bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Type II collagen-positive progenitors are major stem cells to control skeleton development and vascular formation
Authors: Li Xinhua , Yang Shuting , Jing Dian , Qin Lin , Zhao Hu , Yang Shuying
Published: September 2020

Previous studies have revealed that type II collagen positive (Col2+) cells represent a kind of skeleton stem cells (SSC) and their descendants contribute to chondrocytes, osteoblasts, Cxcl12 (chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12)-abundant stromal cells and bone marrow stromal/mesenchymal progenitor cells in postnatal life. To further elucidate the function of Col2+ progenitors, we generated mice with ablation of either embryonic or postnatal Col2+ cells. Embryonic ablation of Col2+ progenitors caused the mouse die at newborn with the absence of all skeleton except partial craniofacial bone, as well as multiple organ development defects and blood vessel loss. Postnatal ablation of Col2+ cells causes mouse growth retardation and collagenopathy phenotype. By examining Col2+ cells ablated mice, we found that, besides contributing to long bone and vertebral bone development, Col2+ cells are also involved in calvaria bone development. Meanwhile, Col2+ cells are the major cells to contribute all skeletal development including spine, rib and long bones. Moreover, our functional study provide evidence that intramembranous ossification is involved in craniofacial bone formation and long bone development, but not participates in spine development.

By performing lineage tracing experiments in embryonic or postnatal mice, we discovered that the presence of Col2+ progenitors not only within the bone marrow and growth plate (GP) but also within articular cartilage. Moreover, the number and differentiation ability of Col2+ progenitors were decreased with age in long bone and knee. Furthermore, fate-mapping studies revealed that Col2+ progenitors also contributed to CD31+ blood vessel endothelial development in calvariae bone, long bone and many organs. Interestingly, we found only 25.4% CD31+ blood vessel endothelial in long bone but almost all the CD31+ blood vessel endothelial in calvariae bone are differentiated from Col2+ cells. Consistently, postnatal Col2+ cells differentiated to both chondrocytes and CD31+ blood vessel endothelial cells during bone fracture healing. Therefore, this study reveals that Col2+ progenitors are the major source of endochondral ossification, and they also contribute to vascular development in multiple organs and fracture repair.
IndusInd Bank (A): A Turnaround Story
Authors: Mohan T T Ram
Published: September 2020

In early 2008, IndusInd Bank (A), which had been faring poorly for several years, decided to bring on board a team led by Romesh Sobti, then managing director of ABN Amro Bank in India. The case outlines the challenges faced by the new team in attempting to turn around the bank. Students are invited to think through a turnaround plan for the bank.
BIM-enabled construction innovation through collaboration: a mixed-methods systematic review
Authors: Liu Hui , Skibniewski Miroslaw J. , Ju Qianqian , Li Junjie , Jiang Hongbing
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the innovative capabilities of building information modeling (BIM) in construction projects. The objectives are to construct an inclusive conceptual framework of BIM-enabled construction innovation, identify the status and trends of innovation-related research in BIM publications, synthesize research pertaining to BIM-enabled construction innovation and discover core research requirements in the related body of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a comprehensive theoretical framework, named innovation pyramid, comprising context, actor, artifact, process, structure and innovative task for exploring and analyzing the innovative capability of BIM in construction projects. Accordingly, mixed methods were used to perform a systematic review of research on the topic of BIM-enabled construction innovation.

Findings

The findings reveal that BIM innovation-related articles have predominantly considered BIM as an innovation from a technological standpoint, while the innovative capabilities of BIM have remained under-researched with a fragmented research focus. Fertile grounds for research have emerged and call for research pertaining to entities of “structure” and “innovative task” as well as interaction, interrelations and mutually adjusting effect among the entities.

Practical implications

The framework proposed may be useful for subsequent research design and for assisting project management practitioners in the use of BIM to achieve innovation more efficiently.

Originality/value

This research provides an insight into the innovative capabilities of BIM based on the BIM–collaboration–construction innovation logic chain. It contributes to the body of knowledge by devising an inclusive conceptual framework of BIM-enabled construction innovation, synthesizing the state of the art and exposing the research needs in this area.
The early growth of start-ups: innovation matters. Evidence from Italy
Authors: Fiorentino Raffaele , Longobardi Sergio , Scaletti Alessandro
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Despite the relevance of innovation in entrepreneurship literature, empirical research on the innovation-performance relationship in start-ups is underdeveloped and shows controversial results. To bridge this gap, the aim of this paper is to investigate the role of innovativeness on new venture performance in the early stage of the life cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression modelling and propensity score matching are used to reveal systematic differences in growth between innovative start-ups (ISUPs) and non-innovative start-ups. We use an ad hoc dataset obtained through merging the financial database AIDA with data from administrative sources (Italian Chambers of Commerce and the Italian Ministry for Economic Development).

