bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond the word and image: III. Neurodynamic properties of the semantic network
Authors: Jouen Anne-Lise , Cazin Nicolas , Hidot Sullivan , Madden-Lombardi Carol , Ventre-Dominey Jocelyne , Dominey Peter Ford
Published: September 2019

Understanding the neural process underlying the comprehension of visual images and sentences remains a major open challenge in cognitive neuroscience. We previously demonstrated with fMRI and DTI that comprehension of visual images and sentences describing human activities recruits a common semantic system. The current research tests the hypothesis that this common semantic system will display similar neural dynamics during processing in these two modalities. To investigate these neural dynamics we recorded EEG from naïve subjects as they saw simple narratives made up of a first visual image depicting a human event, followed by a second that was either a sequentially coherent narrative follow-up, or not, of the first image. In separate blocks of trials the same protocol was presented using sentences. Analysis of the EEG signal revealed common neural dynamics for semantic processing across image and sentence modalities. Late positive ERPs were observed in response to sequential incoherence for sentences and images, consistent with previous studies that examined coherence in these two modalities separately. Analysis of oscillatory power revealed increased gamma-band activity for sequential coherence, again consistent with previous studies showing gamma increases for coherence and matching in sentence and image processing. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that training a classifier on data from one modality (images or sentences) allowed reliable decoding of the sequential coherence of data from trials in the untrained modality, providing further support for a common underlying semantic system for images and sentences. Processing sequential coherence of successive stimuli is associated with neural dynamics that are common to sentence and visual image modalities and that can be decoded across modalities. These results are discussed in the context of EEG signatures of narrative processing and meaning, and more general neural mechanisms for structure processing.
Interleukin (IL)-17/IL-36 axis participates to the crosstalk between endothelial cells and keratinocytes during inflammatory skin responses
Authors: Failla Cristina M. , Capriotti Lorena , Scarponi Claudia , Mercurio Laura , Facchiano Francesco , Morelli Martina , Rossi Stefania , Pagnanelli Gianluca , Albanesi Cristina , Cavani Andrea , Madonna Stefania
Published: September 2019

In inflammatory skin conditions, such as psoriasis, vascular enlargement is associated with endothelial cell proliferation, release of cytokines and adhesion molecule expression. Interleukin (IL)-17A is a pro-inflammatory cytokine mainly secreted by T helper-17 cells that is critically involved in psoriasis pathogenesis. IL-36α, IL-36β and IL-36γ are also inflammatory cytokines up-regulated in psoriasis and induced by various stimuli, including IL-17A. In this study, we found that human keratinocytes are the main source of IL-36, in particular of IL-36γ. This cytokine was strongly induced by IL-17A and efficiently activated human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs), which expressed both IL-17 and IL-36 receptors, by inducing a molecular signaling, such as phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NF-κB P65 subunit. We highlighted the intense IL-17A- and IL-36γ-dependent interplay between keratinocytes and HDMECs, likely active in the psoriatic lesions and leading to the establishment of a cytokine network responsible for the development and maintenance of the inflamed state. On HDMECs, IL-17A or IL-36γ showed a synergic activity with TNF-α, potently inducing inflammatory cytokine/chemokine release and ICAM-1 expression. We also investigated the involvement of IL-36γ and VEGF-A, substantially reduced in lesional skin of psoriatic patients pharmacologically treated with the anti-IL-17A antibody Secukinumab. Importantly, keratinocyte-derived IL-36γ represented an additional pro-angiogenic mediator of IL-17A. We observed that keratinocyte-derived VEGF-A influenced proliferation but not reduced inflammatory responses of HDMECs. On the other hand, inhibition of IL-36γ released by IL-17A-treated keratinocytes impaired ICAM-1 expression in HDMECs. Taken together, our data demonstrated that IL-17A and IL-36γ are highly involved in endothelial cells/keratinocytes crosstalk in inflammatory skin conditions.
Intra-Specific variability in fluctuating environments - mechanisms of impact on species diversity
Authors: Steinmetz Bnaya , Kalyuzhny Michael , Shnerb Nadav M.
Published: September 2019

Recent studies have found considerable trait variations within species. The effect of such intra-specific trait variability (ITV) on the stability, coexistence and diversity of ecological communities received considerable attention and in many models it was shown to impede coexistence and decrease species diversity. Here we present a numerical study of the effect of genetically inherited ITV on species persistence and diversity in a temporally fluctuating environment. Two mechanisms are identified. First, ITV buffers populations against varying environmental conditions (portfolio effect) and reduces abundance variations. Second, the interplay between ITV and environmental variations tends to increase the mean fitness of diverse populations. The first mechanism promotes persistence and tends to increase species richness, while the second reduces the chance of a rare species population (which is usually homogenous) to invade and decreases species richness. We show that for large communities the portfolio effect is dominant, leading to ITV promoting species persistence and richness.
ISGylation drives basal breast tumour progression by promoting EGFR recycling and Akt signalling
Authors: Bolado-Carrancio Alfonso , Muir Morwenna , Ewing Ailith , Macleod Kenneth , Gallagher William , Nguyen Lan , Carragher Neil , Semple Colin , Brunton Valerie G , Caswell Patrick , Kriegsheim Alex von
Published: September 2019

