bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Low Psychological Flexibility and associate with Fatigue symptoms
Authors: Yingchankul Nalinee , Chattipakorn Siriporn , Gomutbutra Patama 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies showed that enhancing psychological flexibility could improve fatigue interference. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and Cortisol were proposed to involve biomarkers in psychological flexibility. Our study aims to explore the association of fatigue with psychological flexibility and related biomarkers.MethodA cross-sectional study gathered data from a baseline characteristic mindful volunteer. Each participant was self-evaluated with the questionnaire of fatigue and psychological flexibility. The participants were evaluated potential biomarkers related to psychological flexibility including HRV, serum cortisol, and BDNF within one week after responding to the questionnaire.ResultsThe 47 healthy females including 22 nurses and 25 occupational therapy students, mean age 29.70 ± 12.55 years. The prevalence of fatigue is 38.30%. The multivariate analysis showed the independent factors associated with fatigue including negative psychological flexibility (OR 1.31, p=0.03) and high BDNF (OR 1.33, p=0.05).ConclusionOur study found that psychological flexibility and high BDNF was independent factors associate with fatigue. This result provide insight that intervention that increase either psychological flexibility may prevent fatigue symptoms. The high BDNF may reflex the adaptive response of fatigue person and may be potential biomarkers for detecting early fatigue conditions.
Durability of second-line anti-retroviral therapy in a resource-limited setting: an 11-year analytical cohort
Authors: Lumu I. , Musaazi J. , Castelnuovo B 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundIt is projected that up to 19·6% of patients on ART in Sub-Saharan Africa will need second-line treatment by 2030, but the durability of such therapy remains unclear. This study investigated the durability of second-line ART and the factors associated with the viral rebound among patients on second-line ART in Uganda.MethodsA retrospective dynamic cohort of adults initiated on second-line ART after confirmed virological failure to first-line ART. Patients that had taken second-line for ≥6 months between 2007 and 2017 were included. Patients were followed until they experienced a viral rebound (Viral load ≥200copies/ml). Cumulative probability of viral rebounds and factors associated with viral rebound were determined using Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional hazard models, respectively.Findings1101 participants were enrolled. At base-line, 64% were female, the median age was 37 years (IQR 31-43), median duration on first-line ART was 44months (IQR 27-67), and the median CD4 and viral load were 128 cells/ul (IQR 58-244) and 45978 copies/ml (IQR 13827-139583), respectively. During the 4757·21 person-years, the incidence density of viral rebound was 74·62 (95% CI 67·25- 82·80) per 1000 person-years. The probability of a viral round at 5 and 10 years was 0·29 (95% C: I 0·26 -0·32) and 0·623 (95%CI:0·55 -0·69), respectively. The median survival without experiencing a viral rebound was 8·7 years. Young adults (18-24) years (aHR 2·31 95 CI 1·25-4·27), high switch viral load ≥100,000copies/ml (aHR 1·53 95 CI 1·23- 1·91) and ATV/r based second-line (aHR1·53 95 CI 1·18-2·00) were associated with an increased risk viral rebound.InterpretationSecond-line regimens are fairly durable for eight years followed a rapid increase in the incidence of rebounds. A high viral load at switch, ATV/r based second-line, and young adulthood are risk factors associated with a viral rebound, which underscores the need for differentiated care services.
Network-Based Methods for Psychometric Data of Eating Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Punzi Clara , Petti Manuela , Tieri Paolo 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNetwork science represents a powerful and increasingly promising method for studying complex real-world problems. In the last decade, it has been applied to psychometric data in the attempt to explain psychopathologies as complex systems of causally interconnected symptoms. With this work, we aimed to review a large sample of network-based studies that exploit psychometric data related to eating disorders (ED) trying to highlight important aspects such as core symptoms, influences of external factors, comorbidities, and changes in network structure and connectivity across both time and subpopulations. A particular focus is here given to the potentialities and limitations of the available methodologies used in the field. At the same time, we also give a review of the statistical software packages currently used to carry out each phase of the network estimation and analysis workflow. Although many theoretical results, especially those concerning the ED core symptoms, have already been confirmed by multiple studies, their supporting function in clinical treatment still needs to be thoroughly assessed.
The orphan ligand, Activin C, signals through activin receptor-like kinase 7
Authors: Goebel Erich J. , Ongaro Luisina , Kappes Emily , Belcheva Elitza , Castonguay Roselyne , Kumar Ravindra , Bernard Daniel J , Thompson Thomas B. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractActivin ligands are formed from two disulfide-linked inhibin β subunit chains. They exist as homodimeric proteins, as in the case of activin A (ActA; InhβA/InhβA) or activin C (ActC; InhβC/InhβC), or as heterodimers, as with activin AC (ActAC; InhβA:InhβC). While the biological functions of ActA and activin B (ActB) have been well-characterized, little is known about the biological function of ActC or ActAC. One thought is that the InhβC chain functions to interfere with ActA production by forming less active ActAC heterodimers. Here, we assessed and characterized the signaling capacity of ligands containing the InhβC chain. ActC and ActAC activated SMAD2/3-dependent signaling via the type I receptor, activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7). Relative to ActA and ActB, ActC exhibited lower affinity for the cognate activin type II receptors and was resistant to neutralization by the extracellular antagonist, follistatin. In mature adipocytes, which exhibit high ALK7 expression, ActC elicited a SMAD2/3 response similar to ActB, which can also signal via ALK7. Collectively, these results establish that ActC and ActAC are active ligands that exhibit a distinct signaling receptor and antagonist profile compared to other activins.
Increasing incidence of autism spectrum disorder: are we over-diagnosing?
Authors: Watkins Lance Vincent , Angus-Leppan Heather 
Published: March 2022

