bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bearing the brunt: Mongolian khulan (Equus hemionus hemionus) are exposed to multiple influenza A strains
Authors: Soilemetzidou Eirini S. , Bruin Erwin de , Czirják Gábor Á. , Buuveibaatar Bayarbaatar , Kaczensky Petra , Koopmans Marion , Walzer Chris , Greenwood Alex D.
Published: June 2018

The majority of influenza A virus strains are hosted in nature by several Anseriformes and Charadriformes birds. A minority of strains have been able to cross species boundaries and establish themselves in novel non-avian hosts. Influenza viruses of horses, donkeys, and mules represent successful cases of avian to mammal influenza virus adaptation. Mongolia has over 3 million domestic horses and is home to two wild equids, the Asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus hemionus), and Przewalski horse (Equus ferus przewalskii). Domestic and wild equids are sympatric across most of their range in Mongolia. Epizootic influenza A virus outbreaks among Mongolian domestic horses have been frequently recorded. However, the exposure, circulation and relation to domestic horse influenza A virus outbreaks among wild equids is unknown. We evaluated serum samples of Asiatic wild asses in Mongolia for antibodies against influenza A viruses, using a serological assay. We detected antibodies against hemagglutinin (H) H1, H3, H5, H7, H8 and H10 influenza A viruses. Asiatic wild asses may represent a previously unidentified influenza A virus reservoir in an ecosystem shared with populations of domestic horses in which influenza strains circulate.
Human-level saccade detection performance using deep neural networks
Authors: Bellet Marie E. , Bellet Joachim , Nienborg Hendrikje , Hafed Ziad M. , Berens Philipp
Published: June 2018

Saccades are ballistic eye movements that rapidly shift gaze from one location of visual space to another. Detecting saccades in eye movement recordings is important not only for studying the neural mechanisms underlying sensory, motor, and cognitive processes, but also as a clinical and diagnostic tool. However, automatically detecting saccades can be difficult, particularly when such saccades are generated in coordination with other tracking eye movements, like smooth pursuits, or when the saccade amplitude is close to eye tracker noise levels, like with microsaccades. In such cases, labeling by human experts is required, but this is a tedious task prone to variability and error. We developed a convolutional neural network (CNN) to automatically detect saccades at human-level performance accuracy. Our algorithm surpasses state of the art according to common performance metrics, and will facilitate studies of neurophysiological processes underlying saccade generation and visual processing.
Temporal Gene Coexpression Network Analysis Using A Low-rank plus Sparse Framework
Authors: Li Jinyu , Lai Yutong , Zhang Chi , Zhang Qi
Published: June 2018

Various gene network models with distinct physical nature have been widely used in biological studies. For temporal transcriptomic studies, the current dynamic models either ignore the temporal variation in the network structure or fail to scale up to a large number of genes due to severe computational bottlenecks and sample size limitation. On the other hand, correlation-based gene networks are more computationally more affordable, but have not been properly extended to gene expression time-course data.

We propose Temporal Gene Coexpression Network (TGCN) for the transcriptomic time-course data. The mathematical nature of TGCN is the joint modeling of multiple covariance matrices across time points using a “low-rank plus sparse” framework, in which the network similarity across time points is explicitly modeled in the low-rank component. Using both simulations and a real data application, we showed that TGCN improved the covariance estimation loss and identified more robust and interpretable gene modules.
Dynamic expression of Id3 defines the stepwise differentiation of tissue-resident regulatory T cells
Authors: Sullivan Jenna M. , Höllbacher Barbara , Campbell Daniel J.
Published: June 2018

Foxp3+regulatory T (TR) cells are phenotypically and functionally diverse, and broadly distributed in lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues. However, the pathways guiding the differentiation of tissue-resident TRpopulations have not been well defined. By regulating E-protein function, Id3 controls the differentiation of CD8+effector T cells and is essential for TRmaintenance and function. We show that dynamic expression of Id3 helps define three distinct TRpopulations, Id3+CD62LhiCD44locentral (c)TR,Id3+CD62LloCD44hieffector (e)TRand Id3-eTR. Adoptive transfer experiments and transcriptome analyses support a stepwise model of differentiation from Id3+cTRto Id3+eTRto Id3-eTR. Furthermore, Id3-eTRhave high expression of functional inhibitory markers and a transcriptional signature of tissue-resident TR. Accordingl Id3-eTRare highly enriched in non-lymphoid organs, but virtually absent from blood and lymph Thus, we propose that tissue-resident TRdevelop in a multi-step process associated with Id3 downregulation.
Proficiency of WHO Global Foodborne Infections Network External Quality Assurance System participants in the identification and susceptibility testing of thermo-tolerant Campylobacter spp. from 2003-2012
Authors: Pedersen Susanne Karlsmose , Wagenaar Jaap A. , Vigre Håkan , Roer Louise , Mikoleit Matthew , Aidara-Kane Awa , Cawthorne Amy L. , Aarestrup Frank M. , Hendriksen Rene S.
Published: June 2018

