bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time dependence of cellular responses to dynamic and complex strain fields
Authors: Chagnon-Lessard Sophie , Godin Michel , Pelling Andrew E. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTExposing cells to an unconventional sequence of physical cues can reveal subtleties of cellular sensing and response mechanisms. We investigated the mechanoresponse of cyclically-stretched fibroblasts under a spatially non-uniform strain field which was subjected to repeated changes in stretching directions over 55 hours. A polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic stretcher array optimized for complex staining procedures and imaging was developed to generate biologically relevant strain and strain gradient amplitudes. We demonstrated that cells can successfully reorient themselves repeatedly, as the main cyclical stretching direction is consecutively switched between two perpendicular directions every 11 hours. Importantly, from one reorientation to the next, the extent to which cells reorient themselves perpendicularly to the local strain direction progressively decreases, while their tendency to align perpendicularly to the strain gradient direction tends to increase. We demonstrate that these results are consistent with our finding that cellular responses to strains and strain gradients occur on two distinct time scales, the latter being slower. Overall, our results reveal the absence of major irreversible cellular changes that compromise the ability to sense and reorient to changing strain directions under the conditions of this experiment. On the other hand, we show how the history of strain field dynamics can influence the cellular realignment behavior, due to the interplay of complex time-dependent responses.
Comparative Genomics and Genome Evolution in birds-of-paradise
Authors: Prost Stefan , Armstrong Ellie E. , Nylander Johan , Thomas Gregg W.C. , Suh Alexander , Petersen Bent , Dalen Love , Benz Brett , Blom Mozes P.K. , Palkopoulou Eleftheria , Ericson Per G. P. , Irestedt Martin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe diverse array of phenotypes and lekking behaviors in birds-of-paradise have long excited scientists and laymen alike. Remarkably, almost nothing is known about the genomics underlying this iconic radiation. Currently, there are 41 recognized species of birds-of-paradise, most of which live on the islands of New Guinea. In this study we sequenced genomes of representatives from all five major clades recognized within the birds-of-paradise family (Paradisaeidae). Our aim was to characterize genomic changes that may have been important for the evolution of the group’s extensive phenotypic diversity.ResultsWe sequenced threede novogenomes and re-sequenced two additional genomes representing all major clades within the birds-of-paradise. We found genes important for coloration, morphology and feather development to be under positive selection. GO enrichment of positively selected genes on the branch leading to the birds-of-paradise shows an enrichment for collagen, glycogen synthesis and regulation, eye development and other categories. In the core birds-of-paradise, we found GO categories for ‘startle response’ (response to predators) and ‘olfactory receptor activity’ to be enriched among the gene families expanding significantly faster compared to the other birds in our study. Furthermore, we found novel families of retrovirus-like retrotransposons active in all threede novogenomes since the early diversification of the birds-of-paradise group, which could have potentially played a role in the evolution of this fascinating group of birds.ConclusionHere we provide a first glimpse into the genomic changes underlying the evolution of birds-of-paradise. Our aim was to use comparative genomics to study to what degree the genomic landscape of birds-of-paradise deviates from other closely related passerine birds. Given the extreme phenotypic diversity in this family, our prediction was that genomes should be able to reveal features important for the evolution of this amazing radiation. Overall, we found a strong signal for evolution on mechanisms important for coloration, morphology, sensory systems, as well as genome structure.
Market power, scale economy and productivity: the case of China’s food and tobacco industry
Authors: Dai Jiawu , Li Xun , Cai Hailong 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to measure and examine the relationships between market power, scale economy and productivity for several important food and tobacco industries in China.Design/methodology/approachThe model applied in this paper is based on Hall’s framework (Hall, 1988, 1990) and Klette (1999). The paper relaxes the assumption of constant returns to scale, and estimates market power and rate of returns to scale simultaneously, and then employs a covariance approach to examine the relationship between market power, scale economy and productivity via an unbalanced panel data at firm level.FindingsEmpirical results indicate that all the selected seven food industries are characterized with significant market power, especially for China’s cigarette industry whose markup is as almost five times as the smallest one. In addition, China’s soybean and cigarette sectors are manifested to have scale economy, with return to scale being larger than 1, while the other five sectors are proved to have decreasing returns to scale. Empirical results also provide evidence to support significant negative correlations between market power and scale economy in all sectors, and negative correlations between market power and productivity in most of the selected sectors. While more heterogeneous relationship between scale economy and productivity are found across the selected sectors.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to examine the relationship between market power, scale economy and productivity empirically for Chinese food manufacturers using a firm-level unbalanced panel data. Results which coincide well with the reality provide policy implication on understanding the situation of market structure for China’s food and tobacco industry.
Poverty alleviation in rural China: policy changes, future challenges and policy implications
Authors: Liu Yansui , Guo Yuanzhi , Zhou Yang 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
Poverty alleviation is a global challenge. Human society has never ceased to fight against poverty. China was once the developing country with the largest rural poor population in the world. Remarkable achievements have been made in China’s antipoverty program over the past decades, shaping a unique poverty reduction strategy with Chinese characteristics. The purpose of this paper is to first review the history of China’s rural reform and antipoverty, and then analyze the related policy systems, mechanism innovations and future challenges in poverty alleviation and development. At last, some specific policy implications were provided.

