bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the planet–metallicity correlation for hot Jupiters
Authors: Osborn Ares , Bayliss Daniel
Published: November 2019

We investigate the giant planet–metallicity correlation for a homogeneous, unbiased set of 217 hot Jupiters taken from nearly 15 yr of wide-field ground-based surveys. We compare the host star metallicity to that of field stars using the Besançon Galaxy model, allowing for a metallicity measurement offset between the two sets. We find that hot Jupiters preferentially orbit metal-rich stars. However, we find the correlation consistent, though marginally weaker, for hot Jupiters ($\beta =0.71^{+0.56}_{-0.34}$) than it is for other longer period gas giant planets from radial velocity surveys. This suggests that the population of hot Jupiters probably formed in a similar process to other gas giant planets, and differ only in their migration histories.
Numerically investigating the morphology of the supernova remnant SN 1006 in the ambient medium with a density discontinuity
Authors: Fang Jun , Yan Jingwen , Wen Lu , Lu Chunyan , Yu Huan
Published: November 2019

Multiband observations on the Type Ia supernova remnant SN 1006 indicate peculiar properties in its morphologies of emission in the radio, optical, and X-ray bands. In the hard X-rays, the remnant is bilateral with two opposite bright limbs with prominent protrusions. Moreover, a filament has been detected at the radio, optical, and soft X-ray wavelengths. The reason for these peculiar features in the morphologies of the remnant is investigated using 3D HD simulations. With the assumption that the supernova ejecta are evolved in the ambient medium with a density discontinuity, the radius of the remnant’s boundary is smaller in the tenuous medium, and the shell consists of two hemispheres with different radii. Along particular line of sights, protrusions appear on the periphery of the remnants since the emission from the edge of the hemisphere with a larger radius is located outside that from the shell of the small hemisphere. Furthermore, the north-west filament of SN 1006 arises as a result of the intersection of the line of sight and the shocked material near the edges of the two hemispheres. It can be concluded that the protrusions on the north-east and south-west limbs and the north-west filament in the morphologies of SN 1006 can be reproduced as the remnants interacting with the medium with a density discontinuity.
Revisiting the long term X-ray spectral evolution of Seyfert 1 galaxies
Authors: Weng Shan-Shan , Chen Ying , Wang Ting-Ting , Cai Zhen-Yi , Qiao Erlin , Liao Neng-Hui
Published: November 2019

Characterizing the long-term variability of AGNs is a key legacy of RXTE. We carry out a spectral analysis on a sample of 20 Seyfert 1 galaxies, which had been observed by the RXTE for at least 100 times. All 18,335 spectra are fitted in a uniform way using a power-law component plus an additional Gaussian line when necessary. For any source in our sample, we confirm that the spectrum softens or the photon index, Γ, increases with increasing the 2–10 keV luminosity, LX. However, different source holds distinct Γ − LX/LEdd relation, rather than a common one. We also fit the correlation with a function of Γ = C + β × log (flux), where C is a constant and parameter β is the slope of the correlation. In this way, the increase speed of the Γ − LX/LEdd relation can be depicted with the parameter β. Since our sample contains a large sample of long-term monitored sources, it allows us to explore the second order effect of spectral evolution. We find that there is an anti-correlation between β and the X-ray Eddington ratio, LX/LEdd. That is, the increasing tendency of Γ with increasing X-ray luminosity becomes slower when the source has a larger X-ray Eddington ratio. Our results may indicate changes in the geometry and/or the viscosity parameter of the accretion disc at different Eddington ratios.
Incidence of fractures in middle-aged individuals with early chronic kidney disease: a population-based analysis of CARTaGENE
Authors: Desbiens Louis-Charles , Goupil Rémi , Madore François , Mac-Way Fabrice
Published: November 2019

Background

Previous studies evaluating fractures in chronic kidney disease (CKD) have mostly focused on hip or major fractures in aged populations with moderate to advanced CKD. We aimed at evaluating the association between early CKD and fracture incidence at all sites across age and sex in middle-aged individuals.

Methods

We analyzed CARTaGENE, a prospective population-based survey of 40- to 69-year-old individuals from Quebec (Canada). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at baseline was evaluated categorically or continuously using restricted cubic splines. Fractures at any site (except toes, hand and craniofacial) for up to 7 years of follow-up were identified through administrative databases using a validated algorithm. Adjusted Cox models were used to evaluate the association of CKD with fracture. Interaction terms for age and sex were also added.

