bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of a monodisperse solid-in-oil-in-water emulsion in transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in a rabbit VX2 tumor model
Authors: Yasui Daisuke , Yamane Aya , Itoh Hiroshi , Kobayashi Masayuki , Kumita Shin-ichiro
Published: September 2019

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a standard treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma; however, it does not always result in tumor control. Nevertheless, treatment outcome can be improved with monodisperse emulsions of anticancer agents. In this study, the efficacy and safety of a monodisperse miriplatin-Lipiodol emulsion were evaluated in Japanese white rabbits. VX2 tumor was implanted into the left liver lobe of each rabbit. The animals were divided into control and experimental groups (of five animals each) and respectively administered a conventional miriplatin suspension or the emulsion via the left hepatic artery. Computed tomography (CT) was performed before, immediately after, and two days following TACE. All rabbits were sacrificed two days after the procedure. Each tumor was removed and cut in half for assessment of iodine concentration in one half by mass spectroscopy and evaluation of Lipiodol accumulation and adverse events in the other half. Mean Hounsfield unit (HU) values were measured using plain CT images taken before and after TACE. Iodine concentration was higher in the experimental group [1100 (750–1500) ppm] than in the control group [840 (660–1800) ppm]. Additionally, the HU value for the experimental group was higher than that for the control group immediately after [199.6 (134.0– 301.7) vs. 165.3 (131.4–280.5)] and two days after [114.2 (56.1–229.8) vs. 58.3 (42.9–132.5)] TACE. Cholecystitis was observed in one rabbit in the control group. Ischemic bile duct injury was not observed in any group. The results show that Lipiodol accumulation and retention in VX2 tumor may be improved by using a monodisperse emulsion. Moreover, no significant adverse events are associated with the use of the emulsion.
Senolytic treatment targets aberrant p21-expression to restore liver regeneration in adult mice
Authors: Ritschka Birgit , Knauer-Meyer Tania , Mas Alba , Plassat Jean-Luc , Gonçalves Daniel Sampaio , Jacobs Hugues , Pedone Elisa , Di Vicino Umberto , Cosma Maria Pia , Keyes William M.
Published: September 2019

Young mammals possess a limited regenerative capacity in tissues such as the liver, heart and limbs, but which is quickly lost upon maturation or transition to adulthood. Chronic cellular senescence is a known mediator of decreased tissue function in aging and disease. Here we investigated whether senescence plays a role in the progressive loss of liver regenerative capacity that develops in young adult mice. We find that following partial hepatectomy, the senescence markers p21, p16Ink4a and p19Arf become dynamically expressed at an age when regenerative capacity decreases. In addition, we demonstrate that treatment with a senescence-inhibiting drug improves regenerative capacity, through targeting of aberrant p21 expression. Surprisingly, we also find that the senescence marker p16Ink4a is expressed in a different cell-population to p21, and is unaffected by senescence targeting. This work suggests that senescence may initially develop as a heterogeneous cellular response, and that treatment with senolytic drugs may aid in promoting organ regeneration.
Generation of Recombinant Mammalian Selenoproteins through Genetic Code Expansion with Photocaged Selenocysteine
Authors: Peeler Jennifer C. , Kelemen Rachel E. , Abo Masahiro , Edinger Laura C. , Chen Jingjia , Chatterjee Abhishek , Weerapana Eranthie
Published: September 2019