Design/methodology/approach
Literature on China’s antipoverty history was reviewed and mechanism innovations on targeted poverty alleviation strategy were investigated.

Findings
Along with the deepening of the rural reform, the poverty alleviation and development in new China have undergone six stages, and experienced a transformation from relief-oriented to development-oriented poverty alleviation. The object of poverty alleviation has gradually targeted with a transformation from poor counties/areas to villages/households, and the effectiveness of poverty alleviation is also gradually improved. However, the increase in the difficulty of antipoverty, fragile ecological environment, rapid population aging and rural decline poses challenges to the construction of a well-off society in an all-round way in China. Specific antipoverty measures were put forward based on the investigation. Finally, the authors emphasize the importance of strengthening the study of poverty geography.

Originality/value
This study investigates the history of China’s antipoverty policy and analyzes the future challenges for implementing targeted poverty alleviation policy. These findings will lay a foundation for the formulation of China’s antipoverty policies after 2020, and provide experience for poverty alleviation in other developing countries around the world.
Sharia’h practice at Islamic banks in Pakistan
Authors: Majeed Muhammad Tariq , Zainab Abida 
Published: March 2018

PurposeIslamic banks provide an alternative financial system based on Sharia’h (Islamic law). However, critics argue that operation at Islamic banks is violating Sharia’h particularly in terms of provision of interest free services, risk sharing and legal contract. The purpose of this paper is to empirically evaluate the Sharia’h practice at Islamic banks in Pakistan by considering some basic principles of Sharia’h.

Design/methodology/approachPrimary data are collected from 63 branches of Islamic banks in Pakistan. Questionnaire is used as an instrument. The study uses structural equation modeling that includes confirmatory factor analysis and regression analysis. Data are codified and analyzed using SPSS and Amos.

FindingsThis study finds that Islamic banks are providing interest free services, ensuring that transactions and contracts offered by Islamic banks are legal and offering conflict-free environment to customers. In contrast, estimated results expose that Islamic banks are not sharing risk and Sharia’h supervisory board is not performing its role perfectly. Similarly, it is found that organization and distribution of zakat and qard-ul-hassan are weak at Islamic banks.

Research limitations/implicationsData are collected from Islamabad federal capital of Pakistan that hold just 5 per cent share of Islamic banking industry. This small share may not provide true picture of Islamic banking sector.

Practical implicationsTo ensure risk sharing, Islamic banking industry must consider the development of new modes of financing and innovation of more products based on Sharia’h. State Bank of Pakistan should ensure separate regulatory framework that enable Islamic banks to provide qard-ul-hassan, organize and allocate zakat.

Originality/valueThis paper discusses the perception of bankers, who are actually the executors, about Shariah’s practices at Islamic banks in Pakistan. There are not many discussions on this topic that could be found, and hence this could be considered as a significant contribution by this paper to the existing literature of Islamic finance.
An integrated adoption model for Islamic credit card: PLS-SEM based approach
Authors: Jamshidi Dariyoush , Hussin Nazimah 
Published: March 2018

PurposeOne challenge when launching new banking services is to overcome resistance to change so as to accelerate market acceptance. This is the case of Islamic credit card (ICC). In response, this study aims to develop a conceptual framework that combines the innovation diffusion theory (IDT) and the theory of reasoned action (TRA) with religious obligation and customer awareness to explain behavior intention and usage behavior of ICC.

Design/methodology/approachTo test the conceptual model, the data are collected from 649 bank customers in Malaysia, and the structural equation modeling technique is used to test the forecasting model.

FindingsThe study results support some relationships of IDT and TRA, such as relative advantage, compatibility, trialability, observability, attitude and also the customer awareness as a stronger predictor of intention of ICC.