Findings

The results show that differences in growth can be explained by the different levels of innovativeness in new ventures. Moreover, unlike in prior studies, the innovation inputs matter more than innovation outputs. Indeed, the results support the idea that innovation policies can contribute to maximising the potential of start-ups.

Practical implications

The findings provide suggestions for policy makers and entrepreneurs to help firms configure ex ante appropriate actions to support the growth of new ventures in the start-up stage.

Originality/value

This study is the first to use the new objective measure of start-up innovation, available from the Italian LD 221 register. Second, different types of innovation are investigated as antecedents of firm growth. Third, we employ propensity score matching, which favours revealing systematic differences in growth between ISUPs and non-innovative start-ups. Fourth, the results of our study are the first to offer evidence on the effectiveness of the new Italian sustaining ISUPs policy.
Where does work belong anymore? The implications of intensive homebased working
Authors: Mallett Oliver , Marks Abigail , Skountridaki Lila
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper, a “thought piece”, is to consider the everyday realities of homebased working and the implications for work during a global pandemic and beyond.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present a conceptual framework for considering the domestic sphere as a social space and apply this framework to consider the existing evidence base on homebased working. In particular, the authors consider the implications of homebased working during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of gender.

Findings

The authors identify key challenges in relation to flexibility, work intensification and socio-economic differences. Consideration of these areas highlights the potential pitfalls and challenges that are likely to persist as many organisations begin to plan for an increase in homebased working.

Originality/value

The authors argue that some commentators have been too quick to celebrate the apparent successes of the sudden, unplanned move to intensive homebased working. Important differences in occupation, gender and other socio-economic factors will have important implications for the experience of homebased working for many workers and their co-residents.
Nursing associate apprenticeship – a descriptive case study narrative of impact, innovation and quality improvement
Authors: Taylor Marion , Flaherty Cariona
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore how one higher education institution (HEI) has embraced the apprenticeship agenda and is successfully providing an apprenticeship programme for nursing associates (NA) a new profession within health and social care in the United Kingdom.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a descriptive case study narrative about one programme from one HEI, selected for its relevance for the subject area of apprenticeships. This descriptive approach allows the provision of apprenticeships within HEI to be explored in depth by one institution.

Findings

This case study identifies the considerable value of apprenticeships within HEI for the students, the employers and the HEI. It also identifies that there are challenges within this. These findings will be of interest to those entering into the apprenticeship arena, especially within healthcare, and may inform an academic discourse in this area.

Research limitations/implications

It is acknowledged that this case study does not seek to compare apprenticeships with other programmes. However, there is value in providing an academic narrative around the challenges of this provision which will be informative for others developing higher apprenticeships in the United Kingdom or similar delivery of apprenticeship models internationally.

Practical implications

There is value in providing an academic narrative around the challenges of this provision which will be informative for others developing higher apprenticeships in the UK or similar delivery of apprenticeship models internationally

Social implications

These findings will be of interest to those entering into the apprenticeship arena, especially within healthcare, and will inform the academic discourse in this area.

Originality/value

This is original work and provides a new body of knowledge to the inform HEIs engaging with the relatively new context of higher and degree apprenticeships, as well as the new role within healthcare of the nursing associate.
Information literacy training effectiveness on Cambodia's province-based undergraduates
Authors: Seng Cheyvuth , Carlon May Kristine Jonson Jonson , Cross Jeffrey Scott
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study is aimed at determining the effect of a short-term information literacy training activity on the self-efficacy of undergraduate students at province-based universities in Cambodia.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-week training intervention was administered to 461 undergraduate students at three province-based public universities in Cambodia. The participants answered an information literacy self-efficacy questionnaire before and after the intervention.

Findings

The students' level of information literacy self-efficacy has a low mean score of 2.23 on a five-point scale before the training. After the training, the score dramatically increased to 3.64 and was statistically significant (p-value < 0.001). This indicates that short-term information literacy self-efficacy training is an effective means to promote information literacy among students.

Research limitations/implications

This research scope was limited to examine the effect of a short-term intervention on a particular population. Further improvements include analyzing the training effects over the long term, soliciting qualitative feedback from respondents, and gathering previous relevant training data.