Results

A total of 19 391 individuals (756 CKD Stage 3; 9114 Stage 2; 9521 non-CKD) were included and 829 fractures occurred during a median follow-up of 70 months. Compared with the median eGFR of 90 mL/min/1.73 m2, eGFRs of ≤60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were associated with increased fracture incidence in unadjusted and adjusted models [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.25 (95% confidence interval 1.05–1.49) for 60 mL/min/1.73 m2; 1.65 (1.14–2.37) for 45 mL/min/1.73 m2]. The eGFR was linearly associated with fracture incidence <75 mL/min/1.73 m2 [HR = 1.18 (1.04–1.34) per 10 mL/min/1.73 m2 decrease] but not above [HR = 0.98 (0.91–1.06) per 10 mL/min/1.73 m2 decrease). The effect of decreased eGFR on fracture incidence was more pronounced in younger individuals [HR = 2.45 (1.28–4.67) at 45 years; 1.11 (0.73–1.67) at 65 years] and in men.

Conclusions

Even early CKD increases fracture incidence, especially in younger individuals and in men.
Outcome After Decompressive Craniectomy for Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction: Timing of the Intervention
Authors: Goedemans Taco , Verbaan Dagmar , Coert Bert A , Kerklaan Bertjan , van den Berg René , Coutinho Jonathan M , van Middelaar Tessa , Nederkoorn Paul J , Vandertop W Peter , van den Munckhof Pepijn
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs), clinical guidelines for the treatment of space-occupying hemispheric infarct employ age (≤60 yr) and time elapsed since stroke onset (≤48 h) as decisive criteria whether to perform decompressive craniectomy (DC). However, only few patients in these RCTs underwent DC after 48 h.

OBJECTIVE

To study the association between the timing of DC and (un)favorable outcome in patients with space-occupying middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarct undergoing DC.

METHODS

We performed a single-center cohort study from 2007 to 2017. Unfavorable outcome at 1 yr was defined as a Glasgow outcome scale 1 to 3. Additionally, we systematically reviewed the literature up to November 2018, including studies reporting on the timing of DC and other predictors of outcome. We performed Firth penalized likelihood and random-effects meta-analysis with odds ratio (OR) on unfavorable outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 66 patients were enrolled. A total of 26 (39%) patients achieved favorable and 40 (61%) unfavorable outcomes (13 [20%] died). DC after 48 h since stroke diagnosis did not significantly increase the risk of unfavorable outcome (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.3-2.3). Also, in the meta-analysis, DC after 48 h of stroke onset was not associated with a higher risk of unfavorable outcome (OR 1.11; 95% CI 0.89-1.38).

CONCLUSION

The outcome of DC performed after 48 h in patients with malignant MCA infarct was not worse than the outcome of DC performed within 48 h. Contrary to current guidelines, we, therefore, advocate not to set a restriction of ≤48 h on the time elapsed since stroke onset in the decision whether to perform DC.
Right Anterior Parasagittal Craniotomy and Interhemispheric Approach for Resection of a Falcontentorial Junction Meningioma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Hendricks Benjamin K , Spetzler Robert F
Published: November 2019

Falcotentorial meningiomas are rare lesions that occur along the midline at the junction of the falx cerebri and tentorium. When large, these lesions pose a surgical challenge because of the risk of neurologic deficits, including cortical blindness. Delicate structures at risk during resection of these lesions include the sagittal sinus, internal cerebral veins, vein of Galen, straight sinus, torcula, and fornix. Although there are a number of very reasonable approaches, including a supracerebellar infratentorial or occipital interhemispheric, we chose an anterior interhemispheric approach to provide the safest route for accessing the largest portion of the tumor while protecting the deep venous system.

 After identification of the falcine attachment, the tumor is debulked within the tumor capsule. In this case, the tumor was subtotally removed because of the adherence of a small segment of tumor along the vein of Galen. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute.
Anterior Interhemispheric Transcallosal Approach for Thalamic Cavernous Malformation: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Hendricks Benjamin K , Spetzler Robert F
Published: November 2019

This patient had a large left ventral thalamic cavernous malformation abutting the third ventricle with evidence of recent hemorrhage. The patient was placed supine with the head in the horizontal position with the dependent hemisphere down to permit use of the anterior interhemispheric transcallosal approach. The lateral ventricle is entered, and the septum pellucidum is opened to prevent it from obstructing the surgical field. The deep cavernous malformation is located with stereotactic neuronavigation and removed piecemeal with the aid of lighted suckers and bipolars. Surgical visualization and postoperative imaging demonstrate a complete resection of the lesion, and the patient remained neurologically stable postoperatively. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.
Pratylenchus thornei: The Relationship Between Presowing Nematode Density and Yield Loss in Wheat and Barley
Authors: Fanning Joshua P. , Reeves Karyn L. , Forknall Clayton R. , McKay Alan C. , Hollaway Grant J.
Published: November 2019