Originality/valueTo the author’s knowledge, there have not been any attempt to develop a conceptual model for identifying the factors that influence the adoption of ICC by integrating IDT and TRA and other added measures. Therefore, this study adds to the body of knowledge regarding ICC adoption studies by extending the IDT in this domain and integrating it with TRA as two well-established models in the area of acceptance and usage behavior studies.
Business model of Islamic banks in Turkey
Authors: Orhan Zeyneb Hafsa 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is inductively identifying the business model of Islamic (participation) banks in Turkey via using bank characteristics, meaning balance sheet ratios.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology starts from bank characteristics and ends with identification of bank business model according to these characteristics under the assumption that there is one single business model (say Model A) for all Turkish Islamic banks. What the author aims to find is the properties of this business model. Regarding the method, seven bank characteristics from liability side and five characteristics from asset side of bank balance sheets were established. While representing these characteristics, the author uses charts and tables. Necessary data are gathered from the Central Bank of Turkey. Time frame of monthly data is from December 2005 to March 2015. In total, there are 1356 observations.FindingsValue proposition of business model of Turkish Islamic banks depends on participation in collecting funds. In terms of customer segmentation, there is dominance of private sector. While using the funds, the main preference is loans, meaning that value proposition depends on loan products, especiallymurabahah. Thus, revenue streams depend on mark-up. Overall, business model of Turkish Islamic banks seems similar to traditional banking based on intermediation with some peculiarities. There are also some evidences which can be interpreted as signs toward decline in this traditional role like decrease in deposits, increase in funds from financial institutions and decrease in loans.Practical implicationsIt can be said that original idea of participation banks has been followed on the liability side of Turkish Islamic banks. However, decrease in deposits recently needs detailed investigation to create convenient policies especially by Islamic banks. Similar investigation and policy creation is needed also for the developments of increase in funds from financial institutions and decrease in loans. Furthermore, as the original idea of participation is not followed by business model of Turkish Islamic banks, rethinking and acting is needed in that regard.Originality/valueMain contributions of this paper are as follows: first, it fills a gap in the field where studies regarding business model of Islamic banks are scarce. Second, it fills a gap in literature of Islamic banking in Turkey where most of the studies are about development or jurisprudence of Islamic banks. Third, it provides a decade-long evidence regarding business model of Islamic banks in Turkey. Fourth, the findings provide an initial step for the construction of a business model canvas for Turkish Islamic banks. Fifth, discussion of findings leads to number of important questions which can pave the way for new research studies.
Legislative kleptocracy in Nigeria: systems approach
Authors: Das Vasudev 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore legislative kleptocracy, specifically, budget padding, in Nigeria’s budding democracy, using systems thinking approach for a positive social change. Nigeria’s legislature is not free from the problem of kleptocracy inasmuch as some legislators have been charged with kleptocratic activities. The multifariousness of kleptocracy rooted in its differential coefficient in the Nigeria’s legislature does not underplay its sophistication.

Design/methodology/approach
In this qualitative analysis, the author generated data through a systematic analysis of documents.

Findings
The findings show that unexplored organismic factors or forces within the living being such as the inability of legislators to control their mind, low self-control, cheating propensity, identity crisis, etc., play vital roles in contributing to legislative kleptocracy.

Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of the study is that it is not generalizable.

Practical implications
The practical implication of the study is that implementation of the study recommendations is pragmatic, cost-effective and time-effective, and it would ensure legislative transformation and mitigate kleptocracy.

Social implications
The social implication of the study is if the Nigerian legislature implements the recommendation(s) of the study, there will be a legislative positive social change because financial crimes would have been mitigated.

Originality/value
This study filled the lacuna in the financial crime literature because it is the first of its kind in the discipline, and hence its originality cannot be disputed.
Mafia, money-laundering and the battle against criminal capital: the Italian case
Authors: El Siwi Yara 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to look at the case of Italy, which clearly stands out in its relationship with organised crime. The recognition that money is the “lifeblood” of OC has resulted in the implementation of what we can refer to as the anti-money laundering (AML) regime, which backs the systematic targeting of mafia assets and the application of severe obstacles to the concealment of dirty money through increased financial surveillance. This paper discusses the financialisation of counter-mafia strategies, with the purpose of questioning the extent to which this system has been delivering what it promised.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper is divided into three chapters. The first chapter looks at the relationship between Italian mafia and dirty money. The second chapter discusses the rationale and pillars of the AML regime. Finally, the last section examines and discusses recent evidence of the outcome of AML policies, by looking at figures as reported by relevant entities, such as the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Europol, the Italian Ministry of Interior and the Direzione Investigativa Anti-Mafia (DIA).

Findings
Evidence suggests that financial surveillance, the first pillar of the AML regime, is much costlier than it is beneficial to society. Reporting of suspicions has rocketed in the past years, bringing very little change to yearly ML convictions, and being only marginally helpful in mafia-related investigations, confiscations and arrests. The confiscation of assets from mafia members, i.e. the second pillar of the AML regime, has proven to be effective in gaining control over large sums and goods. However, more research is needed around the question of confiscated asset-management and desirable re-investment opportunities.