Campylobacter spp. are food- and water borne pathogens. While rather accurate estimates for these pathogens are available in industrialized countries, a lack of diagnostic capacity in developing countries limits accurate assessments of prevalence in many regions. Proficiency in the identification and susceptibility testing of these organisms is critical for surveillance and control efforts. The aim of the study was to assess performance for identification and susceptibility testing of thermo-tolerant Campylobacter among laboratories participating in the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Foodborne Infections Network (GFN) External Quality Assurance System (EQAS) over a nine year period.

Participants (primarily national level laboratories) were encouraged to self-evaluate performance as part of continuous quality improvement.

The ability to correctly identify Campylobacter spp. varied by year and ranged from 61.9 % (2008) to 90.7 % (2012), and the ability to correctly perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) for Campylobacter spp. appeared to steadily increase from 91.4 % to 93.6 % in the test period (2009-2012).

Poorest performance (60.0 % correct identification and 86.8 % correct AST results) was observed in African laboratories.

Overall, approximately 10 % of laboratories reported either an incorrect identification or antibiogramme. As most participants were (supra)-national reference laboratories, these data raise significant concerns regarding capacity and proficiency at the local, clinical level. Addressing these diagnostic challenges is critical for both patient level management and broader surveillance and control efforts.
Hematological and Serum Biochemical Analysis of Streptozotocin-Induced Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus in Male Adult Wistar Rats
Authors: Yakhchalian Nima , mohammadian Nasim , Hatami Kazem , Nosrati Hamed , Yousofvand Namdar
Published: June 2018

Background

This investigation is concentrated on how hematological and serum biochemical markers would change in streptozotocin-induced Insulin-Dependent diabetes mellitus(IDDM) in male adult wistar rats. Hematological parameters, serum protein electrophoresis parameters and hepatic transaminases level (SGOT-SGPT) were all measured in both control group rats (N=6) and diabetic group rats (N=6) and comparison between two groups was performed.

Material and Method

Single dose intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg dose of streptozotocin(STZ) in male adult wistar rats, induces extensive necrosis in langerhans β-cell islets, because of its cytotoxicity. Experimental diabetes mellitus can be induced completely in less than 72 hours after STZ intraperitoneal injection. Streptozotocin(STZ) was purchased from Sigma company. Diabetic and control group rats were kept separately in different metabolic cages, and their blood glucose(BG), hematological parameters, serum protein electrophoretic pattern and hepatic transaminases level were analyzed and comparison was done.

Results

In our investigation, Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus(IDDM) was completely induced one week after single intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg BW. Diabetes mellitus induction was verified by measuring fasting plasma glucose level in blood samples of rats. Level of blood glucose, hematological parameters, serum protein electrophoretic pattern and hepatic transaminase enzymes level, were all measured. In diabetic group rats level of blood glucose (BG), hepatic transaminase enzymes (SGOT & SGPT), serum α1-globulin and β-globulin were significantly increased but in albumin, albumin/globulin ratio (A/G ratio) and serum α2-globulin a significant decrease was observed in diabetic rats in comparison with normal rats.

Conclusion

Extensive inflammation and tissue necrosis induced following diabetes mellitus induction in rats. Significant alterations were observed in serum protein electrophoresis fractions and hepatic transaminase enzymes level due to streptozotocin cytotoxic impacts on some tissues specifically liver.

Because of extensive β-cells necrosis and degeneration caused by streptozotocin exposure, high level of blood glucose(diabetic hyperglycemia) was observed in diabetic rats. This type of experimentally induced diabetes mellitus would highly affect hematological parameters. Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus induced by streptozotocin, can lead to anemia, neutrophilia and lymphocytosis and also has decreasing effects on red blood cell indices (HGB, MCV, MCH, MCHC) in diabetic group rats.
Multiplexed single-cell RNA-seq via transient barcoding for drug screening
Authors: Shin Dongju , Lee Wookjae , Lee Ji Hyun , Bang Duhee
Published: June 2018

To simultaneously analyze multiple samples of various conditions with scRNA-seq, we developed a universal sample barcoding method through transient transfection of SBOs. A 48-plex drug treatment experiment of pooled samples analyzed by a single run of Drop-Seq revealed a unique transcriptome response for each drug and target-specific gene expression signatures at the single-cell level. Our cost-effective method is widely applicable for single-cell profiling of multiple experimental conditions.
Thyroid hormone signaling specifies cone subtypes in human retinal organoids
Authors: Eldred Kiara C. , Hadyniak Sarah E. , Hussey Katarzyna A. , Brennerman Boris , Zhang Pingwu , Chamling Xitiz , Sluch Valentin M. , Welsbie Derek S. , Hattar Samer , Taylor James , Wahlin Karl , Zack Donald J. , Johnston Robert J.
Published: June 2018

