bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
When Boards Matter: The Case of Corporate Social Irresponsibility
Authors: Jain Tanusree , Zaman Rashid 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWhile academic research has made remarkable progress in understanding corporate social responsibility (CSR), we have scant understanding of corporate social irresponsibility (CSiR). This paper adopts a stakeholder‐agency perspective towards CSiR to ask two related questions: (1) What board‐level structures can monitor management to reduce CSiR? and (2) What are the conditions that render board monitoring more effective? Employing a unique objective measure of CSiR and a sophisticated system generalized method of moments with dynamic panel model on a sample of publicly listed firms in the USA between 2002 and 2015, this paper demonstrates how firms with a specific board‐level governance bundle (i.e. a large, more independent board, with a board CSR committee, a higher proportion of women within boards with frequent director activity) are better equipped to reduce irresponsible behaviours, both in terms of number of irresponsible incidents as well as in terms of their economic costs to the firm. Moreover, the effectiveness of this governance bundle sustains under conditions of high institutional ownership and high board remuneration. This paper has implications for CSR and corporate governance literatures, as well as for managers and policymakers.
Efficacy of a visuomotor‐based intervention for children with reading and spelling disabilities: a pilot study
Authors: Layes Smail , Chouchani Mohamed Salah , Mecheri Soulef , Lalonde Robert , Rebaï Mohamed 
Published: July 2019

We predicted that Arabic‐speaking children with specific learning disabilities in reading (dyslexia) and spelling (in writing) benefit from a visuomotor‐based intervention programme for the development of letter knowledge and the improvement of word and pseudo‐word decoding as well as spelling (dictation). It was predicted that the mediation of visuomotor training should be effective since the characteristics of Arabic script require such high‐level functioning for the development of literacy skills. Participants (n = 20) were randomly divided in two groups, an experimental group (n = 10; mean age =125.50 months ± 3.24) and a control group (n = 10; mean age = 124.10 months ± 3.31). Results revealed that the post‐intervention measures were better achieved in the experimental group than pre‐intervention ones, which confirms the efficacy of this visuomotor intervention programme.
‘Fear and loathing across party lines’ (also) in Europe: Affective polarisation in European party systems
Authors: REILJAN ANDRES 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSeveral scholars in the United States have recently addressed an increased partisan animosity between Democrats and Republicans, and have termed this phenomenon ‘affective polarisation’. This surge in partisan affective polarisation is perceived to be highly problematic, as it has been found to have a negative impact on the functioning of the party system and even society at large. The aim of this article is to study the concept of affective polarisation in European party systems. It introduces the Affective Polarisation Index (API) that allows for measuring and comparing levels of affective polarisation also in multiparty systems. This novel measure is applied to 22 European democracies and the United States between 2005 and 2016. The results indicate that affective polarisation is acutely present in European party systems, as partisans are often extremely hostile towards competing parties. The most affectively polarised countries are in Central Eastern and Southern Europe where the degree of affective polarisation is notably higher than it is in the United States, while Northwestern European countries are more moderate in terms of partisan feelings. Further analysis reveals that affective polarisation is significantly correlated with ideological polarisation, but the relationship between the two appears to be conditional: in some Western European political systems ideological polarisation does not lead itself to strong interparty hostility, while in Central Eastern Europe a high degree of affective polarisation can be present even in ideologically centrist party structures. These findings validate the claim that ideological and affective polarisation are two distinct aspects of polarisation, and that the latter also merits additional attention.