ISG15 is an ubiquitin-like modifier that is associated with reduced survival rates in breast cancer patients. However, the mechanism by which ISG15 achieves this remains elusive. We demonstrate that modification of Rab GDP-Dissociation Inhibitor Beta (GDI2) by ISG15 (ISGylation) alters endocytic recycling of the EGF receptor (EGFR). By regulating EGFR trafficking, ISGylation sustains Akt-signallingin vitroandin vivo. Persistent and enhanced Akt activation explains the more aggressive tumour behaviour observed in animal models and human breast cancers. We show that ISGylation can act as driver of tumour progression rather than merely being a marker of it.
High-resolution synchrotron imaging studies of intact fresh roots reveal soil bacteria promoted bioremediation and bio-fortification
Authors: Help Hanna , Lusa Merja , Honkanen Ari-Pekka , Diaz Ana , Holler Mirko , Salomé Murielle , Cloetens Peter , Mäkinen Henrik , Huotari Simo , Suhonen Heikki
Published: September 2019

Plant-microbe interactions can be utilized in bio-based processes such as bioremediation and biofortification, either to remove hazardous radionuclides and heavy metals from the soil, or to increase the accumulation of desired elements into crops to improve their quality. Optimizing such elegant plant-microbe interactions requires detailed understanding of the chemical element compositions of fresh plant tissues at cellular organelle resolution. However, such analyses remain challenging because conventional methods lack the required spatial resolution, contrast or sensitivity. Using a novel combination of nanoscaleresolution 3D cryogenic synchrotron-light ptychography, holotomography and fluorescence tomography, we show how soil bacteria interact with Arabidopsis thaliana and promote the uptake of various metals. Co-cultivation with Pseudomonas sp. strain T5-6-I alters root anatomy and increases levels of selenium (Se), iron (Fe) and other micronutrients in roots. Our approach highlights the interaction of plants and microbes in bioremediation and biofortification on the subcellular level.
An Erwinia amylovora inducible promoter for improvement of apple fire blight resistance
Authors: Matthieu Gaucher , Laura Righetti , Sébastien Aubourg , de Bernonville Thomas Dugé , Marie-Noёlle Brisset , Elisabeth Chevreau , Emilie Vergne
Published: September 2019

Intragenesis is an important alternative to transgenesis to produce modified plants containing native DNA only. A key point to develop such a strategy is the availability of regulatory sequences controlling the expression of the gene of interest. With the aim of finding apple gene promoters either inducible by the fire blight pathogen Erwinia amylovora (Ea) or moderately constitutive, we focused on polyphenoloxidase genes (PPO). These genes encode oxidative enzymes involved in many physiological processes and have been previously shown to be up-regulated during the Ea infection process. We found ten PPO and two PPO-like sequences in the apple genome and characterized the promoters of MdPPO16 (pPPO16) and MdKFDV02 PPO-like (pKFDV02) for their potential as Ea-inducible and low-constitutive regulatory sequences respectively. Expression levels of reporter genes fused to these promoters and transiently or stably expressed in apple were quantified after various treatments. Unlike pKFDV02 which displayed a variable activity, pPPO16 allowed a fast and strong expression of transgenes in apple following Ea infection in a Type 3 Secretion System dependent manner. Altogether our results indicate that pKFDV02 did not keep its promises as a constitutive and weak promoter whereas pPPO16, the first Ea-inducible promoter cloned from apple, can be a useful component of intragenic strategies to create fire blight resistant apple genotypes.

Key message

pPPO16, the first Ea-inducible promoter cloned from apple, can be a useful component of intragenic strategies to create fire blight resistant apple genotypes.
Crumbs organizes the transport machinery by regulating apical levels of PI(4,5)P2inDrosophila
Authors: Lattner Johanna , Leng Weihua , Knust Elisabeth , Brankatschk Marko , Flores-Benitez David
Published: September 2019

