bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Employee advocacy in Africa: the role of HR practitioners in Malawi
Authors: Mamman Aminu , Rees Christopher J. , Bakuwa Rhoda , Branine Mohamed , Kamoche Ken 
Published: November 2018

PurposeIn recognising the weakness of trade unions and the lack of an institutional framework designed to enforce employee rights in an African context, the purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which human resource (HR) practitioners are perceived to play the role of employee advocate.Design/methodology/approachThe quantitative data set is derived from a sample of 305 respondents (95 HR practitioners, 121 line managers and 89 employees) from Malawi.FindingsDespite the challenges of the context, HR practitioners are perceived by key stakeholders (including line managers and employees) to be playing the role of employee advocate. Standard multiple regression results indicate that the main factor contributing to the perception that HR practitioners are playing this role is their contribution to “motivating employees”.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted in Malawi. Further research is necessary to explore the generalisability of the findings to other contexts.Originality/valueThe findings provide an empirical base for future studies which explore perceptions of the employee advocacy role undertaken by HR practitioners in Africa.
Numerical study on sealing characteristic of rubber X-ring exposed to high-pressure hydrogen by considering swelling effect
Authors: Zhou Chilou , He Mohan , Chen Guohua , Jiang Saihua 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the sealing characteristic of the rubber X-ring combined seal used in high-pressure hydrogen service and clarify the effect of swelling due to dissolved hydrogen on the sealing behavior.

Design/methodology/approach
A finite element analysis method with a user subroutine is proposed to investigate the sealing characteristic of rubber X-ring seals in conjunction with the swelling effect.

Findings
The swelling has a noticeable impact on the sealing behavior. The higher peak contact stress suggests that the X-ring seal may be superior to the O-ring seal, while the calculated increase in Mises stress suggests the X-ring exhibits a higher propensity to mechanical damage under low pressure conditions.

Originality/value
This paper describes a method with a user subroutine developed within ABAQUS to simulate the sealing performance coupled hydrogen swelling. The suitability of X-ring seals is evaluated. This work provides insight into the swelling effect on sealing behavior of an X-ring, which is of great value for the design and application of rubber seals used in hydrogen service.
Credit unions’ acquisitions of banks and thrifts
Authors: Walker David A. , Smith Kathryn I. 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
In total, 14 credit unions have acquired 16 banks and savings institutions since 2012; 7 additional acquisitions are in progress and are expected to close before year-end 2019. The analysis of the population of these acquisitions spans the paths of annual differences in CAMEL ratios. Most acquirers have a somewhat revised capital structure and are often benefiting from economies of scope, as well as economies of scale. Since their acquisitions, the acquiring credit unions have become less risky, measured by simulated CAMEL ratios, and they are lending a larger share of their deposits. There is no apparent financial reason to discourage credit unions from acquiring additional banks and savings institutions. The National Credit Union Administration does not need to be particularly hesitant to allow credit unions to acquire banks and thrifts.

Design/methodology/approach
Financial analysis is done via simulated CAMEL ratios.

Findings
After acquiring banks, credit unions are less risky and lend a greater share of their deposits.

Research limitations/implications
The study analyzes the population of the credit unions that have acquired banks since 2012, but the population consists of 14 banks acquiring 16 credit unions.

Practical implications
Credit unions should not be prohibited from further acquisitions of banks and thrifts.

Social implications
Credit union members are better served after a credit union acquires a bank.

Originality/value
No previous study has explored the effects of credit unions acquiring banks and thrifts, which began in 2012.
Using template and matrix analysis
Authors: Burton Nicholas , Galvin Peter 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a qualitative research method using oral history interview data that may advance new types of methodological inquiry in management and organisation history research.

Design/methodology/approach
The method, the authors present, combines matrix and template analysis using oral histories from unstructured interviews with 31 senior managers in the UK individual personal pensions product market to illuminate how the construction of “matrices” and “templates” can then be compared and contrasted across different time periods, and at different units of analysis, to analyse complex temporal data.

Findings
The authors highlight the veracity of a combination of template and matrix analysis for researchers handling management and organisation history data.

Originality/value
Elaborations of new research methodologies suitable for handling historical data remain few and far between. The proposed method offers a new approach for handing temporal textual data.
Proximate determinants of Taylor's law slopes
Authors: Zhao Lei , Sheppard Lawrence W. , Reid Philip C. , Walter Jonathan A. , Reuman Daniel C. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Taylor's law (TL), a commonly observed and applied pattern in ecology, describes variances of population densities as related to mean densities via log(variance) = log(a) + b*log(mean). Variations among datasets in the slope, b, have been associated with multiple factors of central importance in ecology, including strength of competitive interactions and demographic rates. But these associations are not transparent, and the relative importance of these and other factors for TL slope variation is poorly studied. TL is thus a ubiquitously used indicator in ecology, the understanding of which is still opaque.