Selenoproteins contain the amino acid selenocysteine and are found in all domains of life. The functions of many selenoproteins are poorly understood, partly due to difficulties in producing recombinant selenoproteins for cell-biological evaluation. Endogenous mammalian selenoproteins are produced through a non-canonical translation mechanism requiring suppression of the UGA stop codon, and a selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS) element in the 3’ untranslated region of the mRNA. Here, recombinant selenoproteins are generated in mammalian cells through genetic code expansion, circumventing the requirement for the SECIS element, and selenium availability. An engineered orthogonal E. coli leucyl-tRNA synthetase/tRNA pair is used to incorporate a photocaged selenocysteine (DMNB-Sec) at the UAG amber stop codon. Recombinantly expressed selenoproteins can be photoactivated in living cells with spatial and temporal control. Using this approach, the native selenoprotein methionine-R-sulfoxide reductase 1 is generated and activated in mammalian cells. The ability to site-specifically introduce selenocysteine directly in mammalian cells, and temporally modulate selenoprotein activity, will aid in the characterization of mammalian selenoprotein function.
High-throughput isolation and sorting of gut microbes reduce biases of traditional cultivation strategies
Authors: Watterson William J. , Tanyeri Melikhan , Watson Andrea R. , Cham Candace M. , Shan Yue , Chang Eugene B. , Eren A. Murat , Tay Savaş
Published: September 2019

Traditional cultivation approaches in microbiology are labor-intensive, low-throughput, and often yield biased sampling of taxa due to ecological and evolutionary factors. New strategies are needed to enable ample representation of rare taxa and slow-growers that are outcompeted by fast-growing organisms. We developed a microfluidic platform that anaerobically isolates and cultivates microbial cells in millions of picoliter droplets and automatically sorts droplets based on colony density. We applied our strategy to mouse and human gut microbiomes and used 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicons to characterize taxonomic composition of cells grown using different media. We found up to 4-fold increase in richness and larger representation of rare taxa among cells grown in droplets compared to conventional culture plates. Automated sorting of droplets for slow-growing colonies further enhanced the relative abundance of rare populations. Our method improves the cultivation and analysis of diverse microbiomes to gain deeper insights into microbial functioning and lifestyles.
Development of spin-contrast-variation neutron reflectometry for the structural analysis of multilayer films
Authors: Kumada Takayuki , Akutsu Kazuhiro , Ohishi Kazuki , Morikawa Toshiaki , Kawamura Yukihiko , Sahara Masae , Suzuki Jun-ichi , Torikai Naoya
Published: September 2019

The spin-contrast-variation neutron reflectometry technique was developed for the structural analysis of multilayer films. Polarized-neutron reflectivity curves of film samples vary as a function of their proton polarization (PH). ThePH-dependent reflectivity curves of a polystyrene monolayer film were precisely reproduced using a common set of structural parameters and thePH-dependent neutron scattering length density of polystyrene. This result ensures that these curves are not deformed by inhomogeneousPHbut can be used for structural analysis. Unpolarized reflectivity curves of poly(styrene-block-isoprene) films were reproduced using a flat free-surface model butPH-dependent polarized reflectivity curves were not. The global fit of thePH-dependent multiple reflectivity curves revealed that holes with a depth corresponding to one period of the periodic lamellae of microphase-separated polystyrene and polyisoprene domains were produced on the surface of the films, which agrees with the microscopic results. In this manner, the spin-contrast-variation neutron reflectometry technique determines the structure of multiple surfaces and interfaces in a film sample while excluding the incorrect structure that accidentally accounts for a single unpolarized reflectivity curve only.
[Leu2]Gramicidin S preserves the structural properties of its parent peptide and forms helically aligned β-sheets
Authors: Asano Akiko , Matsuoka Shiori , Minami Chisato , Kato Takuma , Doi Mitsinobu
Published: September 2019

