bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Features, Severity, and Incidence of RSV Illness During 12 Consecutive Seasons in a Community Cohort of Adults ≥60 Years Old
Authors: Belongia Edward A , King Jennifer P , Kieke Burney A , Pluta Joanna , Al-Hilli Ali , Meece Jennifer K , Shinde Vivek
Published: November 2018

Background

The epidemiology and burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illness are not well defined in older adults.

Methods

Adults ≥60 years old seeking outpatient care for acute respiratory illness were recruited from 2004–2005 through 2015–2016 during the winter seasons. RSV was identified from respiratory swabs by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were ascertained by interview and medical record abstraction. The incidence of medically attended RSV was estimated for each seasonal cohort.

Results

RSV was identified in 243 (11%) of 2257 enrollments (241 of 1832 individuals), including 121 RSV type A and 122 RSV type B. The RSV clinical outcome was serious in 47 (19%), moderate in 155 (64%), and mild in 41 (17%). Serious outcomes included hospital admission (n = 29), emergency department visit (n = 13), and pneumonia (n = 23) and were associated with lower respiratory tract symptoms during the enrollment visit. Moderate outcomes included receipt of a new antibiotic prescription (n = 144; 59%), bronchodilator/nebulizer (n = 45; 19%), or systemic corticosteroids (n = 28; 12%). The relative risk of a serious outcome was significantly increased in persons aged ≥75 years (vs 60–64 years) and in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or congestive heart failure. The average seasonal incidence was 139 cases/10 000, and it was significantly higher in persons with cardiopulmonary disease compared with others (rate ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.44–2.48).

Conclusions

RSV causes substantial outpatient illness with lower respiratory tract involvement. Serious outcomes are common in older patients and those with cardiopulmonary disease.
The Synthetic Genome Summer Course
Authors: Blount Benjamin A , Ellis Tom
Published: November 2018

The Synthetic Genome Summer Course was convened with the aim of teaching a wide range of researchers the theory and practical skills behind recent advances in synthetic biology and synthetic genome science, with a focus on Sc2.0, the synthetic yeast genome project. Through software workshops, tutorials and research talks from leading members of the field, the 30 attendees learnt about relevant principles and techniques that they were then able to implement first-hand in laboratory-based practical sessions. Participants SCRaMbLEd semi-synthetic yeast strains to diversify heterologous pathways, used automation to build combinatorial pathway libraries and used CRISPR to debug fitness defects caused by synthetic chromosome design changes. Societal implications of synthetic chromosomes were explored and industrial stakeholders discussed synthetic biology from a commercial standpoint. Over the 5 days, participants gained valuable insight and acquired skills to aid them in future synthetic genome research.
When Rebels Attack: Quantifying the Impacts of Capturing Territory from the Government in Yemen
Authors: Tandon Sharad
Published: November 2018

Households were adversely affected by the mostly nonviolent capture of Yemen’s capital in 2014. Although socioeconomically advantaged households were initially better able to cope with the shock than other households, the capture resulted in a decline in expenditure for the entire population within three months. Struggling households turned to several coping strategies—they increasingly made purchases on credit, increased their reliance on self-employment to deal with a decline in the economic climate, and reduced both the quantity and quality of foods consumed. Furthermore, there was evidence of a loss of autonomy for women, where women were less likely to oversee food purchases and more likely to be in the household during the survey interview. These results demonstrate that the capture of territory without widespread violence can result in a decline in standards of living and further illustrate the manners in which households were able to cope with the shock.
Climate or disturbance: temperate forest structural change and carbon sink potential
Authors: Andrewsa Travis , Dietzeb Michael , Boothc Robert
Published: November 2018

Anticipating forest responses to changing climate and disturbance regimes requires understanding long-term successional processes and aggregating these local processes into global relevance. Estimates of existing forest structure and biomass are improving globally; however, vegetation models continue to show substantial spread in predictions of future land carbon uptake and the roles of forest structural change and demography are increasingly being recognized as important. To identify mechanisms that drive change in tree size, density, and carbon, we need a better understanding of forest structural trajectories and the factors that affect those trajectories. Here we reveal a coherent, cyclic pattern of structural change in temperate forests, as predicted by successional theory, and identify significant sensitivity to climatic precipitation and temperature anomalies using large datasets and empirical modeling. For example, in the eastern US above average temperature (+1°C) was associated with a 27% (−0.4±0.1 Mg C ha-1yr-1) reduction in productivity attributed to higher rates of disease (+23%), weather disturbance (+57%), and sapling mortality. Projections of future vegetative carbon sink potential suggests biomass would be lowest on managed lands (72±2 Mg C ha-1) and highest when larger trees survive in undisturbed conditions (153±21 Mg C ha-1). Overall, the indirect effects of disturbance and mortality were considerably larger than the direct effects of climate on productivity when predicting future vegetative carbon sinks. Results provide robust comparisons for global vegetation models, and valuable projections for management and carbon mitigation efforts.
Size, shape and structure of insect wings
Authors: Salcedo Mary K. , Hoffmann Jordan , Donoughe Seth , Mahadevan L.
Published: November 2018