Potential of Milk Fat to Structure Semisolid Lipidic Systems: A Review
Authors: Viriato Rodolfo Lázaro Soares , Queirós Mayara de Souza , Ribeiro Ana Paula Badan , Gigante Mirna Lúcia 
Published: July 2019

AbstractFood production and consumption patterns have changed dramatically in recent decades. The universe of oils and fats, in particular, has been changed due to the negative impacts oftransfatty acids produced industrially through the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils. Regulations prohibiting its use have led the industry to produce semisolid lipid systems using chemical methods for modification of oils and fats, with limitations from a technological point of view and a lack of knowledge about the metabolization of the modified fats in the body. Milk fat is obtained from the complex biosynthesis in the mammary gland and can be a technological alternative for the modulation of the crystallization processes of semi‐solids lipid systems, once it is naturally plastic at the usual processing, storage, and consumption temperatures. The natural plasticity of milk fat is due to its heterogeneous chemical composition, which contains more than 400 different fatty acids that structure approximately 64 million triacylglycerols, with a preferred polymorphic habit in β', besides other physical properties. Therefore, milk fat differs from any lipid raw material found in nature. This review will address the relationship between the chemical behavior and physical properties of semisolid lipids, demonstrating the potential of milk fat as an alternative to the commonly used modification processes.
The Effect of High‐Pressure Microfluidization Treatment on the Foaming Properties of Pea Albumin Aggregates
Authors: Djemaoune Yanis , Cases Eliane , Saurel Rémi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe effect of dynamic high‐pressure treatment, also named microfluidization, on the surface properties of thermal pea albumin aggregates (AA) and their foaming ability was investigated at pH 3, 5, and 7. The solubility of albumin particles was not affected by the increase in microfluidization pressure from 70 to 130 MPa. Particle charge depended only on the pH, whereas protein surface hydrophobicity was stable at pH 5, decreased at pH 3, but increased at pH 7 after microfluidization treatment and with the applied pressure. Surface tension of AA measured at air/water interface was favorably affected by the microfluidization treatment at each pH preferentially due to size reduction and increased flexibility of protein particles. The foaming capacity and stability of AA depended on the pH conditions and the microfluidization treatment. The high‐pressure treatment had little influence in foaming properties at acidic pHs, probably related to a more compact form of AA at these pHs. At neutral pH, the foaming properties of pea AA were strongly influenced by their surface properties and size associated with significant modifications in AA structure with microfluidization. Changes in albumin aggregate characteristics with pH and microfluidization pressure are also expected to modulate other techno‐functional properties, such as emulsifying property.Practical ApplicationAlbumins are known for their interesting nutritional values because they are rich in essential amino acids. This fraction is not currently marketed as a protein isolate for human consumption, but can be considered as a potential new vegetable protein ingredient. This document demonstrated that heat treatment or dynamic high‐pressure technology can control the foaming properties of this protein for possible use in expanded foods.
Selection and assembly of indigenous bacteria and methanogens from spent metalworking fluids and their potential as a starting culture in a fluidized bed reactor
Authors: Vyrides Ioannis , Rivett Damian W. , Bruce Kenneth D. , Lilley Andrew K. 
Published: July 2019

SummaryWaste metalworking fluids (MWFs) are highly biocidal resulting in real difficulties in the, otherwise favoured, bioremediation of these high chemical oxygen deman (COD) wastes anaerobically in bioreactors. We have shown, as a proof of concept, that it is possible to establish an anaerobic starter culture using strains isolated from spent MWFs which are capable of reducing COD or, most significantly, methanogenesis in this biocidal waste stream. Bacterial strains (n = 99) and archaeal methanogens (n = 28) were isolated from spent MWFs. The most common bacterial strains were Clostridium species (n = 45). All methanogens were identified as Methanosarcina mazei. Using a random partitions design (RPD) mesocosm experiment, we found that bacterial diversity and species–species interactions had significant effects on COD reduction but that bacterial composition did not. The RPD study showed similar effects on methanogenesis, except that composition was also significant. We identified bacterial species with positive and negative effects on methane production. A consortium of 16 bacterial species and three methanogens was used to initiate a fluidized bed bioreactor (FBR), in batch mode. COD reduction and methane production were variable, and the reactor was oscillated between continuous and batch feeds. In both microcosm and FBR experiments, periodic inconsistencies in bacterial reduction in fermentative products to formic and acetic acids were identified as a key issue.
