bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whistleblowing in Kuwait and UK against corruption and misconduct
Authors: Al-Haidar Faisal 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to explore the nature and the scope of whistleblowing in Kuwait and in the UK. Whistleblowing is when a person, usually an employee, in a government agency or private enterprise, discloses information to the public or to those in authority, of mismanagement, corruption or other wrongdoing. Due to the unpredictable consequences of whistleblowing, it is probable that many employees who witness wrongdoing do not consider blowing the whistle, because they fear the impact of such action on their relationship with their employers.

Design/methodology/approach
The author evaluated the whistleblowing systems in different countries. He first tackled the nature of whistleblowing in general, proceeded to analyse whistleblowing in Kuwait with mentions from other countries and finally evaluated the whistleblowing process in the UK.

Findings
The whistleblowing situation in the UK is clearer than that in Kuwait. Recent improvements have been made in the UK to protect whistleblowers. In the UK, the whistleblowing law under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 came into force in July 1999 to protect whistleblowers. Kuwait also has had some improvements, which were seen to offer legal protection for those raising concerns about corruption under Law no. 24 of 2012. However, the author recommends that the Kuwaiti Government should give more protection to whistleblowers, and there is a need to protect the whistleblowers.

Originality/value
Potential whistleblowers might feel discouraged from disclosing information against their organisation, fearing a backlash against them. This is where the law and the rights of employees must be clarified. This paper will, therefore, evaluate the system of whistleblowing in the UK under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 and examine this against the whistleblowing law in Kuwait under the Whistleblowing Act no. 24 of 2012.
Effect of diagonal cracks on shear stiffness of pre-stressed concrete beam
Authors: Liu Jinliang , Jia Yanmin , Zhang Guanhua , Wang Jiawei 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
During service period, due to the overload or other non-load factors, diagonal cracks of the pre-stressed concrete beam are seriously affecting the safety of the bridge structure. The purpose of this paper is to quickly realize the shear bearing capacity and shear stiffness through maximum width of the diagonal cracks and make correct judgments.

Design/methodology/approach
Through the shear failure test of four test beams, collecting data of diagonal cracks and shear stiffness loss value. According to the deformation curve of the shear stiffness, and combined with the calculation formula of the maximum width of diagonal cracks, the formula for calculating the effective shear stiffness based on the maximum width of diagonal cracks is deduced, then the results are verified by test data. Data regression method is used to establish the effective shear stiffness loss ratio calculation formula, the maximum width of diagonal cracks used as a variable factor, and the accuracy of this formula is verified by comparing the shear failure test results of pre-stressed hollow plates.

Findings
With the increase in width of the diagonal crack, the loss rate of shear stiffness of the concrete beams is initially fast and then becomes slow. The calculation formulae for shear stiffness based on the maximum width of the diagonal cracks were deduced, and the feasibility and accuracy of the formulae were verified by analysis and calculation of shear test data.

Originality/value
A method for quickly determine the shear stiffness loss of structures by using maximum width of the diagonal cracks is established, and using this method, engineers can quickly determine effective shear stiffness loss ratio, without complex calculations. So this method not only ensures the safety of human life, but also saves money.
Research on destructive test of pretensioning prestressed concrete hollow slab in service
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Zhang Guanhua , Liu Jinliang , Jia Yanmin 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
During service period, the bridge structures will be affected by the environment and load, so the carrying capacity will decline. The purpose of this paper is to research on the bearing capacity of bridge structures with time.

Design/methodology/approach
Destructive test and non-linear finite element analysis are carried out by utilizing two pretensioning prestressed concrete hollow slabs in service for 20 years; using the structural test deflection value to simulate the stiffness degradation of the service bridge and the finite element calculation results verify the accuracy of the calculation.

Findings
The flexural rigidity of the main beam when the test beam is destructed is degraded to approximately 20 percent of that before the test, which agrees well with the result of finite element analysis and indicates that the method of deducing the flexural rigidity of the structure according to the measured deflection value can effectively simulate the rigidity degradation law of the bridge in service. The crack resistance property of the test beam degrades obviously and the ultimate bearing capacity of the bending resistance does not degrade obviously.

Originality/value
The research results truly reflect the destruction process, destructive form, bearing capacity and rigidity degradation law of the old beam of the concrete bridge in service for 20 years and can provide technical basis for optimization design of newly built bridges of the same type and maintenance and reinforcement design of existing old bridges.
Quasi-statically growing crack tip fields in plastically compressible hardening-softening-hardening solid
Authors: Singh Sushant , Khan Debashis 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
As the normality concept for frictional dilatant material has a serious drawback, the key feature in this numerical study is that the material here is characterized by elastic-viscoplastic constitutive relation with plastic non-normality effect for two different hardness functions. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach
Quasi-static, mode I plane strain crack tip fields have been investigated for a plastically compressible isotropic hardening–softening–hardening material under small-scale yielding conditions. Finite deformation, finite element calculations are carried out in front of the crack with a blunt notch. For comparison purpose a few results of a hardening material are also provided.