The size, shape and structure of insect wings are intimately linked to their ability to fly. However, there are few systematic studies of the variability of the natural patterns in wing morphology across insects. We assemble a comprehensive dataset of insect wings and analyze their morphology using topological and geometric notions in terms of i) wing size and contour shape, ii) vein geometry and topology, and iii) shape and distribution of wing membrane domains. These morphospaces are a first-step in defining the diversity of wing patterns across insect orders and set the stage for investigating their functional consequences.
Differential requirement for centriolar satellites in cilium formation among different vertebrate cells
Authors: Odabasi Ezgi , Ohlsen Signe K. , Gul Seref , Kavakli Ibrahim H. , Andersen Jens S. , Firat-Karalar Elif N.
Published: November 2018

Centriolar satellites are ubiquitous in vertebrate cells. They have recently emerged as key regulators of centrosome/cilium biogenesis, and their mutations are linked to ciliopathies. However, their precise functions and mechanisms of action, which potentially differ between cell types, remain poorly understood. Here, we generated retinal pigmental and kidney epithelial cells lacking satellites by genetically ablating PCM1 to investigate their functions. While satellites were essential for cilium assembly in retinal epithelial cells, kidney epithelial cells lacking satellites still formed full-length cilia but at significantly lower levels, with reduced centrosomal levels of key ciliogenesis factors. Using these cells, we identified the first satellite-specific functions at cilia, specifically in regulating ciliary content, Hedgehog signalling, and epithelial cell organization. However, other satellite-linked functions, namely proliferation, cell cycle progression and centriole duplication, were unaffected in these cells. Quantitative transcriptomic and proteomic profiling revealed that loss of satellites scarcely affects transcription, but significantly alters the proteome, particularly actin cytoskeleton pathways and neuronal functions. Together, our findings identify cell type-specific roles for satellites and provide insight into the phenotypic heterogeneity of ciliopathies.
Generative adversarial network (GAN) enabled on-chip contact microscopy
Authors: Chen Xiongchao , Zhang Hao , Zhu Tingting , Yao Yao , Jin Di , Fei Peng
Published: November 2018

We demonstrate a deep learning based contact imaging on a CMOS chip to achieve ∼1 μm spatial resolution over a large field of view of ∼24 mm2. By using regular LED illumination, we acquire the single lower-resolution image of the objects placed approximate to the sensor with unit fringe magnification. For the raw contact-mode lens-free image, the pixel size of the sensor chip limits the spatial resolution. We apply a generative and adversarial network (GAN), a type of deep learning algorithm, to circumvent this limitation and effectively recover much higher resolution image of the objects, permitting sub-micron spatial resolution to be achieved across the entire sensor chip active area, which is also equivalent to the imaging field-of-view (24 mm2) due to unit magnification. This GAN-contact imaging approach eliminates the need of either lens or multi-frame acquisition, being very handy and cost-effective. We demonstrate the success of this approach by imaging the proliferation dynamics of cells directly cultured on the chip.
Decoration of the enterococcal polysaccharide antigen EPA is essential for virulence, cell surface charge and resistance to innate immunity
Authors: Smith Robert E. , Salamaga Bartłomiej , Szkuta Piotr , Hajdamowicz Natalia , Prajsnar Tomasz K. , Bulmer Gregory , Fontaine Thierry , Kołodziejczyk Justyna , Herry Jean-Marie , Hounslow Andrea , Williamson Mike P. , Serror Pascale , Mesnage Stéphane
Published: November 2018

Enterococcus faecalisis an opportunistic pathogen with an intrinsically high resistance to lysozyme, a key effector of the innate immune system. This high level of resistance requires several genes (oatA, pgdA, dltAandsigV) acting synergistically to inhibit both the enzymatic and cationic antimicrobial peptide activities of lysozyme. We sought to identify novel genes modulatingE. faecalisresistance to lysozyme. Random transposon mutagenesis carried out in the quadrupleoatA/pgdA/dltA/sigVmutant led to the identification of several independent insertions clustered on the chromosome. These mutations were located in a locus referred to as the enterococcal polysaccharide antigen (EPA) variable region located downstream of the highly conservedepaA-epaRgenes proposed to encode a core synthetic machinery. Theepavariable region was previously proposed to be responsible for EPA decorations, but the role of this locus remains largely unknown. Here, we show that EPA decoration contributes to resistance towards charged antimicrobials and underpins virulence in the zebrafish model of infection by conferring resistance to phagocytosis. Collectively, our results indicate that the production of the EPA rhamnopolysaccharide backbone is not sufficient to promoteE. faecalisinfections and reveal an essential role of the modification of this surface polymer for enterococcal pathogenesis.
Effects of post-training novelty exposure on contextual fear memory: An attempt to translate behavioral tagging to humans
Authors: McClay Mason , Dunsmoor Joseph E.
Published: November 2018

