bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Cost of Use of the Emergency Department by Persons With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Living in a Canadian Health Region: A Retrospective Population-Based Study
Authors: Bernstein Charles N , Nugent Zoann , Targownik Laura E , Singh Harminder , Snider Carolyn , Witt Julia
Published: February 2019

Background

We aimed to determine the costs of emergency department (ED) attendance by persons with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) not admitted to hospital from the ED.

Methods

This was a population-based administrative database study linking the University of Manitoba IBD Epidemiology Database with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) ED Information Service database. We identified persons with IBD who presented to the ED and were not admitted between January 1, 2009 and March 31, 2012. We then applied costs in Canadian dollars for these visits including an average ED visit cost plus 26% for overhead (total = $508), an average estimated cost of laboratory investigations ($50), and costs for each of radiographic imaging, lower endoscopy and consultation with an internist/gastroenterologist or a surgeon. We tallied the costs of each unique ED presentation. We determined average costs for visits associated with specific consultations or investigations.

Results

One thousand six hundred and eighty-two persons with IBD (4,853 individual visits) attended the ED and did not get hospitalized. The average cost per ED visit by a person with IBD who did not get hospitalized was $650. This resulted in a total expenditure of $3,152,227 on these persons for their ED attendance or $969,916 per year. The visits with the highest mean costs were those associated with an abdominal computerized tomography scan ($979), those associated with surgical consultation ($1019), and those associated with an internist/gastroenterologist consultation ($942).

Conclusion

Better strategies for management of acute issues for persons with IBD that can reduce the use of an ED are needed and can be considerably cost saving.
State Responsibility for Complicity in the Internationally Wrongful Acts of Non-State Armed Groups
Authors: Mackenzie-Gray Scott Richard
Published: February 2019

Determining the responsibility of a state for complicity in the internationally wrongful act of a non-state armed group is an issue that requires analysis from a general international law standpoint. There are numerous ongoing conflicts throughout the world, which are fought by states and non-state armed groups. In the course of such violence, rules of international humanitarian law and international human rights law are breached. There is abundant practice of states rendering aid or assistance to non-state armed groups in their undertakings, whether through the provision of weapons, financial aid, logistical support, intelligence sharing, and/or otherwise. Therefore, when non-state armed groups commit internationally wrongful acts that have been helped by states through such avenues, complicity becomes a pertinent issue. This article addresses and answers the following question: how can the responsibility of a state be established for complicity in the unlawful act(s) of a non-state armed group?
The impact of highways on population redistribution: the role of land development restrictions
Authors: Levkovich Or , Rouwendal Jan , van Ommeren Jos
Published: February 2019

We study the role of land development restrictions for the effects of highway expansion on the spatial distribution of population for the Netherlands. Introducing an IV approach to address multiple endogenous interaction variables, our findings show that new highways accelerated population growth in peripheral areas, but had no apparent effect in suburban municipalities, in line with the presence of development restrictions. Highway expansions caused a ‘leapfrog’ pattern in which suburban growth skipped development-restricted areas and expanded into farther located peripheral areas.
Categories that Blind Us, Categories that Bind Them: The Deployment of the Notion of Vulnerability for Syrian Refugees in Turkey
Authors: Sözer Hande
Published: February 2019

In policy projects on refugees, the concept ‘vulnerable populations’ is treated as self-evident and any policy intervention about vulnerable refugees is seen as inherently positive. Before all else, such interest in ‘the most vulnerable of the vulnerable’ recalls the most virtuous aspects of heavily criticized humanitarianism. The category ‘vulnerable refugee’ has escaped from critical scrutiny by academic literature. The existing studies rely on preconceived notions of vulnerability in line with scholars’ normative predispositions, which makes us blind to already existing vulnerabilities on the ground. This article focuses on how the ‘vulnerable refugee’ category is constructed, appropriated and enacted by self-identified local humanitarian actors regarding Syrian refugees in Turkey. It argues, first, that various humanitarian actors’ notion of ‘vulnerable refugee’ is formed at the crosscurrents of various discourses (e.g. global securitization and global humanitarianism, and nationalism, Islamicism, secularism). Second, local humanitarian actors uniformly present Syrian ‘women and children’ as the most vulnerable; yet, their identification of particular ‘vulnerable women and children’ is informed by and enhances their own gendered, ethnonational, religious, political ideologies. This situation results in leaving out some refugees (as those whose vulnerabilities do not count) while exposing and binding the designated vulnerable into contradictory political ideologies and local faultlines. In the end, Syrian refugees may become not more resilient, but more vulnerable.
Prognostic Significance of CHEK2 Mutation in Progression of Breast Cancer
Authors: Ansari Narges , Shahrabi Saeid , Khosravi Abbas , Shirzad Reza , Rezaeean Hadi
Published: February 2019

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers among women; genetic mutations reflect the development of this disease. Mutations in cell signaling factors can be the main cause of BC development. In this study, we focused on mutations in checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2) and their impact as a prognostic factor in the pathogenesis of BC.

