified (LM) crop trait which is an improvement of nutrient quality or pest management. The RNAi of DvSnf7 has been used for resistance to LM maize and the Western Corn Rootworm which is a major agricultural pest for the US Corn Belt. Most of the environmental risk assessments (ERA) of double strand RNA (dsRNA) have been performed using in vitro transcript products, and not in vivo expressed product. A large amount of dsRNA was required for the acute toxicity assay of water fleas. Therefore development of massive dsRNA purification techniques is critical. Daphnia, a freshwater microcrustacean, is a model organism for studying cellular and molecular mechanism involved in life history traits and ecotoxicology. In this study, we established the massive dsRNA purification method using Escherichia coli and implemented acute toxicity assays to Daphnia magna. As a result, the present RNase A and DNase I, dsRNA was efficiently purified without any special techniques or equipment. Even though purified dsRNA existed during the acute toxicity test, lethality or abnormal behavior were not observed in D. magna. These results indicated that GFP and DvSnf7 dsRNA were not significantly affected to D. magna due to their lack of sequence matching in its genome. The purification method of dsRNA and the acute toxicity assay of water fleas using purified dsRNA would be suitable for the toxicological studies of LMOs to aquatic non‐target organisms.
GABAB receptor positive allosteric modulators with different efficacies affect neuroadaptation to and self‐administration of alcohol and cocaine
Authors: de Miguel Elena , Vekovischeva Olga , Kuokkanen Katja , Vesajoki Marja , Paasikoski Nelli , Kaskinoro Janne , Myllymäki Mikko , Lainiola Mira , Janhunen Sanna K. , Hyytiä Petri , Linden Anni‐Maija , Korpi Esa R. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDrugs of abuse induce widespread synaptic adaptations in the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) neurons. Such drug‐induced neuroadaptations may constitute an initial cellular mechanism eventually leading to compulsive drug‐seeking behavior. To evaluate the impact of GABAB receptors on addiction‐related persistent neuroplasticity, we tested the ability of orthosteric agonist baclofen and two positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of GABAB receptors to suppress neuroadaptations in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and reward‐related behaviors induced by ethanol and cocaine. A novel compound (S)‐1‐(5‐fluoro‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐2‐yl)‐4‐methyl‐6,7,8,9‐tetrahydro‐[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]quinazolin‐5(4H)‐one (ORM‐27669) was found to be a GABAB PAM of low efficacy as agonist, whereas the reference compound (R,S)‐5,7‐di‐tert‐butyl‐3‐hydroxy‐3‐trifluoromethyl‐3H‐benzofuran‐2‐one (rac‐BHFF) had a different allosteric profile being a more potent PAM in the calcium‐based assay and an agonist, coupled with potent PAM activity, in the [35S] GTPγS binding assay in rat and human recombinant receptors. Using autoradiography, the high‐efficacy rac‐BHFF and the low‐efficacy ORM‐27669 potentiated the effects of baclofen on [35S] GTPγS binding with identical brain regional distribution. Treatment of mice with baclofen, rac‐BHFF, or ORM‐27669 failed to induce glutamate receptor neuroplasticity in the VTA DA neurons. Pretreatment with rac‐BHFF at non‐sedative doses effectively reversed both ethanol‐ and cocaine‐induced plasticity and attenuated cocaine i.v. self‐administration and ethanol drinking. Pretreatment with ORM‐27669 only reversed ethanol‐induced neuroplasticity and attenuated ethanol drinking but had no effects on cocaine‐induced neuroplasticity or self‐administration. These findings encourage further investigation of GABAB receptor PAMs with different efficacies in addiction models to develop novel treatment strategies for drug addiction.
ARC and BDNF expression after cocaine self‐administration or cue‐induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking in adolescent and adult male rats
Authors: Li Chen , White Alexandria C. , Schochet Terri , McGinty Jacqueline F. , Frantz Kyle J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractRecreational drug use peaks during adolescence. Our research with adolescent vs adult male rats, however, shows that rats taking cocaine as adolescents have lower levels of cue‐induced reinstatement of drug‐seeking than adults, despite similar levels of intravenous (i.v.) cocaine self‐administration. Lower rates of reinstatement in younger rats could be explained by higher levels of brain plasticity. Two neuroplasticity‐related genes, activity‐regulated cytoskeletal‐associated gene (Arc) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf), influence cocaine self‐administration and cue‐induced reinstatement. We tested whether reinstatement of cocaine seeking correlates with expression of these genes in reinforcement‐related brain regions. Adolescent and adult male rats (postnatal day 35 or 83‐95 at start) were allowed to acquire lever‐pressing maintained by i.v. infusions of cocaine in daily 2‐h sessions over 13 days. At one of three experimental time points, rats were sacrificed and tissue collected to analyze Arc and Bdnf mRNA by in situ hybridization in the entire medial prefrontal cortex and entire nucleus accumbens, as well as relevant subregions: prelimbic cortex, infralimbic cortex, and nucleus accumbens core and shell. Despite taking similar amounts of cocaine, adolescents reinstated less than adults. Gene expression was most notable in the prelimbic cortex, was generally higher in adolescent‐onset groups, and was higher with longer abstinence. These data partially support the hypothesis that higher levels of Arc and/or Bdnf gene expression in reinforcement‐related brain regions of younger animals contribute to lower rates of extinction responding and/or reinstatement. Future studies should include mechanistic analysis of Arc, Bdnf, and their signaling pathways in age‐dependent effects of cocaine.