The goal of this study was to provide tools to help fill this gap in understanding by providing proximate determinants of TL slopes, statistical quantities that are correlated to TL slopes but are simpler than the slope itself and are more readily linked to ecological factors.

Using numeric simulations and 82 multi‐decadal population datasets, we here propose, test and apply two proximate statistical determinants of TL slopes which we argue can become key tools for understanding the nature and ecological causes of TL slope variation.

We find that measures based on population skewness, coefficient of variation and synchrony are effective proximate determinants. We demonstrate their potential for application by using them to help explain covariation in slopes of spatial and temporal TL (two common types of TL).

This study provides tools for understanding TL, and demonstrates their usefulness.
Roads diverged: An examination of violent and nonviolent pathways in the aftermath of the Bosnian war*
Authors: DiPietro Stephanie M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDespite renewed interest among criminologists in war and genocide, still understudied are the implications of mass violence for human development and behavior over the life course. By drawing on detailed life history data gathered from 55 male Bosnian refugees and nationals, in this work, I examine the shared beginnings of men who experienced the Bosnian war and genocide (1992–1995) in their youth, as well as examine their divergent pathways over time and across two distinct postwar contexts. My findings reveal that violent pathways are shaped by the confluence of social–psychological mechanisms (e.g., the normalization of violence) and exogenous risk factors (e.g., family disruption and loss of male role models). Compared with nonviolent men, who emphasize themes of catharsis and resilience, and the emulation of prosocial models of masculinity, violent men's narratives are distinguished by themes of persecution and exile, the emulation of violent role models, and contextual barriers to attaining valued masculine identities. Beyond the experience of war, these findings have implications for understanding how early experiences of chronic violence and community disruption shape turning points and cultural frames over the life course, and they indicate that studies of violent pathways should grant greater primacy to the social–historical context and the meaning individuals ascribe to their experiences.
PUBLIC INVESTMENT, TAXATION AND TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY
Authors: KOLLIAS Iraklis , MARJIT Sugata , MICHELACAKIS Nickolas J. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTA low‐wage developing economy (South) is interested in accessing and attracting superior technology from a high‐wage developed economy (North) with firms having heterogeneous quality of technology. To improve upon the initial market equilibrium, which shows that relatively inefficient technologies will move to the South, the host government invests in infrastructure financed through taxing the foreign firms. We discuss the problem of existence of such a tax‐transfer mechanism within a balanced budget framework. We argue that such a policy can increase tax revenue as well as instigate the transfer of better quality technology. It turns out that this policy is more likely to be successful when the production concerns high‐value, high‐price products in low‐wage economies. Our results improve upon the conventional strategy of a tax break.
A Probabilistic Steering Parameter Model for Deterministic Motion Planning Algorithms
Authors: Agethen Philipp , Gaisbauer Felix , Rukzio Enrico 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe simulation of two‐dimensional human locomotion in a bird's eye perspective is a key technology for various domains to realistically predict walk paths. The generated trajectories, however, are frequently deviating from reality due to the usage of simplifying assumptions. For instance, common deterministic motion planning algorithms predominantly utilize a set of static steering parameters (e.g. maximum acceleration or velocity of the agent) to simulate the walking behaviour of a person. This procedure neglects important influence factors, which have a significant impact on the spatio‐temporal characteristics of the finally resulting motion—such as the operator's physical conditions or the probabilistic nature of the human locomotor system. In overcome this drawback, this paper presents an approach to derive probabilistic motion models from a database of captured human motions. Although being initially designed for industrial purposes, this method can be applied to a wide range of use cases while considering an arbitrary number of dependencies (input) and steering parameters (output). To underline its applicability, a probabilistic steering parameter model is implemented, which models velocity, angular velocity and acceleration as a function of the travel distances, path curvature and height of a respective person. Finally, the technical performance and advantages of this model are demonstrated within an evaluation.
Improvement in hepatitis C virus patients with advanced, compensated liver disease after sustained virological response to direct acting antivirals