Formation Mechanism and Sedimentary Pattern of Abandoned Channels
Authors: LIU Zongbao , SHANG Yunzhi , ZHAO Rongsheng , LIU Fang , XUE Xinyu , LIU Yunyan 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAccurately identifying and quantitatively describing abandoned channels in meandering rivers are of great significance for improving hydrocarbon recovery. By using modern deposition analogy, field outcrop analysis, a dense well spacing, core observations and a review of the literature, this paper studied the formation process and space–time amalgamation of abandoned channels in meandering river. The results reveal that formation mechanisms of abandoned channels include chute cutoff patterns (shoal‐cutting, ditch‐scouring and embayment‐eroding patterns) and neck cutoff patterns. The chute cutoff pattern forms a gradually abandoned channel, while the neck cutoff pattern forms a suddenly abandoned channel. From upstream to downstream, the sedimentary pattern of the abandoned channel transforms from a chute cutoff pattern to a neck cutoff pattern, where the main controlling factors transition from the grain size and gradient to the flow and vegetation. An abandoned channel formed by a chute cutoff pattern consists mainly of siltstone, fine sandstone and thin gravel layers, which form a lithological‐physical barrier. The abandoned channel formed by a neck cutoff pattern consists mainly of mudstone and argillaceous siltstone, forming a lithological barrier. Based on the amalgamation and structure of the reservoir architectural elements, the abandoned channel can be divided into three planar sedimentary patterns (crescent, semilune and horseshoe) for a single channel and five vertical sedimentary patterns for composite channels.
Typical Soft–Sediment Deformation Structures Induced by Freeze/Thaw Cycles: A Case Study of Quaternary Alluvial Deposits in the Northern Qiangtang Basin, Tibetan Plateau
Authors: ZHONG Ning , LI Haibing , JIANG Hanchao , LU Haijian , ZHENG Yong , HAN Shuai , YE Jiachan 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWith the objective of establishing a distinction between deformation structures caused by freeze/thaw cycles and those resulting from seismic activity, we studied three well–exposed alluvial deposits in a section at Dogai Coring, northern Qiangtang Basin, Tibetan Plateau. Deformation is present in the form of plastic structures (diapirs, folds and clastic dykes), brittle structures (micro–faults) and cryogenic wedges. These soft–sediment deformation features (except the micro–faults) are mainly characterized by meter–scale, non–interlayered, low–speed and low–pressure displacements within soft sediments, most commonly in the form of plastic deformation. Taking into account the geographic setting, lithology and deformation features, we interpret these soft–sediment deformation features as the products of freeze/thaw cycles, rather than of earthquake–induced shock waves, thus reflecting regional temperature changes and fluctuations of hydrothermal conditions in the uppermost sediments. The micro–faults (close to linear hot springs) are ascribed to regional fault activity; however, we were unable to identify the nature of the micro–faults, perhaps due to disturbance by subsequent freeze/thaw cycles. This study may serve as a guide to recognizing the differences between deformation structures attributed to freeze/thaw cycles and seismic processes.
Determinants of diagnosis and disease course in primary Sjögren's syndrome: Results from datamining of electronic health records
Authors: Sandhya Pulukool , Janardana Ramya , Sudarsanam Thambu , Mahasampath Gowri , Prakash John Antony Jude , Danda Debashish 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundDeterminants of diagnosis in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) in tertiary care settings is not well understood.MethodsPatients were screened by tracing reports of anti‐SSA (anti‐Ro) antibody assays between January 2008 and October 2015. Electronic health records (EHR) were reviewed. Patients fulfilling the 2016 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) classification criteria were included. Variables including the specialties of first consultation, initial clinical presentations, investigations ordered at first consultation, number of hospital visits prior to reaching the final diagnosis of pSS and the baseline EULAR SS Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) were noted.ResultsA total of 275 patients with pSS consulted 24 different specialties at first visit. Rheumatology accounted for 128 (46.55%) patients. At first consultation, initial suspicion for pSS was 48.4% for all specialties together and 64.84% for the rheumatologist. Median number of visits prior to arriving at the final diagnosis was 1 (1‐6), when the initial impression was pSS and 3 (1‐14), if the initial clinical impression was a non‐SS differential (P < 0.001). A first impression of pSS, enquiry about sicca symptoms and ordering anti‐SSA (anti‐Ro) antibody test at first consultation were strong predictors of early diagnosis with odds (95% CI) of 5.01 (1.72‐14.55) P < 0.001, 4.79 (1.16‐19.84) P = 0.03 and 9.60 (3.0‐30.67) P < 0.0001, respectively. None of the clinical variables proved to be useful predictors of early diagnosis.ConclusionsDiagnosis of pSS is challenging even in tertiary care centers as patients present with myriad features to several specialties. Initial suspicion was limited to 48.4% for all specialties together and 64.84% for the rheumatologist. High suspicion of pSS along with ordering anti‐SSA (anti‐Ro) antibody could hasten diagnosis.
