bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the number of undiagnosed infected in an outbreak using source of infection measurements
Authors: Melka Akiva B , Louzoun Yoram
Published: June 2020

In times of outbreaks, an essential requirement for better monitoring is the evaluation of the number of undiagnosed infected individuals. An accurate estimate of this fraction is crucial for the assessment of the situation and the establishment of protective measures. In most current studies using epidemics models, the total number of infected is either approximated by the number of diagnosed individuals or is dependent on the model parameters and assumptions, which are often debated. We here study the relationship between the fraction of diagnosed infected out of all infected, and the fraction of infected with known contaminator out of all diagnosed infected. We show that those two are approximately the same in exponential models and across most models currently used in the study of epidemics, independently of the model parameters. As an application, we compute an estimate of the effective number of infected by the COVID-19 virus in Israel.
A Novel Approach to Monitoring the COVID-19 Pandemic using Emergency Department Discharge Diagnoses
Authors: Duber Herbert C. , Hall M. Kennedy , Jablonowski Karl , Stern Susan A. , Mokdad Ali H , Flaxman Abraham D
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Tracking the COVID-19 pandemic using existing metrics such as confirmed cases and deaths are insufficient for understanding the trajectory of the pandemic and identifying the next wave of cases. In this study, we demonstrate the utility of monitoring the daily number of patients with COVID-like illness (CLI) who present to the Emergency Department (ED) as a tool that can guide local response efforts.

Methods

Using data from two hospitals in King County, WA, we examined the daily volume of CLI visits, and compare them to confirmed COVID cases and COVID deaths in the County. A linear regression model with varying lags is used to predict the number of daily COVID deaths from the number of CLI visits.

Results

CLI visits appear to rise and peak well in advance of both confirmed COVID cases and deaths in King County. Our regression analysis to predict daily deaths with a lagged count of CLI visits in the ED showed that the R2 value was maximized at 14 days.

Conclusions

ED CLI visits are a leading indicator of the pandemic. Adopting and scaling up a CLI monitoring approach at the local level will provide needed actionable evidence to policy makers and health officials struggling to confront this health challenge.
Early childhood linear growth faltering in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Benjamin-Chung Jade , Mertens Andrew , Colford John M , Hubbard Alan E , van der Laan Mark J , Coyle Jeremy , Sofrygin Oleg , Cai Wilson , Nguyen Anna , Pokpongkiat Nolan N , Djajadi Stephanie , Seth Anmol , Jilek Wendy , Jung Esther , Chung Esther O , Rosete Sonali , Hejazi Nima , Malenica Ivana , Li Haodong , Hafen Ryan , Subramoney Vishak , Häggström Jonas , Norman Thea , Brown Kenneth H. , Christian Parul , Arnold Benjamin F. ,   members of the ki Child Growth Consortium
Published: June 2020

Globally 149 million children under five are estimated to be stunted (length more than 2 standard deviations below international growth standards). Stunting, a form of linear growth faltering, increases risk of illness, impaired cognitive development, and mortality. Global stunting estimates rely on cross-sectional surveys, which cannot provide direct information about the timing of onset or persistence of growth faltering— a key consideration for defining critical windows to deliver preventive interventions. We performed the largest pooled analysis of longitudinal studies in low- and middle-income countries to date (n=32 cohorts, 52,640 children, ages 0-24 months), allowing us to identify the typical age of linear growth faltering onset and to investigate recurrent faltering in early life. The highest incidence of stunting onset occurred from birth to age 3 months. From 0 to 15 months, less than 5% of children per month reversed their stunting status, and among those who did, stunting relapse was common. Early timing and low reversal rates emphasize the importance of preventive intervention delivery within the prenatal and early postnatal phases coupled with continued delivery of postnatal interventions through the first 1000 days of life.
Plasma from recovered COVID19 subjects inhibits spike protein binding to ACE2 in a microsphere-based inhibition assay
Authors: Gniffke Edward P. , Harrington Whitney E. , Dambrauskas Nicholas , Jiang Yonghou , Trakhimets Olesya , Vigdorovich Vladimir , Frenkel Lisa , Sather D. Noah , Smith Stephen E.P.
Published: June 2020

