bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mapping the TQM implementation approaches and their impact on realizing leadership in Indian tyre manufacturing industry
Authors: Kumar Vimal , Mittal Ankesh , Verma Pratima , Antony Jiju 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThis paper attempts to investigate the approaches used for implementing total quality management (TQM) practices and study its impact on ABC India Limited (Name changed), a tyre manufacturing industry for realizing leadership in the Indian market. The other objectives are to explore the key issues faced by the company before TQM and study the benefits achieved after TQM implementation.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual case study research methodology has been utilized in this paper. The industry was facing some major business challenges such as low productivity, financial issues and low market presence since 1996. To overcome these issues, the top management of the industry adopted TQM as a business improvement tool and started its implementation in 2008.FindingsA good number of improvement initiatives under four TQM approaches such as management approach, development approach, improvement approach and involvement approach were performed systematically and strategically. As a result of the successful implementation of TQM initiatives, the industry received the most prestigious quality award namely Deming Prize in 2017.Research limitations/implicationsWith the implementation of the TQM philosophy in the industry, it gained the top market position, the customer satisfaction score increased from 75 to 81, market presence increased from 7.2% to 26.3% and the percentage participation of employees increased by 73.5% within a period from 2009 to 2016.Originality/valueThe novelty of this research is to consider a case-based approach that will be helpful in promoting the utilization of the TQM philosophy in other industries for gaining competitive advantages.
Co‐parasitism in the face of predation: Effects of natural enemies on a neotropical mockingbird
Authors: Herman Jordan M. , Fiorini Vanina D. , Crudele Ignacio , Reboreda Juan C. , Pladas Shawn A. , Watson André P. , Bush Sarah E. , Clayton Dale H. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Co‐parasitism is ubiquitous and has important consequences for the ecology and evolution of wild host populations. Studies of parasite co‐infections remain limited in scope, with few experimental tests of the fitness consequences of multiple parasites, especially in natural populations.

We measured the separate and combined effects of Philornis seguyi nest flies and shiny cowbirds Molothrus bonariensis on the fitness of a shared host, the chalk‐browed mockingbird (Mimus saturninus) in Argentina.

Using a two‐factor experimental approach, we manipulated the presence of nest flies and cowbirds in mockingbird nests and assessed their effects on mockingbird haemoglobin levels, begging and provisioning rates, body size, and fledging success. We also monitored rates of nest predation in relation to parasitism by flies and cowbirds.

Nest flies reduced the haemoglobin concentration, body size, and fledging success of mockingbirds, likely because mockingbirds did not compensate for parasitism by begging more or feeding their nestlings more. Cowbirds also reduced the fledging success of mockingbirds, even though they had no detectable effect on haemoglobin or body size. Nests with cowbirds, which beg more than mockingbirds, attracted more nest predators. There was no significant interaction between the effects of flies and cowbirds on any component of mockingbird fitness. The combined effects of nest flies and cowbirds were strictly additive.

In summary, we show that nest flies and cowbirds both reduce host fitness, but do not have interactive effects in co‐parasitized nests. Our results further suggest that predators exacerbate the effects of nest flies and cowbirds on their hosts. Our study shows that the fitness consequences of co‐parasitism are complex, especially in the context of community‐level interactions.