Practical implications

There is a need for a carefully designed curriculum to be implemented that focuses on introducing information and communication technology (ICT) while considering its potential application to research activity. To be able to make meaningful curriculum changes, there must be a systematic way of identifying the ICT needs that are most urgent among undergraduate students in province-based Cambodian universities.

Originality/value

This research focuses on implementing ICT training and measuring its effectiveness on Cambodian undergraduate students in province-based universities, a growing population that has immense potential in influencing the country's growth but whose information literacy self-efficacy remains largely understudied until now.
Refugee health in Europe: mapping review of research literature (2015–2019)
Authors: Ibragimova Irina , Žužak Martina
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to map research literature on all aspects of refugee health in Europe (2015–2019): by research domain, study design, targeted population, type of setting, host country, journal title. This will help to identify recent research trends in the field, provide policymakers with useful source of information and help researches to target important gaps in evidence.

Design/methodology/approach

WHO (with other international agencies) has developed strategic documents and produced technical guidance, which formulate priority issues of refugee health in Europe. These documents state the need for relevant information and research data to support effective decision-making at all levels of health care systems. Although recent bibliometric analysis of global migration health research (2000–2016) concluded that 25.4% of retrieved documents were about refugees and asylum seekers, still there remain critical gaps in the knowledge base on a wide range of determinants of health service delivery and access for refugees and asylum seekers in the WHO European Region. Mapping review design was chosen as it maps and categorizes existing literature from which to commission further reviews and/or primary research by identifying gaps in research literature. Search strategy was developed and searches were executed in six databases: PubMed Medline; Scopus; ProQuest (Thesis and Dissertations); Cochrane Library; BASE; eLibrary (Russian journal articles).

Findings

Mapping review revealed that although research in some domains of refugee health was growing (mental health, infectious diseases, access to health care), there are still gaps in evidence in many important aspects: maternal and reproductive health, NCD, nutrition and economic evaluations. Most of 1,291 retrieved studies used observational or quasi-experimental design (75%), while very few were experimental studies (1.8%). Secondary research constituted a significant portion of retrieved publications: systematic reviews and meta-analysis – 8%, other reviews with systematic approach – 16%.

Originality/value

Detailed mapping of research by a combination of setting, population and research domains and comparison of results with those from previous decades and with planned trials and systematic reviews.
“Representative bureaucracy as a leadership issue: the Canadian case”
Authors: Mau Tim A.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The public administration literature on representative bureaucracy identifies several advantages from having a diverse public service workforce, but it has not explicitly focused on leadership. For its part, the public sector leadership literature has largely ignored the issue of gender. The purpose of this paper is to rectify these limitations by advancing the argument that having a representative bureaucracy is fundamentally a leadership issue. Moreover, it assesses the extent to which representativeness has been achieved in the Canadian federal public service.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with a discussion of the importance of a representative bureaucracy for democratic governance. In the next section, the case is made that representativeness is fundamentally intertwined with the concept of administrative leadership. Then, the article provides an interpretive case study analysis of the federal public service in Canada, which is the global leader in terms of women's representation in public service leadership positions.

Findings

The initial breakthrough for gender representation in the Canadian federal public service was 1995. From that point onward, the proportion of women in the core public administration exceeded workforce availability. However, women continued to be modestly under-represented among the senior leadership cadre throughout the early 2000s. The watershed moment for gender representation in the federal public service was 2011 when the number of women in the executive group exceeded workforce availability for the first time. Significant progress toward greater representativeness in the other target groups has also been made but ongoing vigilance is required.

Research limitations/implications

The study only determines the passive representation of women in the Public Service of Canada and is not able to comment on the extent to which women are substantively represented in federal policy outcomes.

Originality/value

The paper traces the Canadian federal government's progress toward achieving gender representation over time, while commenting on the extent to which the public service reflects broader diversity. In doing so, it explicitly links representation to leadership, which the existing literature fails to do, by arguing that effective administrative leadership is contingent upon having a diverse public service. Moreover, it highlights the importance of gender for public sector leadership, which hitherto has been neglected.
Variations in economic growth across states in Malaysia: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Yusof Yusniliyana , Kalirajan Kaliappa
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The study contributes to the aim of regional development policy in reducing regional disparities, by examining the spatial balance in socioeconomic development across the states of Malaysia based on composite development index (CDI). Besides, the study has attempted to understand the issues in the development gaps across Malaysian states by evaluating the factors that explain the variation in economic growth

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses three-stage least squares (3SLS) and bootstrap sampling and estimation techniques to examine the factors that explain the variations in the growth of development across the states in Malaysia. The analysis involves 13 states in Malaysia (Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pulau Pinang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor, Kedah, Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak) from 2005 to 2015.