For crystallographic analysis, Leu was substituted for Orn in Gramicidin S (LGS) to suppress interactions with hydrophilic solvent molecules, which increased the flexibility of the Orn side chains, leading to disorder within the crystals. The asymmetric unit (C62H94N10O10·1.296C3H8O·1.403H2O) contains three LGS molecules (A, B and C) forming β-turn and intramolecular β-sheet structures. With the exception of one motif in molecule C, D-Phe-Pro turn motifs (Phe is phenylalanine and Pro is proline) were classed as type II′ β-turns. The peptide backbones twist slightly to the right along the long axis of the molecule. The puckering of Pro is in a Cγ-endo or twisted Cγ-endo–Cβ-exo form. Flanking molecules are arranged such that the angles (A...B = 104°, B...C = 139° and C...A = 117°) form helical β-sheets. Solvent molecules interact with the peptide backbones supporting the β-sheets. The forms of the replacement Leu side chains are consistent with the e-form of the Orn side chain in GS analogues. No hydrophilic region composed of solvent molecules, such as that observed in Gramicidin S hydrochloride (GS·HCl) crystals, was found. The perturbation of αH chemical shifts and coupling constants of CONH showed that the structural properties of GS·HCl and LGS are similar to each other in solution. CD spectra also supported the structural similarity. With the sequence cyclo(–Val–Leu–Leu–D-Phe–Pro–)2 (Val is valine and Leu is leucine), LGS lacks the amphiphilicity and antimicrobial activity of parental Gramicidin S (GS). However, the structure of LGS reflects the structural characteristics of GS and no disordering inconvenient for structural analysis was found. Thus, LGS could be a novel scaffold useful for studying β-turn and sheet structures.
Crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and interaction energy and DFT studies of 2-chloroethyl 2-oxo-1-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)-1,2-dihydroquinoline-4-carboxylate
Authors: Hayani Sonia , Filali Baba Yassir , Hökelek Tuncer , Ouazzani Chahdi Fouad , Mague Joel T. , Sebbar Nada Kheira , Kandri Rodi Youssef
Published: September 2019

The title compound, C15H12ClNO3, consists of a 1,2-dihydroquinoline-4-carboxylate unit with 2-chloroethyl and propynyl substituents, where the quinoline moiety is almost planar and the propynyl substituent is nearly perpendicular to its mean plane. In the crystal, the molecules form zigzag stacks along thea-axis direction through slightly offset π-stacking interactions between inversion-related quinoline moieties which are tied together by intermolecular C—HPrpnyl...OCarbxand C—HChlethy...OCarbx(Prpnyl = propynyl, Carbx = carboxylate and Chlethy = chloroethyl) hydrogen bonds. The Hirshfeld surface analysis of the crystal structure indicates that the most important contributions for the crystal packing are from H...H (29.9%), H...O/O...H (21.4%), H...C/C... H (19.4%), H...Cl/Cl...H (16.3%) and C...C (8.6%) interactions. Hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions are the dominant interactions in the crystal packing. Computational chemistry indicates that in the crystal, the C—HPrpnyl...OCarbxand C—HChlethy...OCarbxhydrogen bond energies are 67.1 and 61.7 kJ mol−1, respectively. Density functional theory (DFT) optimized structures at the B3LYP/ 6–311 G(d,p) level are compared with the experimentally determined molecular structure in the solid state. The HOMO–LUMO behaviour was elucidated to determine the energy gap.
7-{3-Ethoxy-4-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]phenyl}-5,6,8,9-tetrahydrodibenzo[c,h]acridine
Authors: Zhang Sijing , Han Heguo , Xu Yahan , Ma Wen , Wu Jieying
Published: September 2019

In the title compound, C34H35NO4, the dihedral angle between the pyridine ring and attached benzene ring is 79.17 (8)°. The methoxyethoxy–ethoxy side chain is disordered over two orientations in a 0.732 (7):0.268 (7) ratio. In the crystal, very weak C—H...N and C—H...O interactions link the molecules.
N,N,N-Trimethyl-1-[4-(pyridin-2-yl)phenyl]methanaminium hexafluoridophosphate
Authors: Ni Bo , Liu Hongping , Du Xizhen , Han Yuyang , Li Dandan
Published: September 2019