CHEK2 is controlled in cell signaling pathways through the influence of upstream genes. Also, several downstream genes are regulated by CHEK2. In addition, mutations in CHEK2 lead to resistance of BC cells to chemotherapy and metastasis of cancer cells to other parts of the body.

Finally, detection of mutations in CHEK2 can be used as a prognostic factor for patient response to treatment and for targeting downstream molecules of CHEK2 that are involved in the proliferation of breast tumor cells. Mutations such as c.1100delC and I157T can distinguish which patients are susceptible to metastasis.
MTL-algebras as rotations of basic hoops
Authors: Aglianò Paolo , Ugolini Sara
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we use the generalize d rotation construction to lift results from the lattice of subvarieties of basic hoops to some parts of the lattice of subvarieties of monoidal t-norm based logic-algebras. In particular, we study splitting algebras for (the lattice of subvarieties of) varieties generated by generalized rotations of basic hoops and relevant subvarieties such as Wajsberg hoops, cancellative hoops and Gödel hoops. Finally, we show that the generalized rotation construction preserves the amalgamation property.
Decentralization and Policy Experimentation in Education: the Consequences of Enhancing Local Autonomy in California
Authors: Adams Brian E
Published: February 2019

A hypothesized benefit of decentralization is that it will promote policy experimentation, yet there have been few studies examining this link. In this article, I identify three pathways through which decentralization could plausibly lead to greater experimentation and empirically assess their presence through an analysis of California’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), a policy that enhanced the fiscal autonomy of local school districts. I find mixed results; even though there was some evidence to suggest greater policy activity, most new actions taken by school districts were incremental changes. Further, there was little ideological differentiation in adopted policies despite variation in districts’ partisan composition. Small districts were slightly more likely to experiment than larger ones, supporting the hypothesis that smaller jurisdictions are more nimble and flexible and thus more likely to enact policy change. I conclude by exploring how the incentives and preferences of local officials mediate the causal connection between decentralization and policy experimentation.
Association of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors with chronic non-communicable diseases and multimorbidity among the elderly in rural southwest China
Authors: Li Xiao , Cai Le , Cui Wen-long , Wang Xu-ming , Li Hui-fang , He Jian-hui , Golden Allison Rabkin
Published: February 2019

Background

This study estimates the prevalence of five chronic non-communicable disease (NCDs) (hypertension, diabetes, CHD, COPD and stroke) and its multimorbidity, and examines the relationship between SES and lifestyle factors and multimorbidity among older adults in rural southwest China.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 4833 consenting adults aged ≥60 years was conducted in 2017. Data on the demographics, smoking, drinking, height, weight, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose were collected.

Results

Among the participants, the overall prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, stroke, COPD and CHD was 50.6, 10.2, 6.4, 5.4 and 5.5%, respectively, and of multimorbidity was 16.1%. Females had a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and multimorbidity of chronic NCDs, but a lower prevalence of COPD than males (P < 0.05). Older adults with good household assets and access to medical services were less likely to experience multimorbidity, whereas obese and centrally obese participants, current smokers, current drinkers and those with a family history of chronic NCDs had a greater probability of multimorbidity.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that effective strategies for prevention and control of chronic NCDs and its multimorbidity are urgently needed, especially for low-income, elderly, ethnic minority adults with poor access to medical services.
Man shall not live by bread alone: the role of perceived emotional support in low-income adults’ health outcomes
Authors: Namkoong Kang , Stanley Samantha J , Kim Jiyoun
Published: February 2019

Background

Adults with low income have limited access to valuable health resources thus presenting a major obstacle to improving their health. Although there are diverse health enhancement programs for low-income populations, relatively few focus on emotional support despite the positive impact of perceived emotional support on health. This study examines the interaction of perceived emotional support and income on the overall health status and psychological well-being of adults with low income.

Methods

Secondary data were collected from the Health Information National Trends Survey (Cycle 4). A total of 3677 respondents completed the survey, including 889 adults with low income, as determined by their eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Ordinary-least square hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to test main and interaction effects.