Findings
The present numerical calculations show that crack tip deformation and the field quantities near the tip significantly depend on the combination of plastic compressibility and slope of the hardness function. Furthermore, the consideration of plastic non-normality flow rule makes the crack tip deformation as well as the field quantities significantly different as compared to those results when the constitutive equation exhibits plastic normality.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, analyses, related to the constitutive relation exhibiting plastic non-normality in the context of plastic compressibility and softening (or softening hardening) on the near tip fields, are not explored in the literature.
Tribological performance of avocado oil containing copper nanoparticles in mixed and boundary lubrication regime
Authors: Shafi Wani Khalid , Raina Ankush , Ul Haq Mir Irfan 
Published: June 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to study the tribological performance of Cu nanoparticles mixed in avocado oil.Design/methodology/approachA Pin-on-Disc tribometer was used to determine the tribological performance of avocado oil as a lubricant as well as for measuring the effectiveness of Cu nanoparticles. Stribeck curve was generated with the base oil and the oil containing Cu nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are added in 0.5 wt. % and 1 wt. % concentration. The worn-out surfaces of aluminum alloy 6061 pins are explored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).FindingsThe use of Cu nanoparticles led to a reduction in friction and wear. Coefficient of friction (COF) was found to be minimum at 1 wt. % concentration, whereas specific wear rate was minimum for 0.5 wt. % concentration. The film-formation capability of the Cu nanoparticles led to an overall improvement in the tribological properties of the base oil.Originality/valueExperiments are performed to evaluate the tribological performance of avocado oil using Cu nanoparticles. The results obtained herein suggest that avocado oil has a great potential to replace the conventional mineral oils in the field of industrial lubrication.
Flexibility and agility: evolution and relationship
Authors: Abdelilah Bouchra , El Korchi Akram , Balambo Mohammed Amine 
Published: June 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to clarify the confusion between flexibility and agility. The paper traces the evolution of agility and the evolution of flexibility over time, analyses their drivers and different elements, draws the boundaries between them and defines their relationship.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review of flexibility and agility was developed. Papers written between 1920 and 2017 were reviewed and analyzed using a structured review technique. The identified papers focus on flexibility and agility, relating both to manufacturing and the supply chain.FindingsAgility is the natural evolution of flexibility. Until the 1990s, the term “flexibility” was used to refer to agility, but, because of market changes, competitiveness and the need for speed, the term “agility” was coined. While flexibility is considered as an operational ability, agility is a strategic ability that enables a firm to establish a strategic long-term vision. In fact, flexibility is an agility capability, among other capabilities such as responsiveness or speed. There are also several types of flexibility that are used as agility sub-capabilities, or as agility enablers, which further confirms the idea that flexibility is a part of agility.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is a systematic review of the existing literature on the concepts of flexibility and agility. Although it is theoretical, it could provide a set of hypotheses that would enable an empirical study to be conducted into how firms from different industries perceive flexibility and agility and how they implement each of them.Originality/valueFlexibility and agility are two distinct characteristics that enable a firm to gain a competitive advantage by responding quickly and effectively to changing customer demand. However, there is confusion between these two concepts in the academic and professional literature, with both terms being used to refer to the same idea. Our literature review aims to draw the boundaries between flexibility and agility by analyzing the evolution of the two concepts and detailing their respective drivers and elements, in order to bring more clarity to the nature of the relationship between flexibility and agility.
Social entrepreneurship and sense-making: evidence from the Global Social Benefit Institute
Authors: Sabbaghi Omid , Cavanagh, S.J. Gerald F. 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
The study aims to provide an empirical investigation of social enterprises in the context of experiential learning. Specifically, the study aims to investigate the interplay between faith-based principles and the processes of opportunity recognition and exploitation through an in-depth, qualitative study of social enterprises offered through the Global Social Benefit Institute (GSBI).

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, student experiences with social entrepreneurship are examined and their subsequent reflections are analyzed. Applying the Gioia methodology to the sample of student reflection data, this study enriches the growing literature on sense-making by looking closely at how student entrepreneurs engage their own faith-based education in helping their teams, beneficiaries and stakeholders “make sense” of a social change opportunity.

Findings
This study finds evidence of variability in the elaboration of the faith-based principles when sampling on the social needs of affection, behavioral confirmation and status.