An efficient vectorial intracellular transport machinery depends on a well-established apico-basal polarity and is a prerequisite for the function of secretory epithelia. Despite extensive knowledge on individual trafficking pathways, little is known about the mechanisms coordinating their temporal and spatial regulation. Here, we report that the polarity protein Crumbs is essential for apical plasma membrane phospholipid-homeostasis and efficient apical secretion. Through recruitingβHeavy-Spectrin and MyosinV to the apical membrane, Crumbs maintains the Rab6-, Rab11- and Rab30-dependent trafficking and regulates the lipid phosphatases Pten and Ocrl. Crumbs knock-down results in increased apical levels of PI(4,5)P2and formation of a novel, Moesin- and PI(4,5)P2-enriched apical membrane sac containing microvilli-like structures. Our results identify Crumbs as an essential hub required to maintain the organization of the apical membrane and the physiological activity of the larval salivary gland.
A modular high-density 294-channel μECoG system on macaque vlPFC for auditory cognitive decoding
Authors: Chiang Chia-Han , Lee Jaejin , Wang Charles , Williams Ashley J. , Lucas Timothy H. , Cohen Yale E. , Viventi Jonathan
Published: September 2019

OBJECTIVE

A fundamental goal of the auditory system is to parse the auditory environment into distinct perceptual representations. Auditory perception is mediated by the ventral auditory pathway, which includes the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) late. Because large-scale recordings of auditory signals are quite rare, the spatiotemporal resolution of the neuronal code that underlies vlPFC’s contribution to auditory perception has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we developed a modular, chronic, high-resolution, multi-electrode array system with long-term viability.

APPROACH

We molded three separate μECoG arrays into one and implanted this system in a non-human primate. A custom 3D-printed titanium chamber was mounted on left hemisphere. The molded 294-contact μECoG array was implanted subdurally over vlPFC. μECoG activity was recorded while the monkey participated in a “hearing-in-noise” task in which they reported hearing a “target” vocalization from a background “chorus” of vocalizations. We titrated task difficulty by varying the sound level of the target vocalization, relative to the chorus (target-to-chorus ratio, TCr).

MAIN RESULTS

We decoded the TCr and the monkey’s behavioral choices from the μECoG signal. We analyzed decoding capacity as a function of neuronal frequency band, spatial resolution, and time from implantation. Over a one-year period, we were successfully able to record μECoG signals. Although we found significant decoding with as few as two electrodes, we found near-perfect decoding with ∼16 electrodes. Decoding further improved when we included more electrodes. Finally, because the decoding capacity of individual electrodes varied on a day-by-day basis, high-density electrode arrays ensure robust decoding in the long term.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results demonstrate the utility and robustness of high-resolution chronic µECoG recording. We developed a new high-resolution surface electrode array that can be scaled to cover larger cortical areas without increasing the chamber footprint.
Role of Cytosolic, Tyrosine-Insensitive Prephenate Dehydrogenase inMedicago truncatula
Authors: Schenck Craig A. , Westphal Josh , Jayaraman Dhileepkumar , Garcia Kevin , Wen Jiangqi , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Ané Jean-Michel , Sumner Lloyd W. , Maeda Hiroshi A.
Published: September 2019

L-Tyrosine (Tyr) is an aromatic amino acid synthesizedde novoin plants and microbes downstream of the shikimate pathway. In plants, Tyr and a Tyr pathway intermediate, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate (HPP), are precursors to numerous specialized metabolites, which are crucial for plant and human health. Tyr is synthesized in the plastids by a TyrA family enzyme, arogenate dehydrogenase (ADH/TyrAa), which is feedback inhibited by Tyr. In addition to ADH enzymes, many legumes possess prephenate dehydrogenases (PDH/TyrAp), which are insensitive to Tyr and localized to the cytosol. Yet the role of PDH in legumes is currently unknown. This study isolated and characterizedTnt1-transposon mutants ofMtPDH1(pdh1) inMedicago truncatulato investigate PDH function. Thepdh1mutants lackedPDHtranscript, PDH activity, and displayed little aberrant morphological phenotypes under standard growth conditions providing genetic evidence thatMtPDH1is responsible for the PDH activity detected inM. truncatula. Though plant PDH enzymes and activity have been specifically found in legumes, nodule number and nitrogenase activity ofpdh1mutants were not significantly reduced compared to wild-type (Wt) during symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Although Tyr levels were not significantly different between Wt and mutants under standard conditions, when carbon flux was increased by shikimate precursor feeding, mutants accumulated significantly less Tyr than Wt. These data suggest that MtPDH1 is involved in Tyr biosynthesis when the shikimate pathway is stimulated, and possibly linked to unidentified legume-specific specialized metabolism.
A novel assay to screen siRNA libraries identifies protein kinases required for chromosome transmission
Authors: Liskovykh Mikhail , Goncharov Nikolay V. , Petrov Nikolai , Aksenova Vasilisa , Pegoraro Gianluca , Ozbun Laurent L. , Reinhold William C. , Varma Sudhir , Dasso Mary , Kumeiko Vadim , Masumoto Hiroshi , Earnshaw William C. , Larionov Vladimir , Kouprina Natalay
Published: September 2019