Results

Perceived emotional support moderated the relationship between SNAP eligibility and health outcomes. Lacking an emotional support network has greater detrimental effects on the overall health and psychological well-being of people with low income compared to similar persons with higher income.

Conclusion

These findings suggest the need for health programs that enhance access to emotional support for adults with low income.
Racial Differences in Anticipated Satisfaction With Life during Retirement
Authors: Tsotsoros Cindy E , Hershey Douglas A , Kiso Helen , Koposko Janet L
Published: February 2019

The ability of individuals to think about their goals and imagine themselves in the future is one of the keys to developing a strategic life plan (Beach, 1998). This is a particularly important task in the context of developing a satisfying plan for retirement. In this investigation, image theory (Beach & Mitchell, 1987) was used as a foundation for exploring racial differences in individuals’ perceptions of the post-employment period. Specifically, Blacks, Whites, and Asians (n = 301, 300, 269, respectively) were asked to report perceptions of their future life satisfaction during retirement using a scale developed by Gutierrez and Hershey (2014). Mean score comparisons revealed that Blacks and Asians had significantly larger mean perceived future satisfaction levels than Whites. To explore the psychological mechanisms that underlie respondents’ perceptions, 3 separate race-based path analysis models were calculated using anticipated satisfaction scores as the criterion. Predictors in the models included: engagement in financial planning activities, retirement-related financial knowledge, retirement goal clarity, future time perspective, and a set of sociodemographic indicators. Substantial differences were observed in the amount of variance captured in the criterion, with the most variability accounted for among Asians, and the least variability accounted for among Whites. From a theoretical perspective, the findings contribute to the growing literature on race and retirement processes, and from an applied perspective, the results have implications for practitioners who seek to take race into account when developing psychologically based intervention programs.
Description and phylogenetic placement of a new marine species of phytosaur (Archosauriformes: Phytosauria) from the Late Triassic of Austria
Authors: Butler Richard J , Jones Andrew S , Buffetaut Eric , Mandl Gerhard W , Scheyer Torsten M , Schultz Ortwin
Published: February 2019

Phytosaurs are a group of carnivorous, semi-aquatic archosaurian reptiles that attained an almost global distribution during the Late Triassic. We here describe a new species of the phytosaur genus Mystriosuchus from the Norian Dachstein Limestone of Austria, from a marine lagoonal depositional environment. The new Austrian material comprises remains of at least four individuals of similar size (c. 4 m in total length) found in association but disarticulated, and includes one complete and two partial skulls and postcrania. All of these specimens apparently represent a single taxon, which is distinguished by numerous anatomical features from the two previously named Mystriosuchus species. Maximum parsimony analysis of a comprehensive morphological dataset provides strong statistical support for the phylogenetic position of the new Austrian taxon in Mystriosuchus, as the sister taxon to a clade comprising M. planirostris and M. westphali. Histological analysis suggests that the Austrian phytosaur specimens represent individuals that were at least eight years old at time of death, but which had not yet reached skeletal maturity. Taphonomic and palaeoenvironmental data suggest that these phytosaurs were living in the marine lagoon in which they were preserved, providing the strongest evidence to date of marine adaptations in phytosaurs.
Exploring the effects of character construction and choice, outgroups and analytical method on phylogenetic inference from discrete characters in extant crocodilians
Authors: Sookias Roland B
Published: February 2019

Phylogenies for fossil taxa must be inferred from morphology, but accuracy of inference is questionable. Here, morphological characters for extant crocodilians are investigated to assess how to improve inference accuracy. The homoplasy of characters is assessed against a DNA-based phylogenetic tree. Cranial characters are significantly less homoplastic, but this result is perhaps confounded by research effort. Meristic characters are significantly more homoplastic and should be used with caution. Characters were reassessed first hand and documented. Those characters passing tests of robust construction are significantly less homoplastic. Suggestions are made for means to improve coding of discrete characters. Phylogenies inferred using only robust characters and a reassessed matrix, including corrected scorings, were not overall closer to the DNA tree, but did often place the gharial (Gavialis) in a position agreeing with or closer to it. The effects of the choice of analytical method were modest, but Bayesian analysis of the reassessed matrix placed Gavialis and Mecistops (slender-snouted crocodile) in DNA-concordant positions. Use of extant rather than extinct outgroups, even with the original matrix, placed Gavialis in a more DNA-concordant position, as did factoring out 3D skull shape. The morphological case for placement of Gavialis outside other extant crocodilians is arguably overstated, with many characters linked to skull shape.
Multiscale computing for science and engineering in the era of exascale performance
Authors: Hoekstra Alfons G. , Chopard Bastien , Coster David , Portegies Zwart Simon , Coveney Peter V.
Published: February 2019