The root lesion nematode Pratylenchus thornei causes economic losses in wheat and barley internationally through both reduced grain yield and grain quality. This study investigated the relationships between the presowing P. thornei density and grain yield and the postharvest nematode densities. Four field experiments were conducted at the same site between 2010 and 2014. A range of presowing P. thornei densities was established in the first year by growing three cereal cultivars that ranged from resistant to susceptible. In the following year, plots were sown with the five same cereal cultivars. A linear relationship was observed between the natural log of the presowing P. thornei density and grain yield across all seasons. The results showed that grain yield losses varied between cultivars and seasons. The importance of season was significant, with this study conducted over several seasons, and it highlighted the variability in yield losses between seasons, which will need further investigation. The greatest yield losses observed were 25 to 28% when the maximum presowing P. thornei densities ranged between 150 and 250 P. thornei g of soil−1. An analysis of the relationship between the presowing and postharvest nematode densities revealed that increased presowing nematode densities resulted in decreased multiplication rates in all seasons and in all cultivars. Nematode multiplication rates also varied between seasons. These results explain why it is difficult to predict nematode levels based on cropping history, and additionally, they highlight the importance of growing resistant cultivars to maintain low levels of P. thornei to minimize risk of yield losses.
Dengue Epidemiology in a Brazilian Community
Authors: Mansho Wilson , Ferreira Fernando , Kakitani Iná , Azevedo Raymundo Soares , Amaku Marcos
Published: November 2019

Dengue is a major vector-borne disease and has motivated health surveillance systems to implement various measures to control it. The epidemiological characterization of dengue occurrence in a community is an important step to foster control activities. We carried out an epidemiological study of the notified and confirmed cases of dengue, from 2000 to 2005, in Guarulhos, State of São Paulo, Brazil. A statistical analysis was performed to test the differences, by sex and age, between the database and the individuals of the population. We also performed a time series analysis of the cases from 2000 to 2007. No statistically significant differences (P>0.05) were observed between the proportions for each sex in the data base and in the city population, and in the categories of 15-19 years, 20-24 years, 25-29 years, 55-59 years, 60-64 years and 70-74 years when compared with the corresponding age intervals in the population. In the other age intervals, statistically significant differences were observed (P<0.05). We observed a cyclic variation in the dengue incidence, between 2000 and 2007, with an alternation of two years with a smaller number of cases (2000-2001 and 2004-2005) and two years with a larger number of cases (2002-2003 and 2006-2007). In the seasonality analysis, the number of cases between February and May was higher than the monthly average. Analyzing the spatial distribution of the cases, we observed the process of increasing endemicity of dengue.
Evidence linking atopy and staphylococcal superantigens to the pathogenesis of lymphomatoid papulosis, a recurrent CD30+ cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorder
Authors: Kadin Marshall E. , Hamilton Robert G. , Vonderheid Eric C.
Published: November 2019

Background

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is a self-healing CD30+ cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorder (CLPD) with paradoxical histology of a malignant lymphoma. Case reports and small patient series suggest an association of LyP with atopy. However, the prevalence of atopy depends on patients’ recall which is not always reliable. More objective criteria of atopy include skin reactivity to allergens and IgE reactivity to allergens. This study was undertaken to determine if atopy is prevalent in LyP patients using IgE specific antibodies to aeroallergens, and if Staphylococcal aureus enterotoxins might be a pathogenic factors for LyP as proposed for other skin disorders.

Methods

Thirty-one samples of CD30CLPD were tested for total serum IgE (IgE-t) and 10 IgE- specific airborne allergens with the Phadiatop multiallergen test, which if positive, is regarded as evidence of atopy. Sera was tested for IgE reactive against three Staphylococcal enterotoxins with superantigenic properties (SSAg-IgE). Control sera were obtained from adult subjects evaluated for rhino-sinusitis and a negative Phadiatop test. Patients’ history of atopy was obtained by retrospective chart review.

Findings

Nearly 50% of patients with the most common LyP types had a positive Phadiatop test and IgE-t was increased compared to non-atopic controls. Seven of 28 (25%) LyP patients had at least one SSAg-IgE at the concentration used to define serologic atopy (≥ 0.35 kUa/L) compared to 3/52 (6%) controls (P= 0.028). TSST1-IgE was detected in 7 (23%) specimens of CD30CLPD, often together with SEB-IgE; SEA-IgE was not detected. TSST1-IgE exceeded the 0.35 kUa/L threshold in 3 (6%) controls.

Conclusions

LyP patients have an increased prevalence of atopy as determined by the Phadiatop test and increased prevalence of SSAg-IgE compared to controls. Prevalence of serologic atopy exceeded that reported by patients’ medical history. The results support the hypothesis that an atopic diathesis and possibly SSAg contribute to the pathogenesis of LyP.