In rodents, poorly formed hippocampal memories can be improved by novelty exploration within a critical time window, in line with the “behavioral tagging” hypothesis. Here, we sought to establish an analogue protocol to investigate if novelty exploration similarly operates to rescue weak hippocampal-dependent memories in humans. Adult humans underwent suboptimal contextual fear conditioning, followed 10 minutes later by open field novelty exploration in immersive 3D virtual reality. Novelty exploration did not improve long-term contextual fear memory, contrary to a behavioral tagging hypothesis. Despite this null result, we suggest further attempts to translate behavioral tagging from rodents to humans is warranted.
Glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose prevents cortical hyperexcitability after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Koenig Jenny B. , Cantu David , Low Cho , Noubary Farzad , Croker Danielle , Whalen Michael , Kong Dong , Dulla Chris G.
Published: November 2018

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes cortical dysfunction and can lead to post-traumatic epilepsy. Multiple studies demonstrate that GABAergic inhibitory network function is compromised following TBI, which may contribute to hyperexcitability and motor, behavioral, and cognitive deficits. Preserving the function of GABAergic interneurons, therefore, is a rational therapeutic strategy to preserve cortical function after TBI and prevent long-term clinical complications. Here, we explored an approach based on the ketogenic diet, a neuroprotective and anticonvulsant dietary therapy which results in reduced glycolysis and increased ketosis. Utilizing a pharmacologic inhibitor of glycolysis (2-deoxyglucose, or 2-DG), we found that acute in vitro glycolytic inhibition decreased the excitability of excitatory neurons, but not inhibitory interneurons, in cortical slices from naïve mice. Employing the controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of TBI in mice, we found that in vitro 2-DG treatment rapidly attenuated epileptiform activity seen in acute cortical slices 3-5 weeks after TBI. One week of in vivo 2-DG treatment immediately after TBI prevented the development of epileptiform activity, restored excitatory and inhibitory synaptic activity, and attenuated loss of parvalbumin-positive inhibitory interneurons. In summary, inhibition of glycolysis with 2-DG may have therapeutic potential to restore network function following TBI.

One Sentence Summary

Following traumatic brain injury in mice, in vivo treatment with the glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose prevented cortical network pathology including cortical hyperexcitability, changes in synaptic activity, and loss of parvalbumin-expressing GABAergic interneurons.
Biochat: a database for natural language processing of Gene Expression Omnibus data
Authors: Khomtchouk Bohdan B. , Dyomkin Vsevolod , Vand Kasra A. , Assimes Themistocles , Gozani Or
Published: November 2018

A biological dataset’s metadata profile (e.g., study description, organism name, sequencing type, etc.) typically contains terse but descriptive textual information that can be used to link it with other similar biological datasets for the purpose of integrating omics data of different types to inform hypotheses and biological questions. Here we present Biochat, a database containing a multi-omics data integration support system to aid in cross-linking Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) records to each other by metadata similarity through a user-friendly web application. Biochat is publicly available at: http://www.biochat.ai. Biochat source code is hosted at: https://github.com/Bohdan-Khomtchouk/Bio-chat.

Database URL

https://github.com/Bohdan-Khomtchouk/Bio-chat
Theoretical study of charge-transport and optical properties of indeno[1,2-b]fluorene-6,12-dione-based semiconducting materials
Authors: Huang Jin-Dou , Zhao Jinfeng , Yu Kun , Huang Xiaohua , Cheng Shi-Bo , Ma Huipeng
Published: November 2018

The conducting and optical properties of a series of indeno[1,2-b]fluorene-6,12-dione (IFD)-based molecules have been systematically studied and the influences of butyl, butylthio and dibutylamino substituents on the reorganization energies, intermolecular electronic couplings and charge-injection barriers of IFD have been discussed. The quantum-chemical calculations combined with electron-transfer theory reveal that the incorporation of sulfur-linked side chains decreases reorganization energy associated with hole transfer and optimizes intermolecular π–π stacking, which results in excellent ambipolar charge-transport properties (μh = 1.15 cm2 V−1 s−1 and μe = 0.08 cm2 V−1 s−1); in comparison, addition of dibutylamino side chains increases intermolecular steric interactions and hinders perfect intermolecular π–π stacking, which results in the weak electronic couplings and finally causes the low intrinsic hole mobility (μh = 0.01 cm2 V−1 s−1). Furthermore, electronic spectra of butyl-IFD, butylthio-IFD and dibutylamino-IFD were simulated and compared with the reported experimental data. Calculations demonstrate that IFD-based molecules possess potential for developing novel infrared and near-infrared probe materials via suitable chemical modifications.
Electronic structure of two isostructural `paddle-wheel' complexes: a comparative study
Authors: Herich Peter , Bučinský Lukáš , Breza Martin , Gall Marián , Fronc Marek , Petřiček Václav , Kožíšek Jozef
Published: November 2018