Aucubin alleviates methotrexate‐induced enteritis in rats by inducing autophagy
Authors: Yang Tongao , Lang Wuying , Zhao Yun , Yang Yahan , Liu Hongli , Li Sufen , Li Xianglong , Zhang Shuangqi , Zhang Haihua 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOne of the toxic side effects of methotrexate (MTX) is enteritis. Aucubin, an iridoid glycoside derived from traditional medicinal herbs, has been proven to have anti‐inflammation, anti‐apoptosis and anti‐oxidation properties. This work explored the effect and mechanism of aucubin in treating MTX‐induced enteritis in a rat model. Two doses of aucubin (5 and 10 mg/kg) were adopted for the assessment of its pharmacological activity. We observed that in rats with MTX‐induced enteritis, the body weight and small intestinal weight decreased. The intestine barrier was injured, as reflected by pathological examinations and an increase in D‐lactate and diamine oxidase concentration in serum. Intestinal inflammation was shown by the observation of macrophages in the intestine and the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in serum. The NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome was shown to be activated by the enhancement of NLRP3, cleaved‐caspase 1, IL‐18 and IL‐1β. Moreover, autophagy was reflected by transmission electron microscopy as slightly induced, along with changes in autophagy‐related markers microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and Beclin1. Remarkably, aucubin treatment attenuated the MTX‐induced disease activity index increase, intestinal damage, inflammatory response and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, but provoked autophagy. Rapamycin, an autophagy activator, showed similar therapeutic effects to aucubin on MTX‐induced enteritis. However, 3‐methyladenine, an autophagy inhibitor, reversed the protective effects of aucubin. These findings prompted the hypothesis that aucubin alleviates MTX‐induced enteritis by aggravating autophagy. This study might provide evidence for further investigation on the therapeutic role of aucubin in MTX‐resulted enteritis.
Crisis communication for public organizations: Examining Pakistan Railways' use of information technology and social media for image repair
Authors: Kamboh Shafiq Ahmad , Ittefaq Muhammad , Jin Yan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis study examines the induction of information technology and the use of image‐repair focused crisis response strategies on social media by Pakistan Railways amid a recent crisis. A mix‐method based content analysis (i.e., qualitative and quantitative) to investigate whether and if so, how Pakistan Railways used Benoit's suggested image restoration strategies on social media to repair its image among customers and in print media. Our results show that Pakistan Railways predominantly used reducing the offensiveness of event (40%), followed by corrective action (34.6%), evasion of responsibility (10.6%), denial (8%) and mortification (6.4%) strategies, respectively. In addition, the use of image‐repair focused crisis response strategies significantly varied by social media platform. An analysis of the publics' emotions found in their online comments reveals that, during the course of the organizational crisis communication, negative public emotions gradually subsided into ambivalent ones; and contrary to a highly negative newspaper coverage tone in the beginning of the crisis, the introduction of the Twitter handle has associated with more positive media coverage afterward. Theoretical and practical implications, especially the need for advancing social‐mediated crisis response effectiveness in developing countries, are discussed.
Meaning‐making within inclusion: Exploring parents, teachers and students lay theories of ADHD and their implications for inclusive practice
Authors: Carr‐Fanning Kate 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis paper explores the Lay Theories of ADHD of stakeholders (teacher, parent and student) in an Irish context. Academic theories of difference have and continue to evolve, moving from medicalisation, through more socially oriented ideas, to more current trend around neurodivergence. However, inclusion as a process is socially negotiated within classrooms and the wider community. An understanding of stakeholders' lay theories or their beliefs about ADHD (e.g., what causes it and how to respond) gives us insights into this process. This paper draws on findings from a multi‐case study (N = 15) that explored the lay theories of 17 parents, 15 students (7–18 year; Mean = 12.8; SD = 3.09), and 12 teachers (4 primary and 8 secondary) affected by ADHD in mainstream schools. Participants took part in a semi‐structured interview. A data‐driven Thematic Analysis identified three themes: what is ADHD, do they have control, and medication. Each stakeholder group held distinctly different views, which created considerable confusion. Findings are discussed in terms the need for the education of key stakeholders, and what those educational initiatives might include, as well as for the role of collaboration within the process of inclusion.