Contrary to patients’ recall of atopic disorders, IgE specific antibodies to aeroallergens, Staphylococcal aureus superantigens and total serum IgE are increased in patients with lymphomatoid papulosis.
Breaking Medical Data Sharing Boundaries by Employing Artificial Radiographs
Authors: Han Tianyu , Nebelung Sven , Haarburger Christoph , Horst Nicolas , Reinartz Sebastian , Merhof Dorit , Kiessling Fabian , Schulz Volkmar , Truhn Daniel
Published: November 2019

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to change medicine fundamentally. Here, expert knowledge provided by AI can enhance diagnosis by comprehensive and user independent integration of multiple image features. Unfortunately, existing algorithms often stay behind expectations, as databases used for training are usually too small, incomplete, and heterogeneous in quality. Additionally, data protection constitutes a serious obstacle to data sharing. We propose to use generative models (GM) to produce high-resolution artificial radiographs, which are free of personal identifying information. Blinded analyses by computer vision and radiology experts proved the high similarity of artificial and real radiographs. The combination of multiple GM improves the performance of computer vision algorithms and the integration of artificial data into patient data repositories can compensate for underrepresented disease entities. Furthermore, the low computational effort of our method complies with existing IT infrastructure in hospitals and thus facilitates its dissemination. We envision that our approach could lead to scalable databases of anonymous medical images enabling standardized radiomic analyses at multiple sites.
Gli1+ mesenchymal stromal cells modulate epithelial metaplasia in lung fibrosis
Authors: Cassandras Monica , Wang Chaoqun , Kathiriya Jaymin , Tsukui Tatsuya , Matatia Peri , Matthay Michael , Wolters Paul , Molofsky Ari , Sheppard Dean , Chapman Hal , Peng Tien
Published: November 2019

Organ fibrosis is often accompanied by aberrant epithelial reprogramming, culminating in a transformed barrier composed of scar and metaplastic epithelium. Understanding how the scar promotes an abnormal epithelial response could better inform strategies to reverse the fibrotic damage. Here we show that Gli1+ mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), previously shown to contribute to myofibroblasts in the scar, promote metaplastic differentiation of airway progenitors into KRT5+ basal cells in vitro and in vivo. During fibrotic repair, Gli1+ MSCs integrate hedgehog activation to promote metaplastic KRT5 differentiation by upregulating BMP antagonism in the progenitor niche. Restoring the balance towards BMP activation attenuated metaplastic KRT5+ differentiation while promoting adaptive alveolar differentiation. Finally, fibrotic human lungs demonstrate altered BMP activation in the metaplastic epithelium. These findings show that Gli1+ MSCs integrate hedgehog signaling as a rheostat to control BMP activation in the progenitor niche to determine regenerative outcome in fibrosis.

Highlights

Gli1+ MSCs are required for metaplastic airway progenitor differentiation into KRT5+ basal cells.

Hedgehog activation of MSCs promotes KRT5 differentiation of airway progenitors by suppressing BMP activation.

Restoring BMP activation attenuates metaplastic KRT5 differentiation

Metaplastic KRT5+ basal cells in human fibrotic lungs demonstrate altered BMP activation.
Selective K-ATP channel-dependent loss of pacemaking in vulnerable nigrostriatal dopamine neurons by α-synuclein aggregates
Authors: Thakur Poonam , Luk Kelvin , Roeper Jochen
Published: November 2019

Parkinson disease (PD), one of the most common neurodegenerative disorder, is believed to be driven by toxic α-synuclein aggregates eventually resulting in selective loss of vulnerable neuron populations, prominent among them, nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) neurons in the lateral substantia nigra (l-SN). How α-synuclein aggregates initiate a pathophysiological cascade selectively in vulnerable neurons is still unclear. Here, we show that the exposure to low nanomolar concentrations of α-synuclein aggregates (i.e. fibrils) but not its monomeric forms acutely and selectively disrupted the electrical pacemaker function of the DA subpopulation most vulnerable in PD. This implies that only dorsolateral striatum projecting l-SN DA neurons were electrically silenced by α-synuclein aggregates, while the activity of neither neighboring DA neurons in medial SN projecting to dorsomedial striatum nor mesolimbic DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) were affected. Moreover, we demonstrate functional K-ATP channels comprised of Kir6.2 subunit in DA neurons to be necessary to mediate this acute pacemaker disruption by α-synuclein aggregates. Our study thus identifies a molecularly defined target that quickly translates the presence of α-synuclein aggregates into an immediate impairment of essential neuronal function. This constitutes a novel candidate process how a protein-aggregation-driven sequence in PD is initiated that might eventually lead to selective neurodegeneration.
Evaluation of 3D markerless motion capture accuracy using OpenPose with multiple video cameras
Authors: Nakano Nobuyasu , Sakura Tetsuro , Ueda Kazuhiro , Omura Leon , Kimura Arata , Iino Yoichi , Fukashiro Senshi , Yoshioka Shinsuke
Published: November 2019