One of the hallmarks of cancer is chromosome instability (CIN), which leads to aneuploidy, translocations, and other chromosome aberrations. However, in the vast majority of human tumors the molecular basis of CIN remains unknown, partly because not all genes controlling chromosome transmission have yet been identified. To address this question, we developed an experimental high-throughput imaging (HTI) siRNA assay that allows the identification of novel CIN genes. Our method uses a human artificial chromosome (HAC) expressing the GFP transgene. When this assay was applied to screen an siRNA library of protein kinases, we identified PINK1, TRIO, IRAK1, PNCK, and TAOK1 as potential novel genes whose knockdown induces various mitotic abnormalities and results in chromosome loss. The HAC-based assay can be applied for screening different siRNA libraries (cell cycle regulation, DNA damage response, epigenetics, and transcription factors) to identify additional genes involved in CIN. Identification of the complete spectrum of CIN genes will reveal new insights into mechanisms of chromosome segregation and may expedite the development of novel therapeutic strategies to target the CIN phenotype in cancer cells.
A practical review and taxonomy of fuzzy expert systems: methods and applications
Authors: Tavana Madjid , Hajipour Vahid
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Expert systems are computer-based systems that mimic the logical processes of human experts or organizations to give advice in a specific domain of knowledge. Fuzzy expert systems use fuzzy logic to handle uncertainties generated by imprecise, incomplete and/or vague information. The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive review of the methods and applications in fuzzy expert systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have carefully reviewed 281 journal publications and 149 conference proceedings published over the past 37 years since 1982. The authors grouped the journal publications and conference proceedings separately accordingly to the methods, application domains, tools and inference systems.

Findings

The authors have synthesized the findings and proposed useful suggestions for future research directions. The authors show that the most common use of fuzzy expert systems is in the medical field.

Originality/value

Fuzzy logic can be used to manage uncertainty in expert systems and solve problems that cannot be solved effectively with conventional methods. In this study, the authors present a comprehensive review of the methods and applications in fuzzy expert systems which could be useful for practicing managers developing expert systems under uncertainty.
A regression-based algorithm for frequent itemsets mining
Authors: Jia Zirui , Wang Zengli
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Frequent itemset mining (FIM) is a basic topic in data mining. Most FIM methods build itemset database containing all possible itemsets, and use predefined thresholds to determine whether an itemset is frequent. However, the algorithm has some deficiencies. It is more fit for discrete data rather than ordinal/continuous data, which may result in computational redundancy, and some of the results are difficult to be interpreted. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on this gap by proposing a new data mining method.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression pattern (RP) model will be introduced, in which the regression model and FIM method will be combined to solve the existing problems. Using a survey data of computer technology and software professional qualification examination, the multiple linear regression model is selected to mine associations between items.

Findings

Some interesting associations mined by the proposed algorithm and the results show that the proposed method can be applied in ordinal/continuous data mining area. The experiment of RP model shows that, compared to FIM, the computational redundancy decreased and the results contain more information.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed algorithm is designed for ordinal/continuous data and is expected to provide inspiration for data stream mining and unstructured data mining.

Practical implications

Compared to FIM, which mines associations between discrete items, RP model could mine associations between ordinal/continuous data sets. Importantly, RP model performs well in saving computational resource and mining meaningful associations.

Originality/value

The proposed algorithms provide a novelty view to define and mine association.
Customer perceptions of Korean digital and traditional banks
Authors: Shin Jae Woo , Cho Ji Yeon , Lee Bong Gyou
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare customer experience (CE) between digital and traditional South Korean bank users and its relationship with customer satisfaction (CS).

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of bank customers was conducted, and an ANOVA test was performed to compare the means of CS between digital and traditional bank (TB) users as well as four dimensions of CE, such as usefulness, convenience, employee-customer engagement (ECE) and security. The ordinal regression analysis was also performed to test the moderation effect of digital bank (DB) use on the relationship between CE and satisfaction.

Findings

The means of usefulness were higher among DB users than TB users. By contrast, ECE and security means were lower for digital than TB users. The ordinal regression analysis indicated that DB use had a moderating effect on the relationship between convenience and CS and the relationship between ECE and CS. DB use encouraged increased positive relationships between convenience and CS, and moderated the relationship between ECE and CS in a negative direction.

Practical implications

ECE and security for DBs is weak. Therefore, bank executives need to improve these areas through real-time customer services and adding authentication procedures.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies, this study proposed a model that reveals differences in CE between traditional and DB users. It explored the effects of CE on CS to contribute to the continued development of South Korean DBs.
Design of a low-cost mini quadrotor and altitude control using a micro laser sensor
Authors: Kim JeongHwan , Aurecianus Steven , Nam Seonglok , Park Jungkeun , Kang Taesam
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a low-cost quadrotor that can be used for educational purposes and investigate the applicability of a low-cost MEMS laser sensor for accurate altitude control.