The valuation of ecosystems services in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China
Authors: Fan Yu , Wu Qiong , Jia Changgeng , Liu Xingzhuo , Li Sihui , Ji Jiayang , Zheng Yun , Song Youtao 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe valuation of ecosystem services is a powerful strategy on measuring the relations between natural resources and human capitals, to achieve the goal of protecting and promoting the positive contribution of nature. Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) is a series of statistics that incorporates the monetary value of ecosystem services, which turns the ecological data comparable to GDP. As a case study of the relationship between ecosystem services and economic development, this work focused on the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR) in the northern part of China, with 12 main cities including 104 districts and counties in the highest latitude. The GEP was calculated at the municipal level using 30 m‐resolution remote sensing image data and a framework tailored to the specific economic and ecological conditions of IMAR. The results showed that the distribution of GEP in IMAR at the municipal level in 2020 ranged from 10.4 billion to 1920.7 billion RMB Yuan, with an overall value of 3.85 trillion RMB Yuan, and that the ratio of GEP to GDP was 1.17. Among various GEP components, the value of ecosystem regulating services took an essential part as 75.7%. Basically, the spatial distribution of GEP was diverse. The cities with the highest GEP values were Hulunbeir, Xilin Gol League, and Chifeng, The GEP hotspots are mainly distributed in the Hulunbuir region. Based on the dual analysis of GEP and GDP, there is still high room for improvement in most cities in the IMAR region. The GEP and GDP in IMAR can be enhanced through carbon trading, water rights and grassland tourism industry, which is conducive to the sustainable development of environment and economy in IMAR.
Structural, rheological, and gelling characteristics of starch‐based materials in context to 3D food printing applications in precision nutrition
Authors: Wu Huanqi , Sang Shangyuan , Weng Peifang , Pan Daodong , Wu Zufang , Yang Junsi , Liu Lingyi , Farag Mohamed A. , Xiao Jianbo , Liu Lianliang 
Published: August 2023

AbstractStarch‐based materials have viscoelasticity, viscous film‐forming, dough pseudoplasticity, and rheological properties, which possess the structural characteristics (crystal structure, double helix structure, and layered structure) suitable for three‐dimensional (3D) food printing inks. 3D food printing technology has significant advantages in customizing personalized and precise nutrition, expanding the range of ingredients, designing unique food appearances, and simplifying the food supply chain. Precision nutrition aims to consider individual nutritional needs and individual differences, which include special food product design and personalized precise nutrition, thus expanding future food resources, then simplifying the food supply chain, and attracting extensive attention in food industry. Different types of starch‐based materials with different structures and rheological properties meet different 3D food printing technology requirements. Starch‐based materials suitable for 3D food printing technology can accurately deliver and release active substances or drugs. These active substances or drugs have certain regulatory effects on the gut microbiome and diabetes, so as to maintain personalized and accurate nutrition.
Origins of thirstiness sensation and current food solutions
Authors: Picó‐Munyoz Ruth , Tárrega Amparo , Laguna Laura 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe sensation of thirstiness is the desire to drink water. In certain situations, the ingestion of liquid water can be restricted. As a result, thirstiness is not relieved, resulting in an uncomfortable and distressing situation. The present review describes thirstiness and hydration, the food products and beverages that cause thirstiness, and the beverages and food products currently available to quench thirstiness in individuals with restricted access to liquid ingestion. It also discusses how to measure the effectiveness of calming thirstiness. To diminish thirstiness distress, different alternatives to liquids are proposed. Individuals with swallowing disorders are given thickened water, individuals with restricted water ingestion are given ice cubes or ice popsicles of different flavors, and sportspeople are given energy gels. However, current beverage solutions seem not to relieve thirst fully, although some stimuli like iced water, flavors (especially lemon and mint), or acids seem to work better than plain stimuli and could be added to existing products. Therefore, there is still a need to incorporate these strategies into beverage and food formulations and to test their effectiveness.