The incidence of extra‐articular manifestations in southern Chinese patients with inflammatory joint diseases
Authors: Yan Siyu , Cui Yang , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Guangfeng , Dong Guangfu , Feng Yuan , Song Yingyu 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimInflammatory joint diseases (IJDs) are chronic arthritis, but frequently present with co‐morbidities of other organs and systems, which is known as extra‐articular manifestations (EAMs). It is still unclear which clinical characteristics or bio‐markers can predict the development of EAMs. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of EAMs in southern Chinese patients with IJDs and to explore the risk factors.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of a total 1135 IJDs patients, including 788 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, 307 ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and 40 psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients. Demographic data, disease characteristics, laboratory blood tests, medical imaging, and the presence of EAMs were recorded.ResultsWe found 459 (40.44%) patients presented with EAMs: 30.84% had cardiovascular involvement, 7.67% had pulmonary involvement, 5.29% had osteoporosis/low bone mineral density, 2.29% had ocular, 0.79% had gastrointestinal and 0.26% had renal involvements. Multivariate logistic regression showed older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.06, P < .001) and higher anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti‐CCP) levels (OR 1.003, P = .019) were independent risks of EAMs in RA patients. In the AS group, older age (OR 1.07, P < .001) and higher disease activity (OR 3.24‐7.42, both P < .05), were independent risks of EAMs. In the PsA group, longer disease duration (OR 1.01, P = .036) and higher disease activity (OR 1.15, P = .004) were univariate associated factors.ConclusionThese results suggested the high prevalence of EAMs, and it is important to regularly screen for EAMs, as they influence treatment decisions and impact on patients’ quality of life.
Pyrimethanil: Between efficient fungicide against Aspergillus rot on cherry tomato and cytotoxic agent on human cell lines
Authors: Aleksić Milena , Stanisavljević Danijela , Smiljković Marija , Vasiljević Perica , Stevanović Milena , Soković Marina , Stojković Dejan 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPyrimethanil, a synthetic fungicide widely used for the treatment of pre‐ and postharvest fungal diseases on different agricultural crops, was explored for its antifungal activity on different fungal strains. The effect of pyrimethanil on fungal ergosterol was tested by using Aspergillus niger as a model organism. Furthermore, it was investigated, if pyrimethanil can effectively reduce the appearance of Aspergillus rot in wounded cherry tomato fruits. The fungicide cytotoxic effect on different human cell lines was evaluated. In addition, its influence on cell proliferation was studied. A. niger was the most resistant fungal strain (MFC 1.88 μg μL−1) to the effect of pyrimethanil. Addition of ergosterol doubled the MFC on A. niger, indicating that the compound might interfere with ergosterol, main sterol of fungal cell membrane. Disease incidence of A. niger in wounded cherry tomato fruits was not detected with pyrimethanil treatment of 0.75 mg/wound. Some cytotoxic effects of pyrimethanil on human cell lines were recorded already at 50 ng μL−1, while the expression of Ki67 marker of proliferation was decreased with 150 ng μL−1. These results altogether indicate that pyrimethanil is effective in reducing various fungal pathogens, but further use of this fungicide should be reevaluated because of its cytotoxicity.