Design/methodology/approach

A single printed circuit board is designed to form the structure of the quadrotor. A low-cost MEMS motion sensor, a microcontroller and four small motors are mounted on the board. A separate laser sensor module measures the altitude. A remote controller is designed to control the quadrotor’s motion. The remote controller communicates with the quadrotor via wireless connection. Roll and pitch attitude stabilization is achieved using the proportional and derivative control algorithm. The applicability of an MEMS laser sensor for altitude control is also studied.

Findings

The low-cost quadrotor works well even though its body structure is made using a printed circuit board. Low pass and Kalman filters work well for attitude estimation and control application. The laser sensor is very accurate and good for altitude feedback; however, it has a relatively short measurement range and its sampling rate is relatively slow, which limits its applications. The vertical velocity obtained by differentiating the laser altitude has delay and inhibits suitable damping. Using the vertical velocity obtained by integrating the vertical accelerometer’s output, the damping performance is improved.

Originality/value

Developing a low-cost quadrotor that can be used for educational purposes and successfully implementing altitude control using a laser sensor and accelerometer.
Educators’ perceptions of the value of coach mindset development for their well-being
Authors: Lowery Kendra
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine high school educators’ (three teachers, a career counselor and a social worker) perceptions of training to develop a coach mindset and the perceived impact of the training on their professional and personal well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Individual semi-structured interviews and 16 h of observational data of professional development were collected.

Findings

Five themes emerged from the data. Participants: challenged themselves to work on coach skills; affirmed the importance of relationships; identified areas of increased skill development; envisioned coach training throughout the school; and applied a coach mindset in other domains. These themes are related to two constructs of psychological capital – efficacy and hope – which contributed to participants’ professional and personal well-being.

Research limitations/implications

The low number and selection of participants make transferability of the findings difficult.

Practical implications

Findings indicate that a coach mindset may increase educators’ well-being as they learn to build positive student, collegial and personal relationships. Recommendations for further research include exploring relationships between the development of a coach mindset, increased positive student outcomes and educator well-being.

Social implications

The development of a coach mindset may lead to increased educator well-being and positivity.

Originality/value

As few empirical studies exist regarding the effectiveness of coach training for teachers, the findings of this study fill a gap in the literature regarding these topics.
Industry 4.0 adoption as a moderator of the impact of lean production practices on operational performance improvement
Authors: Tortorella Guilherme Luz , Giglio Ricardo , van Dun Desirée H.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the moderating role of Industry 4.0 technologies on the relationship between lean production (LP) and operational performance improvement within Brazil, a developing economy context.

Design/methodology/approach

One representative from each of the 147 studied manufacturing companies filled in a survey on three internally related lean practice bundles and two Industry 4.0 technology bundles, with safety, delivery, quality, productivity and inventory as performance indicators. As this study was grounded on the contingency theory, multivariate data analyses were performed, controlling for four contingencies.

Findings

Industry 4.0 moderates the effect of LP practices on operational performance improvement, but in different directions. Process-related technologies negatively moderate the effect of low setup practices on performance, whereas product/service-related technologies positively moderate the effect of flow practices on performance.

Originality/value

With the advent of Industry 4.0, companies have been channelling their efforts to achieve superior performance by advancing levels of automation and interconnectivity. Eventually, widespread and proven manufacturing approaches, like LP, will integrate such technologies which may, in turn, impair or favour operational performance. Contrary to previous studies, the contingencies appeared to have a less extensive effect. The authors point to various options for further study across different socio-economic contexts. This study evidenced that purely technological adoption will not lead to distinguished results. LP practices help in the installation of organisational habits and mindsets that favour systemic process improvements, supporting the design and control of manufacturers’ operations management towards the fourth industrial revolution era.
The parameter identification model considering both geometric parameters and joint stiffness
Authors: Bai Jing , Fan Le , Zhang Shuyang , Wang Zengcui , Qin Xiansheng
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Both geometric and non-geometric parameters have noticeable influence on the absolute positional accuracy of 6-dof articulated industrial robot. This paper aims to enhance it and improve the applicability in the field of flexible assembling processing and parts fabrication by developing a more practical parameter identification model.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is developed by considering both geometric parameters and joint stiffness; geometric parameters contain 27 parameters and the parallelism problem between axes 2 and 3 is involved by introducing a new parameter. The joint stiffness, as the non-geometric parameter considered in this paper, is considered by regarding the industrial robot as a rigid linkage and flexible joint model and adds six parameters. The model is formulated as the form of error via linearization.