In the cation of the title molecular salt, C15H19N2
+·PF6
−, the dihedral angle between the benzene and pyridine rings is 38.21 (10)°. In the crystal, weak C—H...F interactions arising from methyl and methylene groups adjacent to the quaternary N atom generate (001) sheets.
Detecting online expressional anomie and its evolutions in social media
Authors: Zhou Qingqing , Jing Ming
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Expressional anomie (e.g. obscene words) can hinder communications and even obstruct improvements of national literacy. Meanwhile, the borderless and rapid transmission of the internet has exacerbated the influences. Hence, the purpose of this paper is detecting online anomic expression automatically and analyzing dynamic evolution processes of expressional anomie, so as to reveal multidimensional status of expressional anomie.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducted expressional anomie analysis via fine-grained microblog mining. Specifically, anomic microblogs and their anomic types were identified via a supervised classification method. Then, the evolutions of expressional anomie were analyzed, and impacts of users’ characteristics on the evolution process were mined. Finally, expressional anomie characteristics and evolution trends were obtained.

Findings

Empirical results on microblogs indicate that more effective and diversified measures need to be used to address the current large-scale anomie in expression. Moreover, measures should be tailored to individuals and local conditions.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first research to mine evolutions of expressional anomie automatically in social media. It may discover more continuous and universal rules of expressional anomie, so as to optimize the online expression environment.
Simple assembly line balancing problem of Type 1 with grey demand and grey task durations
Authors: Arık Oğuzhan Ahmet , Köse Erkan , Forrest Jeffrey
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a mixed integer programming model for simple assembly line balancing problems (SALBP) with Type 1 when the annual demand and task durations are uncertain and encoded with grey numbers.

Design/methodology/approach

Grey theory and grey numbers are used for illustrating the uncertainty of parameters in an SALBP, where the objective is to minimize the total number of workstations. The paper proposes a 0-1 mathematical model for SALBP of Type 1 with grey demand and grey task durations.

Findings

The uncertainty of the demand and task durations are encoded with grey numbers and a well-known 0-1 mathematical model for SALBP of Type 1 is modified to find the minimum number of workstations in order to meet both the lower and upper bounds of the uncertain demand. The results obtained from the proposed mathematical model show a task-workstation assignment that does not distribute precedence relations among tasks and workstations and the sum of task durations in each single workstation is less than or equal to the grey cycle time.

Originality/value

The grey theory and grey numbers have not been previously used to identify uncertainties in assembly line balancing problems. Therefore, this study provides an important contribution to the literature.
Climate change vulnerability assessment for Can Tho city by a set of indicators
Authors: Huynh Huong Lan Thi , Do Anh Tien , Dao Trang Minh
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The city of Can Tho, located on Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, has been identified as one of the nation’s most vulnerable sites for adverse climate change-induced impacts. Can Tho’s policymakers are faced with tackling these challenges but lack the necessary tools and funds to properly address the situation. The study aims to develop a set of indicators to assess the degree of climate change vulnerability so that policymakers can determine which of Can Tho’s districts are most in need of attention, and then propose the best options for climate change adaptation activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The indicators, including quantifications of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity, were categorized in three tiers, from 1 to 3, to reflect their importance with regard to the situation. The higher tier indicators comprised a number of lower tier indicators, which were developed based on real-life, practical situations at the local level.

Findings

The results showed that the Thoi Lai District, with a vulnerability indicator estimated at 0.59, is more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change than other districts because of its lower adaptive capacity and higher sensitivity. In contrast, Ninh Kieu District’s climate change indicator of 0.24 demonstrates it has higher resilience to climate change impacts.

Originality/value

This study showed that the set of indicators developed provides a promising approach for supporting local policymakers in Can Tho to actively respond to climate change-related challenges, and that this approach has the potential to be upscaled for other cities in Vietnam.
An analysis on housing affordability in Malaysian housing markets and the home buyers’ preference
Authors: Soon Amy , Tan Consilz
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the housing preference and housing affordability in Malaysian housing markets. There is a lack of research on the gap between supply and demand of houses in this market. Urbanization has increased the demand of houses in urban areas. However, the high demand in residential units increases the housing price which causes the affordability level dropped. Besides, the residences that provided by developers do not meet the expectation of the home buyers. There are three attributes that examined in this research to understand the home buyers’ preference.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides quantitative analysis on the housing affordability and the home buyers’ preference. This paper presents the results on the home buyers’ housing affordability and buying preference on houses. In addition, the study further confirmed the significant relationship between monthly income and type of preferred house, as well as monthly income and range of housing affordability using cross-tabulation analysis.