Originality/value
As the AML regime gains in prominence internationally, it is of great value to assess its achievements so far. This is especially true of a country like Italy, which suffers from a long-standing mafia dominance. This paper represents a modest initial inquiry, which will hopefully be complemented by future research to come to an in-depth understanding of the value and limitations of an AML regime in fighting OC.
Slipping through the net
Authors: Adeyemi Adebola 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the activities of the FCA with respect to the incidence of money laundering and highlight regulatory gaps. The financial services sector provides a crucial infrastructure for the promotion of wealth and innovation in the UK. This attractive infrastructure also appeals to criminals looking to launder the gains of their illicit activities.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper analyses the UK money laundering regime, highlighting specific challenging areas. The paper investigates the role of politically exposed persons and the use of corporate structures in promoting money laundering. In this context, it also becomes crucial to investigate the role of financial institutions and the sufficiency of their governance approach in lessening the incidence of money laundering. The paper investigates secondary sources and relies on their findings. It compares these findings to the regulatory outcomes.

Findings
The paper recommends steps that can be used to lessen the incidence of money laundering in the UK. From the reports evaluated, it is clear that the Financial Conduct Authority is working towards reducing the incidence of money laundering, but this could be further strengthened with the adoption of additional enforcement tools.

Practical implications
The paper suggests that different approaches should be used based on firm size, the type of business and the risk that a financial services firm presents to the financial sector. A large firm will need to bear more regulatory burden compared to a smaller firm.

Originality/value
The paper investigates the current approach to minimising the incidence of money laundering in the UK. It suggests that the regulator can guide financial services firms to meet the regulatory objectives by relying on an approach that discerns the regulatory risks presented by different firms depending on their size.
All‐cause mortality rates and home deaths decreased in children with life‐limiting diagnoses in Denmark between 1994 and 2014
Authors: Lykke Camilla , Ekholm Ola , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Olsen Marianne , Sjøgren Per 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimSpecialised paediatric palliative care has not previously been a priority in Denmark. The aim of this study was to support its development and organisation, by examining why and where children died using official national data for 1994–2014.MethodsWe obtained data on 9462 children who died before the age of 18 from the Danish Register of Causes of Death. The causes of deaths were listed according to the codes in the International Classification of Diseases.ResultsThe all‐cause mortality rate decreased by 52% over the study period, and infants below one year accounted for 61% of all deaths. The decline in infant mortality (26%) primarily reflected fewer deaths due to congenital malformations and chromosomal abnormalities (68%) and perinatal deaths (30%). In children aged one year to 17 years, the substantial decrease (65%) was due to external causes (75%) and neoplasms (57%). The relative proportion of hospital deaths increased, while home deaths decreased.ConclusionAll‐cause mortality rate decreased markedly, and the relative proportion of hospital deaths increased. The results may reflect more aggressive and effective treatment attempts to save lives, but some terminally ill children may be deprived of the option of dying at home.
Effects of bimagrumab, an activin receptor type II inhibitor, on pituitary neurohormonal axes
Authors: Garito Tania , Zakaria Marjorie , Papanicolaou Dimitris A. , Li Yifang , Pinot Pascale , Petricoul Olivier , Laurent Didier , Rooks Daniel , Rondon Juan Carlos , Roubenoff Ronenn 
Published: March 2018

SummaryBackgroundBimagrumab is a human monoclonal antibody inhibitor of activin type II receptors (ActRII), with anabolic action on skeletal muscle mass by blocking binding of myostatin and other negative regulators of muscle growth. Bimagrumab is under evaluation for muscle wasting and associated functional loss in hip fracture and sarcopenia, and in obesity. Bimagrumab also blocks other endogenous ActRII ligands, such as activins, which act on the neurohormonal axes, pituitary, gonads and adrenal glands.AimTo evaluate the effect of bimagrumab on the pituitary‐gonadal and pituitary‐adrenal axes in humans.MethodsHealthy men and women, aged 55 to 75 years, received bimagrumab intravenously 10 mg/kg or placebo on Day 1 and Day 29. Pituitary‐gonadal and pituitary‐adrenal functions were evaluated with basal hormone measurement and standard gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests at baseline, Week 8 and at the end of study (EOS)—Week 20.ResultsAt Week 8, follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were reduced by 42.16 IU/L (P < .001) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were increased by 2.5 IU/L (P = .08) over placebo in response to bimagrumab in women but not in men. Effects that were reversible after bimagrumab was cleared. Gonadal and adrenal androgen levels were not affected by exposure to bimagrumab.ConclusionBimagrumab alters the function of pituitary gonadotroph cells, consistent with blockade of activin on local ActRII. This effect is reversible with clearance of bimagrumab. Bimagrumab did not impact gonadal and adrenal androgen secretion.