There is a need within human movement sciences for a markerless motion capture system, which is easy to use and suffciently accurate to evaluate motor performance. This study aims to develop a 3D markerless motion capture technique, using OpenPose with multiple synchronized video cameras, and examine its accuracy in comparison with optical marker-based motion capture. Participants performed three motor tasks (walking, countermovement jumping, and ball throwing), with these movements measured using both marker-based optical motion capture and OpenPose-based markerless motion capture. The differences in corresponding joint positions, estimated from the two different methods throughout the analysis, were presented as a mean absolute error (MAE). The results demonstrated that, qualitatively, 3D pose estimation using markerless motion capture could correctly reproduce the movements of participants. Quantitatively, of all the mean absolute errors calculated, approximately 47% were less than 20 mm and 80% were less than 30 mm. However, 10% were greater than 40 mm. The primary reason for mean absolute errors exceeding 40mm was that OpenPose failed to track the participant’s pose in 2D images owing to failures, such as recognition of an object as a human body segment, or replacing one segment with another depending on the image of each frame. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that, if an algorithm that corrects all apparently wrong tracking can be incorporated into the system, OpenPose-based markerless motion capture can be used for human movement science with an accuracy of 30mm or less.
Bombs and cocaine: detecting nefarious nitrogen sources using remote sensing and machine learning
Authors: Adams Christopher , Chee Soo Mei , Bell David , Windram Oliver P.F.
Published: November 2019

Plants are treated with synthetic or organic nitrogen sources to increase growth and yield, the most common being calcium ammonium nitrate. However, some nitrogen sources are used in illicit activities. Ammonium nitrate is used in explosive manufacture and ammonium sulphate in the cultivation and extraction of the narcotic cocaine fromErythroxylum spp. Here we show that hyperspectral sensing, multispectral imaging and machine learning image analysis can be used to visualise and differentiate plants exposed to different nefarious nitrogen sources. Metabolomic analysis of leaves from plants exposed to different nitrogen sources reveals shifts in colourful metabolites that may contribute to altered reflectance signatures. Overall this suggests that different nitrogen feeding regimes alter plant secondary metabolism leading to changes in the reflectance spectrum detectable via machine learning of multispectral data but not the naked eye. Our results could facilitate the development of technologies to monitor illegal activities involving various nitrogen sources and further inform nitrogen application requirements in agriculture.
An endophytic bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) strain translocated and protected tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants from its parasitic weed Phelipanche aegyptiaca
Authors: Kruh Lilach Iasur , Abu-Nassar Jacline , Lidor Ofir , Aly Radi
Published: November 2019

Phelipanche aegyptiaca is an obligate holo-parasitic weed lacking a functional photosynthetic system, which subsists on roots of a wide range of host crops, causing severe losses in yield quality and quantity. The parasite and its host are connected through their vascular system, forming a unique ecological system that enables the exchange of various substances. In a previous study, it was suggested that endophytic bacteria, which naturally inhabit the internal tissues of plants, can also be transmitted from the parasitic weed to its host and vice versa.

In the current study, we investigate the characteristics of a previously isolated Pseudomonas sp. PhelS10 strain, using both biochemical and molecular methods. Our results revealed that production of Pseudomonas aeruginosa quinolone signal (PQS) was 2.1 times higher than that of the standard Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain (PAO1), which contributed to a 22% higher biofilm formation capability. PhelS10 strain was detected in the xylem of tomato plants using FISH analysis. In addition, PhelS10 strain was found in the parasitic weed’s inner tissues, confirming the hypothesis that endophytic bacteria traffic between the plant host and its parasitic weed.
Meso-scale multi-material fabrication of a Synthetic ECM Mimic for In vivo-like Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Wieringa Paul , de Pinho Ana Rita Gonçalves , Truckenmüller Roman , Micera Silvestro , van Wezel Richard , Moroni Lorenzo
Published: November 2019

A growing focus and continuing challenge for biological sciences is creating representative in vitro environments to study and influence cell behavior. Here, we describe the synthetic recreation of the highly ordered extracellular matrix (ECM) of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) in terms of structure and scale, providing a versatile 3D culturing platform that achieves some of the highest in vitro neurite growth rates so far reported. By combining electrospinning technology with a unique multi-material processing sequence that harnesses intrinsic material properties, a hydrogel construct is realized that incorporates oriented 6 μm-diameter microchannels decorated with topographical nanofibers. We show that this mimics the native PNS ECM architecture and promotes extensive growth from primary neurons; through controlled variation in design, we show that the open lumens of the microchannels directing rapid axon invasion of the hydrogel while the nanofibers provide essential cues for cell adhesion and topographical guidance. Furthermore, these microstructural and nanofibrillar elements enabled a typically bioinert hydrogel (PEGDA) to achieve similar neurite extension when compared to a biocompatible collagen hydrogel, with PEGDA-based devices approaching neurite growth rates similar to what is observed in vivo. Through the accessible fabrication approach developed here, multi-material scaffolds were designed with cell-relevant architectures ranging from meso-to nanoscale and shown to support nerve growth to mimic PNS regeneration, with potential for regenerative medicine and neural engineering applications.
Accounting for the cost of sports-related violence
Authors: Baxter Jane , Carlsson-Wall Martin , Chua Wai Fong , Kraus Kalle
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the understanding of “the” accounting entity, demonstrating how it is a contestable socio-political construction informed by a nexus of market, state and community actors.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study method is utilised to follow debate relating to Swedish football clubs’ responsibility for the payment/non-payment of policing costs between 1999 and 2014. The case study uses documentary and interview data, focusing on one of the high-risk Stockholm clubs.