High throughput serological tests that can establish the presence and functional activity of anti-SARS-COV2 antibodies are urgently needed. Here we present microsphere-based Flow Cytometry assays that quantify both anti-spike IgGs in plasma, and the ability of plasma to inhibit the binding of spike protein to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). First, we detected anti-spike-trimer IgGs in 22/24 and anti-spike-receptor-binding-domain (RBD) IgGs in 21/24 COVID+ subjects at a median of 36 (range 14-73) days following documented SARS-CoV-2 RNA (+) secretions. Next, we find that plasma from all 22/24 subjects with anti-trimer IgGs inhibited ACE2-trimer binding to a greater degree than controls, and that the degree of inhibition correlated with anti-trimer IgG levels. Depletion of trimer-reactive Igs from plasma reduced ACE2-trimer inhibitory capacity to a greater degree than depletion of RBD-reactive Igs, suggesting that inhibitory antibodies act by binding both within and outside of the RBD. Amongst the 24 subjects, presence of fever was associated with higher levels of anti-trimer IgG and inhibition of binding to human ACE2. This inhibition assay may be broadly useful to quantify the functional antibody response of recovered COVID19 patients or vaccine recipients in a cell-free assay system.
Phylogenomics ofMycobacterium africanumreveals a new lineage and a complex evolutionary history
Authors: Coscolla Mireia , Brites Daniela , Menardo Fabrizio , Loiseau Chloe , Borrell Sonia , Otchere Isaac Darko , Asante-Poku Adwoa , Asare Prince , Sánchez-Busó Leonor , Gehre Florian , N’Dira Sanoussi C. , Antonio Martin , Dissou Affolabi , Ruiz-Rodriguez Paula , Fyfe Janet , Böttger Erik C. , Becket Patrick , Niemann Stefan , Alabi Abraham S. , Grobusch Martin P. , Kobbe Robin , Parkhill Julian , Beisel Christian , Fenner Lukas , Meehan Conor J. , Harris Simon R , De Jong Bouke C. , Yeboah-Manu Dorothy , Gagneux Sebastien
Published: June 2020

Human tuberculosis is caused by members of theMycobacterium tuberculosisComplex (MTBC). The MTBC comprises several human-adapted lineages known asM. tuberculosissensu stricto as well as two lineages (L5 and L6) traditionally referred to asM. africanum. Strains of L5 and L6 are largely limited to West Africa for reasons unknown, and little is known on their genomic diversity, phylogeography and evolution. Here, we analyzed the genomes of 365 L5 and 326 L6 strains, plus five related genomes that had not been classified into any of the known MTBC lineages, isolated from patients from 21 African countries.

Our population genomic and phylogeographical analyses show that the unclassified genomes belonged to a new group that we propose to name MTBC Lineage 9 (L9). While the most likely ancestral distribution of L9 was predicted to be East Africa, the most likely ancestral distribution for both L5 and L6 was the Eastern part of West Africa. Moreover, we found important differences between L5 and L6 strains with respect to their phylogeographical substructure, genetic diversity and association with drug resistance. In conclusion, our study sheds new light onto the genomic diversity and evolutionary history ofM. africanum,and highlights the need to consider the particularities of each MTBC lineage for understanding the ecology and epidemiology of tuberculosis in Africa and globally.
Rhesus macaques as a tractable physiological model of human ageing
Authors: Chiou Kenneth L. , Montague Michael J. , Goldman Elisabeth A. , Watowich Marina M. , Sams Sierra N. , Song Jeff , Horvath Julie E. , Sterner Kirstin N. , Ruiz-Lambides Angelina V. , Martínez Melween I. , Higham James P. , Brent Lauren J. N. , Platt Michael L. , Snyder-Mackler Noah
Published: June 2020

Research in the basic biology of ageing is increasingly identifying mechanisms and modifiers of ageing in short-lived organisms such as worms and mice. The ultimate goal of such work is to improve human health, particularly in the growing segment of the population surviving into old age. Thus far, few interventions have robustly transcended species boundaries in the laboratory, suggesting that changes in approach are needed to avoid costly failures in translational human research. In this review, we discuss both well-established and alternative model organisms for ageing research and outline how research in nonhuman primates is sorely needed, first, to translate findings from shorter-lived organisms to humans, and second, to understand key aspects of ageing that are unique to primate biology. We focus on rhesus macaques as a particularly promising model organism for ageing research due to their social and physiological similarity to humans as well as the existence of key resources that have been developed for this species. As a case study, we compare gene regulatory signatures of ageing in the peripheral immune system between humans and rhesus macaques from a free-ranging study population in Cayo Santiago. We show that both mRNA expression and DNA methylation signatures of immune ageing are broadly shared between macaques and humans, indicating strong conservation of the trajectory of ageing in the immune system. We conclude with a review of key issues in the biology of ageing for which macaques and other nonhuman primates may uniquely contribute valuable insights, including the effects of social gradients on health and ageing. We anticipate that continuing research in rhesus macaques and other nonhuman primates will play a critical role in conjunction with model organism and human biodemographic research in ultimately improving translational outcomes and extending health and longevity in our ageing population.
Urokinase receptor associates with TLR4 interactome to promote LPS response
Authors: Kiyan Yulia , Tkachuk Sergei , Gorrasi Anna , Ragno Pia , Dumler Inna , Haller Hermann , Shushakova Nelli
Published: June 2020