The mechanisms underlying the specification of diverse neuronal subtypes within the human nervous system are largely unknown. The blue (shortwavelength/S), green (medium-wavelength/M) and red (long-wavelength/L) cone photoreceptors of the human retina enable high-acuity daytime vision and trichromatic color perception. Cone subtypes are specified in a poorly understood two-step process, with a first decision between S and L/M fates, followed by a decision between L and M fates. To determine the mechanism controlling S vs. L/M fates, we studied the differentiation of human retinal organoids. We found that human organoids and retinas have similar distributions, gene expression profiles, and morphologies of cone subtypes. We found that S cones are specified first, followed by L/M cones, and that thyroid hormone signaling is necessary and sufficient for this temporal switch. Temporally dynamic expression of thyroid hormone degrading and activating proteins supports a model in which the retina itself controls thyroid hormone levels, ensuring low signaling early to specify S cones and high signaling late to produce L/M cones. This work establishes organoids as a model for determining the mechanisms of cell fate specification during human development.

One sentence summary

Cone specification in human organoids
Quantitative Real-Time Imaging of Glutathione with Sub-Cellular Resolution
Authors: Jiang Xiqian , Zhang Chengwei , Chen Jianwei , Choi Sungwoo , Zhou Ying , Zhao Mingkun , Song Xianzhou , Chen Xi , Maletić-Savatić Mirjana , Palzkill Timothy , Moore David , Wang Meng C. , Wang Jin
Published: July 2018

Quantitative imaging of glutathione with high spatial and temporal resolution is essential for studying the roles of glutathione in redox biology. We developed a fluorescent glutathione probe—HaloRT—that targets organelles of interest through expressing organelle-specific HaloTag proteins. Using HaloRT, we quantitatively measure the glutathione concentrations in the nucleus and the cytosol and find no appreciable concentration gradient between these two organelles, challenging the view of nuclear compartmentalization of glutathione.
Exercise exacerbates decline in the musculature of an animal model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Hughes KJ , Rodriguez A , Schuler A , Rodemoyer B , Barickman L , Cuciarone K , Kullman A , Lim C , Gutta N , Vemuri S , Andriulis V , Niswonger D , Vidal-Gadea AG
Published: July 2018

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder caused by loss of the protein dystrophin. In humans, DMD has early onset, causes developmental delays, muscle necrosis, loss of ambulation, and early death. Current animal models have been challenged by their inability to model the early onset and severity of the disease. Thus it remains unresolved if increased sarcoplasmic calcium observed in dystrophic muscles follows or leads the mechanical insults caused by the muscle’s disrupted contractile machinery. This knowledge has important applications for patients, as potential physiotherapeutic treatments may either help or exacerbate symptoms, depending on how dystrophic muscles differ from healthy ones. Recently we showed how burrowing dystrophic (dys-1)C. elegansrecapitulate many salient phenotypes of DMD, including loss of mobility and muscle necrosis. Here we reportdys-1worms display early pathogenesis, including dysregulated sarcoplasmic calcium, and increased lethality. Sarcoplasmic calcium dysregulation indys-1worms precedes overt structural phenotypes (e.g. mitochondrial, and contractile machinery damage) and can be mitigated by silencing calmodulin expression. To learn how dystrophic musculature responds to altered physical activity, we cultivateddys-1animals in environments requiring high amplitude, or high frequency of muscle exertion during locomotion. We find that several muscular parameters (such as size) improve with increased activity. However, longevity in dystrophic animals was negatively associated with muscular exertion, regardless of the duration of the effort. The high degree of phenotypic conservation between dystrophic worms and humans provides a unique opportunity to gain insights into the etiology of the disease, as well as the initial assessment of potential treatment strategies.

SIGNIFICANCE

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a degenerative disease affecting tens of thousands of people in the US alone. Much remains unknown about the disease, including the chain of events that links the loss of dystrophin to muscle death, or the extent to which exercise might be able to protect degenerating muscles. We used the nematodeC. elegansto show that sarcoplasmic calcium dysregulation takes place in dystrophic muscles long before other overt signs of damage manifest. When placed in assays that altered muscular activity by increasing either contraction frequency or amplitude, we observed several metrics associated with muscular repair increase. However, no treatment positively affected the life expectancy of dystrophic animals.
Growth rate trades off with enzymatic investment in soil filamentous fungi
Authors: Zheng Weishuang , Lehmann Anika , Ryo Masahiro , Vályi Kriszta Kezia , Rillig Matthias C.
Published: July 2018