Purpose
In 2016, 1 in 54 children were estimated to have autism in the USA compared to 1 in 2,500 in 1955. This study aims to consider whether there has been a worldwide rise in incidence over time that is contributing to the rise in prevalence.

Design/methodology/approach
A systematic review of the literature with strict inclusion criteria was performed to identify large population-based studies that include raw incidence rate data with clearly defined diagnostic criteria. The data from the included studies were pooled and analysed descriptively to compare incidence rates by decade.

Findings
Seven studies were included in the final quantitative analysis including incidence rate data from 1988 to 2015 with 29,026 cases, over a total of 69,562,748 person years. Considering the most robust data, the incidence rate ratio between the decade 1990–1999 and 2000–2009 provides an estimated relative risk of 4.21 (95% CI; 4.11–4.32). If we compare the limited data available in 1988–1989 and 2010–2015, there is an estimated 75 times (95% CI 49.56–115.04) increased rate of diagnosis.

Originality/value
The broadening of diagnostic criteria and its increasing application in clinical practice needs further consideration to ensure individuals receive the most appropriate personalised support. A true rise in the incidence of autism will influence the level of service provision required in future with the potential for significant under resourcing. More detailed assessment of the clinical characteristics of those diagnosed will help predict risk factors for specialist service involvement in future.
Engaging with social media in a context of fragmentation and change: Chilean unions' use of the Internet and social media
Authors: Bellido de Luna Daina 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThis paper explores the ways in which a range of company-level trade unions based in Chile's food manufacturing industry engage with Internet technologies and social media.Design/methodology/approachThe research has a qualitative methodology with 69 semi-structured interviews conducted between 2015 and late-2019 with different level informants such as trade union leaders, human resource managers, line managers, labour lawyers, academics and field experts.FindingsThe findings suggest that these trade unions' engagement with social media was not widespread, using it to share communication of day-to-day activities with members. The article argues that even in contexts where there appear to be some radical union traditions, a trade unions' identity, as well as the nature of the employment relationship, can have a constraining effect regarding how unions use digital technologies and social media.Practical implicationsThe article suggests new ways for Chilean trade unions to take the opportunities offered by digital platforms and social media to enhance the representation of their workers' collective rights while advancing the labour movement's agenda.Originality/valueThe paper makes a direct contribution to the literature on Internet technologies, social media and the labour movement, while expanding the empirical evidence on the topic and looking at the limitations and constraints on the use of social media in this context. Given the current discussion in academic settings as well as within the union movement about the importance of social media for trade union revitalization, the present paper focuses on building empirical research in a less known context (i.e. Chile).
Digitalization and corporate parenting styles of multinational corporations
Authors: Gurkov Igor , Filinov Nikolay 
Published: March 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to outline the current and future influence of digitalization on the corporate parenting styles (CPSs) of multinational corporations (MNCs).

Design/methodology/approach
The authors used conceptual modeling in this study.

Findings
The authors identified five types of CPSs (Hypnos, Cronus, Rhea, Zeus and Athena). The overall impact of digitalization on CPSs is related to new, formidable opportunities for decreasing costs and increasing the efficiency of the intra-corporate transfer of knowledge and talent. Furthermore, digitalization leads to greater tightness in subsidiaries’ performance targets and greater intensity of control over subsidiaries’ activities, lower degrees of subsidiary autonomy and lower level of trust between the corporate headquarters and subsidiary managers. These effects endanger the existence of two CPSs (Hypnos and Athena) and significant changes for the other three CPSs.