GPI-anchored uPAR is the receptor for the extracellular serine protease urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). Binding of uPA to uPAR localizes proteolytic cascade activation at the cell surface and can induce intracellular signaling. As uPAR possesses no transmembrane domain, it relies on uPAR cross-talk with various membrane receptors. Though uPAR role in inflammatory processes is well documented, underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study we demonstrate that uPAR is a part of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) interactome. GPI-uPAR and soluble uPAR colocalized with TLR4 on the cell membrane and interacted with scavenger receptor CD36. We show that downregulation of uPAR expression resulted in diminished LPS-induced TLR4 signaling, less activation of NFκB, and decreased secretion of inflammatory mediators in myeloid and non-myeloid cells in vitro. In vivo uPAR−/− mice demonstrated strongly diminished inflammatory response and better organ functions in cecal ligation and puncture mouse polymicrobial sepsis model. Our data show that uPAR can interfere with innate immunity response via TLR4 and this mechanism represents a potentially important target in inflammation and sepsis therapy.
Comparison of manual and automated ventricle segmentation in the maternal immune stimulation rat model of schizophrenia
Authors: Winter Rebecca , Akinola Benson , Barroeta-Hlusicka Elizabeth , Meister Sebastian , Pietzsch Jens , Winter Christine , Bernhardt Nadine
Published: June 2020

Maternal immune stimulation (MIS) is strongly implicated in the etiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies provide evidence for brain structural abnormalities in rodents following prenatal exposure to MIS. Reported volumetric changes in adult MIS offspring comprise among others larger ventricular volumes, consistent with alterations found in patients with schizophrenia. Linking rodent models of MIS with non-invasive small animal neuroimaging modalities thus represents a powerful tool for the investigation of structural endophenotypes. Traditionally manual segmentation of regions-of-interest, which is laborious and prone to low intra- and inter-rater reliability, was employed for data analysis. Recently automated analysis platforms in rodent disease models are emerging. However, none of these has been found to reliably detect ventricular volume changes in MIS nor directly compared manual and automated data analysis strategies. The present study was thus conducted to establish an automated, structural analysis method focused on lateral ventricle segmentation. It was applied to ex-vivo rat brain MRI scans. Performance was validated for phenotype induction following MIS and preventive treatment data and compared to manual segmentation. In conclusion, we present an automated analysis platform to investigate ventricular volume alterations in rodent models thereby encouraging their preclinical use in the search for new urgently needed treatments.
Translesion Synthesis by MmLV-, AMV-, and HIV-Reverse Transcriptases Using RNA Templates Containing Inosine, Guanosine, and Their 8-oxo-7,8-Dihydropurine Derivatives
Authors: Glennon Madeline , Skinner Austin , Krutsinger Mara , Resendiz Marino J. E.
Published: June 2020

Inosine is ubiquitous and essential in many biological processes, including RNA-editing. In addition, oxidative stress on RNA has been a topic of increasing interest due, in part, to its potential role in the development/progression of disease. In this work we probed the ability of three reverse transcriptases to catalyze the synthesis of cDNA in the presence of RNA templates containing inosine (I), 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroinosine (8oxo-I), guanosine (G), or 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoG), and explored the impact that these purine derivatives have as a function of position. To this end, we used 29-mers of RNA (as template) containing the modifications at position-18 and reverse transcribed DNA using 17-mers, 18-mers, or 19-mers (as primers). Generally reactivity of the viral RTs, MMLV / AMV / HIV, towards cDNA synthesis was similar for templates containing G or I, as well as for those with 8-oxoG or 8-oxoI. Notable differences are 1) that templates containing I enabled the incorporation of dT when using 17-mers (for exploring incorporation of dNTPs opposite the site of interest); 2) that the use of 18-mers of DNA (to explore cDNA synthesis past the lesion) led to DNA elongation inhibition in the case when a G:dA wobble pair was present, while the presence of I, 8-oxoI, or 8-oxoG led to full synthesis of the corresponding cDNA, with the latter two displaying a more efficient process; 3) that HIV-RT is more sensitive to modified base pairs in the vicinity of cDNA synthesis; and 4) that the presence of a modification two positions away from transcription initiation has an adverse impact on the overall process. Steady-state kinetics were established to determine substrate specificities towards canonical dNTPs (N = G, C, T, A). Overall we found evidence that RNA templates containing inosine are likely to incorporate dC > dT > > dA, where reactivity in the presence of dA was found to be pH dependent (process abolished at pH 7.3); and that the absence of the C2-exocyclic amine, as displayed with templates containing 8-oxoI, leads to increased selectivity towards incorporation of dA over dC. The data will be useful in assessing the impact that the presence of inosine and/or oxidatively generated lesions have on viral processes and adds to previous reports where I codes exclusively like G.
Whole Genome Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2: Adapting Illumina Protocols for Quick and Accurate Outbreak Investigation During a Pandemic
Authors: Pillay Sureshnee , Giandhari Jennifer , Tegally Houriiyah , Wilkinson Eduan , Chimukangara Benjamin , Lessells Richard , Moosa Yunus , Gazy Inbal , Fish Maryam , Singh Lavanya , Khanyile Khulekani Sedwell , Fonseca Vagner , Giovanetti Marta , Alcantara Luiz Carols , de Oliveira Tulio
Published: June 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic spread very fast around the world. A few days after the first detected case in South Africa, an infection started a large hospital outbreak in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genomes can be used to trace the path of transmission within a hospital. It can also identify the source of the outbreak and provide lessons to improve infection prevention and control strategies. In this manuscript, we outline the obstacles we encountered in order to genotype SARS-CoV-2 in real-time during an urgent outbreak investigation. In this process, we encountered problems with the length of the original genotyping protocol, reagent stockout and sample degradation and storage. However, we managed to set up three different library preparation methods for sequencing in Illumina. We also managed to decrease the hands on library preparation time from twelve to three hours, which allowed us to complete the outbreak investigation in just a few weeks. We also fine-tuned a simple bioinformatics workflow for the assembly of high-quality genomes in real-time. In order to allow other laboratories to learn from our experience, we released all of the library preparation and bioinformatics protocols publicly and distributed them to other laboratories of the South African Network for Genomics Surveillance (SANGS) consortium.
Increased glycolysis is an early outcome of palmitate-mediated lipotoxicity
Authors: Kakimoto Pâmela , Zorzano Antonio , Kowaltowski Alicia J.
Published: June 2020