Findings

The findings indicated that the housing price in the current market is not affordable by most of the homebuyers and there are certain attributes that important to home buyers which should not be neglected.

Research limitations/implications

This paper helps to shed light on the planning of Malaysian housing policy especially on the issue of providing affordable housing in urban areas.

Practical implications

Policymakers shall consider the elements of economics, social acceptance and feasibility of Malaysian housing policies to achieve sustainability in Malaysian housing markets. With the current government’s move to promote housing affordability amongst B40 income groups, local government and housing developers should work together in addressing housing demand in accordance to states and ensure that there is a more targeted housing policy.

Social implications

With the detailed analysis on the home buyers’ preference, it helps to promote sustainable housing developments in meeting basic housing needs and preference.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine relationship between Malaysian housing affordability with monthly income and type of preferred house. In the meantime, the housing affordability is compared with mean housing price and type of perceived affordable house. The paper presented homebuyer’s preference in housing for the consideration of government and housing developers in providing affordable housing.
Critical success factors for public–private partnerships in affordable housing in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Alteneiji Khalifa , Alkass Sabah , Abu Dabous Saleh
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This study aims to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) in the implementation of the public–private partnerships (PPPs) in the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) affordable housing sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess 17 CSFs for PPP projects derived from previous international and local studies. The collected data were analyzed using the relative importance index technique to establish the most significant factors based on feedback from 48 respondents from the public and private sectors.

Findings

The most identified CSFs were good governance, government guarantees, commitment and responsibility of the public and private sectors, favorable and efficient legal frameworks, political support and stability, and demand for and the debt-paying ability of the project.

Research limitations/implications

There has been rapid momentum in the UAE and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries towards engaging the private sector in the provision of infrastructure and housing after increased pressure on government budgets and falling oil prices. Thus, this study encourages strong consideration of the highest-ranked CSFs in the absence of any prior experiences or studies. On a broader scale, these CSFs are an effective policy tool for the GCC countries, which share similar contexts.

Originality/value

This paper represents the first empirical study in the GCC region and the UAE on the CSFs for PPPs in affordable housing, which is experiencing growing demand in the region to overcome the large deficit in housing supply.
Design and performance evaluation of a parking management system for automated, multi-story and robotic parking structure
Authors: Serpen Gursel , Debnath Jayanta
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present design and performance evaluation through simulation of a parking management system (PMS) for a fully automated, multi-story, puzzle-type and robotic parking structure with the overall objective of minimizing customer wait times while maximizing the space utilization.

Design/methodology/approach

The presentation entails development and integration of a complete suite of path planning, elevator scheduling and resource allocation algorithms. The PMS aims to manage multiple concurrent requests, in real time and in a dynamic context, for storage and retrieval of vehicles loaded onto robotic carts for a fully automated, multi-story and driving-free parking structure. The algorithm suite employs the incremental informed search algorithm D* Lite with domain-specific heuristics and the uninformed search algorithm Uniform Cost Search for path search and planning. An optimization methodology based on nested partitions and Genetic algorithm is adapted for scheduling of a group of elevators. The study considered a typical business day scenario in the center of a metropolis.

Findings

The simulation study indicates that the proposed design for the PMS is able to serve concurrent storage-retrieval requests representing a wide range of Poisson distributed customer arrival rates in real time while requiring reasonable computing resources under realistic scenarios. The customer waiting times for both storage and retrieval requests are within acceptable bounds, which are set as no more than 5 min, even in the presence of up to 100 concurrent storage and retrieval requests. The design is able to accommodate a variety of customer arrival rates and presence of immobilized vehicles which are assumed to be scattered across the floors of the structure to make it possible for deployment in real-time environments.