Findings

The pattern in the spatial socioeconomic imbalance demonstrates a decreasing trend. However, the development index reveals that the performance of less developed states remained behind that of the developed states. The significant factors in explaining the variation in growth across the Malaysian states are relating to agriculture, manufacturing, human capital, population growth, Chinese ethnicity, institutional factors and natural resources.

Research limitations/implications

The authors focused on Malaysian states over the period between 2005 and 2015. The authors encountered some limitations in obtaining relevant data such as international factors and technological change that might also explain the variation in economic growth as the data on these variables are not reported at the state level. Moreover, the data on GSDP by sector was only available from the year 2005. Second, the study is based on secondary data. Future studies might examine the factors that contribute to the development gap across Malaysian states through interviews or questionnaires and compare the findings with the existing results. Despite its limitations, this study contributes to the existing literature that emphasizes on spatial balance of socioeconomic in a developing country, focusing on Malaysian states.

Practical implications

These findings provide guidance for policymakers by understanding key potential areas to reduce the disparity in economic growth across Malaysian states by understanding their impact on the growth.

Originality/value

This study employs different method of 3SLS and bootstrap sampling and estimation techniques in examining the factors that explain the variations in the growth of development across the states in Malaysia.
Structural analysis of the development of the Iranian tourism market employing a MICMAC approach: a new long-range planning method to attract the ASEAN international tourist market
Authors: Nematpour Mohammad , Khodadadi Masood , Rezaei Nasser , Makian Sarasadat
Published: September 2020

Purpose

As tourism development is an unquestionable part of every national growth policy, this study aims to introduce an integrated method employing MICMAC analysis for understanding the key strategic variables of Iran's tourism development system.

Design/methodology/approach

The structural analysis with MICMAC method was used to determine the classification of variables, aimed at structuring ideas to deal with complex decision-making and help planners and policymakers formulate future-based strategies.

Findings

The cross-impact matrix was used to identify the development variables having the greatest impact on the development of Southeast Asian tourism to Iran. The results showed that among 43 variables, 10 have great potential as key variables in the future of Iran's tourism development.

Research limitations/implications

MICMAC, as a structural analysis technique, is regarded as being the most appropriate to identify the key variables in the development of the Iranian tourism system. The limitation was that the other tourism markets, apart from ASEAN tourists, and the tourism demand-side were excluded from this study.

Practical implications

The present study indicates that identifying key factors that influence the supply side of Iran's tourism system is worthwhile. Consequently, the findings show how these key factors can play a vital role in long-range economic sustainability and lead to the development of Iran's tourism market to enhance globally its competitiveness as a destination to attract international ASEAN tourists.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first papers to focus on the development of Iran's tourism market from a supply-side through structural analysis. Its findings are valuable as they can be used by the tourism authorities in the process of developing future tourism scenarios for Iran.
Strategic alliances, exploration and exploitation and their impact on innovation and new product development: the effect of knowledge sharing
Authors: Ferreira Jorge , Coelho Arnaldo , Moutinho Luiz
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study delves in the controversy about the nature and the sign of the effect of strategic alliances and exploration and exploitation capabilities on innovation and new product development. The paper analyses the effects of knowledge sharing and strategic alliances relationships at the firm level. Specifically, we study the influence of strategic alliances relationships in new product development and the mediating role of exploration and exploitation as dynamic capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

This investigation proposes a theoretical model tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). The multigroup analysis was performed to understand the moderating role of. A questionnaire survey was developed to explore the relations between strategic alliances and innovation and new product development variables. For this study, 387 valid questionnaires were collected from a sample of Portugal SME' firms. A 90-item questionnaire was submitted to employees managers of a large number of Portuguese SMEs, which consists to study the relationships among all the variables.