The experimental electron density distribution in two isostructural and isomorphous complexes, tetrakis(μ2-acetato)diaquadicopper(II) [H2OCu(ac)2Cu(ac)2H2O] (I) and tetrakis(μ2-acetato)diaquadichromium(II), [H2OCr(ac)2Cr(ac)2H2O] (II), has been obtained from high-resolution X-ray diffraction data in order to shed light on the bonding properties in the compounds studied. It has been shown that from accurate X-ray data it is possible to discuss the bonding capability of the metal atom (Cu/Cr) and the ligands in these complexes. A comparison of results obtained from averaged and non-averaged X-ray data demonstrates that using the non-averaged data and introducing an anisotropic correction for secondary extinction errors provides a more detailed distribution of the electron density in the area of the metal atoms. In both complexes studied, the bonding of the acetate oxygen atom to the central metal atom is significantly affected by the formation of hydrogen bonds. The electron density and its Laplacian at the bond critical point of metal–oxygen coordination bonds for those oxygen atoms not involved in the intermolecular hydrogen bonds are approximately 10% larger compared with the case when oxygen atoms take part in hydrogen bonds with the neighboring water molecules. It is shown that metal–oxygen bonds in a quasi-equatorial plane are typical coordination bonds and differ significantly from the apical metal–oxygen bond. Metal–metal interaction with a small positive value of the electron density Laplacian at this bond critical point is mainly of electrostatic character. The metal–metal interaction is definitely not a bond according to the classical definition. Based on a search of the Cambridge Structural Database, it can be argued that there are four typical coordination bonds in the [CuO6] chromophore, similar to the four Cu—O coordination bonds in the basal plane of the CuO5 pyramid in one of the complexes under study.
Charge density and electrostatic potential of hepatitis C anti-viral agent andrographolide: an experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Manjula Saravanan , Kalaiarasi Chinnasamy , Pavan Mysore S. , Hathwar Venkatesha R. , Kumaradhas Poomani
Published: November 2018

Andrographolide (AGH) is a hepatitis C anti-viral agent which targets the host cell by covalently binding with the NF-κBreceptor. The experimental electron density distribution study of AGH has been carried out from high-resolution X-ray diffraction data collected at 110.2 (3) K. The unit-cell packing of AGH was stabilized by strong O—H...O and weak C—H...O types of intermolecular interactions. The dissociation energy of the strong hydrogen bond O2—H22...O1 is very high, 32 kJ mol−1. The percentage occupancy of H...H interactions is found to be maximum (68.5%) when it comparing with the other types of interactions occurring in the AGH crystalline phase. The atomic valance index (V
topo) of the C16 atom is low compared with other carbon atoms; this shows that C16 could be the possible reactive location of the AGH molecule. All atoms in the OH groups have very low V
topo values; this indicates their role in strong hydrogen bonding interactions. The electrostatic potential (ESP) surface of AGH shows the polarization of the C16=C17 bond and ESP contour map shows several maxima at the vicinity of the C16 atom; these results strongly demonstrate that the C16 atom is the reactive location of the AGH molecule. The molecular covalent docking analysis of AGH with the NF-κB receptor has been performed and confirmed this result. The highly electronegative region around γ-butyrolactone can be helpful for initial alignment of the AGH molecule in NF-κB receptor active site. The atomic volumes of the hydrogen atoms which participate in the H...H interaction are found to be low.
Structures and phase transition of three isomers of 1-phenylindolin-2-one derivatives: 6-chloro-1-phenylindolin-2-one, 4-chloro-1-phenylindolin-2-one and 1-(3-chlorophenyl)indolin-2-one
Authors: Wang Bing , Fang Qi
Published: November 2018