Palmitic acid is the most abundant saturated fatty acid in human serum. In cell culture systems, palmitate overload is considered a toxic stimulus, and promotes lipid accumulation, insulin resistance, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, as well as cell death. An increased supply of fatty acids has also been shown to change the predominant form of the mitochondrial network, although the metabolic effects of this change are still unclear. Here, we aimed to uncover the early bioenergetic outcomes of lipotoxicity. We incubated hepatic PLC/PRF/5 cells with palmitate conjugated to BSA and followed real-time oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification for 6 hours. Palmitate increased glycolysis as soon as 1 hour after the stimulus, while oxygen consumption was not disturbed, despite overt mitochondrial fragmentation and cellular reductive imbalance. Palmitate only induced mitochondrial fragmentation if glucose and glutamine were available, while glycolytic enhancement did not require glutamine, showing it is not dependent on morphological changes. NAD(P)H levels were significantly abrogated in palmitate-treated cells. Knockdown of the mitochondrial NAD(P) transhydrogenase or addition of the mitochondrial oxidant-generator menadione in control cells modulated ATP production from glycolysis. Indeed, using selective inhibitors, we found that the production of superoxide/hydrogen peroxide at the IQsite of electron transport chain complex I is associated with the metabolic rewiring promoted by palmitate, while not changing mitochondrial oxygen consumption. In conclusion, we demonstrate that increased glycolytic flux linked to mitochondrially-generated redox imbalance is an early bioenergetic result of palmitate overload and lipotoxicity.
Anti-thyroid drug use during the first trimester of pregnancy and the risk of birth defects in offspring: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies with methodological considerations
Authors: Morales Daniel R. , Fonkwen Lionel , Nordeng Hedvig M.
Published: June 2020

Background

Maternal anti-thyroid drug (ATD) use during the first trimester of pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of birth defects in offspring. Uncertainty remains on the size of this risk and how it compares to untreated hyperthyroidism due to methodological limitations of previous studies.

Methods

Systematic review of MEDLINE and EMBASE identifying observational studies examining ATD use during the first trimester of pregnancy and risk of birth defects. Data were extracted on study characteristics, adjusted effect estimates and comparator groups. Effect estimates were pooled using a random-effects generic inverse variance method of analysis and absolute risk calculated.

Results

Seven cohort studies and one case–control study (involving 6212322 pregnancies and 388976 birth defects) were identified. Compared to unexposed women without hyperthyroidism, the association between ATD first trimester use and birth defects in offspring was: adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.16 95% CI 1.08-1.25 for propylthyoruacil (PTU); aRR 1.28 95% CI 1.06-1.54 for methimazole/carbimazole (MMI/CMZ); aRR 1.51, 95% CI 1.16-1.97 for both MMI/CMZ and PTU; and aRR 1.15 95%CI 1.02-1.29 for untreated hyperthyroidism. The risk of major birth defects per 1000 live births was: 9.6 for PTU; 16.8 for MMI/CMZ; 30.6 for both MMI/CMZ and PTU; and 9.0 for untreated hyperthyroidism.

Conclusions

When appropriately analysed this risk of birth defects associated with ATD use in the first trimester of pregnancy is attenuated. Although still elevated, the risk of birth defects is smallest with PTU compared to use of MMI/CMZ and may be similar to that of untreated hyperthyroidism.
Simultaneous quadrotor autopilot system and collective morphing system design
Authors: Kose Oguz , Oktay Tugrul
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a quadrotor with collective morphing using the simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) optimization algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

Quadrotor design is made by using Solidworks drawing program and some mathematical performance relations. Modelling and simulation are performed in Matlab/Simulink program by using the state space model approaches with the parameters mostly taken from Solidworks. Proportional integral derivative (PID) approach is used as control technique. Morphing amount and the best PID coefficients are determined by using SPSA algorithm.