Saprobic soil fungi drive many important ecosystem processes, including decomposition, and many of their effects are related to growth rate and enzymatic ability. In mycology, there has long been the implicit assumption of trade-off between growth and enzymatic investment, which we here test. Using a set of 31 filamentous fungi isolated from the same ecosystem, we measured growth rate (as colony radial extension) and enzymatic repertoire (activities of four enzymes: laccase, cellobiohydrolase, leucine aminopeptidase and acid phosphatase). Our results support the existence of a trade-off, however only for the enzymes representing a larger metabolic cost (laccase and cellobiohydrolase). Our study offers new insights into functional complementarity within the soil fungal community in a number of ecosystem processes, and experimentally supports an enzymatic investment/ growth rate tradeoff in explaining phenomena including substrate succession.
Linkage Disequilibrium and Population Structure in Wild and Cultivated Populations of Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis)
Authors: de Souza Livia Moura , dos Santos Luciano H. B. , Rosa João R. B. F. , da Silva Carla C. , Mantello Camila C. , Conson André R. O. , Scaloppi Erivaldo José , Fialho Josefino de Freitas , de Moraes Mario Luiz Teixeira , Gonçalves Paulo de S. , Margarido Gabriel R. A. , Garcia Antonio A. F. , Guen Vincent Le , de Souza Anete P.
Published: July 2018

Among rubber tree species, which belong to theHeveagenus of the Euphorbiaceae family,Hevea brasiliensis(Willd. ex Adr.de Juss.) Muell. Arg. is the main commercial source of natural rubber production worldwide. Knowledge of the population structure and linkage disequilibrium (LD) of this species is essential for the efficient organization and exploitation of genetic resources. Here, we obtained single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using a genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach and then employed the SNPs for the following objectives: (i) to identify the positions of SNPs on a genetic map of a segregating mapping population, (ii) to evaluate the population structure of a germplasm collection, and (iii) to detect patterns of LD decay among chromosomes for future genetic association studies in rubber tree. A total of 626 genotypes, including both germplasm accessions (368) and individuals from a genetic mapping population (254), were genotyped. A total of 77,660 and 21,283 SNPs were detected by GBS in the germplasm and mapping populations, respectively. The mapping population, which was previously mapped, was constructed with 1,062 markers, among which only 576 SNPs came from GBS, reducing the average interval between two adjacent markers to 4.4 cM. SNPs from GBS genotyping were used for the analysis of genetic structure and LD estimation in the germplasm accessions. Two groups, which largely corresponded to the cultivated and wild populations, were detected using STRUCTURE and via principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). LD analysis, also using the mapped SNPs, revealed that non-random associations varied along chromosomes, with regions of high LD interspersed with regions of low LD. Considering the length of the genetic map (4,693 cM) and the mean LD (0.49 for cultivated and 0.02 for wild populations), a large number of evenly spaced SNPs would be needed to perform genome-wide association studies in rubber tree, and the wilder the genotypes used, the more difficult the mapping saturation.
Modeling calendar spread options
Authors: Seok Juheon , Brorsen B. Wade , Niyibizi Bart
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to derive a new option pricing model for options on futures calendar spreads. Calendar spread option volume has been low and a more precise model to price them could lead to lower bid-ask spreads as well as more accurate marking to market of open positions.

Design/methodology/approach

The new option pricing model is a two-factor model with the futures price and the convenience yield as the two factors. The key assumption is that convenience follows arithmetic Brownian motion. The new model and alternative models are tested using corn futures prices. The testing considers both the accuracy of distributional assumptions and the accuracy of the models’ predictions of historical payoffs.

Findings

Panel unit root tests fail to reject the unit root null hypothesis for historical calendar spreads and thus they support the assumption of convenience yield following arithmetic Brownian motion. Option payoffs are estimated with five different models and the relative performance of the models is determined using bias and root mean squared error. The new model outperforms the four other models; most of the other models overestimate actual payoffs.

Research limitations/implications

The model is parameterized using historical data due to data limitations although future research could consider implied parameters. The model assumes that storage costs are constant and so it cannot separate between negative convenience yield and mismeasured storage costs.

Practical implications

The over 30-year search for a calendar spread pricing model has not produced a satisfactory model. Current models that do not assume cointegration will overprice calendar spread options. The model used by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange for marking to market of open positions is shown to work poorly. The model proposed here could be used as a basis for automated trading on calendar spread options as well as marking to market of open positions.

Originality/value

The model is new. The empirical work supports both the model’s assumptions and its predictions as being more accurate than competing models.
Towards an inclusive digital literacy framework for digital India
Authors: Nedungadi Prema P. , Menon Rajani , Gutjahr Georg , Erickson Lynnea , Raman Raghu
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate an Inclusive Digital Literacy Framework for vulnerable populations in rural areas under the Digital India program. Key challenges include addressing multiple literacies such as health literacy, financial literacy and eSafety for low-literate learners in low-resource settings with low internet bandwidth, lack of ICT facilities and intermittent electricity.