Three 1-phenylindolin-2-one derivatives, namely 6-chloro-1-phenylindolin-2-one (A), 4-chloro-1-phenylindolin-2-one (B) and 1-(3-chlorophenyl)indolin-2-one (C), all C14H10ClNO, have been synthesized and the structures of these compounds at room temperature (A
RT, B
RT and C
RT) and low temperature (A
LT, B
LT and C
LT) have been determined. Crystal A at 295 K (A
RT) crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/c and the phenyl ring of the unique molecule exhibits disorder over two positions. At low temperature, the disorder disappeared and crystal A at 90 K (A
LT) crystallized in the triclinic space group P\overline{1} with a doubled unit-cell volume and four molecules in the asymmetric unit. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed a low oscillation barrier (0.24 kcal mol−1) of the phenyl ring of molecule A and the phase transition from the P21/c structure to the P\overline{1} structure can be interpreted in terms of the freezing out of the two conformations at low temperature. Crystal B retains space group P21/c in the temperature range from 100 to 297 K. A kind of obtuse-cell to acute-cell change can be recognized; if the unit cell of B
LT at 100 K is set to be a standard obtuse cell [β = 90.341 (2)°] and the cell is kept untransformed in the course of temperature changing, the cell of B
RT at 297 K was found to be acute [β = 89.288 (2)°]. The molecules in structure C are packed in layers, with C—H...O hydrogen bonds between neighbouring layers.
Fool’s gold? A critical assessment of sources of data on heritage crime
Authors: Grove Louise , Thomas Suzie , Daubney Adam
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore critically various sources of data available on heritage crime, and consider how these may be utilised and improved.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is primarily a scoping review of the current heritage crime data climate, embedding examples from a range of existing and potential information sources. It highlights opportunities to improve data resources.

Findings

A lack of consistency in reporting and recording practices means there is little meaningful evidence about heritage crime trends and patterns. This needs to change in order to develop and evaluate appropriate strategies to reduce the problem of heritage crime nationally and internationally.

Research limitations/implications

It is hoped that urging improvement of data resources in the heritage crime sector will inspire a greater number of researchers to analyse and address key problems within heritage crime.

Practical implications

This paper encourages the development of new and improved data collection methods to foster effective assessment of existing heritage crime reduction schemes and better support victims of heritage crime.

Social implications

Increasing availability and accessibility of high-quality data on heritage crime would allow for developing better protections and resource allocation for vulnerable heritage.

Originality/value

This paper has drawn together, for the first time, evidence of the existing state of affairs of data availability within heritage crime. It is a position paper which encourages the development of improved recording and reporting practices both formally and informally across heritage and criminal justice sectors in order to support further research and understanding of the heritage crime problem.
Exploring the integration between Lean and the Theory of Constraints in Operations Management
Authors: Pacheco Diego Augusto de Jesus , Pergher Isaac , Antunes Junior José Antônio Valle , Roehe Vaccaro Guilherme Luís
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare different models integrating the TOC and Lean approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

The models of reference were identified through a comprehensive literature review. A qualitative and comparative analysis was carried out by pointing out the strengths, weaknesses and gaps of models integrating the TOC and Lean based on the production system requirements.

Findings

The findings indicate that these models can be improved by introducing aspects related to the system structure such as main key performance indicators, type of shop layout and performance metrics to evaluate the improvements implemented in the production system. The results provided evidence that the TOC and Lean are complementary approaches, and the individual gaps of each approach seem to be, in the most part, offset by the virtues of the other.

Practical implications

This study enables decision makers and industrial managers to evaluate the practices adopted in the production environment, as well as the use of the different set of continuous improvement practices. This article also minimizes the literature gap regarding whether and how integrated Lean and TOC approach can be used in the firms.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of literature on Lean by comparing three different models integrating Lean and the TOC. Furthermore, a research agenda is suggested for future research aimed at developing new models integrating both approaches, aiming to increase the competitiveness of the production systems.
Personalized adaptive system for elderly care in smart home using fuzzy inference system
Authors: Kurnianingsih Kurnianingsih , Nugroho Lukito Edi , Widyawan Widyawan , Lazuardi Lutfan , Prabuwono Anton Satria , Mantoro Teddy
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The decline of the motoric and cognitive functions of the elderly and the high risk of changes in their vital signs lead to some disabilities that inconvenience them. This paper aims to assist the elderly in their daily lives through personalized and seamless technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a personalized adaptive system for elderly care in a smart home using a fuzzy inference system (FIS), which consists of a predictive positioning system, reflexive alert system and adaptive conditioning system. Reflexive sensing is obtained from a body sensor and environmental sensor networks. Three methods comprising the FIS generation algorithm – fuzzy subtractive clustering (FSC), grid partitioning and fuzzy c-means clustering (FCM) – were compared to obtain the best prediction accuracy.

Findings

The results of the experiment showed that FSC produced the best F1-score (96 per cent positioning accuracy, 94 per cent reflexive alert accuracy, 96 per cent air conditioning accuracy and 95 per cent lighting conditioning accuracy), whereas others failed to predict some classes and had lower validation accuracy results. Therefore, it is concluded that FSC is the best FIS generation method for our proposed system.

Social implications

Personalized and seamless technologies for elderly implies life-share awareness, stakeholder awareness and community awareness.

Originality/value

This paper presents a model of personalized adaptive system based on their preferences and medical reference, which consists of a predictive positioning system, reflexive alert system and adaptive conditioning system.
Semantic composition of optimal process service plans in manufacturing with ODERU
Authors: Mazzola Luca , Kapahnke Patrick , Klusch Matthias
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The need to flexibly react to changing demands and to cost-efficiently manage customized production even for lot size of one requires a dynamic and holistic integration of service-based processes within and across enterprises of the value chain. In this context, this paper aims at presenting ODERU, the authors’ novel pragmatic approach for automatically implementing service-based manufacturing processes at design and runtime within a cloud-based elastic manufacturing platform.