Authors: Giannini Edoardo G. , Crespi Mattia , Demarzo Mariagiulia , Bodini Giorgia , Furnari Manuele , Marabotto Elisa , Torre Francesco , Zentilin Patrizia , Savarino Vincenzo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe outcome of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) and advanced, compensated liver disease after sustained virological response (SVR) to direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) has not yet been completely depicted. We aimed to assess the clinical, biochemical and instrumental outcome of patients with advanced, compensated chronic HCV‐related liver disease with DAA‐induced SVR to DAAs and who had at least 1‐year follow‐up.Materials and methodsFifty‐two patients with cirrhosis (n = 27) and fibrosis stage F3 (n = 25) followed up for a median of 60 weeks after successful DAA treatment were included. Laboratory work‐up, including APRI and FIB‐4 scores, liver transient elastography and measurement of the spleen bi‐polar diameter were carried out before treatment and at the end of follow‐up.ResultsLiver stiffness decreased (P < 0.0001) from a median baseline of 15.2 kPa (12.0‐20.0) to 9.3 kPa (7.5‐12.0) at follow‐up. A liver stiffness value suggestive of the presence (ie, ≥21.0 kPa) of clinically significant portal hypertension was found in 13 patients (25.0%) at baseline and in seven patients (13.5%) at follow‐up (P = 0.037). Both APRI (P < 0.0001) and FIB‐4 score (P = 0.025) progressively decreased, while platelet count increased (143 × 109/L [117‐176] to 153 × 109/L [139‐186], P = 0.003), and spleen bi‐polar diameter decreased (120 mm [112‐123] to 110 mm [102‐116], P = 0.0009) from baseline to the end of follow‐up.ConclusionsIn patients advanced, compensated chronic liver disease, liver stiffness significantly improves in the long‐term after SVR, and this improvement is accompanied by an amelioration of indirect indices of liver fibrosis and function, and by a decrease in parameters of portal hypertension.
Seawater recirculation through subducting sediments sustains a deeply buried population of sulfate‐reducing bacteria
Authors: Cox Toni L. , Gan Han Ming , Moreau John W. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSubseafloor sulfate concentrations typically decrease with depth as this electron acceptor is consumed by respiring microorganisms. However, studies show that seawater can flow through hydraulically conductive basalt to deliver sulfate upwards into deeply buried overlying sediments. Our previous work on IODP Site C0012A (Nankai Trough, Japan) revealed that recirculation of sulfate through the subducting Philippine Sea Plate stimulated microbial activity near the sediment–basement interface (SBI). Here, we describe the microbial ecology, phylogeny, and energetic requirements of population of aero‐tolerant sulfate‐reducing bacteria in the deep subseafloor. We identified dissimilatory sulfite reductase gene (dsr) sequences 93% related to oxygen‐tolerant Desulfovibrionales species across all reaction zones while no SRB were detected in drilling fluid control samples. Pore fluid chemistry revealed low concentrations of methane (<0.25 mM), while hydrogen levels were consistent with active bacterial sulfate reduction (0.51–1.52 nM). Solid phase total organic carbon (TOC) was also considerably low in these subseafloor sediments. Our results reveal the phylogenetic diversity, potential function, and physiological tolerance of a community of sulfate‐reducing bacteria living at ~480 m below subducting seafloor.
Does venture capital spur innovation or the other way around? Evidence on the significance of investment timing from China
Authors: Lin Xiao , Xu Wei , Zhang Baiping , Yang Fan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis paper explores the interaction between venture capital and innovation in China. We focus on the difference between early, development, and expansion stages of innovation firms when they receive their first installment of venture capital. Using ordinary least squares (OLS), switching regression model and counterfactual comparison, we find that selection effect exists in all three stages, suggesting that established innovation capacity increases the possibility of innovation firms to receive venture capital. Further, the selection effect is most profound in the development stage. The treatment effect, the combined effect of financial role and value‐added service, plays an important role in promoting innovation in all three stages. However, the mechanisms of the effect vary greatly across the early, development, and expansion stages. The financial role of venture capital does not influence innovation in the early stage, but promotes innovation in the development stage, and restrains innovation in the expansion stage. Value‐added service promotes innovation in the early and expansion stages, and whether it influences innovation in the development stage needs further study.
Nucleus‐localized adiponectin is survival gatekeeper through miR‐214‐mediated AIFM2 regulation
Authors: Cho Junkwon , Teshigawara Rika , Kameda Masahiro , Yamaguchi Shinpei , Tada Takashi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAdiponectin secreted from adipocytes into plasma has anti‐aging, anti‐obesity and anti‐inflammation effects. Here, we detected intracellular adiponectin localized in the nuclei of human and mouse pluripotent stem cells, mouse germ cells and some somatic cells. Nucleus‐localized (Nu) adiponectin protein is characterized by an N‐terminal truncated monomer form in a native state, compared with intact multimer forms of cytoplasm‐localized (Cy) adiponectin protein. Doxycycline‐induced over‐expression of ADIPONECTIN caused cell death in human and mouse Nu‐type pluripotent stem cells. Genome‐wide gene expression analysis indicated that apoptosis by ADIPONECTIN over‐expression was induced in accompany with upregulation of AIFM2 and MEG3. Upregulation of AIFM2 and MEG3 and down‐regulation of miR‐214‐3p verified by qPCR analyses after ADIPONECTIN over‐expression indicated that the MEG3/miR‐214/AIFM2 pathway played a role in the apoptotic cell death of pluripotent cells. Adiponectin‐induced cell death was rescued by the treatment with miR‐214‐3p mimic. Global data analysis shows that Nu adiponectin has a role in microRNA‐mediated post‐transcription regulation, cell–cell interactions and chromatin remodeling as a survival gatekeeper.
Asset or Liability: Transnational Links and Political Participation of Foreign‐Born Citizens in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Isabelle , Momesso Lara , Fell Dafydd 
Published: November 2018