Findings

The performance of the proposed model is validated by an experiment which is developed on KUKA KR500-3 robot. An experiment is implemented by measuring 20 positions in the work space of this robot, obtaining least-square solution of measured positions by the software MATLAB and comparing the result with the solution without considering joint stiffness. It illustrates that the identification model considering both joint stiffness and geometric parameters can modify the theoretical position of robots more accurately, where the error is within 0.5 mm in this case, and the volatility is also reduced.

Originality/value

A new parameter identification model is proposed and verified. According to the experimental result, the absolute positional accuracy can be remarkably enhanced and the stability of the results can be improved, which provide more accurate parameter identification for calibration and further application.
Seeking similarity or reserving differences
Authors: Wang Changzheng , Zhou Xuechun , Huang Minxue
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Chinese face refers to reputation, others’ respect or compliance which is gained through self-representation and role-playing. The purpose of this paper is to identify and distinguish the four dimensions of face construct: personal identity-face, family identity-face, friend identity-face and occupational identity-face. Based on this, the authors discuss and investigate the influence of four different face dimensions on a consumer’s need for uniqueness (CNFU).

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a questionnaire survey method and convenience samples. Subjects are students from a university in Wuhan operated directly under the Ministry of Education. A total of 730 questionnaires were distributed mainly in libraries and study rooms. After eliminating invalid questionnaires, 690 questionnaires were obtained. In sum, 44.1 percent research subjects are males, and 59 percent of them are undergraduate samples; 92.5 percent subjects’ monthly disposable consumption was less than 2,000 yuan.

Findings

The result shows that the influence paths and directions are different. Specifically, personal identity-face and family identity-face restrain CNFU through promoting interdependent self-construal, and friend identity-face and occupational identity-face facilitate CNFU through enhancing the consumer’s susceptibility to normative influence.

Originality/value

These findings are useful for clarify contemporary Chinese individuality-seeking consumption and conformity consumption behavior, and will shed light on form strategic practices, such as brand positioning and product communication.
Creativity in a theory of entrepreneurship
Authors: Caton James Lee
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to integrate a detailed theory of perception and action with a theory of entrepreneurship. It considers how new knowledge is developed by entrepreneurs and how the level of creativity is regulated by a competitive system. It also shows how new knowledge may create value for the innovator as well as for other entrepreneurs in the system.

Design/methodology/approach

The theory builds on existing literature on creativity and entrepreneurship. It considers how transformation of mental technologies occurs at the individual and system levels, and how this transformation influences value creation.

Findings

Under a competitive system, the level of creativity is regulated by the need for new ways of doing things. Periods of crisis wherein old means of coordination begin to fail often precipitate an increase in creativity, whereas a lack of crisis often allows the system to settle to a stable equilibrium with lower levels of creativity.

Research limitations/implications

The combination of methodology and methods facilitates a description of discrete building blocks that guide perception and enable creativity. This framing enables consideration of how a changing set of knowledge interacts with a system of prices.

Practical implications

Policy makers must take care not to encumber markets with costs that unnecessarily constrain creativity, as experimentation makes the economic system robust to shocks.

Social implications

This work provides a framing of cognition that allows for a linking of agent understanding that permits explicit description of coordination between agents. It relates perception and ends of the individual to constraints enforced by the social system.

Originality/value

As far as the author is concerned, no other work ties together a robust framing of cognition with computational simulation of market processes. This research deepens understanding in multiple fields, most prominently for agent-based modeling and entrepreneurship.
Implementation of an integrated care model between general practitioner and cardiologist
Authors: Vester Marijke Paula Margaretha , de Grooth Greetje Johanna , Bonten Tobias Nicolaas , van der Hoeven Bas Leendert , de Doelder Marieke Susanne , Eindhoven Danielle Catharina , Barbier Linda Wilhelmina , Coppens Jessica , Schalij Martin Jan , van Dijkman Paul Ronald Maria
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Integrated care models have shown to deliver efficient healthcare, but implementation has proven to be difficult. The Support Consultation is an integrated care model, which enables full integration by bundled payment, insurer involvement, predefined care pathways and strengthening of primary care. The purpose of this paper is to provide an indication of the improvements in healthcare delivery after implementation of this proposed model and to create a base for extension to similar interfaces between primary and secondary care.

Design/methodology/approach

A retrospective study was used to compare the effect on the number of referred patients with non-acute cardiac complaints and the cost effectiveness before and after implementation of the Support Consultation. Patients who previously would have been referred to the cardiologist were now discussed between general practitioner and cardiologist in a primary care setting.

Findings

The first consecutive 100 patients (age 55±16 years, male 48 percent), discussed in the Support Consultation, were analyzed. Implementation of the Support Consultation resulted in a net costs (program costs and referral costs) reduction of 61 percent compared with usual care. All involved parties were positive about the program.