Design/methodology/approach

ODERU relies on a set of semantic annotations of business process models encoded into an extension of the business process model and notation (BPMN) 2.0 standard. Leveraging the paradigms of semantic SOA and XaaS, ODERU integrates pattern-based semantic composition of process service plans with QoS-based optimization based on multi-objective constraint optimization problem solving.

Findings

The successful validation of ODERU in two industrial use cases for maintenance process optimization and automotive production in the European project CREMA revealed its usefulness for service-based process optimization in general and for significant cost reductions in maintenance in particular.

Originality/value

ODERU provides a pragmatic and flexible solution to optimal service composition with the following three main advantages: full integration of semantic service selection and composition with QoS-based optimization; executability of the generated optimal process service plans by an execution environment as they include service assignments, data flow (variable bindings) and optimal variable assignments; and support of fast replanning in a single model and plan.
Utilising ontology for “heteregeneous data analysis in organizational goals”
Authors: Tengku Izhar Tengku Adil , Apduhan Bernady O. , Torabi Torab
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the level of the organizational goal accomplishment by assessing the reliance relationship between organizational data and organizational goals.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation of the organizational goals is based on design and operational level, which can serve in ranking of the organizational goals achievement and hence assist the decision-making process in achieving the organizational goals. To achieve this aim, the authors propose an ontology to develop the relationship between organizational data and organizational goals.

Findings

Data goals dependency shows the dependency relationship between organizational data and organizational goals. At the same time, data goals dependency assists the process of identifying data attributes, where the authors suggest that these data attributes are relevant in relation to the organizational goals.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper will serve as the first step to evaluate the relevance of organizational data to assist decision-making in relation to the organizational goals.
A production transfer procedure based on risk management principles
Authors: Mogos Maria Flavia , Fredriksson Anna , Alfnes Erlend
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a procedure for preparing production transfers based on risk management principles. The procedure should help companies reduce the amount of supply chain disruptions during transfers and achieve their outsourcing/offshoring objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The procedure was developed during a three-year Design Science study. First, a literature review and case studies were conducted to frame the research problem. Second, a preliminary procedure was developed based on preventive risk mitigation actions from the production transfer literature. Third, the procedure was implemented during an electronics-offshoring case and refined during workshops with the sender and receiver’s transfer personnel. Fourth, during a seminar, transfer practitioners verified the procedure by applying it to outsourcing/offshoring cases with which they had experience.

Findings

Most of the preventive actions were evaluated as relevant for the transfers the procedure was applied to, regardless of industry and relocation type. Moreover, the electronics-offshoring case showed that the success of a production transfer not only depends on the physical, knowledge and supply chain transfers, as presented in earlier research, but also on the administrative transfer and on the organisation, project and quality management actions. This paper also attempts to enhance the production transfer literature by clarifying transfer risk management.

Practical implications

The procedure can be used during the production transfer phase as a preparation procedure. Moreover, it informs the decision-making process during the relocation-decision and supplier-selection phases.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first production-transfer-preparation procedure based on risk management principles.
Investigation of the microbial quality and the occurrence of Shiga-like-toxin-producingEscherichia coliand methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureusin traditional cheeses produced in northwest of Iran
Authors: Yousefi Mohammad , Farshidi Maryam , Alizadeh Sani Mahmood , Payahoo Laleh , Ehsani Ali
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the microbial quality of some traditional cheese samples (sheep, cow and koopeh cheeses) consumed in northwest of Iran, and to detect Shiga-like-toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC) and methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) in cheese samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.

Design/methodology/approach

Almost half of the project was based on counting the population of Staphylococcus aureus, total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, also the other section was related to the isolation and the detection of the STEC and MRSA in cheese samples. The findings were compared with standard maximum and threshold values.

Findings

The results revealed that 36.99, 30.14 and 100% of cheeses exceeded the standard threshold value ofE. coli(102), total coliforms (104) andS. aureus(102). However, total coliforms, in any of the cheese samples examined, did not reach the maximum value and only 24.66% of samples exceeded the maximum value ofE. coli. Also, no significant difference (p> 0.05) in counts of each bacterial group examined in sheep, cow and koopeh cheeses was observed. The colony PCR method demonstrated the existence of 19 MRSA and 2 STEC isolates.

Originality/value

This research showed a general overview of the bacterial quality of cheeses in northwest of Iran.
Malnutrition risk and perception on dietary practices among elderly living in agricultural settlements
Authors: Zainudin Norain , Hamirudin Aliza Haslinda , A. Rahman Nor Azlina , Sidek Suriati
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This research aims to identify malnutrition risk and perception of malnourished and at-risk elderly individuals on their dietary practices.