Findings

By using SPSA algorithm, the amount of morphing and the best PID coefficients are determined, and the quadrotor longitudinal and lateral flights are made most stable via morphing.

Research limitations/implications

It takes quite a long time to model the quadrotor in Solidworks and Matlab/Simulink with the state space model and using the SPSA algorithm. However, this situation is overcome with the proposed model.

Practical implications

Optimization with SPSA is very useful in determining the amount of morphing and PID coefficients for quadrotors.

Social implications

SPSA optimization method is useful in terms of cost, time and practicality.

Originality/value

It is released to improve performance with morphing, to determine morphing rate with SPSA algorithm and to determine PID coefficients accordingly.
Perceived organizational customer orientation and frontline employees' innovative behaviors: exploring the role of empowerment and supervisory fairness
Authors: Quratulain Samina , Al-Hawari Moh'D Ahmad , Bani-Melhem Shaker
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the indirect effect of perceived organizational customer orientation on frontline employees' (FLE) innovative behaviors (via perceived empowerment) as well as the contextual factor of supervisory fairness, which affects the strength of the indirect effect. Drawing on social exchange theory, the authors propose that FLEs' perceived organizational customer orientation positively affects their empowerment and indirectly affects innovative behaviors, and that effect is stronger in a high supervisory fairness condition.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling of the data collected through a time-lagged survey of 184 employee–supervisor dyads provides support for the hypotheses. From the practitioners' perspective, this study highlights the mechanism through which perceived organizational customer orientation can affect the display of FLEs' innovative behaviors as well as the conditions that strengthen this process.

Findings

Perceived organizational customer orientation was positively related to employees' perceived empowerment. Empowerment was positively associated with supervisor-reported innovative behaviors. The indirect effect of perceived organizational customer orientation through employee empowerment on supervisor-reported innovative behaviors was also confirmed. Supervisory fairness significantly moderated the perceived organizational customer orientation and employee empowerment relationship. Finally, the indirect effect of customer orientation on supervisor-reported innovative behaviors through empowerment was significant for both high supervisory fairness and low supervisory fairness; however, the effect was stronger in a high fairness condition.

Practical implications

Service managers can benefit from these findings by improving the work environment characteristics.

Originality/value

This study makes an important contribution to existing research on perceived organizational customer orientation and FLEs' innovative behaviors as extant research has only examined the direct unmediated effect of customer orientation on innovative behaviors. Moreover, the authors’ moderated mediation model presents a new insight into how perceived organizational customer orientation influences FLEs' innovative behaviors and when this effect is more pronounced.
Prediction model of three-parameter interval grey number based on kernel and double information domains
Authors: Li Ye , Guo Sandang , Li Juan
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to construct a prediction model of three-parameter interval grey number based on kernel and double information domains to expand the modeling object of grey prediction model from interval grey number to three-parameter interval grey number.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the study decomposes the grey valued interval into upper and lower cells with the “center of gravity” as the dividing point and defines the upper and lower information domains of the three-parameter interval grey number. Second, it calculates the kernel, the upper and lower information domains of the three-parameter interval grey number. Then, it constructs the prediction model for kernel sequence and upper and lower information domain sequences, respectively. By deducing the time response expressions of “center of gravity”, lower and upper limits of three-parameter interval grey number, a prediction model of three-parameter interval grey number based on kernel and double information domains is obtained.

Findings

This paper provides a prediction model of three-parameter interval grey number based on kernel and double information domains, and the example analysis shows that the method proposed in this paper has higher prediction accuracy and practicality.

Practical implications

In this paper, the modeling object of grey prediction model is extended to the three-parameter interval grey number, so it can be used for the prediction of uncertainty problems, such as stock changing trend, temperature and so on.

Originality/value

By decomposing the grey valued interval into upper and lower cells with the “center of gravity” as the dividing point, gives the definition of upper and lower information domains and then obtains a new method for whitening the three-parameter interval grey number.
Sustainable supply chains based on supplier selection and HRM practices
Authors: Yassine Noura , Singh Sanjay Kumar
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a supply chain consisting of a producer and multiple suppliers of a type of component needed for the production of a certain product. The effects of carbon emission taxes, quality of components and human inspection errors as well as the collaboration among the supply chain members are considered.

Design/methodology/approach

A mathematical model is formulated for a non-collaborative supply chain, and the optimal policy is shown to be the solution of a constraint optimization problem. The mathematical model is modified to the case of a collaborative supply chain and to account for inspection errors. Algorithms are provided, and a numerical example is given to illustrate the determination of the optimal policy.

Findings

This study offers a new conceptual and analytical model that analyzes the production problem from a supply chain perspective. Human resource management practices and environmental aspects were incorporated into the model to reduce risk, optimally select the suppliers and properly maximize profit by accounting for human inspection error as well carbon emission taxes. Algorithms describing the determination of the optimal policy are provided.