In this position paper, we discuss two relevant topics: (i) generic multiscale computing on emerging exascale high-performing computing environments, and (ii) the scaling of such applications towards the exascale. We will introduce the different phases when developing a multiscale model and simulating it on available computing infrastructure, and argue that we could rely on it both on the conceptual modelling level and also when actually executing the multiscale simulation, and maybe should further develop generic frameworks and software tools to facilitate multiscale computing. Next, we focus on simulating multiscale models on high-end computing resources in the face of emerging exascale performance levels. We will argue that although applications could scale to exascale performance relying on weak scaling and maybe even on strong scaling, there are also clear arguments that such scaling may no longer apply for many applications on these emerging exascale machines and that we need to resort to what we would call
multi-scaling
.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Multiscale modelling, simulation and computing: from the desktop to the exascale’.
Mastering the scales: a survey on the benefits of multiscale computing software
Authors: Groen Derek , Knap Jaroslaw , Neumann Philipp , Suleimenova Diana , Veen Lourens , Leiter Kenneth
Published: February 2019

In the last few decades, multiscale modelling has emerged as one of the dominant modelling paradigms in many areas of science and engineering. Its rise to dominance is primarily driven by advancements in computing power and the need to model systems of increasing complexity. The multiscale modelling paradigm is now accompanied by a vibrant ecosystem of multiscale computing software (MCS) which promises to address many challenges in the development of multiscale applications. In this paper, we define the common steps in the multiscale application development process and investigate to what degree a set of 21 representative MCS tools enhance each development step. We observe several gaps in the features provided by MCS tools, especially for application deployment and the preparation and management of production runs. In addition, we find that many MCS tools are tailored to a particular multiscale computing pattern, even though they are otherwise application agnostic. We conclude that the gaps we identify are characteristic of a field that is still maturing and features that enhance the deployment and production steps of multiscale application development are desirable for the long-term success of MCS in its application fields.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Multiscale modelling, simulation and computing: from the desktop to the exascale’.
Assessing the scales in numerical weather and climate predictions: will exascale be the rescue?
Authors: Neumann Philipp , Düben Peter , Adamidis Panagiotis , Bauer Peter , Brück Matthias , Kornblueh Luis , Klocke Daniel , Stevens Bjorn , Wedi Nils , Biercamp Joachim
Published: February 2019

We discuss scientific features and computational performance of kilometre-scale global weather and climate simulations, considering the Icosahedral Non-hydrostatic (ICON) model and the Integrated Forecast System (IFS). Scalability measurements and a performance modelling approach are used to derive performance estimates for these models on upcoming exascale supercomputers. This is complemented by preliminary analyses of the model data that illustrate the importance of high-resolution models to gain improvements in the accuracy of convective processes, a better understanding of physics dynamics interactions and poorly resolved or parametrized processes, such as gravity waves, convection and boundary layer.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Multiscale modelling, simulation and computing: from the desktop to the exascale’.
The heterogeneous multiscale method applied to inelastic polymer mechanics
Authors: Vassaux M. , Richardson R. A. , Coveney P. V.
Published: February 2019

Mechanisms emerging across multiple scales are ubiquitous in physics and methods designed to investigate them are becoming essential. The heterogeneous multiscale method (HMM) is one of these, concurrently simulating the different scales while keeping them separate. Owing to the significant computational expense, developments of HMM remain mostly theoretical and applications to physical problems are scarce. However, HMM is highly scalable and is well suited for high performance computing. With the wide availability of multi-petaflop infrastructures, HMM applications are becoming practical. Rare applications to mechanics of materials at low loading amplitudes exist, but are generally confined to the elastic regime. Beyond that, where history-dependent, irreversible or nonlinear mechanisms occur, not only computational cost but also data management issues arise. The micro-scale description loses generality, developing a specific microstructure based on the deformation history, which implies
inter alia
that as many microscopic models as discrete locations in the macroscopic description must be simulated and stored. Here, we present a detailed description of the application of HMM to inelastic mechanics of materials, with emphasis on the efficiency and accuracy of the scale-bridging methodology. The method is well suited to the estimation of macroscopic properties of polymers (and derived nanocomposites) starting from knowledge of their atomistic chemical structure. Through application of the resulting workflow to polymer fracture mechanics, we demonstrate deviation in the predicted fracture toughness relative to a single-scale molecular dynamics approach, thus illustrating the need for such concurrent multiscale methods in the predictive estimation of macroscopic properties.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Multiscale modelling, simulation and computing: from the desktop to the exascale’.
Application of the extreme scaling computing pattern on multiscale fusion plasma modelling
Authors: Luk O. O. , Hoenen O. , Perks O. , Brabazon K. , Piontek T. , Kopta P. , Bosak B. , Bottino A. , Scott B. D. , Coster D. P.
Published: February 2019