Design/methodology/approach

In Phase 1, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 413 elderly individuals aged 60 years and above in agricultural settlements in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. Malnutrition risk was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF). In Phase 2, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted among 21 elderly individuals identified in Phase 1. The interviews ceased when data saturation was achieved.

Findings

25.7 per cent (n = 106) of elderly individuals were identified as malnourished and at-risk (MNA-SF score = <12). Age, smoking, income and living status were significantly associated with malnutrition risk (p < 0.05). Thematic analysis revealed four themes that represent elderly individuals’ perception on their dietary practices: the impact of aging on dietary intake; food restriction according to health condition; poor dietary intake due to feeling of loneliness; and perceived benefits of foods for health.

Research limitations/implications

Strategies from multidisciplinary healthcare professionals to eliminate improper dietary practice are required for the maintenance of health, functional independence and quality of life among the elderly.

Originality/value

This research is at the forefront in reporting the elderly individuals’ perception on dietary practice in agricultural settlement. Attention to individual’s health issues and the associated factors that may influence their dietary practices is essential to provide appropriate interventions to achieve optimum nutritional status and healthy aging.
The addition of cactus flour (Opuntia ficus indica) to the Western-style diet attenuates the onset of metabolic disorders in rats
Authors: Cysneiros Graziele Fonseca , Gonzalez Judith Libertad Chavez , Marcelino da Silva Amanda Alves , Cavalcante Taisy Cinthia Ferro , Quevedo Omar Guzman , Lira Eduardo Carvalho , Soares Juliana Kessia , Franco Eryvelton de Souza , do Nascimento Elizabeth , Flores Héctor Eduardo Flores Martínez
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a 15-week dietary intake of cactus flour on metabolic parameters, body weight and dietary intake of rats.

Design/methodology/approach

Male Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups (n= 8-10): control or westernized diets added or not of cactus flour. The following parameters were evaluated during the period of dietary manipulation: body weight, food intake, glycemic and lipid profile (oral glucose tolerance test, metabolic parameters, hepatic and muscular glycogen dosage), visceral and body fat (relative weight to body weight). Data were analyzed using Graphpad Prism®5,p= 0.05.

Findings

Animals fed on a Western-style diet together with flour cactus presented lower weight gain (335.7 ± 20.0,p= 0.05) over the evaluated period, even when the volume of food intake was not different among the groups. The addition of cactus flour to a Western-style diet appears to lower glucose levels at 30 and 60 min (p= 0.05), as shown in the glucose tolerance curve. There was a downward trend does fat stores, cholesterol levels and triglycerides. Therefore, it was concluded that this addition cactus flour is effective even when the diet is hyperlipidic, demonstrating its ability to attenuate risk parameters for the occurrence of metabolic syndromes such as sub fraction high cholesterol levels and glucose tolerance.

Originality/value

The addition of functional foods to diets may work to improve the harmful effects of this type of diet.Opuntia ficus indicahas high nutritional value and has hypoglycemic and hypolipemic properties besides being antioxidant.
Multiscale, thermomechanical topology optimization of self-supporting cellular structures for porous injection molds
Authors: Wu Tong , Tovar Andres
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to establish a multiscale topology optimization method for the optimal design of non-periodic, self-supporting cellular structures subjected to thermo-mechanical loads. The result is a hierarchically complex design that is thermally efficient, mechanically stable and suitable for additive manufacturing (AM).

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method seeks to maximize thermo-mechanical performance at the macroscale in a conceptual design while obtaining maximum shear modulus for each unit cell at the mesoscale. Then, the macroscale performance is re-estimated, and the mesoscale design is updated until the macroscale performance is satisfied.

Findings

A two-dimensional Messerschmitt Bolkow Bolhm (MBB) beam withstanding thermo-mechanical load is presented to illustrate the proposed design method. Furthermore, the method is implemented to optimize a three-dimensional injection mold, which is successfully prototyped using 420 stainless steel infiltrated with bronze.

Originality/value

By developing a computationally efficient and manufacturing friendly inverse homogenization approach, the novel multiscale design could generate porous molds which can save up to 30 per cent material compared to their solid counterpart without decreasing thermo-mechanical performance.

Practical implications

This study is a useful tool for the designer in molding industries to reduce the cost of the injection mold and take full advantage of AM.
Music and emotion links to visitor harassment: a look at Jamaica
Authors: Nicely Annmarie , Mohd Ghazali Raslinda
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use a study conducted on the Caribbean island of Jamaica to make the case that music might be a plausible suppressant of negative visitor harassment (VH). The goal of the study in question was to determine the genres of songs and music likely to have a positive effect on emotions the antithesis of the ones associated with VH but would have positive effect on visitors’ shopping behaviors as well.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method pre-experimental design was used for the study. Forty-two craft traders from a single craft market in Jamaica participated in seven music experiments and the data gathered were analyzed using predominantly paired and independent t-test analyses.