Originality/value

The intelligent system design is novel as the fully automated robotic parking structures are just in the process of being matured from a technology standpoint.
Nature-based solutions for urban development and tourism
Authors: Rice Louis
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how nature-based solutions (NBS) are being used in city areas to improve environmental conditions and increase tourism. This research examines the drivers behind, and impacts of, the application of NBS in city redevelopment projects for tourism. NBS is a term that refers to the use of flora and fauna ecosystems as an approach to resolve problems faced by society.

Design/methodology/approach

An interdisciplinary research methodology has been developed to examine the relationship between city NBS and tourism; the methods include a literature review of contemporary practice, field observations and thematic textual analysis from digital archives. The research methodology uses a combined empirical and desk-based analysis of five case studies cites.

Findings

NBS, as part of city redevelopment projects, is now a strategic aim of many cities globally to re-brand, re-vision and re-orientate themselves to be more hospitable, liveable and attractive to tourists and visitors.

Practical implications

City redevelopment projects are incorporating NBS to address climate change as well as local environmental issues such as disaster resilience whilst simultaneously delivering social and economic benefits.

Social implications

The research reveals that NBS can deliver benefits to human wellbeing, tourism, economic vitality as well as more sustainable models of urban development.

Originality/value

The research reveals for the first time how NBS is being used as a driver for increasing tourism globally. The research is highly original as it examines a new topic in tourism studies, the role of NBS in relation to city tourism.
Mechanisms, actors and impacts of the touristification of a tourism periphery: the Saint-Ouen flea market, Paris
Authors: Gravari-Barbas Maria , Jacquot Sébastien
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the mechanisms involved in the progressive integration of marginal and peripheral urban areas, located close to established tourist destinations, into the visited tourism perimeter, and the interplay of the supporting public and private actors. It focusses on the intertwining processes of commercial gentrification, heritagization and aestheticization of former “ordinary” or marginal areas as tools for and indications of their tourism development. It explores how the metropolitan tourism geography is progressively redesigned.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a comprehensive literature analysis, the Saint-Ouen flea market was selected as the object of study. The methodology is based on extensivein situobservations, a systematic analysis of the press and a corpus of tourist guides and several in-depth interviews with local public and private stakeholders.

Findings

This paper shows that combined public (Parisian urban and tourism stakeholders) and private interests led to the integration in the tourism perimeter of a space that was once on the margins of the tourism and metropolitan area. It highlights the mechanisms of this integration and the link between touristification, gentrification, aestheticization and artification. It was found that private investors and political decision makers regard Saint-Ouen flea market as a major opportunity for tourism and real estate development, which leads to some contradictions regarding heritage protection. Finally, it shows that market traders opposed the evolution of a commercial place into a place of symbolic consumption. At another level, it shows the stakes of tourism diversification in a metropolitan tourism destination that is characterized by overtourism.

Research limitations/implications

More studies are needed to identify not only the potential of flea markets to diversify tourist areas and practices, but also any potential resistance. The consequences on metropolitan tourism can be the subject of additional investigations: can this tourism diversification reduce overtourism in the centre, or is it only a diversification that functions as an additional driver of attractiveness? This research opens new perspectives on the modes of diversification (spatial and experiential) of metropolitan tourism as well as on the role that commercial changes play in these evolutions. It also makes it possible to question the modes of engagement of investors and traders in tourism.

Originality/value

This is an in-depth analysis of the case of Saint-Ouen flea market. The issues raised herein are applicable to similar peripheral urban areas, flea markets especially, that are rarely studied on the tourism-aestheticization-gentrification nexus. The analysis also shows the diversification of places and imaginaries of metropolitan tourism.
FDA-CMS Parallel Review – a failed attempt at spurring innovation
Authors: Podemska-Mikluch Marta
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the Parallel Review program that offers simultaneous review of the Food and Drug Administration premarket approval submissions and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) national coverage determinations (NCDs) of medical devices.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes the impact of Parallel Review on medical device innovation, focusing in particular on the causes for low popularity of the program among medical device manufacturers. Program outcomes are evaluated in the light of its intended goals.