The extreme scaling pattern of the ComPat project is applied to a multi-scale workflow relevant to the magnetically confined fusion problem. This workflow combines transport, turbulence and equilibrium codes (together with additional auxiliaries such as initial conditions and numerical module), which aims at calculating the behaviour of a fusion plasma on long (transport) time scales based on information from much faster (turbulence) time scales. Initial findings of profile measurements are reported in this paper and indicate that, depending on the chosen performance metric for defining ‘cost’, such as time to completion, efficiency and total energy consumption of the mutliscale workflow, different choices on the number of cores would be made when determining the optimal execution configuration. A variant of the workflow which increases the inherent parallelism is presented, and shown to produce equivalent results at (typically) lower cost compared with the original workflow.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Multiscale modelling, simulation and computing: from the desktop to the exascale’.
Semi-intrusive multiscale metamodelling uncertainty quantification with application to a model of in-stent restenosis
Authors: Nikishova A. , Veen L. , Zun P. , Hoekstra A. G.
Published: February 2019

We explore the efficiency of a semi-intrusive uncertainty quantification (UQ) method for multiscale models as proposed by us in an earlier publication. We applied the multiscale metamodelling UQ method to a two-dimensional multiscale model for the wound healing response in a coronary artery after stenting (in-stent restenosis). The results obtained by the semi-intrusive method show a good match to those obtained by a black-box quasi-Monte Carlo method. Moreover, we significantly reduce the computational cost of the UQ. We conclude that the semi-intrusive metamodelling method is reliable and efficient, and can be applied to such complex models as the in-stent restenosis ISR2D model.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Multiscale modelling, simulation and computing: from the desktop to the exascale’.
Bolt: A new age peptide search engine for comprehensive MS/MS sequencing through vast protein databases in minutes
Authors: Prakash Amol , Ahmad Shadab , Majumder Swetaketu , Jenkins Conor , Orsburn Ben
Published: February 2019

The standard platform for proteomics experiments today is mass spectrometry, particularly for samples derived from complex matrices. Recent increases in mass spectrometry sequencing speed, sensitivity and resolution now permit comprehensive coverage of even the most precious and limited samples, particularly when coupled with improvements in protein extraction techniques and chromatographic separation.

However, the results obtained from laborious sample extraction and expensive instrumentation are often hindered by a sub optimal data processing pipelines. One critical data processing piece is peptide sequencing which is most commonly done through database search engines. In almost all MS/MS search engines users must limit their search space due to time constraints and q-value considerations. In nearly all experiments, the search is limited to a canonical database that typically does not reflect the individual genetic variations of the organism being studied. Searching for posttranslational modifications can exponentially increase the search space thus careful consideration must be used during the selection process. In addition, engines will nearly always assume the presence of only fully tryptic peptides. Despite these stringent parameters, proteomic data searches may take hours or even days to complete and opening even one of these criteria to more realistic biological settings will lead to detrimental increases in search time on expensive and custom data processing towers. Even on high performance servers, these search engines are computationally expensive, and most users decide to dial back their search parameters. We present Bolt, a new search engine that can search more than nine hundred thousand protein sequences (canonical, isoform, mutations, and contaminants) with 31 post translation modifications and N-terminal and C-terminal partial tryptic search in a matter of minutes on a standard configuration laptop. Along with increases in speed, Bolt provides an additional benefit of improvement in high confidence identifications, as demonstrated by manual validation of unique peptides identified by Bolt that were missed with parallel searching using standard engines. When in disagreement, 67% of peptides identified by Bolt may be manually validated by strong fragmentation patterns, compared to 14% of peptides uniquely identified by SEQUEST. Bolt represents, to the best of our knowledge, the first fully scalable, cloud based quantitative proteomic solution that can be operated within a user-friendly GUI interface. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD012700.