Findings

The researchers found that music likely to result in positive shopper behaviors also resulted in positive trader emotions, in particular in emotions the antithesis of those associated with trader harassment. In addition, the researchers discovered that old non-instrumental local songs had a significantly greater positive effect on these emotions than local contemporary songs and instrumental music.

Originality/value

The study discussed was original as it was the first known that looked at music as a possible treatment for negative VH.
Association of proximal elements of social disadvantage with children's language development at 2 years: an analysis of data from the Children in Focus (CiF) sample from the ALSPAC birth cohort
Authors: Law James , Clegg Judy , Rush Robert , Roulstone Sue , Peters Tim J.
Published: November 2018

Background

An association between social disadvantage and early language development is commonly reported in the literature, but less attention has been paid to the way that different aspects of social disadvantage affect both expressive and receptive language in the first 2 years of life.

Aims

To examine the contributions of gender, parental report of early language skills and proximal social variables (the amount of stimulation in the home, the resources available to the child and the attitudes/emotional status of the primary carer and the support available to him/her) controlling for distal social variables (family income and maternal education) to children's expressive and receptive language development at 2 years in a community ascertained population cohort.

Methods & Procedures

Data from 1314 children in the Children in Focus (CiF) sample from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) were analyzed. Multivariable regression models identified the contribution of proximal (what parents do with their children) measures of social disadvantage adjusting for more distal (e.g., family income and material wealth) measures as well as early language development at 15 months to the development of verbal comprehension, expressive vocabulary and expressive grammar (word combinations) at 2 years of age.

Outcome & Results

In the final multivariable models gender, earlier language and proximal social factors, co‐varying for distal factors predicted 36% of the variance for expressive vocabulary, 22% for receptive language and 27% for word combinations at 2 years. Language development at 15 months remained a significant predictor of outcomes at 24 months. Environmental factors were associated with both expressive scales but the picture was rather more mixed for receptive language suggesting that there may be different mechanisms underlying the different processes.

Conclusions & Implications

This study supports the argument that social advantage makes a strong contribution to children's language development in the early years. The results suggest that what parents/carers do with their children is critical even when structural aspects of social disadvantage such as family income and housing have been taken into consideration although this relationship varies for different aspects of language. This has the potential to inform the targeting of public health interventions focusing on early language and pre‐literacy skills on the one hand and home learning environments on the other and, potentially, the two in combination.
Introducing the Beatalk technique: using beatbox sounds and rhythms to improve speech characteristics of adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Icht Michal
Published: November 2018

Background

Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) often demonstrate speech impairments and reduced intelligibility. However, traditional treatment methods, which involve using repetitive verbal and non‐verbal exercises, may not be fully suitable for this population. As adults with ID tend to lose interest and motivation facing the demands of a typical speech therapy session, other intervention methods are needed. The current study tested a novel intervention technique, Beatalk, based on practising vocally produced sounds and rhythms, imitating the sounds produced by rhythm machines in an a cappella musical context (i.e., human beatboxing). Human beatboxing may be a particularly effective tool since it involves intense production of speech sounds (phonemes) that can be misarticulated in the presence of speech disorders; it is relatively easy to learn and practice, and is also considered ‘fun‘.

Aims

As many of the features of beatboxing make it a promising method for speech therapy, this pioneering study aimed to examine its effectiveness in comparison with a traditional speech therapy.

Methods & Procedures

Twelve adults with moderate ID and low speech intelligibility (age 24–48 years) participated in a speech therapy group for 6 weeks. Six participants were assigned to the Beatalk (study) group and six to a traditional (control) therapy group. Pre‐ to post‐treatment changes in speech intelligibility and voice measures were assessed.

Outcomes & Results

The preliminary data demonstrate that both types of therapy groups resulted in improved performance in articulation accuracy and voice measures, yet the Beatalk technique yielded larger gains.

Conclusions & Implications

The results present initial evidence for the beneficial effect of the Beatalk technique as an intervention tool for adults with ID. It is an easy‐to‐use technique in the context of speech therapy, and may enhance verbal communication skills in this population.
Reading as Practice: The Howzevi (Seminarian) Women in Iran and Clair de Lune
Authors: Tawasil Amina
Published: November 2018

The Iranian howzevi (seminarian) have been key to the Islamic regime’s development. This paper takes as its critical focus the branding of the howzevi as the unenlightened for their support of the regime. I take de Certeau’s reading as poaching to look at how life scripts or ideologies failed to work through women’s bodies. Drawing on fifteen months of fieldwork, I describe how they unsettled ideologies in their reading of de Maupassant’s “Clair de Lune.”