Practical implications

This study provides practical results that can be useful to researchers and managers aiming at designing sustainable supply chains that incorporate economic, environmental and human factors.

Originality/value

This study can be useful to researchers and managers aiming for designing sustainable supply chains that incorporate economic and human factors.
Contributory role of autism spectrum disorder symptomology to the viewing of indecent images of children (IIOC) and the experience of the criminal justice system
Authors: Allely Clare Sarah
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Allely and Dubin (2018) and Allelyet al.(2019) have emphasised that there are a range of innate vulnerabilities in many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are charged with the viewing of indecent images of children (IIOC). Currently, the association between ASD and the viewing of IIOC is poorly recognised and understood both by the general public and clinical and legal professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a detailed case study exploring the contributory role of ASD symptomology in the viewing of IIOC. In this case study, the experience of the criminal justice system is also explored.

Findings

It is hoped that this case study will provide insight into and understanding of how ASD can in some cases be the context for vulnerability to the viewing of IIOC and raise awareness of the need to consider this at all stages of the criminal justice system, including while making sentencing decisions. This case study paper will also more effectively inform the development of appropriate preventative strategies and timely interventions.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first detailed case study which explores the contributory role of ASD symptomology in the viewing of IIOC in the academic peer-reviewed literature.
Social movements thinking for managing change in large-scale systems
Authors: Holton Judith A.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study explores the efficacy of social movements thinking for mobilizing resources toward sustainable change in large-scale systems such as health and social services.

Design/methodology/approach

The study proceeds from a critical realist perspective employing a qualitative multi-case study approach. Drawing on the tenets of grounded theory (i.e. constant comparative analysis and theoretical sampling), data from semi-structured interviews and field notes were analyzed to facilitate theoretical integration and elaboration.

Findings

One case study explores the emergence of social movements thinking in mobilizing a community to engage in sustainable system change. Data analysis revealed a three-stage conceptual framework whereby building momentum for change requires a fundamental shift in culture through openness and engagement to challenge the status quo by acknowledging not only the apparent problems to be addressed but also the residual apathy and cynicism holding the system captive to entrenched ideas and behaviors. By challenging the status quo, energy shifts and momentum builds as the community discovers shared values and goals. Achieving a culture shift of this magnitude requires leadership that is embedded within the community, with a personal commitment to that community and with the deep listening skills necessary to understand and engage the community and the wider system in moving forward into change. This emergent conceptual framework is then used to compare and discuss more intentional applications of social movements thinking for mobilizing resources for large-scale system change.

Originality/value

This study offers a three-stage conceptual framework for mobilizing community/system resources toward sustainable large-scale system change. The comparative application of this framework to more intentional applications of social movements thinking to planned change initiatives offers insights and lessons to be learned when large-scale systems attempt to apply such principles in redesigning health and social service systems.
Development of employee engagement measure: experiences from best companies to work for in India
Authors: Shrotryia Vijay Kumar , Dhanda Upasana
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Employee engagement has become a hot topic among the global workforce. Both academicians and practitioners tout engagement to have a positive impact on individual and organizational performance. However, despite the enhanced interest, the stagnant engagement levels worldwide pose a grave concern for the researchers. Numerous overlapping and inconsistent definitions of employee engagement lead to a conceptual chaos resulting in poor operationalization of the construct. The purpose of this paper is to develop a multi-dimensional measurement tool for employee engagement based on the evidences from the best companies to work for in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews with the top management of the 15 best companies are used for the generation of items using grounded theory methodology. These items are then subjected to content validity assessment by six domain experts. The scale is administered to the middle-level employees of five companies (n= 332) through questionnaire for exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, reliability assessment and initial evidences for convergent and discriminant validity.

Findings

The study aimed at developing and validating an employee engagement assessment instrument, which is well-grounded in theory and built on the conceptual framework proposed by both academicians and practitioners and rigorously tested for its psychometric properties to ensure the precise measurement of employee engagement. A 3-factor/16 item employee engagement measurement tool is the finding of this study, which attempts to bridge the incongruity between the academic and industrial view on employee engagement.

Originality/value

Looking at the dearth of measurement tools built in developing countries and with the intent of resolving the issues related with cultural differences in the application of western assessment tools, the developed scale made a notable contribution to engagement theory with prime focus in the Indian context. The three dimensions of employee engagement-alignment, affectiveness and action- orientation- are in a form and language, that is, comprehensible and consequential for practitioners enabling them to take a closer look at the critical engagement elements that align with the organization's human capital strategy and foster improved performance.
Modelling and validation of magneto-rheological fluid damper behaviour under impact loading using interpolated multiple adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system
Authors: Rahmat Mohd Sabirin , Hudha Khisbullah , Abd Kadir Zulkiffli , Amer Noor Hafizah , Abd Rahman Muhammad Luqman Hakim , Abdullah Shohaimi
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to develop a fast modelling technique for predicting magneto-rheological fluid damper behaviour under impact loading applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) technique was adopted to predict the behaviour of a magneto-rheological fluid (MRF) damper through experimental characterisation data. In this study, an MRF damper manufactured by Lord Corporation was used for characterisation using an impact pendulum test rig. The experimental characterisation was carried out with various impact energies and constant input currents applied to the MRF damper.