Abstract Graphic
Experimental evidence that belowground competition can influence the evolution of root traits in two closely related morning glory species
Authors: Colom Sara M. , Baucom Regina S.
Published: February 2019

Although root traits play a critical role in mediating plant-plant interactions and resource acquisition from the soil environment, research examining if and how belowground competition can influence the evolution of root traits remains largely unexplored. Here we examine the potential that root traits may evolve as a target of selection from interspecific competition using Ipomoea purpurea and I. hederacea, two closely related morning glory species that commonly co-occur in the United States. We show that belowground competitive interactions between the two species can alter the pattern of selection on root traits in each species. Specifically, competition with I. purpurea changes the pattern of selection on root angle in I. hederacea, and competitive interactions with I. hederacea changes the pattern of selection on root size in I. purpurea. However, we did not uncover evidence that intraspecific competition altered the pattern of selection on any root traits within I. hederacea. Overall, our results suggest that belowground competition between closely related species can influence the phenotypic evolution of root traits in natural populations. Our findings provide a microevolutionary perspective of how competitive belowground interactions may impact plant fitness, potentially leading to patterns of plant community structure.
RecV recombinase system for spatiotemporally controlled light-inducible genomic modifications
Authors: Cetin Ali , Yao Shenqin , Ouellette Ben , Balaram Pooja , Zhou Thomas , Mortrud Marty , Chatterjee Soumya , Wang Yun , Daigle Tanya L. , Tasic Bosiljka , Kuang Xiuli , Gong Hui , Luo Qingming , Zeng Shaoqun , Kahan Anat , Gradinaru Viviana , Zeng Hongkui
Published: February 2019

Brain circuits are composed of vast numbers of intricately interconnected neurons with diverse molecular, anatomical and physiological properties. To allow highly specific targeting of individual neurons for structural and functional studies, we modified three site-specific DNA recombinases, Cre, Dre and Flp, by combining them with a fungal light-inducible protein, Vivid, so that their recombinase activities can be driven by blue light. We generated viral vectors to express these light-inducible recombinases and demonstrated that they can induce genomic modifications in dense or sparse populations of neurons in live mouse brains controlled by one-photon or two-photon light induction. As an important application, we showed that light-inducible recombinases can produce highly targeted, sparse and strong labeling of individual neurons thereby enabling whole-brain morphological reconstruction to identify their axonal projection specificity. In addition to targeting cortical brain areas, we applied the method in deep targets, with a demonstration of functional calcium imaging. These molecular tools enable spatiotemporally-precise, targeted genomic modifications that will greatly facilitate detailed analysis of neural circuits and linking genetic identity, morphology, connectivity and function.
A paper-filter system to investigate the real micro-environment circuiting plant roots
Authors: Huang Chao
Published: February 2019

The micro-environment circling the plant root is an interesting topic for many researchers. Until now there is not an approach to investigate the exact density of chemicals surrounding the plant roots. here we use a simple paper filter system and gas chromatography to quantify the exact density of chemicals surrounding the plant roots. this can help solve a long-existing doubt about the ‘real micro-environment’ surrounding the plant roots.
Sharing information between related diseases using Bayesian joint fine mapping increases accuracy and identifies novel associations in six immune mediated diseases
Authors: Asimit Jennifer L , Rainbow Daniel B , Fortune Mary D , Grinberg Nastasiya F , Wicker Linda S , Wallace Chris
Published: February 2019

Thousands of genetic variants have been associated with human disease risk, but linkage disequilibrium (LD) hinders fine-mapping the causal variants. We show that stepwise regression, and, to a lesser extent, stochastic search fine mapping can mis-identify as causal, SNPs which jointly tag distinct causal variants. Frequent sharing of causal variants between immune-mediated diseases (IMD) motivated us to develop a computationally efficient multinomial fine-mapping (MFM) approach that borrows information between diseases in a Bayesian framework. We show that MFM has greater accuracy than single disease analysis when shared causal variants exist, and negligible loss of precision otherwise. Applying MFM to data from six IMD revealed causal variants undetected in individual disease analysis, including in IL2RA where we confirm functional effects of multiple causal variants using allele-specific expression in sorted CD4+ T cells from genotype-selected individuals. MFM has the potential to increase fine-mapping resolution in related diseases enabling the identification of associated cellular and molecular phenotypes.
Spatiotemporal analysis of human rabies exposure in Colombia during ten years: A challenge for implementing social inclusion in its surveillance and prevention
Authors: Arias Caicedo Marcela Rocío , Arias Caicedo Catalina Alejandra , Andrade Monteiro Etiene , Abel Isis , de Arruda Xavier Diego
Published: February 2019