Practical implications
Digitalization may lead to more homogeneous corporations, with the lower variety of CPSs and the greater centralization of decision-making in corporate and regional headquarters and stronger control on operations and performance of subsidiaries. Increased opportunities of a horizontal value transfer (knowledge) within the corporation will present an additional competitive advantage of subsidiaries of MNCs. The increased ability and willingness of corporate and regional headquarters of value appropriation from subsidiaries in different forms (profit, revenues, knowledge and talent) will force subsidiaries to use that additional competitive advantage to become more aggressive competitors in local and global markets.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt in the academic literature to predict the mutation of CPSs of MNCs under the impact of digitalization.
Synergising lean objectives through BIM to enhance productivity and performance
Authors: Bhattacharya Sanjay , Mathur Ankur 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThe construction industry worldwide is looking for overall efficiency in the entire project life cycle. Lean construction and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are together, key constituents in this quest. This study looks to reinforce the contribution of BIM to deliver applied lean principles to enhance productivity and performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts mixed methodologies of Ethnographic Action Research (EAR) and crisp set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (csQCA). The mosaic of case studies provides a descriptive and instrumental approach. While a descriptive approach investigates the interventions and phenomenon relating BIM to Lean, an instrumental approach constitutes exemplars of the interrelated phenomenon of BIM and Lean.FindingsThe themes of Elimination of Waste, Kaizen, Respecting the Human Elements, Poke-a-Yoke and Jidoka are contributed to the maximum by BIM. All the case studies discussed evidence of the contribution to Lean, as they enhance end-customer value.Research limitations/implicationsThe contribution of BIM towards Lean could encourage collaborations amongst stakeholders for mutual benefits. BIM could enhance decision making, predictive simulation, risk analysis, etc. with many other exciting possibilities of delivering productivity and performance. The study is limited by the insights offered by the individual cases.Originality/valueThe study provides insights into potential developments and research. It is expected to encourage reflective professional practice triggered by innovative thinking for the gainful utilization of BIM to deliver Lean.
Effect of laser bump texture combination characteristics on friction-wear properties of roll surface
Authors: Yang Xiping , Fu Yonghong , Ji Jinghu 
Published: March 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to find the influence of surface bump texture combination characteristics on friction-wear properties so as to provide a basis for the selection of the bump texture combination scheme on the surface of the roll.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, six groups of different bump texture combination characteristics and their processing methods are introduced, of which three groups are regular distribution with different spacing and three groups are random distribution with different spacing. Then the effect of bump textures with different spacing, regular and random distribution on friction-wear properties was studied by ring block friction-wear experiments.

Findings
The results show that the friction coefficient of random distribution texture surface is lower than that of regular texture surface under the same spacing condition. In the regular distribution, the friction coefficient decreases with the increase of texture spacing. In the random distribution, the friction coefficient increases at first and then decreases with the increase of texture spacing. In addition, the wear resistance of textured surface is significantly higher than that of smooth surface because of the higher microhardness of the textured area. The attenuation ratio of textured surface roughness decreases with the increase of the distance between adjacent textures.

Originality/value
At present, the research on roller surface friction-wear is mainly based on the change of the overall surface roughness. However, there are few reports on the influence of the combination characteristics of laser bump texture on friction-wear from the microscopic scale.
A case study on bid rigging in centralized procurement of audit consulting services in Italy
Authors: Albano Gian Luigi , Santocchia Maria Grazia 
Published: March 2022

Purpose
The aim of this case study is to review the in-depth (and successful) investigation carried out in 2016 by the Italian Competition Authority [Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM)] on a nation-wide (multi-lot) framework agreement for consulting services. We also critically assess the tender design and emphasize which dimensions may have facilitated the uncovered anticompetitive agreement.

Design/methodology/approach
The case study borrows from the official Antitrust Authorities’ findings and from the tender documents to paint a comprehensive picture of the cartel’s strategy.

Findings
The case study emphasizes that AGCM’s the “conjectured logic” of the cartel’s behaviour (endogenous evidence) did coincide with those pieces of evidence seized by police forces for criminal crimes at the cartel members’ premises (exogeneous evidence). This infrequent feature of bidding rings investigations underlines the importance of theoretical as well as practical analyses of cartels’ behaviour in public procurement markets.