Originality/value
The results suggest a role for faith-based sense-making when confronting the realities of social change opportunities.
Modification of lipid A structure and activity by the introduction of palmitoyltransferase gene to the acyltransferase‐knockout mutant of Escherichia coli
Authors: Sugawara Takehiro , Onoue Sakura , Takimoto Hiroaki , Kawahara Kazuyoshi 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTLauroyltransferase gene (lpxL), Myristoyltransferase gene (lpxM) and palmitoyltransferase gene (crcA) of Escherichia coli BL21 were independently disrupted by the insertional mutations. The knockout mutant of two transferase genes (lpxL and crcA) produced lipid A with no lauric or palmitic acids and only a little amount of myristic acid. The mutant was susceptible to polymyxin B, but showed comparable growth with the wild‐type strain at 30°C. The palmitoyltransferase gene from E. coli (crcA) or Salmonella (pagP) was amplified by PCR, cloned in pUC119, and transferred into the double‐knockout mutant by transformation. The transformant contained palmitic acid in the lipid A, and recovered resistance to polymyxin B. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed that palmitic acid was linked to the hydroxyl group of 3‐hydroxymyristic acid at C‐2 position of proximal (reducing‐end) glucosamine. LPS from the double‐knockout mutant showed reduced IL‐6‐inducing activity to macrophage‐like line cells compared to that of the wild‐type strain, and the activity was only slightly restored by the introduction of palmitic acid to the lipid A. These results suggested that the introduction of one palmitic acid was enough to recover the integrity of the outer membrane, but not enough for the stimulation of macrophages.
The influence of early‐life allocation to antlers on male performance during adulthood: Evidence from contrasted populations of a large herbivore
Authors: Lemaître Jean‐François , Cheynel Louise , Douhard Frédéric , Bourgoin Gilles , Débias François , Ferté Hubert , Gilot‐Fromont Emmanuelle , Pardonnet Sylvia , Pellerin Maryline , Rey Benjamin , Vanpé Cécile , Hewison A. J. Mark , Gaillard Jean‐Michel 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

To secure mating opportunities, males often develop and maintain conspicuous traits that are involved in intrasexual and/or intersexual competition. While current models of sexual selection rely on the assumption that producing such traits is costly, quantifying the cost of allocating to secondary sexual traits remains challenging.

According to the principle of allocation, high energy allocation to growth or sexual traits in males should lead to reduced energy allocation to the maintenance of cellular and physiological functions, potentially causing them to age faster, with impaired survival.

We evaluated the short‐term and delayed consequences of energy allocation to antlers early in life in two contrasted populations of roe deer, Capreolus capreolus. Although most males mate successfully for the first time in their fourth year, antlers are grown annually from the first year of life onwards. We tested the prediction that a high level of allocation to antler growth during the first two years of life should lead to lower body mass, antler size and survival during the early and late prime stages, as well as to reduced longevity overall.

Growing and carrying long antlers during the first years of life was not associated with any detectable cost in the late prime stage. The positive association between antler growth in early life and adult body mass instead supports that fawn antler acts as an honest signal of phenotypic quality in roe deer.

For a given body mass, yearling males growing longer antlers displayed impaired performance during their late prime. We also found a trend for a short‐term survival cost of allocation to relative antler length during the second year of life.

Yearling males that grow long antlers relative to their mass might display a fast life‐history tactic. We argue that differential allocation to secondary sexual traits generates a diversity of individual trajectories that should impact population dynamics.
Neurological and Psychological Changes in Hemodialysis Patients Before and After the Treatment
Authors: Lai Silvia , Molfino Alessio , Mecarelli Oriano , Pulitano Patrizia , Morabito Santo , Pistolesi Valentina , Romanello Roberto , Zarabla Alessia , Galani Alessandro , Frassetti Nicla , Aceto Paola , Lai Carlo ,   Study Group on Geriatric Nephrology of the Italian Society of Nephrology
Published: June 2018