Findings

This research provided a fast modelling technique with relatively less error in predicting MRF damper behaviour for the development of control strategies. Accordingly, the ANFIS model was able to predict MRF damper behaviour under impact loading and showed better performance than the modified Bouc–Wen model.

Research limitations/implications

This study only focused on modelling technique for a single type of MRF damper used for impact loading applications. It is possible for other applications, such as cyclic loading, random loadings and system identification, to be studied in future experiments.

Original/Value

Future researchers could apply the ANFIS model as an actuator model for the development of control strategies and analyse the control performance. The model also can be replicated in other industries with minor modifications to suit different needs.
On a method for location and mobility analytics using location-based services: a case study of retail store recommendation
Authors: Chen Yuh-Min , Chen Tsung-Yi , Chen Lyu-Cian
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Location-based services (LBS) have become an effective commercial marketing tool. However, regarding retail store location selection, it is challenging to collect analytical data. In this study, location-based social network data are employed to develop a retail store recommendation method by analyzing the relationship between user footprint and point-of-interest (POI). According to the correlation analysis of the target area and the extraction of crowd mobility patterns, the features of retail store recommendation are constructed.

Design/methodology/approach

The industrial density, area category, clustering and area saturation calculations between POIs are designed. Methods such as Kernel Density Estimation andK-means are used to calculate the influence of the area relevance on the retail store selection.

Findings

The coffee retail industry is used as an example to analyze the retail location recommendation method and assess the accuracy of the method.

Research limitations/implications

This study is mainly limited by the size and density of the datasets. Owing to the limitations imposed by the location-based privacy policy, it is challenging to perform experimental verification using the latest data.

Originality/value

An industrial relevance questionnaire is designed, and the responses are arranged using a simple checklist to conveniently establish a method for filtering the industrial nature of the adjacent areas. The New York and Tokyo datasets from Foursquare and the Tainan city dataset from Facebook are employed for feature extraction and validation. A higher evaluation score is obtained compared with relevant studies with regard to the normalized discounted cumulative gain index.
Roadmap to digitalisation of an emerging economy: a viewpoint
Authors: Paul Manas , Upadhyay Parijat , Dwivedi Yogesh K.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper posits a critical analysis of digitalisation initiatives of emerging economies with a focus on India. It suggests granular policy measures towards realising the dream of a competitive, empowered and knowledge-based society. To this extent, the paper juxtaposes and compares policy measures undertaken by several governments to facilitate digitalisation in their country. The policy measures embarked upon have been critically analysed in terms of their relevance, challenges for their implementation and adoption at the back of the prevailing social and economic fabric of the country. At the same time, attempts have been made to benchmark it against the best practice standards weighed in by the industry studies. The paper has also laid down a robust agenda for future research that can be replicated for any country.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a viewpoint study based upon public data and documentary sources within India as well as publications of several countries and international agencies. Research projects of numerous multinational companies working in the area of digitalisation has been accessed and analysed as well in the study.

Findings

The findings of this study have policy implications for governments in several emerging economies who have embarked on the path of digitising their economy with the larger objectives of reaping its larger benefits but have to deal with the challenges of inadequate resources to create an effective ecosystem to facilitate such a transition.

Originality/value

The study highlights the implications of challenges of gaps of physical and socioeconomic infrastructure in driving digitalisation, highlighting granular policy measures for public managers and policy makers to address them.
Focusing iterative migration of gravity gradiometry data acquired in the Nordkapp Basin, Barents Sea
Authors: Xu Zhengwei , Wan Le , Zhdanov Michael S.
Published: June 2020

Geological interpretation based on gravity gradiometry data constitutes a very challenging problem. Rigorous 3D inversion is the main technique used in quantitative interpretation of the gravity gradiometry data. An alternative approach to the quantitative analysis of the gravity gradiometry data is based on 3D smooth potential field migration. This rapid imaging approach, however, has the shortcomings of providing smooth images since it is based on direct integral transformation of the observed gravity tensor data. Another limitation of migration transformation is related to the fact that, in a general case, the gravity data generated by the migration image do not fit the observed data well. In this paper, we describe a new approach to rapid imaging that allows us to produce the density distribution which adequately describes the observed data and, at the same time, images the structures with anomalous densities having sharp boundaries. This approach is based on the basic theory of potential field migration with a focusing stabilizer in the framework of regularized scheme, which iteratively transfers the observed gravity tensor field into an image of the density distribution in the subsurface formations. The results of gravity migration can also be considered as an a priori model for conventional inversion subsequently. We demonstrate the practical application of migration imaging using both synthetic and real gravity gradiometry data sets acquired for the Nordkapp Basin in the Barents Sea.
Cyclic lipopeptide‐producing Pseudomonas koreensis group strains dominate the cocoyam rhizosphere of a Pythium root rot suppressive soil contrasting with P. putida prominence in conducive soils
Authors: Oni Feyisara Eyiwumi , Geudens Niels , Onyeka Joseph T. , Olorunleke Oluwatoyin Faith , Salami Ayodeji Ekundayo , Omoboye Olumide Owolabi , Arias Anthony Arguelles , Adiobo Amayana , De Neve Stefaan , Ongena Marc , Martins José C. , Höfte Monica
Published: June 2020