Findings

The results show that exists a positive direct influence of strategic alliances on innovation and new product development, and mediating impact the exploration and exploitation by the moderating role of knowledge sharing.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some methodological limitations affecting its potential contributions. A cross-sectional study that captures one image in time and its ability to identify strict causality between variables is limited. Furthermore, the results are based on log collected from a key respondent, rather than broader actual data. The results are restricted to one country, Portugal. Future research should initially target different countries. Such research could then test the generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

To fill this managerial relevance gap, we propose a process model in which the main antecedents of alliance stability will be examined. We argue that an alliance's evolutionary dynamics depend on these factors and variables that the partners must assess and manage over its developmental stages. In this sense, managers have significant scope to influence the ultimate success of strategic alliances. This study highlights the need to actively manage the cooperation – competition (coopetition) tension with the alliance partner and to apply the knowledge acquired from the partner to create new knowledge to enhance innovative performance

Originality/value

This paper contributes to fill the gap between strategic alliances and new product development mediated by exploration and exploitation in the dynamic capabilities view.
Understanding knowledge translation in university–industry research projects: a case analysis in the automotive sector
Authors: Canonico Paolo , De Nito Ernesto , Esposito Vincenza , Pezzillo Iacono Mario , Mangia Gianluigi
Published: September 2020

Purpose

In this paper, we depart from extant conceptualisations of knowledge translation mechanisms to examine projects as a way to achieve effective knowledge transfer. Our empirical analysis focused on a university–industry research project in the automotive industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis was based on a qualitative investigation. We analysed material collected within a research project involving a partnership between two universities and Fiat-Chrysler Automotive (FCA), a multi-brand auto manufacturer with a product range covering several different market segments. We used three data collection techniques: internal document analysis, participant observation and semi-structured interviews.

Findings

Our findings show that, in a U-I research project, goals represent a key dimension to support knowledge translation. Defining the goal implies an ongoing negotiation process, where researchers and company employees work together, in order to converge towards a shared meaning of the goal. In this sense, goal orientation and goal-based interaction have significant implications for knowledge translation processes.

Originality/value

Studies to date have focussed on the concept of knowledge translation as a way to contextualise the transfer from the source of knowledge to the receiver and to interpret the knowledge to be exchanged. This study expands the understanding of knowledge translation mechanisms in university–industry research settings. It investigates the concept of projects as powerful knowledge translation mechanism in a dynamic and longitudinal perspective. Our contribution provides insight, reflecting on how the use of projects may represent a way to facilitate knowledge transfer and build up new ideas and solutions.
The effect of superstar gig workers on shareholder value: evidence from professional wrestling
Authors: Carter Kelly
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the effect of superstar gig workers, defined as independent contractors who are the most successful in their field, on shareholder value. Gig workers comprise as much as 33% of the workforce and are projected to exceed 50% by 2028. Thus, understanding their impact on shareholder value is important.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses OLS regression analysis. To establish causality regarding wealth effects, the sudden deaths of superstar gig workers are used. To facilitate the uncontaminated measurement of wealth effects, sudden deaths that coincide with a significant event on a [−3, 3] window about the death event are not used.

Findings

The sudden death of a superstar gig worker causes shareholder wealth to increase significantly by 0.35% or almost $1.5m. Rational and behavioral explanations are offered for this result.

Research limitations/implications

Generalizability is limited because data on superstar gig workers in traditional corporations are unavailable. For this reason, this paper uses the only available data, namely, data on superstar wrestlers, who are contracted to perform in matches (i.e. “gigs”) in a lucrative promotion (e.g. World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)). Future research could examine the effect of corporate gig workers on shareholder value if the data become available at some point.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to document the effects of any type of gig worker, whether superstar or regular, on shareholder value.
A spiritual perspective on Senge’s five disciplines: harmony and Alibaba
Authors: Mak Carry , Snell Robin Stanley , Hong Jacky
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate Peter Senge’s ideas from the perspective of the spiritual ideal of harmony/He (和).

Design/methodology/approach

Following a literature review of the conceptualization of Senge’s fifth discipline and harmony, an appreciative case study of Alibaba is adopted to demonstrate the role of harmony in guiding the transformative application of the five disciplines of the learning organization.

Findings

In developing as a learning organization, Alibaba is portrayed as having embraced three levels of harmony: person-within-oneself, person-to-others and person-to-nature harmony. The authors identify three equivalencies between Senge’s disciplines and the traditional Chinese ideal of harmony. First, personal mastery and metal models correspond to developing person-within-oneself harmony. Second, team learning and shared vision entail developing person-to-others harmony. Third, systems thinking aligns with person-to-nature harmony.

Practical implications

The case study demonstrates various approaches that can be used to foster the development of person-within-oneself, person-to-others and person-to-nature harmony within an aspiring learning organization.