Design/methodology/approach

This research implemented an educational model based on the proposed framework to train over 1,000 indigenous people using an integrated curriculum for digital literacies at remote settlements. The model uses mobile technology adapted for remote areas, context enabled curriculum, along with flexible learning schedules.

Findings

The education model exemplifies a viable strategy to overcome persistent challenges by taking tablet-based digital literacies directly to communities. It engages different actors such as existing civil societies, schools and government organizations to provide digital literacy and awareness thereby improving both digital and life skills. It demonstrates the potential value of a comprehensive Digital Literacy framework as a powerful lever for Digital Inclusion.

Practical Implications

Policy makers can use this transformational model to extend the reach and effectiveness of Digital Inclusion through the last mile enhancing existing training and service centers that offer the traditional model of Digital Literacy Education.

Originality/value

This innovative mobile learning model based on the proposed Digital Framework for Inclusion instilled motivation, interest and confidence while providing effective digital training and conducting exams directly in the tribal settlements for low-literate learners in remote settings. Through incorporating multiple literacies, this model serves to empower learners, enhance potential, improve well-being and reduce the risk of exploitation.
Optimizing the role of organizational commitment
Authors: Baksi Maiti Rooprekha , Sanyal Shamindra Nath
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to find out the factors that affect organizational commitment in the school education sector and second, how these factors might be modified to judge organizational commitment of the school teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted using qualitative interviews with two sets of school teachers – government and government-affiliated schools and private schools in and around Kolkata city. The sample size was 40. The data triangulation method was applied for optimal verification of the result. Then the pattern of concordance author– coder pair was tested using Cohen’s kappa.

Findings

This study investigated eight factors expected to influence organizational commitment. Out of these eight factors, five factors were found – “on employees’ perception and need achievement,” “cognitive abilities of the employees,” “assessment of the employees,” “factors related to personality” and “organizational factors which influence organizational commitment” – which qualitatively exert more influence on organizational commitment.

Practical implications

The authors proposed that the concept of organizational commitment and its application in the academic sector might be modified to optimize the role of organizational commitment and to enhance the credibility of the teachers. A comprehensive organizational commitment model that has been proposed is expected to gain future direction of organizational commitment research. The parameters of the study can be used in the school sector, as well as in the corporate sector through proper improvisation, and it is expected that the corporate sector will be benefited. It is because the factors that were selected for the study are also relevant to the corporate sector.

Originality/value

This is a conceptual-type paper. The factors that were selected had an effect on the organizational commitment of the school teachers and these factors can also be applied in corporate sector to improve their level of commitment.
Customer perceptions of CSR authenticity
Authors: Jose Saju , Khare Nilesh , Buchanan F. Robert
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at corporate social responsibility (CSR)-related actions to see whether they relate to clients’ perception of CSR.

Design/methodology/approach

Ninety-nine bank customers in Brisbane, Australia were surveyed by mail in a cross-sectional field study.

Findings

Not all CSR-related behaviors of the organizations were influential to perceptions of social responsibility. Big picture actions for the betterment of humanity were found to be influential to the perception of the firm’s CSR. However, respondents did not relate the firms’ profit and revenue initiatives to social responsibility, other than negativity toward false and misleading practices.

Research limitations/implications

Results are limited to one industry in Australia.

Practical implications

Actions for human betterment were found to be influential to the perception of the firm’s CSR. Also the uses of dishonest marketing schemes were seen as detrimental to CSR perceptions of the firm. However, respondents did not connect the firm’s business actions affecting profitability with customers, to their perceptions of its CSR. Thus, the authors conclude that altruism from a “big picture” standpoint has value in shaping CSR perception, but the organization may not always find it necessary to deprioritize profit, or to attempt to weave CSR actions into every aspect of their business.

Originality/value

The inquiry takes a novel approach to CSR, capturing an unexplored aspect of how CSR is perceived and valued by stakeholders.
User engagement and gratifications of NSO supporters on Facebook
Authors: Osokin Nikita
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Building on the findings of previous related literature, this paper adopts the uses and gratifications (U&G) theory to analyze how social media users engage with content posted by European football associations (FAs). The purpose of this paper is to identify various post attributes that would aid national sports organizations (NSO) in reaching their online audiences and excelling their media presence.

Design/methodology/approach

A coding framework was designed to differentiate Facebook posts by topic, post design and content type. A sample of 2,450 posts from the official Facebook accounts of 49 FAs was collected. Engagement was measured using three metrics: likes, comments and shares. The derived categories of content were coded as dichotomous dummy variables and ran through a multivariate OLS regression analysis. Three regression analyzes were conducted, where each of the engagement metrics served as the dependent variable.