Pseudomonas isolates from tropical environments have been underexplored and may form an untapped reservoir of interesting secondary metabolites. In this study, we compared Pseudomonas and cyclic lipopeptide (CLP) diversity in the rhizosphere of a cocoyam root rot disease (CRRD) suppressive soil in Boteva, Cameroon with those from four conducive soils in Cameroon and Nigeria. Compared with other soils, Boteva andosols were characterized by high silt, organic matter, nitrogen and calcium. Besides, the cocoyam rhizosphere at Boteva was characterized by strains belonging mainly to the P. koreensis and P. putida (sub)groups, with representations in the P. fluorescens, P. chlororaphis, P. jessenii and P. asplenii (sub)groups. In contrast, P. putida isolates were prominent in conducive soils. Regarding CLP diversity, Boteva was characterized by strains producing 11 different CLP types with cocoyamide A producers, belonging to the P. koreensis group, being the most abundant. However, putisolvin III‐V producers were the most dominant in the rhizosphere of conducive soils in both Cameroon and Nigeria. Furthermore, we elucidated the chemical structure of putisolvin derivatives—putisolvin III‐V, and described its biosynthetic gene cluster. We show that high Pseudomonas and metabolic diversity may be driven by microbial competition, which likely contributes to soil suppressiveness to CRRD.
Sexual Behavioral Disinhibition Associated with Nucleus Lentiformis Lesion: A Forensic Neuroscience Perspective Through a Case
Authors: Balcioglu Yasin Hasan , Dogan Mehmet , Incı Ipek , Solmaz Mustafa
Published: June 2020

Organic brain disturbances particularly related to frontal cortex structures and subcortical areas including the basal ganglia may play a role in behavioral disinhibition disorders. Kluver–Bucy syndrome (KBS), which is one of the better knowns of these syndromes, includes hyperorality, visual agnosia, and hypersexuality, has been reported to occur after temporal lobe and amygdala lesions; however, several patients who had focal lesions in areas other than the temporal cortex and amygdala have been reported to present partial KBS symptoms. Nucleus lentiformis refers to a large portion of the basal ganglia including the putamen and globus pallidus, and specific structures within this broad area are known to be important for reward and value‐based decision making. To date, KBS symptoms including hypersexual behavior associated with nucleus lentiformis lesions have never been reported. Here, we present a 38‐year‐old male patient who developed increased sexual interest and hyperorality after infarctions in the right lenticular nucleus and right occipitotemporal region and committed a first‐degree sexual assault. He was sent to our institution for the assessment of criminal responsibility to the index sexual crime. According to a comprehensive and thorough forensic psychiatric evaluation, he was diagnosed as having an organic personality disorder with partial KBS symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of deviant sexual behavior and hyperorality developing after nucleus lentiformis infarction. We aimed to discuss possible neurobiologic explanations of late‐onset deviant sexual behavior, which resulted in sexual criminal behavior following a cerebrovascular infarction.
Suppression of inflammation during cell‐free concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy using a blood purification device
Authors: Ohashi Atsushi , Nakai Shigeru , Hori Hideo , Yamada Sachie , Kato Masao , Koide Shigehisa , Hayashi Hiroki , Tsuboi Naotake , Inaguma Daijo , Hasegawa Midori , Yuzawa Yukio
Published: June 2020

In recent years, cell‐free concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy has been used to treat patients with malignant ascites. However, concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy involves enrichment and reinfusion of useful proteins and inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, fever is a primary side effect and significant problem for patients with ascites. We removed IL‐6, an inflammatory cytokine, by mixing malignant ascites and the hexadecyl group adsorbent from a β2‐microglobulin‐adsorbing column (Lixelle S‐15). As a result, the hexadecyl group adsorbent did not adsorb the albumin of malignant ascites but adsorbed 43% of IL‐6. To investigate the effect of the hexadecyl group adsorbent on hepatocytes, the adsorbed ascites was added to a human hepatoma cell line (HepG2), and the gene expression levels of albumin and serum amyloid A protein were examined. After absorption, ascites showed significantly suppressed serum amyloid A protein expression and significantly increased albumin gene expression compared to before adsorption. Our results suggest that incorporation of Lixelle to filter and concentrate malignant ascites can suppress inflammatory responses and reduce the inhibition of albumin synthesis in the liver after reinfusion.