Originality/value

This paper shows how core values of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism, distilled into the Chinese ideal of harmony, can encourage the cultivation of learning organizations.
Modeling, Analysis, and Identification of Parallel and Angular Misalignments in a Coupled Rotor-Bearing-Active Magnetic Bearing System
Authors: Srinivas R. Siva , Tiwari Rajiv , Babu Ch Kanna
Published: September 2020

The standard techniques used to detect misalignment in rotor systems are loopy orbits, multiple harmonics with predominant 2X component, and high axial vibration. This paper develops a new approach for the identification of misalignment in coupled rotor systems modeled using two-node Timoshenko beam finite elements. The coupling connecting the turbine and generator rotor systems is modeled by a stiffness matrix, which has both static and additive components. While the magnitude of static stiffness component is fixed during operation, the time-varying additive stiffness component displays a multiharmonic behavior and exists only in the presence of misalignment. To numerically simulate the multiharmonic nature coupling force/moment as observed in experiments, a pulse wave is used as the steering function in the mathematical model of the additive coupling stiffness (ACS). The representative turbogenerator (TG) system has two rotor systems, each having two disks and supported on two flexible bearings—connected by coupling. An active magnetic bearing (AMB) is used as an auxiliary bearing on each rotor for the purposes of vibration suppression and fault identification. The formulation of mathematical model is followed by the development of an identification algorithm based on the model developed, which is an inverse problem. Least-squares linear regression technique is used to identify the unbalances, bearing dynamic parameters, AMB constants, and importantly the coupling static and additive stiffness coefficients. The sensitivity of the identification algorithm to signal noise and bias errors in modeling parameters has been tested. The novelty of paper is the representation and identification of misalignment using the ACS matrix coefficients, which are direct indicators of both type and severity of the misalignment.
Fast Generation of Stability Charts for Time-Delay Systems Using Continuation of Characteristic Roots
Authors: Samukham Surya , Uchida Thomas K. , Vyasarayani C. P.
Published: September 2020

Many dynamic processes involve time delays, thus their dynamics are governed by delay differential equations (DDEs). Studying the stability of dynamic systems is critical, but analyzing the stability of time-delay systems is challenging because DDEs are infinite-dimensional. We propose a new approach to quickly generate stability charts for DDEs using continuation of characteristic roots (CCR). In our CCR method, the roots of the characteristic equation of a DDE are written as implicit functions of the parameters of interest, and the continuation equations are derived in the form of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Numerical continuation is then employed to determine the characteristic roots at all points in a parametric space; the stability of the original DDE can then be easily determined. A key advantage of the proposed method is that a system of linearly independent ODEs is solved rather than the typical strategy of solving a large eigenvalue problem at each grid point in the domain. Thus, the CCR method can significantly reduce the computational effort required to determine the stability of DDEs. As we demonstrate with several examples, the CCR method generates highly accurate stability charts, and does so up to 10 times faster than the Galerkin approximation method.
A Study of Noise Impact on the Stability of Electrostatic MEMS
Authors: Qiao Yan , Xu Wei , Zhang Hongxia , Guo Qin , Abdel-Rahman Eihab
Published: September 2020

Noise-induced motions are a significant source of uncertainty in the response of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). This is particularly the case for electrostatic MEMS where electrical and mechanical sources contribute to noise and can result in sudden and drastic loss of stability. This paper investigates the effects of noise processes on the stability of electrostatic MEMS via a lumped-mass model that accounts for uncertainty in mass, mechanical restoring force, bias voltage, and AC voltage amplitude. We evaluated the stationary probability density function (PDF) of the resonator response and its basins of attraction in the presence noise and compared them to that those obtained under deterministic excitations only. We found that the presence of noise was most significant in the vicinity of resonance. Even low noise intensity levels caused stochastic jumps between co-existing orbits away from bifurcation points. Moderate noise intensity levels were found to destroy the basins of attraction of the larger orbits. Higher noise intensity levels were found to destroy the basins of attraction of smaller orbits, dominate the dynamic response, and occasionally lead to pull-in. The probabilities of pull-in of the resonator under different noise intensity level are calculated, which are sensitive to the initial conditions.
A Defects Localization Algorithm Based on the Lamb Wave of Plate Structure
Authors: Deng Fei , Chen Honglei
Published: September 2020