AbstractNeurological, psychological, and cognitive disorders in chronic kidney disease may contribute to poor quality of life in these patients. The aim of this study was to assess the electroencephalographic, psychological, and cognitive changes before and after hemodialysis (HD) compared with healthy controls (HC). Sixteen HD patients and 15 HC were enrolled. Electroencephalogram (EEG), Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory (MMPI‐2) Satisfaction profile (SAT‐P), and Neuropsychological test Global z‐scores (NPZ5) were performed before (T0) and after (T1) HD treatment and in HC. Renal function, inflammatory markers and mineral metabolism indexes were also evaluated. Patients did not show significant differences before and after HD in the absolute and relative power of band of EEG, except in Theta/Alpha index (P < 0.001). At T1, HD patients showed significant differences in Beta, Delta and Theta band, in addition to Theta/alpha index, with respect to HC. Moreover, HD patients showed significant differences in specific MMPI‐2 clinical and content scales, SAT‐P domains and NPZ5 tests of memory and concentration with respect to HC. We also observed significant correlations between renal function, mineral metabolism, inflammatory markers and psychocognitive alterations. In our sample EEG abnormalities tend to reduce, but not significantly, after HD treatment and differences remain present with respect to HC. In HD patients cognitive and psychological alterations were associated with reduced quality of life and correlated with mineral metabolism and inflammation. Modification in EEG and in psychological and cognitive parameters should be assessed in a larger HD population to confirm our observation.
Tackling clinical inertia: Use of coproduction to improve patient engagement
Authors: Soto Carmen , Strain William David 
Published: June 2018

AbstractClinical inertia is common in all chronic diseases, including diabetes. Despite the advent of newer agents for the management of hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, the number of people with diabetes hitting all three targets remains small. The causes of clinical inertia are multifactorial, with contributory elements from people with diabetes, physicians, and the system within which they work. Every health care provider should have the best interest of their patients at heart; most people with diabetes want to maintain their health for as long as possible, and the maintenance of good health is not only the purpose of the system, but also the most cost‐effective strategy. It is the thesis of this article that a potential reversible contributor to clinical inertia is the communication among these individual elements, which can be called “coproduction.” The coproduction model of open communication encourages discourse, allowing the person with diabetes to understand their diagnosis and therefore better engage in treatment options. Improving engagement allows the healthcare team, including the physician and the person with diabetes, to establish shared goals that are important to all team members and to agree to acceptable side effects or risks of interventions in order to achieve these goals. Everyone needs to acknowledge that non‐adherence exists and can be an issue, thereby allowing reasons to be explored. Only once the person with diabetes is allowed to take full ownership of their disease and actively participate in decision making can they take control of their disease, thereby improving outcomes.
hsa_circ_0000729, a potential prognostic biomarker in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Shicheng , Sun Xiao , Miao Shuncheng , Lu Tong , Wang Yuanyong , Liu Jia , Jiao Wenjie 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundIncreasing evidence has demonstrated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) may play an important role in oncogenesis and tumor development; however, their role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unclear. We identified the differentially expressed circRNAs in LUAD and investigated the potential mechanisms for cancer progression.MethodsWe examined differentially expressed circRNAs in LUAD and paired normal tissues using downloaded circRNA microarrays from the Gene Expression Omnibus. We constructed gene co‐expression networks based on the degree of Pearson correlation to predict the critical circRNA in LUAD. Gene Ontology analysis was performed on the genes in the network. We observed one novel circRNA upregulated in LUAD, hsa_circ_0000792, as well as its potential sponged microRNA, miR‐375. Subsequent real‐time quantitative PCR was used to verify the bioinformatics analysis.ResultsSeveral circRNAs showed significantly different expression levels in LUAD tissues. Real‐time quantitative PCR and further co‐expression network analysis of 42 matched tissue samples showed a significant difference in expression between LUAD and normal tissues in hsa_circ_0000792 (P < 0.001). We built a network of hsa_circ_0000792‐targeted miRNA gene interactions, including miR‐375 and the corresponding messenger RNAs. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that hsa_circ_0000792 could participate in signal transduction and cell communication during LUAD development. Larger area under the curve by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of hsa_circ_0000792 and miR‐375 (0.815 and 0.772, respectively) in LUAD indicated greater potential as biomarkers.ConclusionsWe identified hsa_circ_0000792 as a potential LUAD biomarker; however, further studies are required to determine the mechanism of this circRNA in LUAD development.
Mandatory IFRS Adoption and the Role of Accounting Earnings in CEO Turnover
Authors: Wu Joanna Shuang , Zhang Ivy Xiying 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTWe study whether mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is associated with changes in the sensitivity of CEO turnover to accounting earnings and how the impact of IFRS adoption varies with country‐level institutions and firm‐level incentives. We find that CEO turnover responds more to a firm's accounting performance after adoption. This increase in turnover‐to‐earnings sensitivity is concentrated in countries with stronger enforcement of financial reporting and is more prominent for mandatory adopters that have strong firm‐level compliance incentives. In addition, we link the change in turnover‐to‐earnings sensitivity directly to accounting changes due to IFRS adoption and find a stronger adoption effect when firms report large overall accounting changes and large de‐recognition of loss provisions upon adoption. Some of the above findings are sensitive to the exclusion of UK firms, which account for more than half of our sample.