Findings

The findings of this paper show that relevance of post topics has a significant effect on engagement. Users interacted most with posts related to the male national A-team, while club football news had a negative response from the followers. Graphic elements such as images and videos positively impact an FA’s ability to generate post likes. Exclusive and behind-the-scenes content made users react extremely well, affecting all engagement metrics. Raw news (match reports, team line-ups) was of little interest to Facebook users.

Originality/value

U&G theory has yet to have been applied to social media studies in the NSO context. Previous studies have either looked at specific case studies of a single NSO or NSOs within a single country, while this paper reviewed the social media practices of 49 NSOs under the umbrella of a single continental sports federation.
Tribological properties of biomedical 316L stainless steel after plasma nitriding and Ti-C:H sputtering coating
Authors: Kao Wen-Hsien , Su Yean-Liang
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effects of plasma nitriding and Ti-C:H coating deposition on AISI 316L and to find the best tribological performance of various specimens.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental investigation is performed into the effects of plasma nitriding and Ti-C:H sputtering on the tribological properties of AISI 316L biomedical stainless steel. Five samples are prepared, namely, original AISI 316L stainless steel (code: 316L), nitrided 316L (code: N316), 316L and N316 sputtered with Ti-C:H (codes: D316 and DN316, respectively) and polished N316 sputtered with Ti-C:H (DN316s). The microstructure, mechanical properties and coating adhesion strength of the various samples are investigated and compared. The tribological properties of the samples are then evaluated by means of reciprocating wear tests performed in 8.9 Wt.% NaCl solution against three different counterbodies, namely, a 316L ball, Ti6Al4V ball and Si3N4 ball.

Findings

It is shown that plasma nitriding followed by Ti-C:H deposition (DN316s) improves the tribological properties of AISI 316L; the sample provides the best tribological performance of the various specimens and has a wear rate approximately 156 times lower than that of the original 316L substrate.

Originality/value

The results suggest that nitriding followed by polishing and Ti-C:H sputtering provides an effective means of improving the service life of AISI 316L biomedical implants.
The impact of relationship between IT staff and users on employee outcomes of IT users
Authors: Jia Lin , Hall Dianne , Yan Zhijun , Liu Junjiang , Byrd Terry
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Firms invest much money in information technology (IT) since IT support has been recognized as a critical enabler of employee outcomes. However, the value obtained by organizations and their employees is not always as much as they anticipated because of, at least partly, a poor relationship between IT staff and users. The purpose of this paper is to apply the social capital theory to examine relationship management between IT and business and explores mechanisms through which social capital between IT staff and users affect users’ employee outcomes, including job satisfaction and job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on social capital theory and past literature, the researchers propose a research model and explore the effect of social capital on knowledge sharing, IT users’ perceived service quality, job satisfaction and ultimately job performance. Based on a survey of 289 respondents, this study applies the partial least square technique to test the research model.

Findings

Mediation test was performed to explore the effect mechanisms of social capital on employee outcomes, and the results indicate that three dimensions of social capital affect IT users’ job satisfaction and job performance in different approaches.

Originality/value

This study uses social capital theory to direct how to improve the poor relationship between IT staff and users and provides a useful insight into the mechanisms through which three dimensions of social capital improve users’ job satisfaction and job performance.
Effects of mergers on processed milk market in Kenya
Authors: Nderitu Patrick Chege , Ndiritu Simon Wagura
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the effects of the mergers and acquisitions on market prices, consumer welfare and aggregate profit of the merging firms and those of the non-merging firms and, therefore, answer the question on the overall effect of mergers and acquisitions on different performance measures on milk market using data from all the 34 licensed and active milk processors in Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach

A new model of analysis as developed from the Canadian Competition Policy maker, i.e. The Canadian Competition Policy merger simulation model, was used.

Findings

The study found that mergers and acquisitions lead to increase in market shares of the merging firms. The study also found that mergers and acquisitions have a significant effect on product price in the processed milk market. From the findings, the study concludes that mergers and acquisition not only lead to an increase in market shares of both merging and non-merging processed milk firms but also create market dominance due to reduction in the number of market players in the industry.

Research limitations/implications

The study uses the data for the licensed and active milk processors in the industry. The dormant and the non-licensed processors are excluded. Future studies can use the farm-gate prices as opposed to final consumer prices for the processed milk market.