Arthrocentesis in the management of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint
Authors: Briggs KA , Breik O , Ito K , Goss AN 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundTemporomandibular disorders (TMD) cover a wide spectrum of disorder; myalgic, arthralgic and psychogenic. The procedure of TMJ arthrocentesis has a role in managing patients with arthralgic pain and limitation if they fail to respond to non‐surgical therapy.MethodThe patient records of a single private specialist OMS were searched over the 9‐year period of 2006–2014 to identify patients who had arthrocentesis as part of their multidisciplinary management. The detailed demographic, diagnosis, pre and post arthrocentesis procedure were identified and put on a database. Appropriate statistics were performed.ResultsSeventy‐six patients had 115 arthrocentesis procedures performed in the study period. Fifty of 76 had improvement in their pain and 16 of 41 had an increased jaw opening of more than 10 mm. There were no complications or morbidity. Analysis of patient variables generally showed no correlations.ConclusionsTemporomandibular joint arthrocentesis has a role in the multidisciplinary, multimodality treatment of arthralgic TMD.
Genetic diversity of Chinese cattle revealed by Y‐SNP and Y‐STR markers
Authors: Xia X. , Yao Y. , Li C. , Zhang F. , Qu K. , Chen H. , Huang B. , Lei C. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryWith its vast territory and complex natural environment, China boasts rich cattle genetic resources. To gain the further insight into the genetic diversity and paternal origins of Chinese cattle, we analyzed the polymorphism of Y‐SNPs (UTY19 and ZFY10) and Y‐STRs (INRA189 and BM861) in 34 Chinese cattle breeds/populations, including 606 males representative of 24 cattle breeds/populations collected in this study as well as previously published data for 302 bulls. Combined genotypic data identified 14 Y‐chromosome haplotypes that represented three haplogroups. Y2‐104‐158 and Y2‐102‐158 were the most common taurine haplotypes detected mainly in northern and central China, whereas the indicine haplotype Y3‐88‐156 predominates in southern China. Haplotypes Y2‐108‐158, Y2‐110‐158, Y2‐112‐158 and Y3‐92‐156 were private to Chinese cattle. The population structure revealed by multidimensional scaling analysis differentiated Tibetan cattle from the other three groups of cattle. Analysis of molecular variance showed that the majority of the genetic variation was explained by the genetic differences among groups. Overall, our study indicates that Chinese cattle retain high paternal diversity (H = 0.607 ± 0.016) and probably much of the original lineages that derived from the domestication center in the Near East without strong admixture from commercial cattle carrying Y1 haplotypes.
To mow or not to mow? Plant functional traits help to understand management impact on rich fen vegetation
Authors: Kozub Łukasz , Goldstein Klara , Dembicz Iwona , Wilk Mateusz , Wyszomirski Tomasz , Kotowski Wiktor 
Published: November 2018

AbstractQuestionsFens are important conservation targets in temperate Europe. When hydrologically undisturbed, fens remain open for millennia. However, unaltered fens are scarce, and today their biodiversity largely depends on conservational mowing applied to prevent successional shifts. However, the effects on community structure and conservation values are uncertain, and management might not always be needed where it is a priori applied by managers. Thus, within the presented study, we ask the following questions: (a) How is the species and functional composition of fens influenced by mowing? (b) Does mowing increase the conservation value of fen ecosystems?LocationLowland fens, northern Poland.MethodsThe sample consisted of 27 pairs of mown and unmown plots, located within ten sites. Ordination methods were used to assess the influence of mowing on species composition. Functional traits related to competitiveness, flowering time, mycorrhizal associations and functional groups were used to characterize plant communities and species richness, and the number of specialist and red‐listed species was used to evaluate conservation values. Differences between mown and unmown plots were assessed using linear mixed‐effect models and the effect size approach.ResultsManagement of fens suppresses the growth of trees, shrubs and highly competitive herbaceous species and inhibits the encroachment of Sphagnum mosses. At the same time, it enhances the establishment of species from other ecosystems (grasses, ruderal species, species of drier sites) within fens and alters the microtopography of the fen surface.ConclusionsMowing can enhance species richness and the presence of rich fen specialists in transformed sites, but it can lead to fen ecosystem deterioration towards managed meadow communities within sites sustaining many typical fen species and functional characteristics.