Findings

The paper makes four main contributions: first, demonstrating how the accounting entity is a changeable and contestable construction; second, outlining how distinctions informing contests about the accounting arena are materialised through accounting calculations and other devices; third, showing the importance of community in a coordinated sense in mediating accounting practices; and fourth, contributing to the literature on accounting and sport, highlighting the importance of state actors in this arena.

Originality/value

This research draws on original empirical data providing unique insights into debates regarding the responsibility for the payment of police costs in the context of sports-related violence. The authors show the importance of characterising accounting for sporting organisations as a shifting and contestable nexus of market, state and community actors.
Experimental verification of volt-ampere characteristic curve for a memristor-based chaotic circuit
Authors: Xiong Li , Zhang Xinguo , Chen Yan
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The ammeter can measure the direct current and low-frequency alternating current through the wires, but it is difficult to measure complex waveforms. The oscilloscope can measure complex waveforms, but it is easy to measure the voltage waveform and difficult to measure the current waveform. Thus, how to measure complex current waveforms with oscilloscope is an important and crucial issue that needs to be solved in practical engineering applications. To solve the above problems, an active short circuit line method is proposed to measure the volt-ampere characteristic curve of chaotic circuits.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, an active short circuit line method is proposed to measure the volt-ampere characteristic curve of various chaotic circuits especially for memristive systems. A memristor-based chaotic system is introduced, and the corresponding memristor-based circuit is constructed and implemented by using electronic components.

Findings

The chaotic attractors and volt-ampere characteristic curve of the memristor-based chaotic circuit are successfully analyzed and verified by oscilloscope measurement with the proposed active short circuit line method. Accordingly, the hardware circuit experiments are carried out to validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the active short circuit line method for these chaotic circuits. A good agreement is shown between the numerical simulations and the experimental results.

Originality/value

The primary contributions of this paper are as follows: an active short circuit line method for measuring the volt-ampere characteristic curve of chaotic circuits is proposed for the first time. A memristor-based chaotic system is also constructed by using memristor as nonlinear term. Then, the active short circuit line method is applied to measure the volt-ampere characteristic curve of the corresponding memristor-based chaotic circuit.
Travelers’ perception of service quality at Dubai International Airport
Authors: Awad Mahmoud , Alzaatreh Ayman , AlMutawa Alia , Al Ghumlasi Hind , Almarzooqi Mariam
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Dubai’s aviation industry is one of the most leading global aviation centers with a customer centric focus and tremendous challenges. The purpose of this paper is to determine the main Airport service quality (ASQ) drivers and evaluate the perception of travelers of Dubai International Airport (DXB) terminal 3.

Design/methodology/approach

Travelers’ feedback is captured through interviews, initial survey and online review, and a more focused survey is developed as the main research tool. A hypothetical model is proposed and analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM). The sample includes 275 passengers who had experience with DXB services.

Findings

The CFA supported by SEM was used and reveled check-in, assurance and empathy, and availability to some extent as the main constructs influencing travelers’ satisfaction and impression of DXB. Moreover, Kruskal–Wallis test suggested that nationality impact travelers’ experience of the airport. The study stresses the need to consider differences in perceptions among different travelers’ groups with different ethnical backgrounds.

Research limitations/implications

The external validity of the results can be enhanced by including more terminals and larger sample size. Terminal 3 is administered by one company and provide services for one airline. Focusing on terminal 3 only improves the internal validity of this study but limits the external one.

Practical implications

Decision makers can use the findings to improve travelers’ experience at airport. For example, customizing services for certain groups can improve experience of travelers significantly.

Originality/value

Based on the surveyed literature, there is little information or guidance on how to cluster constructs that best describe passengers’ journey in airports. Second, there are some conflicting results regarding the impact of nationalities and purpose of travel on travelers’ satisfaction. The purpose of this paper is to address the two gaps and identify factors that influence ASQ at DXB terminal 3. The investigation would help DXB management to understand what makes travelers satisfied during their journey at the airport.
Optimal parameters and tolerances in concurrent product and process design using simulation and fuzzy goal programming
Authors: Al-Refaie Abbas , Haddadin Mays , Qabaja Alaa
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach to determine the optimal parameters and tolerances in concurrent product and process design in the early design stages utilizing fuzzy goal programming. A wheelchair design is provided for illustration.