AbstractViewed as outsiders clinging onto links with their country of origin, immigrants do not often feature positively in electoral politics in their host society. Challenging this conventional view, this article examines how immigrants make use of their transnational ties to foster their political participation in the host state. This exploration is conducted through our study of the political participation of Vietnamese and Chinese immigrants in Taiwan. Our research finds that transnational ties are politicized by the mainstream political parties. However, such politicization does not necessarily restrict immigrants’ agency and their sociopolitical space for political participation. Their transnational ties constitute a dynamic sociopolitical field in which these maintained connections are acted upon and give rise to a variety of strategies for responding to issues affecting their interests.
Antilisterial and antistaphylococcal activity of a Lactococcus lactis strain isolated from Brazilian fresh Minas cheese
Authors: Costa Ana Carolina Cabral Carvalhaes , Pereira Aline Neves , Silva Adrielle Cristina de Andrade e , da Silva Flávio Alves , Ribeiro Keyla de Oliveira , Torres Ieda Maria Sapateiro , De Martinis Elaine Cristina Pereira , Alves Virgínia Farias 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Lactococcus lactis QMF 11, isolated from Brazilian fresh cheese, produces bacteriocin like inhibitory substances (bac+). To evaluate L. lactis QMF11 possible application on biopreservation systems of dairy food, co‐inoculation studies were performed in pasteurized milk (8 °C, 10 days) targeting the inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644 or Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Lactobacillus sakei ATCC 15521 was used as a negative control for bacteriocin production (bac−). L. monocytogenes and S. aureus reached 8 log CFU ml−1 and 5.4 log CFU ml−1 in monoculture, respectively, compared to <2.3 log CFU ml−1 and 4.7 log CFU ml−1 in co‐culture with L. lactis QMF 11. Instead, in the presence of the bac−, L. monocytogenes population reached 7.3 log CFU ml−1 and S. aureus populations 5.5 log CFU ml−1. These results indicate that L. lactis QMF11 may have potential for be use as biopreservative culture in dairy products, mainly because of its antilisterial activity.Practical applicationsThere is a renewed interest in the use protective bacterial cultures or their metabolites to guarantee the microbiological safety and to extend the shelf life of dairy products, in a process called biopreservation. The research in this area has been leveraged by consumers demand for naturally preserved foods. Dairy products are natural niches for Lactococcus lactis strains, and these bacteria have been associated with food production and preservation since ancient times. As a dominant species in dairy ecosystems, L. lactis strains are very interesting because they are not likely to require regulatory approval for practical application as bioprotective cultures.
Modulations of bovine hepatic microsomal metabolism of benzimidazoles by secondary plant metabolites
Authors: Karlik Wojciech , Chłopecka Magdalena , Bamburowicz‐Klimkowska Magdalena , Mendel Marta 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe study was aimed to estimate the effect of plant secondary metabolites present in ruminants diet and phytogenic feed additives on liver microsomal metabolism of albendazole and fenbendazole. The selected phytocompounds comprised of flavonoids (apigenin, quercetin) and saponins (hederagenin, medicagenic acid). The experiments were performed on liver microsomal fraction obtained from routinely slaughtered cows. The intensity of albendazole and fenbendazole metabolism in the presence of flavonoids and saponins was analyzed in equimolar concentration (100 μM). The obtained results revealed that both flavonoids and saponins intensify the metabolism of albendazole and fenbendazole in bovine microsomes. In the case of albendazole, apigenin and quercetin doubled the amount of degraded drug and the amount of produced albendazole sulfoxide. Additionally, both flavonoids increased the amount of produced albendazole sulfone. Saponins, hederagenin, and medicagenic acid intensified the degradation of albendazole (1.8‐fold) and the production of albendazole sulfoxide (twofold). Medicagenic acid inhibited the production of albendazole sulfone. In the case of fenbendazole, the degradation of the drug and the production of oxfendazole were increased four and five times in the presence of saponins and flavonoids, respectively. The enhancement of benzimidazoles’ metabolism caused by the studied plant metabolites could change pharmacokinetics and the efficacy of benzimidazoles’ treatment in cattle.