Research limitations/implications

The Support Consultation has the ability to provide more effective healthcare delivery and to reduce net costs. The setting of the current study can be used as example for other specialties in countries with a similar healthcare system.

Originality/value

This study provides the potential cost savings after implementation of an integrated care model, based on real-life data.
Wounds and mental health care: system thinking
Authors: Samuriwo Ray , Hannigan Ben
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper considers how the quality of wound care delivered to people experiencing mental ill health can be improved at the system level in line with the global focus on improving population health. The purpose of this paper is to identify how the quality of wound care delivered to mental health care service users can be improved at a population level through system thinking informed by boundary theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a critical analysis of practice underpinned by systems thinking and boundary theory.

Findings

Tissue viability care and mental health care have different professional cultures and identities that are manifest in the way that they are organised and deliver care. If improvements in wound care-related outcomes at a population level are to be achieved, then it is important that the wound care needs of people experiencing mental ill health are addressed. Systems thinking and boundary theory provide a useful conceptual framework for informing quality improvement for people experiencing mental ill health at a population level. Integrated care plans are a useful mechanism for delivering comprehensive care that brings about wound healing and recovery from mental ill health.

Social implications

Integrated wound and mental health care plans transcend the professional boundaries that exist between tissue viability and mental health care services. Improvements in the quality and safety of care delivered to people with wounds who also utilise mental health services can be achieved through the use of integrated care plans. Health care policy and organisation need to meet the wound-related needs of people using mental health services.

Originality/value

There has been a focus on improving many aspects of wound care in line with the global focus on grand convergence in population health, but there has been very little emphasis on improving the wound-related outcomes of people that use mental health services. Systems thinking and boundary theory provide a useful framework for understanding how wound care for people experiencing mental ill health can be improved at a population level. Integrated care plans are a useful way of ensuring that safe high-quality wound care is consistently delivered to people experiencing mental ill health.
Technological evolution and tourist decision-making: a perspective article
Authors: Stylos Nikolaos
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate the importance of technological advancements in shaping tourist decision-making. It reviews relevant theories and underlines the need for new theoretical frameworks that would illustrate the role of cognitive technologies, i.e. artificial intelligence (AI) applications, in tourist decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical analysis and synthesis of interdisciplinary literature was undertaken, aiming to discuss the theoretical frameworks and approaches used and to offer a future perspective based on major technological advances.

Findings

The technological advancements play a structural role in tourist decision-making processes, with digital technologies and cyber-physical systems becoming extensions of a tourist’s self.

Research limitations/implications

The study offers the basis for a new theoretical framework in the area of tourism decision-making, considering the future of cyber-physical-human systems.

Originality/value

This study exemplifies the main elements of tourism decision-making theory and describes the need for a paradigm shift, as new forms of AI will complement human intelligence.
Dose down‐titration of biological disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs in daily clinical practice: Shared decision‐making and patient treatment preferences in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Komiya Takaaki , Takase‐Minegishi Kaoru , Sakurai Natsuki , Nagai Hideto , Hamada Naoki , Soejima Yutaro , Sugiyama Yumiko , Tsuchida Naomi , Kunishita Yosuke , Kishimoto Daiga , Kobayashi Kouji , Kamiyama Reikou , Yoshimi Ryusuke , Kirino Yohei , Ohno Shigeru , Nakajima Hideaki
Published: September 2019

Aim

To determine characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in Japan who received the same biological disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) for at least 6 months and to identify factors associated with successful down‐titration of bDMARDs dependent on shared decision‐making.

Methods

We included consecutive RA patients who received the same bDMARD with low disease activity or remission for at least 6 months in our two university hospitals. Patients treated with the bDMARD standard dose were defined as SD, while those treated with bDMARD down‐titration were defined as DT. We retrospectively reviewed clinical charts and compared data between the two groups.

Results

Of 288 patients with RA, 204 (70.8%) and 84 (29.2%) continued standard dose treatment and underwent down‐titration treatment, respectively. Sixty‐six of 84 (78.6%) down‐titration‐treated patients continued to show low disease activity or remission, whereas 18 (21.4%) relapsed 18.9 ± 24.4 months after bDMARD down‐titration was started. Univariate predictor analysis showed that the probable factors of down‐titration were no history of bDMARD treatment (P = .001) and low initial Disease Activity Assessment of 28 joint score (P = .048). Other clinical characteristics had no significant relationship with successful down‐titration.