Defect imaging algorithms play an important role in Lamb waves based researches of nondestructive testing (NDT) and structural health monitoring (SHM). In classical algorithms, the location or distribution of defects is visualized through mapping the amplitude or phase information of signals gotten by multiple inspection pairs from the time domain to every discrete spatial grid of plates. It is time-consuming in the detection of plates with large size and many transducers. Transforming the defect imaging problem into a scattering source search problem, an intelligent defect localization algorithm was proposed for NDT and SHM with the Lamb waves and sparse array. In the algorithm, the elliptic trajectory-dependent individuals of every inspection pair were extracted first, then the defect position was identified by analyzing the distribution of individuals these located at the intersection of multiply elliptic trajectories. Considering the fuzzy and diversity characteristics in the detection of defects, a fuzzy control parameter and an adaptive individual updating strategy based on the k-means algorithm were introduced to ensure the robustness of the algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm was verified by numerical models and experiments. The influences of the fuzzy control parameter and the individual updating strategy on the performance of the algorithm were analyzed furthermore.
Dynamic Analysis of Low-Pressure Steam Turbine Last Stage Fir-Tree Root Blade
Authors: Bhamu Rajesh K. , Shukla Aakash , Sharma Satish C. , Harsha S. P.
Published: September 2020

In the present study, the dynamic behavior of the last stage low-pressure steam turbine blade with fir-tree root at different conditions of blade root flank faces and their interfaces with rotor groove have been analyzed. Modal analysis has been done using a finite element approach to evaluate natural frequencies and evaluation of Campbell diagram generated under these conditions. For this, both healthy and defective blade have been taken. Since the variable crack size of fir-tree root flank has been taken, the excitation pattern has been evaluated due to stiffness variation of the cracked blade. This analysis provides the basis of excitation pattern of cracked blades due to inherent character and critical stressed zone. The outcome of this study forms the guidelines and checks during the fitting of blades in rotor assembly and its checks during health audit, overhaul, overspeed balancing test, and frequency turning.
Sigma 54-Regulated Transcription Is Associated with Membrane Reorganization and Type III Secretion Effectors during Conversion to Infectious Forms of Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Soules Katelyn R. , LaBrie Scott D. , May Benjamin H. , Hefty P. Scott
Published: September 2020

The factors that control the growth and infectious processes for
Chlamydia
are still poorly understood. This study used recently developed genetic tools to determine the regulon for one of the key transcription factors encoded by
Chlamydia
, sigma 54. Surrogate and computational analyses provide additional support for the hypothesis that sigma 54 plays a key role in controlling the expression of many components critical to converting and enabling the infectious capability of
Chlamydia
. These components include those that remodel the membrane for the extracellular environment and incorporation of an arsenal of type III secretion effectors in preparation for infecting new cells.
The Role of IgG Subclass in Antibody-Mediated Protection against Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Motley Michael P. , Diago-Navarro Elizabeth , Banerjee Kasturi , Inzerillo Sean , Fries Bettina C.
Published: September 2020

Carbapenem-resistantKlebsiella pneumoniaeis an urgent public health threat that causes life-threatening infections in immunocompromised hosts. Its resistance to nearly all antibiotics necessitates novel strategies to treat it, including the use of monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are emerging as important adjuncts to traditional pharmaceuticals, and studying how they protect against specific bacteria such asKlebsiella pneumoniaeis crucial to their development as effective therapies. Antibody subclass is often overlooked but is a major factor in how an antibody interacts with other mediators of immunity. This paper is the first to examine how the subclass of anticapsular monoclonal antibodies can affect efficacy against CR-Kp. Additionally, this work sheds light on the viability of monoclonal antibody therapy in neutropenic patients, who are most vulnerable to CR-Kpinfection.
A Decrease in Transcription Capacity Limits Growth Rate upon Translation Inhibition
Authors: Zhang Qing , Brambilla Elisa , Li Rui , Shi Hualin , Cosentino Lagomarsino Marco , Sclavi Bianca
Published: September 2020

Exposure of bacteria to sublethal concentrations of antibiotics can lead to bacterial adaptation and survival at higher doses of inhibitors, which in turn can lead to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. The presence of sublethal concentrations of antibiotics targeting translation results in an increase in the amount of ribosomes per cell but nonetheless a decrease in the cells’ growth rate. In this work, we have found that inhibition of ribosome activity can result in a decrease in the amount of free RNA polymerase available for transcription, thus limiting the protein expression rate via a different pathway than what was expected. This result can be explained by our observation that long genes, such as those coding for RNA polymerase subunits, have a higher probability of premature translation termination in the presence of ribosome inhibitors, while expression of short ribosomal genes is affected less, consistent with their increased concentration.
aDolescent and prEconception health peRspectiVe of Adult Non-communicable diseases (DERVAN): protocol for rural prospective adolescent girls cohort study in Ratnagiri district of Konkan region of India (DERVAN-1)
Authors: Patil Suvarna , Patil Netaji , Joglekar Charudatta , Yadav Arvind , Nilawar Anup , Banavali Ulka , Bhat Rohit , Dombale Vijay , Warpe Bhushan , Mohite Rachana , Joshi Kiran
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Precise impact of nutritional insufficiencies in adolescence as a risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCD) in later life as adults remains largely unknown.