Based on reported cases of human rabies exposure to Colombia public health surveillance system between 2007 and 2016 we conducted a spatiotemporal analysis to identify epidemiological scenarios of human rabies exposure by dog, cat, bat or farm animal (n= 666,411 cases). Spatiotemporal analysis, incidence rate, cluster and outlier analysis were conducted for all Colombian cities (n= 1122). The incidence rate of human rabies exposure by dogs and cats showed an increasing trend while aggression by bats and farm animals fluctuated throughout the analyzed period. Human rabies transmitted by cat and bat occurred in Andean and Orinoquia region, where the larger scenario was observed. There, urban scenario showed high risk to human rabies exposure by cat and dog in cities characterized for having the highest human population density and greater economic development. In contrary, rural area where was observed high risk of human rabies exposure by farm animals in workers from agroforestry area (42.7%). exposed to rabies by contact of mucosa or injured skin with saliva infected with rabies virus (74.5%) composed rural scenario. In Inequality scenario, exposure by farm animals showed some outlier cities with high risk principally in Pacific region, where was observed the lowest incidence rates to human rabies exposure in all years studied and the highest poverty rates in Colombia. There, afro-descendant (55%) and indigenous (8.2%) people were mostly affected. High risk of exposure by bat bite was observed in indigenous (98.5%) located in cities of Amazon region with dispersed population (Amazonian scenario). Analysis presented here can encourage surveillance, care and prevention programs to focus both on ethnic, dispersed populations and areas with rabies viral circulation, since each scenario requires different approach strategies.
Varying involvement in digitally enhanced employee-driven innovation
Authors: Bäckström Izabelle , Lindberg Malin
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance knowledge about the mechanisms behind, and the implications of, varying involvement in digitally enhanced employee-driven innovation (EDI) by studying how a firm integrates a web-based tool in the organization of its EDI process.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a qualitative in-depth interview study with managers and employees at one high-performing and one low-performing office of a global IT firm, a critical discourse analysis was performed. It explored how the EDI discourse was produced, distributed and consumed in relation to the web-based tool for collecting and selecting employee ideas.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the production of the innovation discourse by the top-level management, which emphasizes client satisfaction rather than employee engagement, restricts the employees’ utilization of the digital platform that distributes the discourse. However, at the high-performing office, employee participation is ensured because the local managers act as co-distributors of the digital tool.

Research limitations/implications

The single case study design limits the generalizability of the results, but is nevertheless relevant for understanding the mechanisms and implications in similar contexts where web-based tools are used to enhance EDI processes.

Practical implications

The study provides practical insights into the importance of local management’s active promotion of digital tools in order to ensure employee involvement.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the EDI literature by identifying some mechanisms behind and the implications of varying employee involvement in digitally enhanced EDI processes.
Young adult consumers’ involvement in branded smartphone based service apps
Authors: Sarkar Juhi Gahlot , Sarkar Abhigyan
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate various factors that shape young adult consumers’ smartphone-based service app involvement and their subsequent development of brand loyalty for the app.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted to test the hypothesized relationships. The survey data were analyzed using SPSS-based PROCESS macro (Hayes, 2013).

Findings

The study results show that consumer can perceive an app to be largely hedonic or utilitarian, and the perceived app design (hedonic vs utilitarian) impacts consumers’ involvement with a particular service app category. Further, the findings elucidate that the impact of app hedonism on app category involvement is moderated by consumer’s surfing task orientation and the extent to which app arouses their imagination. On the other hand, the impact of app utilitarianism on app involvement is moderated by consumer’s information-seeking task orientation and perceived relevance of the information. Finally, app category involvement predicts loyalty toward a particular brand in the service app category. The effect of app involvement on brand loyalty is moderated by hot and cold brand relationship quality in cases of hedonic and utilitarian apps, respectively.

Originality/value

The value of this research lies in identifying relevant managerially actionable moderators that shape the relationships between perceived dominant app design (hedonic vs utilitarian), app category involvement and app brand loyalty.
Integrating community service learning into a master’s program
Authors: Zweekhorst Marjolein , Essink Dirk
Published: February 2019

Purpose

In order to address the complex problems of society, the innovation research process should incorporate technical, social, economic and ethical factors, but also actively involve a diverse group of non-scientific actors. One way to prepare students for this type of research is to create “Citizen Scholars,” students who want to work for the betterment of society. Arvanitakis and Hornsby (2016) argue that we need to change how we teach and train students in specific proficiencies. The purpose of this paper is to assess how the pedagogical approach applied within the program contributes to building the proficiencies and attributes as described by Arvanitakis and Hornsby (2016).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a total of 12 interviews with alumni who started their program in 2014, one focus group discussion with lecturers and 132 questionnaires with alumni to discuss to what extend the proficiencies are trained in the program and whether these are used in their current jobs. The authors also included data of an earlier study conducted in 2014. These data contain 26 interviews with students during the first year of the program. These students graduated in 2017 and are thus from the same cohort as the alumni.