Social implications
As the antitrust investigation was triggered by a confidential report sent by the awarding authority (Consip, the Italian national central purchasing body), the case study also emphasizes the importance of informal as well as formal co-operation between awarding authorities, especially central purchasing bodies, and competition authorities.

Originality/value
The case study belongs to a small set of applied research papers attempting at building a bridge between public procurement design, particularly of sizeable framework agreements, and the mechanisms devised by cartels to “game” procurement procedures. All this is accomplished by looking at all design dimensions that were exploited by cartel’s members.
Insider perspectives on director remuneration governance deliberations
Authors: Van Zyl Marilee , Mans-Kemp Nadia 
Published: March 2022

PurposeCompanies around the globe increasingly receive immense shareholder scrutiny due to perceivably excessive executive director remuneration. The debate in South Africa intensifies due to severe pay inequality. The authors thus accounted for the perspectives of asset managers and listed financial services companies in South Africa pertaining to the impact of voting and engagement on director pay policies and practices.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were conducted with selected asset managers, chief executive officers, chief financial officers and remuneration committee members of listed financial services companies to gauge their views on the impact of shareholder activism endeavours on remuneration governance. The qualitative data was analysed by conducting thematic analysis.FindingsMost of the asset managers and financial services representatives preferred proactive, private engagement on pay concerns, given the impact thereof on voting outcomes, and ultimately director remuneration practices and policies. Independent remuneration committees have a prominent role in facilitating engagements with investors to ensure fair remuneration.Research limitations/implicationsThe consequences should be clearer if organisations receive substantial votes against their pay policies and implementation reports. South African regulators can consider the “two-strikes” rule to ensure that action is taken in response to shareholder voting on director remuneration matters.Originality/valueRepresentatives of asset managers and listed financial services investee companies offered valuable insights on remuneration governance deliberations in an emerging market. This in-depth analysis highlights the importance of proactive engagement to ensure that corporate leaders are paid fairly.
Grade inflation: undergraduate students’ perspective
Authors: Baglione Stephen L. , Smith Zachary 
Published: March 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine whether students perceive grade inflation as a problem. It questions whether differences exist in perceptions based upon gender and grade point average (GPA).

Design/methodology/approach
Previously validated scales were used to assess perceptions. The sample included 108 full-time traditional-aged undergraduate students from a private university.

Findings
Students do not believe A grades are given more than deserved; however, they believe some receive higher grades than deserved. Grades are seen as an accurate reflection of achievement. Neither gender nor GPA differences were found on grade inflation perceptions, although women believe faculty give higher grades to receive better student evaluations.

Originality/value
This paper combines student perceptions about grade inflation and analysis by gender and GPA.
Risk management practices of Islamic microfinance institutions to improve their financial performance and sustainability: a study on Baitut Tamwil Muhammadiyah, Indonesia
Authors: Mutamimah Mutamimah , Zaenudin Zaenudin , Bin Mislan Cokrohadisumarto Widiyanto 
Published: March 2022

Purpose
This study aims to explore the risk management practices of Islamic microfinance institutions (IMFIs) to increase their financial performance and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach
This research used a qualitative approach to increase financial performance and sustainability. The study population comprised the Baitut Tamwil Muhammadiyah (BTM) in Central Java Province, Indonesia. The data collection techniques included questionnaires and an in-depth interview, and the framework was validated by the main participants.

Findings
This study showed that BTMs have implemented risk management using different standards. However, such risk management is carried out partially while prioritising certain risks and using different methods. The risk of Sharia compliance is the most recognised risk, while financing and operational risks are the most anticipated, because these two risk types directly impact financial performance and sustainability. In general, a risk management model can improve financial performance and sustainability. Nevertheless, there are obstacles in implementing risk management at BTMs, which include weak human resources, the employee selection process, human resource development and a good control system.

Originality/value
This research explored best practices for risk management in IMFIs and may contribute to the development of risk management in such institutions to maintain the financial performance and sustainability of their services.
The study of renewable energy and economic development
Authors: Chen Jo-Hui , Cheng Yun-Chen 
Published: March 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the factors influencing renewable energy output.

Design/methodology/approach
The panel data model was used to analyze the fixed and random effects.

Findings
The results showed that economic development, environmental-related technology patents, renewable energy consumption and the publication of papers and periodicals contributed to enhancing renewable energy production. Wind power generation’s adjustment speed is faster than that of solar power generation in the renewable energy sector. The use of renewable energy was affected by the weather and related costs.

Originality/value
Many countries choose energy with reasonable prices and stable power generation and use renewable energy as additional backup power.