Early termination of resuscitation in in‐hospital cardiac arrest and impact to the outcome calculations
Authors: Loisa Eetu , Setälä Piritta , Hoppu Sanna , Tirkkonen Joonas 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundSome in‐hospital resuscitation attempts are assessed futile and terminated early on. We hypothesized that if these cases are reported separately, the true outcome of in‐hospital cardiac arrest is better reflected.MethodsWe conducted a 3‐year prospective observational Utstein‐style study in Tampere, Finland. All adult in‐hospital cardiac arrests outside critical care areas attended by hospital's rapid response team were included. Resuscitation attempts that were terminated within 10 minutes were considered early terminations.ResultsThe cohort consisted of 199 in‐hospital cardiac arrest patients. Twenty‐seven (14%) resuscitation attempts were terminated early due to the presumed futility of the attempt with median resuscitation duration of 5 (4, 7) minutes. These cases and the 172 patients with full resuscitation attempt were of comparable age, sex and comorbidity. Early terminated resuscitation attempts were more often unwitnessed (63% vs. 10%, P < .001) with initial non‐shockable rhythm (100% vs. 80%, P = .006) when compared with full attempts. The most frequently reported reasons for termination decisions were non‐witnessed arrest presenting asystole as initial rhythm and severe acute illness. The hospital survival with good neurological outcome and 1‐year survival were 30% and 25% for the whole cohort, and 34% and 29% when early terminated resuscitation attempts were excluded.ConclusionOne‐seventh of resuscitation attempts were terminated early on due to presumed futility of the attempt. Short‐ and long‐term outcomes were 5% and 4% better when early terminated attempts were excluded from the outcome analyses. We believe that in‐hospital cardiac arrest outcome is not as poor as repeatedly presented in the literature.
Pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine/amphetamine use disorder—a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chan Brian , Freeman Michele , Kondo Karli , Ayers Chelsea , Montgomery Jessica , Paynter Robin , Kansagara Devan 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimsAddiction to methamphetamine/amphetamine (MA/A) is a major public health problem. Currently there are no pharmacotherapies for MA/A use disorder that have been approved for use by the US Food and Drug Administration or the European Medicines Agency. We reviewed the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy for MA/A use disorder to assess the quality, publication bias and overall strength of the evidence.MethodsSystematic review and meta‐analysis. We searched multiple data sources (MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library) to April 2019 for systematic reviews (SRs) and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Included studies recruited adults who had MA/A use disorder; sample sizes ranged from 19 to 229 participants. Outcomes of interest were abstinence, defined as 3 or more consecutive weeks with negative urine drug screens (UDS); overall use, analyzed as the proportion of MA/A negative UDS specimens; and treatment retention. One SR of pharmacotherapies for MA/A use disorder and 17 additional RCTs met our inclusion criteria encompassing 17 different drugs (antidepressants, antipsychotics, psychostimulants, anticonvulsants and opioid antagonists). We combined the findings of trials with comparable interventions and outcome measures in random‐effects meta‐analyses. We assessed quality, publication bias and the strength of evidence for each outcome using standardized criteria.ResultsThere was low‐strength evidence from two RCTs that methylphenidate may reduce MA/A use: 6.5 versus 2.8% MA/A‐negative UDS in one study (n = 34, P = 0.008) and 23 versus 16% in another study (n = 54, P = 0.047). Antidepressants as a class had no statistically significant effect on abstinence or retention on the basis of moderate strength evidence. Studies of anticonvulsants, antipsychotics (aripiprazole), opioid antagonists (naltrexone), varenicline and atomoxetine provided either low‐strength or insufficient evidence of no effect on the outcomes of interest. Many of the studies had high or unclear risk of bias.ConclusionsOn the basis of low‐ to moderate‐strength evidence, most medications evaluated for methamphetamine/amphetamine use disorder have not shown a statistically significant benefit. However, there is low‐strength evidence that methylphenidate may reduce use.