Design/methodology/approach

The product design is developed on the basis of both customer and functionality requirements. The critical product components are then determined. The design and analysis of experiments are performed by using simulation, and then the probability distributions are adopted to determine the values of desired responses under each combination of critical product parameters and tolerances. Regression nonlinear models are then developed and inserted as constraints in the complete optimization model. Preferences on product specifications and process settings, as well as process capability index ranges, are also set as model constraints. The combined objective functions are finally formulated to minimize the sum of positive and negative deviations from desired targets and maximize process capability. The optimization model is applied to determine the optimal wheelchair design.

Findings

The results showed that the proposed approach is effective in determining the optimal values of the design parameters and tolerances of the critical components of the wheelchair with their related process means and standard deviations that enhance desired multiple quality responses under uncertainty.

Practical implications

This work provides a general methodology that can be applied for concurrent optimization of product design and process design in a wide range of business applications. Moreover, the methodology is beneficial when uncertainty exists in quality responses and the parameters and tolerances of product design and its critical processes.

Originality/value

The fuzziness is rarely considered in research and development stage. This research considers membership functions for parameters and tolerances of a product and its related processes rather than crisp values. Moreover, presented optimization model considers multiple objective functions, sum of deviations and process capability. Finally, the indirect quality responses are calculated from the best-fit probability distributions rather than assuming a normal distribution.
Fatigue damage severity assessment of RC beam
Authors: Md Nor Noorsuhada , Mat Saliah Soffian Noor , Ibrahim Azmi , Mohd Saman Hamidah , Muhamad Bunnori Norazura
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the investigation of damage severity of reinforced concrete (RC) beam subjected to increasing fatigue loading using intensity of acoustic emission (AE) signal.

Design/methodology/approach

Together 17 RC beams with dimension of 150 × 150 × 750 mm were prepared. Third point loading fatigue test was performed based on load at the first crack (Pcr) and the ultimate static load (Pult). The frequency of 1 Hz was used with the increasing fatigue loadings, 0.5Pcr (P1), 0.8Pcr (P2), 1.0Pcr (P3), 0.2Pult (P4), 0.5Pult (P5) and 0.6Pult (P6). The damage severity of crack for each phase of loading allowed the identification of the crack modes of the beams, namely, Zone A (no significant emission), Zone B (minor), Zone C (intermediate), Zone D (follow-up) and Zone E (major).

Findings

The intensity analysis indicated clear trend with respect to crack propagation in the beam and, hence, can be used to monitor the crack occurrence in the beam.

Originality/value

The intensity analysis has been carried out for the beam subjected to increasing fatigue loading. The analysis was based on the AE data obtained from channel basis and located event.
Social capital and social ties in organisations: a case study of two voluntary sports clubs
Authors: Tacon Richard
Published: November 2019

Purpose

If social capital is understood as the ability to access resources through social ties, it is clearly important to understand how people form social ties and what types of ties they form. Research has sought to do this, but it has seldom directly examined how organisations shape these processes and outcomes. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth, comparative case study research was conducted at two voluntary sport organisations in the UK, involving 23 in-depth interviews and participant observation over a 15-month period.

Findings

The case studies showed how key organisational practices structured, in meaningful ways, people’s opportunities for interaction and the nature of that interaction, shaping the ways in which they formed ties and exchanged resources. The organisations fostered the formation of both strong and weak ties, but also “compartmentally intimate” ties.

Research limitations/implications

The research challenges individualistic, rational choice accounts of tie formation, highlighting the role of organisations as brokers. In addition, interviewees’ accounts challenge well-accepted distinctions between strong and weak ties, by demonstrating the importance of ongoing, context-specific interaction.

Originality/value

This research offers a rare, direct insight into the role of organisations in shaping people’s ongoing social relationships. In doing so, it problematises existing conceptualisations of social capital and social ties and highlights an alternative, organisationally embedded, process-based perspective on social capital.
The landscape of research on learning in low-tech environments
Authors: Campana Kathleen , Agarwal Naresh Kumar
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to review the landscape of research in pedagogy and learning that surmounts the challenges of low-tech, information-rich environments during the past decade. It also reviews the methods used, populations studied and places where such research was carried out and proposes a conceptual framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping review methodology was used to provide initial, broad insight into the field of learning in low tech environments.

Findings

The study found that low tech was not a barrier when it came to effectiveness of pedagogy and learning. In addition, it became apparent that active learning strategies combined with no-tech, low-tech and high-tech resources and strategies can lead to learning environments that are learner-centered, knowledge-centered, assessment-centered and community-centered.