Rapid detection of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists impregnated into paper by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Coombs Thomas , Abdelkader Amor , Tang Leung , Al‐Jumeily Dhiya , Assi Sulaf 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe last few years have witnessed the change in the modalities of smuggling of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) by impregnating them in mail envelopes and fast parcels. Considering the aforementioned scenario, it is important to develop a portable technique to identifying SCRAs through packages. The purpose of this research was to detect SCRAs impregnated into substrates of paper using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy. Three SCRAs that included 5F‐PB‐22, AB‐FUBINACA and AKB‐48 were purchased from Sigma Aldrich. The three SCRAs and four cutting agents were impregnated into paper of variable thickness at four concentrations (10, 15, 20, and 25 mg/mL). Spectra were collected over the wavenumber range of 650–4000 cm−1 using ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy and were exported to Matlab 2020b where data analysis was applied. The FTIR spectral data was able to show the three SCRAs could be detected on paper using ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy and quantitatively modeled using the partial least squares regression algorithm. Principal component analysis showed separate clustering for the compounds that crystallized (5F‐PB‐22, AB‐FUBINACA and caffeine) onto the papers surface from those impregnated into the bulk of the paper (AKB‐48 and procaine) with the latter situated near blank papers in score plots. In summary, ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy has proven to be a successful non‐destructive technique in detecting and quantifying a selection of SCRAs impregnated into paper.
Introduction of QScript real‐time prescription monitoring system was associated with a fall in pregabalin poisoning presentations to a clinical toxicology unit
Authors: Holford Amanda , Martin Christopher , Staib Andrew , Harris Keith , Isoardi Katherine Z 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the impact of QScript implementation on pregabalin‐related poisoning presentations to the ED.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of pregabalin‐related poisoning presentations to a tertiary Australian ED in the 4 years prior to, and 1 year following the introduction of QScript real‐time prescription monitoring system.ResultsPregabalin‐related poisoning presentations fell by 28% from an average of 98 presentations annually over the 4 years prior to QScript implementation to 71 in 2022. The severity of poisonings was similar over the periods.ConclusionsThe introduction of QScript was associated with a reduction in pregabalin‐related poisoning presentations.
Transgastric versus transrectal: Which access route is the best for NOTES gallbladder‐preserving gallstone therapy?
Authors: Ullah Saif , Zhang Ji Yu , Liu Dan , Zhao Li Xia , Liu Bing Rong 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesTo compare the effectiveness and safety of transgastric and transrectal pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) for cholecystolithotomy.MethodsThis was a single‐center retrospective comparative study of consecutive patients who underwent pure NOTES for either transrectal or transgastric gallbladder‐preserving cholecystolithotomy between September 2017 and April 2020. Patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis were assigned for transrectal or transgastric NOTES based on the patients’ choice. Treatment success, postoperative pain, peritonitis, time to resume normal diet, and duration of hospitalization were compared.ResultsThe technical success rate was 100%. Forty‐eight patients underwent successful NOTES cholecystolithotomy via the transrectal (n = 26) or transgastric route (n = 22). One (3.8%) patient in the transrectal NOTES group experienced postoperative abdominal pain compared to 6 (27.3%) in the transgastric NOTES group (P = 0.04). Fever and bile peritonitis developed in one (3.8%) patient in the transrectal NOTES group versus 8 (36.4%) in the transgastric NOTES group (P = 0.005). A postoperative fluid diet was commenced at 6 h with the transrectal approach versus on day 3 for the transgastric NOTES group. The mean postoperative hospitalization for transrectal and transgastric NOTES groups was 4.5 days versus 7 days (P = 0.001). Three patients in the transgastric NOTES group developed postoperative gastric fistula.ConclusionsTransrectal NOTES has advantages over transgastric NOTES, including preserved spatial orientation, relatively easier removal of specimens, early food intake, shorter hospitalization, fewer postoperative complications and less pain. Multicenter clinical trials with long‐term follow‐up are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of both approaches.