Originality/value

The study contributes toward providing information on the effect of buyouts on social welfares, prices, market share, profitability and other relevant market equilibrium performance measures in the processed milk market in Kenya.
Cereal consumption and marketing responses by rural smallholders under rising cereal prices
Authors: Mottaleb Khondoker Abdul , Rahut Dil Bahadur
Published: July 2018

Purpose

International commodity prices have escalated to an unprecedented level since 2008. Although commodity prices have declined recently, prices are still high compared to the pre-2008 levels. Combining this market phenomenon with Bangladesh Government’s Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) data sets HIES 2005 and HIES 2010, and applying the seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) estimation process, the purpose of this paper is to examine paddy rice marketing, and the cereal and non-cereal food expenditure behavior of rural smallholders in Bangladesh under rising commodity prices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses information collected by the Government of Bangladesh and applies two-step Heckman-type selection model estimation procedure, first to estimate total rice production by the rice production self-sufficiency status of the household. Second, the study estimates the paddy marketing behavior by the households by their rice self-sufficiency status under rising commodity price regime applying SUR estimation process combing with Heckman’s selection model estimation procedure.

Findings

Empirical findings demonstrate that there was no positive assertion between higher paddy rice prices and paddy rice marketing by the rural smallholders. Rather, under the rising commodity price regime, smallholders significantly reduced consumption expenditure on high food value-enriched non-cereal food items to adjust to the market shocks.

Research limitations/implications

This is a Bangladesh-based case study. Individual country-level case studies should be conducted in order to generalize the findings of the present study.

Originality/value

The present study warns that the market volatility may discourage farm households to market their cereals more due to uncertain future. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to explore the cereal marketing behavior of the farm households in Bangladesh under commodity price hikes by the rice production self-sufficiency status of the farm households.
Understanding police officer resistance to body-worn cameras
Authors: Huff Jessica , Katz Charles M. , Webb Vincent J.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Body-worn cameras (BWCs) have been adopted in police agencies across the USA in efforts to increase police transparency and accountability. This widespread implementation has occurred despite some notable resistance to BWCs from police officers in some jurisdictions. This resistance poses a threat to the appropriate implementation of this technology and adherence to BWC policies. The purpose of this paper is to examine factors that could explain variation in officer receptivity to BWCs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors assess differences between officers who volunteered to wear a BWC and officers who resisted wearing a BWC as part of a larger randomized controlled trial of BWCs in the Phoenix Police Department. The authors specifically examine whether officer educational attainment, prior use of a BWC, attitudes toward BWCs, perceptions of organizational justice, support for procedural justice, noble cause beliefs, and official measures of officer activity predict receptivity to BWCs among 125 officers using binary logistic regression.

Findings

The findings indicate limited differences between BWC volunteers and resistors. Volunteers did have higher levels of educational attainment and were more likely to agree that BWCs improve citizen behaviors, relative to their resistant counterparts. Interestingly, there were no differences in perceptions of organizational justice, self-initiated activities, use of force, or citizen complaints between these groups.

Originality/value

Though a growing body of research has examined the impact of BWCs on officer use of force and citizen complaints, less research has examined officer attitudes toward the adoption of this technology. Extant research in this area largely focusses on general perceptions of BWCs, as opposed to officer characteristics that could predict receptivity to BWCs. This paper addresses this limitation in the research.
Effects of the sea floor topography on the 1D inversion of time‐domain marine controlled source electromagnetic data
Authors: Cai Ji , Tezkan Bülent , Li Yuguo
Published: June 2018

Time‐domain marine controlled source electromagnetic methods have been used successfully for the detection of resistive targets such as hydrocarbons, gas hydrate, or marine groundwater aquifers. As the application of time‐domain marine controlled source electromagnetic methods increases, surveys in areas with a strong seabed topography are inevitable. In these cases, an important question is whether bathymetry information should be included in the interpretation of the measured electromagnetic field or not. Since multi‐dimensional inversion is still not common in time‐domain marine controlled source electromagnetic methods, bathymetry effects on the 1D inversion of single‐offset and multi‐offset joint inversions of time‐domain controlled source electromagnetic methods data are investigated. We firstly used an adaptive finite element algorithm to calculate the time‐domain controlled source electromagnetic methods responses of 2D resistivity models with seafloor topography. Then, 1D inversions are applied on the synthetic data derived from marine resistivity models, including the topography in order to study the possible topography effects on the 1D interpretation. To evaluate the effects of topography with various steepness, the slope angle of the seabed topography is varied in the synthetic modelling studies for deep water (air interaction is absent or very weak) and shallow water (air interaction is dominant), respectively. Several different patterns of measuring configurations are considered, such as the systems adopting nodal receivers and the bottom‐towed system. According to the modelling results for deep water when air interaction is absent, the 2D topography can distort the measured electric field. The distortion of the data increases gradually with the enlarging of the topography's slope angle. In our test, depending on the configuration, the seabed topography does not affect the 1D interpretation significantly if the slope angle is less or around 10°. However, if the slope angle increases to 30° or more, it is possible that significant artificial layers occur in inversion results and lead to a wrong interpretation. In a shallow water environment with seabed topography, where the air interaction dominates, it is possible to uncover the true subsurface resistivity structure if the water depth for the 1D inversion is properly chosen. In our synthetic modelling, this scheme can always present a satisfactory data fit in the 1D inversion if only one offset is used in the inversion process. However, the determination of the optimal water depth for a multi‐offset joint inversion is challenging due to the various air interaction for different offsets.
Yuyanapaq no entra: ritual dimensions of post‐transitional justice in Peru
Authors: Feldman Joseph P.
Published: July 2018