Conclusions

Thus, bDMARD‐naïve patients and those with low initial disease activity are more likely to agree to attempt down‐titration. However, the timing and method of down‐titration should be made in shared decision‐making between patients and rheumatologists.
Age attenuates the transcriptional changes that occur with sleep in the medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Guo Xiaofeng , Keenan Brendan T. , Sarantopoulou Dimitra , Lim Diane C. , Lian Jie , Grant Gregory R. , Pack Allan I.
Published: September 2019

Sleep abnormalities are common with aging. Studies show that sleep plays important roles in brain functions, and loss of sleep is associated with increased risks for neurological diseases. Here, we used RNA sequencing to explore effects of age on transcriptome changes between sleep and sleep deprivation (SD) in medial prefrontal cortex and found that transcriptional changes with sleep are attenuated in old. In particular, old mice showed a 30% reduction in the number of genes significantly altered between sleep/wake and, in general, had smaller magnitudes of changes in differentially expressed genes compared to young mice. Gene ontology analysis revealed differential age effects on certain pathways. Compared to young mice, many of the wake‐active functions were similarly induced by SD in old mice, whereas many of the sleep‐active pathways were attenuated in old mice. We found similar magnitude of changes in synaptic homeostasis genes (Fos, Arc, and Bdnf) induced by SD, suggesting intact synaptic upscaling on the transcript level during extended wakefulness with aging. However, sleep‐activated processes, such as DNA repair, synaptogenesis, and axon guidance, were sensitive to the effect of aging. Old mice expressed elevated levels of immune response genes when compared to young mice, and enrichment analysis using cell‐type‐specific markers indicated upregulation of microglia and oligodendrocyte genes in old mice. Moreover, gene sets of the two cell types showed age‐specific sleep/wake regulation. Ultimately, this study enhances understanding of the transcriptional changes with sleep and aging, providing potential molecular targets for future studies of age‐related sleep abnormalities and neurological disorders.
Contrast sensitivity is associated with outer‐retina thickness in early‐stage diabetic retinopathy
Authors: McAnany J. Jason , Park Jason C. , Liu Karen , Liu Michelle , Chen Yi‐Fan , Chau Felix Y. , Lim Jennifer I.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To determine the relationship between contrast sensitivity (CS) and outer‐retina thickness (ORT) in diabetics who have minimal or no diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods

Twenty non‐diabetic control subjects and 40 type‐2 diabetic subjects participated (20 had no clinically apparent DR [NDR] and 20 had mild non‐proliferative DR [NPDR]). No subject had a history of treatment for macular oedema. Letter CS, microperimetry (MP) sensitivity and visual acuity (VA) were measured. Letter CS and MP measurements were performed over the central 6° of the visual field. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) images were obtained at corresponding locations, outer‐retina thickness was quantified, and structure–function relationships were evaluated.

Results

Analysis of variance indicated significant letter CS differences among the groups (p < 0.001). Letter CS was reduced significantly for the mild NPDR group (p < 0.001; 33% reduction), but not the NDR group (p = 0.08). There were no significant differences in MP sensitivity or ORT among the groups (both p > 0.10). Nevertheless, Hoeffding's D tests indicated significant associations between ORT and letter CS (p < 0.001) and between ORT and MP sensitivity for the mild NPDR group (p = 0.01). VA was not significantly associated with ORT for either diabetic group (both p > 0.49).

Conclusions

Outer‐retina thickness is associated with letter CS and MP sensitivity, but not VA, in mild NPDR. This finding highlights the usefulness of simple letter CS measures and suggests neural dysfunction can occur in the absence of marked structural abnormalities in early‐stage DR.
CO‐OP OPEN MEMBERSHIP: ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS
Authors: CABALEIRO‐CASAL María José , IGLESIAS‐MALVIDO Carlos , MARTÍNEZ‐FONTAÍÑA Rocío
Published: September 2019

This paper aims to analyze the objectives pursued by cooperatives upon opening doors to new members and how this affects business activity and financial indicators. Surprisingly, the results show that accepting new partners makes no positive impact on the return on assets, but it does make a variable impact on financial indicators according to the type of cooperative. Distinguishing between agricultural and worker co‐ops, we conduct a cross‐sectional study of a sample of Galician cooperatives to find whether they apply this principle the same way regardless of membership size. Our results corroborate that cooperatives apply the principle differently. This not only allows us to extract other relevant information from accounting for cooperatives, but it also permits other agents like financial entities to obtain indicators that reflect the true company image more adequately.
‘Go on, Go on, Go on’: Sexual Consent, Child Sexual Exploitation and Cups of Tea
Authors: Brady Geraldine , Lowe Pam
Published: September 2019

This novel paper critically addresses a currently popular sex education resource which compares sexual consent to tea drinking. Drawing from a study which considered the meaning of consent through focus groups and interviews with young people and professionals, we argue that the central ‘risk avoidance’ message of such resources individualises the potential risks of non‐consensual sex and ignores the gendered social structures which shape interpersonal relationships. We suggest that simplifying and extrapolating sexual consent from broader cultural understandings is problematic. Conversations with young people are important, but they need to address the complexity of sexual consent, coercion and gendered sexual norms.