The role of miRNAs carried by extracellular vesicles in type 2 diabetes and its complications
Authors: Chao Yining , Gu Tianwei , Zhang Zhou , Wu Tianyu , Wang Jin , Bi Yan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDiabetes poses severe global public health problems and places heavy burdens on the medical and economic systems of society. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) accounts for 90% of these cases. Diabetes also often accompanies serious complications that threaten multiple organs such as the brain, eyes, kidneys, and the cardiovascular system. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) carried by extracellular vesicles (EV‐miRNAs) are considered to mediate cross‐organ and cross‐cellular communication and have a vital role in the pathophysiology of T2D. They also offer promising sources of diabetes‐related biomarkers and serve as effective therapeutic targets. Here, we briefly reviewed studies of EV‐miRNAs in T2D and related complications. Specially, we innovatively explore the targeting nature of miRNA action due to the target specificity of vesicle binding, aiding mechanism understanding as well as the detection and treatment of diseases.
Renal angiomyolipoma: Beyond size criteria for predicting rupture
Authors: McQueen Simon , Combes Alexander , Benz David 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionRenal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) are vascular tumours that while histologically benign, carry a risk of rupture and potentially life‐threatening haemorrhage. Selective arterial embolisation (SAE) has been demonstrated as effective treatment; however, given most tumours are asymptomatic, the challenge facing the radiologist is selection of which AML should undergo treatment. This study considers presence and size of intratumoural aneurysm, to advance the readers treatment decision‐making beyond historical size criteria.MethodsRetrospective cohort analysis of all SAE‐treated AML at a quaternary‐level institution in the last 10 years was completed independently by two radiologists. Computerised tomography (CT) and angiographic imaging were reviewed to evaluate tumour size, presence of intratumoural aneurysm and aneurysm size. Univariant and multivariant statistical analyses were used to identify predictors of spontaneous rupture and haemorrhage.ResultsTwenty‐seven renal AML underwent SAE. Five tumours had presented with haemorrhage. Twenty‐two were asymptomatic or without CT/angiographic detectable haemorrhage. There was no statistically significant size difference between ruptured (mean 7.8 cm, range 6.1–12.0 cm) and unruptured AML (7.5 cm, 3.3–21.7 cm) in the study population. Eighty percent of ruptured AML and 27% of unruptured AML contained at least one intratumoural aneurysm (P‐value < 0.05). Mean aneurysm size in ruptured AMLs was 5.4 mm, versus 4.6 mm among unruptured AML (P‐value > 0.05).ConclusionThe presence of intratumoural aneurysm is a useful predictor for AMLs that are at risk of spontaneous rupture and haemorrhage. Intratumoural aneurysm should therefore be considered when selecting patients to undergo SAE.
Knockdown of BUB1 inhibits tumor necrosis factor‐α‐induced proliferation and migration of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts by regulating PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: He Qian , Jia Lanlan , Wang Xiaowan , Feng Dandan , Mao Tongjun 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common disease with joint cartilage destruction. BUB1 Mitotic Checkpoint Serine/Threonine Kinase (BUB1) is abnormally expressed in synovial tissues of RA patients, but its effect on RA remains unclear. In this study, we explored the role of BUB1 in RA.MethodsAn RA cell model was constructed by treating MH7A cells with tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). The levels of BUB1, GAPDH, phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (p‐PI3K)/PI3K, and phosphorylated serine/threonine kinase (p‐Akt)/Akt in MH7A cells were examined by Western blot. The MH7A cell proliferation was examined by colony formation assay. Wound healing assay and transwell assay were carried out to detect MH7A cell migration and invasion. The mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.ResultsThe results showed that knockdown BUB1 inhibited TNF‐α‐induced MH7A cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Silencing BUB1 repressed the PI3K/Akt pathway in TNF‐α‐induced MH7A cells. We also found that the TNF‐α‐induced MH7A cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were repressed by si‐BUB1 transfection, whereas these effects were attenuated by 740Y‐P (an activator of the PI3K pathway) co‐treatment. Knockdown of BUB1 reduced the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines.ConclusionKnockdown BUB1 repressed TNF‐α‐induced MH7A cell proliferation, migration and invasion through the PI3K/Akt pathway.