Findings

The paper identifies four reasons for the program’s limited impact. First, few devices are eligible to participate. Second, most manufacturers prefer to seek Medicare reimbursement at the local level as less risky than the CMS NCDs. Third, participation in the Parallel Review might actually delay the marketing of the device. Fourth, the program does not address numerous obstacles that device sponsors currently encounter. While giving the appearance of support for the medical device innovation, the policy falls short on its intended goals.

Originality/value

This paper elucidates the challenges to internal reform and serves as a reminder to political economists and health care researchers that to make disruptive innovation possible, we must continue to illuminate the otherwise unseen cost of marketing delays and document the ability of emergent market mechanisms to protect consumer safety.
Comparative study of the Islamic interbank benchmark verses conversional rates
Authors: Tlemsani Issam
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Islamic Interbank Benchmark Rate (IIBR) and investigate its relationship to conventional benchmark rates.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology in this study relies extensively on multivariate regression and Granger Causality analysis, using data culled for IIBR, conventional interest-dependent benchmark rates and oil prices which were collected daily over a period spanning from November 2011 to June 2015.

Findings

The main finding of this study is that there is significant negative correlation between the IIBR and London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other conventional interbank benchmark rates. This negative linear relationship is due to the IIBR representing a substitute investment for international investors when traditional rates fall in relation to the IIBR.

Practical implications

This study seeks to bring research on IIBR and Sharia finance into the mainstream. It provides new insights into the IIBR as an independent interbank benchmark rate, exploring and confirming its status as a Sharia complaint financial tool.

Originality/value

This study is a comprehensive investigation of the relationship between the IIBR and conventional counterpart benchmark rates (LIBOR, Kuala Lumpur Interbank Offered Rate [KLIBOR], Effective Federal Funds Rate [EFFR] and conventional rates in GCC countries). The study contributes to the understanding of the IIBR’s framework principles and its value as a solution to current and future Sharia-complaint short-term interbank market funding for the Islamic finance industry.
The implication of the stochastic gross-profit-per-day objective on the cargo ship profitability, capacity, and speed
Authors: El Noshokaty Said
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to study the implication of the stochastic gross-profit-per-day objective on the ship profitability and the ship capacity and speed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper has used the mathematical model and the solution methodology given by El Noshokaty, 2013, 2014, 2017a, 2017b, and SOS, 2019.

Findings

The paper finds that if the ship owner follows the rate concept and the cargo demand forecast, he can improve the profitability of his company and be able to select the proper capacities and speeds for the ships used.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are not only useful for the shipping or other cargo transport companies but also for businesses like gas reservoir development, car assembly lines in the industry, cooperative farming and crop harvesting in agriculture, port cargo handling in trade and road paving in construction.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper lies in notifying the ship owners of the possible profitability improvement and the consequences of building ships of larger capacities and slower speeds.
CSR and identification: the contingencies of employees’ personal traits and desire
Authors: Shahzadi Gulnaz , Qadeer Faisal , John Albert , Jia Fu
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Micro corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an emerging concept in management that relates to the examination of employees’ reaction to CSR initiatives. In this stream of literature, this study aims to investigate the underlying mechanism and boundary conditions of CSR and employees’ organizational identification relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of middle managers (n = 187) were collected from a large hospitality and real estate organization actively involved in CSR activities in Pakistan. The authors conducted two surveys using the self-administered questionnaire with a temporal break. Structural equation modeling was run using AMOS to analyze the data.

Findings

The authors found that organizational pride meditates while desire to have a significant impact through work (DSIW), gender and organizational tenure moderates the relationship between CSR and organizational identification.

Practical implications

The study implies that the management can take the opportunity to make use of the positive response of the employees by investing in social and environmental causes.