Originality/value

The authors propose the framework for learning in low-tech, information-rich environments, which can be used by researchers, educators, practitioners and policymakers in environments with low technology, or in those with high technology seeking to transfer expertise and technology to these areas.
Global brain-reflective accounting practices
Authors: Al-Htaybat Khaldoon , Hutaibat Khaled , von Alberti-Alhtaybat Larissa
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the intersection of accounting practices and new technologies in the age of agility as a form of intellectual capital, through sharing the conceptualization and real implications of accounting and accountability ideas in exploring and deploying new technologies, such as big data analytics, blockchain and augmented accounting practices and expounding how they constitute new forms of intellectual capital to support value creation and realise Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Design/methodology/approach

The adopted methodology is cyber-ethnography, which investigates online practices through observation and discourse analysis, reflecting on new business models and practices, and how accounting relates to these developments. The global brain sets the conceptual context, which reflects the distributed network intelligence that is created through the internet.

Findings

The main findings focus on various developments of accounting practice that reflect, utilise or support digital companies and new technologies, including augmentation, big data analytics and blockchain technology, as new forms of intellectual capital, that is knowledge and skills within organisations, that have the potential to support value creation and realise SDGs. These relate to and originate from the global brain, which constitutes the umbrella of tech-related intellectual capital.

Originality/value

This paper determines new developments in accounting practices in relation to new technologies, due to the continuous expansion and influence of the intelligence of the collective network, the global brain, as forms of intellectual capital, contributing to value creation, sustainable development and the realisation of SDGs.
The impact of a dysfunctional leader on the workplace: a new challenge for HRM
Authors: Holland Peter
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Whilst several studies investigate the attributes of dysfunctional leaders exhibiting corporate psychopathic traits, there is a paucity of longitudinal data exploring the way these leaders damage employees and the organisation. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap in the literature and provide a focus for HR to address these emerging issues within organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal and in-depth case study approach is taken to explore the impact on a workplace of a dysfunctional leader exhibiting the traits of a corporate psychopath. A framework is used to analyse the nuances of the behaviours, in particular bullying behaviours and the impact of this leadership style on the workforce over a five-year period.

Findings

The long-term negative effects of this type of leadership are identified through a detailed analysis of a trait commonly associated with this toxic style of leader, bullying behaviours and their consequences.

Research limitations/implications

Whilst a single case study allows for in-depth analysis, it may be seen as atypical and of limited application. However, the longitudinal approach is ideal to investigate the nuance of how a highly dysfunctional leader operates within and through the multiple layers of an organisation.

Practical implications

The paper identifies the traits and effects of a dysfunctional leader on an organisation to enable the organisation primarily through human resources to deal with them and their behaviours.

Social implications

The finding of this study adds to the knowledge of identifying and dealing with toxic behaviours in the workplace.

Originality/value

The longitudinal nature of the study provides a unique insight into the behaviours and damage of a dysfunctional leader within the workplace.
Survival comparison between superficialization of the brachial artery and tunneled central venous catheter placement in hemodialysis patients with heart failure: A retrospective study
Authors: Nakagawa Kaneyasu , Yamada Shunsuke , Matsukuma Yuta , Nakano Toshiaki , Mitsuiki Koji
Published: November 2019

It remains unclear which vascular access provides better survival in hemodialysis patients with heart failure, superficialization of the brachial artery (SBA), or tunneled central venous catheter (TCVC). We retrospectively followed up 60 hemodialysis patients with heart failure who underwent SBA (n = 36) or TCVC placement (n = 24). During the median 2.2‐year follow‐up period, 36 patients died. The median survival time was significantly longer for the SBA group than for the TCVC group (5.7 vs 1.7 years; P < .05, log‐rank test). A multivariate‐adjusted Cox regression analysis showed that SBA was associated with a reduced risk of all‐cause death (hazard ratio [HR] 0.30; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.14‐0.65). In the cohort of propensity score‐matched 15 pairs, patients with SBA experienced fewer all‐cause deaths (HR 0.29; 95% CI 0.10‐0.77). Our study suggests that SBA is an alternative option in hemodialysis patients with heart failure.
Preaching to the Choir: University Diversity Committees as Affective Communities
Authors: Anderson Raymond Kirk
Published: November 2019

This paper asks, what significance do diversity committee meetings have for how diversity workers experience, make sense of, and navigate the challenges of diversity work at a large, public research university? Drawing on a sixteen‐month ethnography of diversity policy and practice, I analyze the practice of “preaching to the choir” among committee members and explore the different affective attachments that form between diversity workers, their works, and the objects of diversity interventions.
Guidelines on suicide amongst anaesthetists 2019
Authors: Shinde S. , Yentis S. M. , Asanati K. , Coetzee R. H. , Cole‐King A. , Gerada C. , Harding K. , Hawton K. , Hennessy A. , Keats P. , Kumar N. , McGlennan A. , Pappenheim K. , Plunkett E. , Prior K. , Rowland A.
Published: November 2019

Anaesthetists are thought to be at increased risk of suicide amongst the medical profession. The aims of the following guidelines are: increase awareness of suicide and associated vulnerabilities, risk factors and precipitants; to emphasise safe ways to respond to individuals in distress, both for them and for colleagues working alongside them; and to support individuals, departments and organisations in coping with a suicide.