We are conducting research into the effects of nutrition on adolescent girls of Ratnagiri district by a prospective cohort study (aDolescent and prEconception health peRspectiVe of Adult Non-communicable diseases cohort). Our study focuses on the physical health, nutritional parameters and cognitive profiles of adolescent girls, during the prenatal and postnatal period and we aim to follow this cohort and their offspring for 20 years.

Methods and analysis

Cohort recruitment began in June 2019. Our aim is to recruit more than 1500 adolescent girls, age 16–18 years, over a period of 3 years. The recruit’s cognition, diet and physical activity will be recorded. The following investigations will be performed: body composition by anthropometry and bioimpedence, and blood pressure, fasting blood sample to measure glucose, insulin, lipids, micronutrients and hormones, abdominal ultrasonography to measure liver, pancreas and kidneys.

A biorepository has been created for long-term storage of blood, urine and saliva samples for future analysis. By this longitudinal study, we aim to identify the effects of malnutrition on the behavioural and biological measures in adolescent subjects and evaluate if these are associated with the onset of NCDs in adulthood.

Ethics and dissemination

Institutional Ethic Committee (IEC) of BKL Walawalkar Rural Medical College and Hospital has granted the permission to carry out the study. IEC is registered with Government of India. Its registration code is EC/755/INST/MH/2015/RR-18. It is not a clinical trial but as required we have also registered the study on Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI). The registration code is CTRI/2019/04/018453.

Appropriate written informed consent and assent are obtained from the parents and the adolescent girls, respectively. We plan to publish our results in peer-reviewed journals.
Yoga programme for type-2 diabetes prevention (YOGA-DP) among high risk people in India: a multicentre feasibility randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Chattopadhyay Kaushik , Mishra Pallavi , Singh Kavita , Harris Tess , Hamer Mark , Greenfield Sheila Margaret , Lewis Sarah Anne , Manjunath Nandi Krishnamurthy , Nair Rukamani , Mukherjee Somnath , Harper David Ross , Tandon Nikhil , Kinra Sanjay , Prabhakaran Dorairaj
Published: September 2020

Introduction

A huge population in India is at high risk of type-2 diabetes (T2DM). Physical activity and a healthy diet (healthy lifestyle) improve blood glucose levels in people at high risk of T2DM. However, an unhealthy lifestyle is common among Indians. Yoga covers physical activity and a healthy diet and can help to prevent T2DM. The research question to be addressed by the main randomised controlled trial (RCT) is whether a Yoga programme for T2DM prevention (YOGA-DP) is effective in preventing T2DM among high risk people in India as compared with enhanced standard care. In this current study, we are determining the feasibility of undertaking the main RCT.

Intervention

YOGA-DP is a structured lifestyle education and exercise programme. The exercise part is based on Yoga and includes Shithilikarana Vyayama (loosening exercises), Surya Namaskar (sun salutation exercises), Asana (Yogic poses), Pranayama (breathing practices) and Dhyana (meditation) and relaxation practices.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre, two-arm, parallel-group, feasibility RCT with blinded outcome assessment and integrated mixed-methods process evaluation. Eligible participants should be aged 18–74 years, at high risk of T2DM (fasting plasma glucose level 5.6–6.9 mmol/L) and safe to participate in physical activities. At least 64 participants will be randomised to intervention or control group with final follow-up at 6 months. Important parameters, needed to design the main RCT, will be estimated, such as SD of the outcome measure (fasting plasma glucose level at 6-month follow-up), recruitment, intervention adherence, follow-up, potential contamination and time needed to conduct the study. Semistructured qualitative interviews will be conducted with up to 20–30 participants, a sample of those declining to participate, four YOGA-DP instructors and around eight study staff to explore their perceptions and experiences of taking part in the study and of the intervention, reasons behind non-participation, experiences of delivering the intervention and running the study, respectively.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained from the following Research Ethics Committees: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham (UK); Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC, India); Bapu Nature Cure Hospital and Yogashram (BNCHY, India) and Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA, India). The results will be widely disseminated among key stakeholders through various avenues.

Trial registration number

CTRI/2019/05/018893.