The anthropology of transitional justice has emphasized the ritual aspects of truth commissions but offered less analysis of the conventions through which narratives produced by such institutions come to be viewed over time. A controversy in Peru that centred on a new national museum's possible incorporation of a photo exhibit (Yuyanapaq) created by the Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2001‐3) provides an opportunity to explore this problematic. Documenting the disagreements that ultimately led to Yuyanapaq's exclusion from the museum, I suggest that an emphasis on ritual outcomes – including perceived shortcomings and failures – is useful for understanding the long‐term trajectory of national reconciliation initiatives.
Sleep‐disordered breathing and electrocardiographic QRS‐T angle: The MESA study
Authors: Kwon Younghoon , Misialek Jeffrey R. , Duprez Daniel , Jacobs David R. , Alonso Alvaro , Heckbert Susan R. , Zhao Ying Y. , Redline Susan , Soliman Elsayed Z.
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) has been linked to sudden cardiac death (SCD) but the mechanism is unclear. Abnormal QRS‐T angle, a novel electrocardiographic (ECG) marker of ventricular repolarization, has been linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes including SCD. We hypothesized that individuals with SDB have more pronounced abnormality in QRS‐T angle.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis from the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) Exam Sleep ancillary study. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) of abnormal frontal and spatial QRS‐T angle (defined as >sex‐specific 95th percentile thresholds) related to the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) using logistic regression, adjusting for demographics, body habitus, cardiovascular risks, and prevalent cardiovascular disease. Linear associations between AHI and frontal and spatial QRS‐T angle, separately, were also examined using multiple regression models.

Results

A total of 1,804 participants (mean age 67.9 (±9.0) years, 55.3% women and 64.1% non‐whites) were included in the study. Sleep‐disordered breathing was common among participants (median AHI 8.6 events/hr IQR [3.2–19.5/hr]). Higher AHI was associated with the odds of abnormal frontal (≥81° in men and ≥79° in women) and spatial QRS‐T angle (≥129.7° in men and ≥115.9° in women; OR [95%CI]: 1.25 [1.02–1.51], p = 0.03; 1.23 [1.01‐1.50], p = 0.04 respectively per 1 SD [16.8 events/hr] increase in AHI). Similarly, linear associations were observed (frontal QRS‐T angle: beta coefficient: 2.30° [0.92, 3.66], p = 0.001; spatial QRS‐T angle: beta coefficient: 2.16° [0.67, 3.64], p = 0.005).

Conclusion

In a racially/ethnically diverse community cohort, severity of SDB is associated with abnormal ventricular repolarization as measured by QRS‐T angle.
A score‐based method for quality control of fetal hard palate assessment during routine second‐trimester ultrasound examination
Authors: Fuchs Florent , Burlat Julie , Grosjean Fréderic , Rayssiguier Romy , Captier Guillaume , Faure Jean‐Michel , Dumont Coralie
Published: July 2018

Introduction

When an orofacial cleft lip is discovered, precise characterization of this malformation is necessary, especially the extension of this cleft to the secondary palate. We aimed to develop and evaluate the feasibility/reproducibility of a score‐based quality control for the visualization of the fetal hard palate during the second‐trimester scan.

Material and methods

All ultrasound images of fetal hard palate assessed routinely during second‐trimester scan were retrospectively retrieved for a 6‐month period. One hundred of these images were randomly selected and analyzed by two blinded reviewers, according to a scoring system (0‐6 points). Criteria retained in the score were complete palate bone horizontal plate, presence of two pterygoid processes, visible alveolar ridge, and horizontal axis of insonation. A score ≥4 defined images of good quality. Inter‐ and intra‐reviewer reproducibility was assessed.

Results

Inter‐reviewer reproducibility was excellent with significant correlation (Pearson coefficient 0.953; P < .0001), global adjusted κ coefficient (0.86, 95% CI 0.79‐0.94) and individual criteria adjusted κ coefficient always > 0.8. Rates of images of good quality (score ≥ 4) were 75%‐77%, also with excellent agreement (κ coefficient 0.89, 95% CI 0.79‐0.99). Intra‐reviewer reproducibility retrieved the same results (excellent agreement) except for the axis of insonation (satisfactory agreement).

Conclusions

This simple image scoring system for the fetal palate is easy, has excellent inter‐ and intra‐reviewer reproducibility and could also help sonographers to correctly identify the palate structure.