Findings

The results show that the pedagogical approach in the management policy analysis program trains all the attributes. Important elements in the program are: the inquiry-based approach intertwined with community service learning (CSL) throughout the program; gradually increased complexity of the real-world problems addressed; students working in teams; and gradually reducing support of the lecturer.

Research limitations/implications

The authors conclude that our pedagogical approach applied in the program contributes to learning the proficiencies. The authors argue that for the training of inter- and transdisciplinary, the proficiency knowledge integration should be added.

Practical implications

The result show that more inquiry-based approaches and CSL programs can stimulate the four clusters of proficiencies, which should hold a central place in universities if we want to create citizen scholars.

Social implications

With the approach, students contribute to research issues of local communities.

Originality/value

Despite the increasing interest of higher education to involve civic activities in the curricula, few pedagogical approaches are described. The research shows that theoretical insights in the adaption of a model to realize a citizen scholar.
A qualitative investigation of strategies and experiences of non-native students writing master’s theses
Authors: Khozaei Ravari Zahra , Tan Kok Eng
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Research on academic writing development at graduate level has received wide attention. However, less has been documented on positive academic writing literacy experiences and strategies of non-native students while completing their master’s theses. The purpose of this paper is to examine facilitating strategies that non-native students develop in the writing-up stage.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 50 MA English majors from 11 higher education institutions in Tehran participated in this qualitative study. Data were gathered using interviews and journal entries and analyzed thematically with the help of the NVivo10 software.

Findings

The analysis resulted in three major themes: self-support strategies of an academic writer; enhancing personal development; and supervisors’ support and feedback. Findings showed that Iranian students developed strategies that involved interactions not only with supervisors but also members of various academic communities that could be reached via online professional networking. There was also a need to address organizational skills and mood management to meet deadlines. Regardless of the self-support strategies, the supervisors’ role and supervisor–supervisee relationships remained crucial.

Originality/value

Available studies in academic literacy and English for academic purposes have mainly focused on thesis challenges. This study highlights strategies and positive experiences that facilitate the progress of MA students in the thesis writing journey, while at the same time emphasizing the critical role of supervisors in expediting this process.
Providing a piece of the puzzle: insights into the aircraft availability conundrum
Authors: Ritschel Jonathan D. , Ritschel Tamiko L. , York Nicole B.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Aircraft availability (AA) is a key metric for assessing operational readiness. The declining trend in AA is a documented concern for senior Air Force leaders. This paper aims to investigate the components of non-available time and subsequently focuses on the largest and fastest growing category: not mission capable maintenance unscheduled (NMCMU). Then, utilization of aircraft platforms is examined to determine the readiness benefits of increasing available hours.

Design/methodology/approach

Stepwise regression is conducted on a data set of 30 aircraft platforms, consisting of 542 observations from 1998 to 2017, to reveal drivers of NMCMU. Next, utilization of aircraft platforms is examined through regression and correlation analysis of aircraft platforms and sorties or hours flown.

Findings

Regression analysis reveals drivers of NMCMU include platform type, average age of aircraft, fleet size, breaks and cannibalization. These factors explain 80.6 per cent of the variance in the data set when predicting NMCMU. Additionally, the utilization results show that when more hours are made available, 5 per cent of each new hour is used for flying. Further analysis at the individual platform level finds a strong or moderate correlation between available hours and sorties flown for 93 per cent of the platforms.

Originality/value

Implications from the regression analysis demonstrate there are remedies to increase AA, but many of these remedies may be costly. The utilization analysis expresses the potential readiness benefits of increasing available hours.
Premises recovery through adoption of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques
Authors: Olapade Daramola Thompson , Olapade Biodun , Aluko Bioye Tajudeen
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques as a legitimate means of ejection of recalcitrant tenant in property. This is with a view of providing information that will improve property investment and management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a case study approach using five selected case studies where ADR approach was used to recover premises.

Findings

The experience from the case studies shows that the use of ADR in premises recovery is effective but has its challenges. In the five case studies, consent judgment, mediation and negotiation were used to recover premises in less than three months compared to an average of 18 months using litigation. Also, the cost in all the cases were lower where they exist at all than when litigation are used. The paper provides useful information to practitioners on the use of the effective alternative approach to recover premises from recalcitrant tenants.

Originality/value

The paper provides practical ways through which recovery of premises could be achieved through non-adversarial technique in developing property markets, which hitherto was not available in literature.