Originality/value

The study contributes to CSR, organizational behavior literature, and person-organization fit theory by explaining the complete path of CSR and identification. It unfolds the underlying mechanism and contingencies of CSR-Identification link that are overlooked in the literature .
Wetting characteristic of Sn-(3-x)Ag-0.5Cu-xBi quaternary solder alloy systems
Authors: Erer Ahmet Mustafa , Oguz Serkan
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to invastigate of the wetting and interfacial properties of Sn-(3-x)Ag-0.5Cu-(x)Bi (x = 0.5, 1 and 2 in Wt.%) Pb-free solder alloys at various temperatures ( 250, 280 and 310°C) on Cu substrate in Ar atmosphere.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, new Sn-(3-x)Ag-0.5Cu-xBi systems, low Ag content quaternary lead-free solder alloys, were produced by adding 0.5, 1 and 2% Bi to the near-eutectic SAC305 alloy. The wetting angles of three new alloys, Sn-2.5Ag-0.5Cu-0.5 Bi(SAC-0.5 Bi), Sn-2Ag-0.5Cu-1Bi(SAC-1Bi) and Sn-1Ag-0.5Cu-2Bi(SAC-2Bi) were measured by sessile drop technique on the Cu substrate in argon atmosphere.

Findings

In accordance with the interfacial analyses, intermetallic compounds of Cu3Sn, Cu6Sn5, and Ag3Sn were detected at the SAC-Bi/Cu interface. The results of wetting tests show that the addition of 1 Wt.% Bi improves the wetting properties of the Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu solder. The lowest wetting angle (θ) was obtained as 35,34° for Sn-2Ag-0.5Cu-1Bi alloy at a temperature of 310 °C.

Originality/value

This work was carried out with our handmade experiment set and the production of the quaternary lead-free solder alloy used in wetting tests belongs to us. Experiments were conducted using the sessile drop method in accordance with wetting tests.
Do social networking applications support the antecedents of knowledge sharing practices?
Authors: Naeem Muhammad , Khan Mohammad Javid
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Many organizations are struggling to achieve competitiveness due to lack of knowledge sharing (KS) practices. The sustainability of the service sector is linked to KS practices and creativity. Therefore, to survive in a dynamic business environment, universities have to formulate and implement such practices and innovative learning systems. This paper aims to highlight how social media networking apps can be used efficiently and effectively to support the antecedents of KS among the employees in public and private universities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a positivistic approach and a quantitative research design. A survey was carried out with employees at public and private universities. The respondents were chosen based on simple random sampling with the purpose of increasing the validity and generalizability of the results in the context of university settings and for other sectors as well.

Findings

Certain individual and organizational factors have been found, which have been supported by social networking tools. These factors can enhance KS practices, such as informal relationships and social networking, effective communication and collaboration, mutual trust and the intention to share knowledge, the KS culture and new ideas. The results of this study reveal that social networking applications such as WhatsApp, Viber, Skype, Facebook, Research-gate, YouTube and personal blogs are more productive in supporting the antecedents of KS stated above in university settings.

Research limitations/implications

Social networking applications have received attention because executives and researchers are increasingly focusing on finding new ways to use social networking tools for business purposes. The effective and efficient use of social networking tools helps organizations to foster knowledge amongst employees to address various critical issues, such as knowledge hoarding, lower levels of skills and knowledge, lower levels of communication and employee involvement, a lack of the intention to share knowledge and resistance toward the adoption of new technology.

Originality/value

There is rare literature available on how social networking tools can support the antecedents of KS in university settings. Most of such literature has investigated the link between social media and KS using a systematic literature and qualitative research approach. This research is based on empirical study and it is unique as it investigates the hitherto under-researched issue of the adoption of social networking applications to foster the antecedents of KS in university settings.
Structural discrimination and social stigma among individuals incarcerated for sexual offenses: Reentry across the rural–urban continuum
Authors: Huebner Beth M. , Kras Kimberly R. , Pleggenkuhle Breanne
Published: September 2019

The stigma associated with a felony conviction can impede the reentry process, and emerging research findings indicate that one's community can amplify or temper the mark of a criminal record. Researchers examining criminal stigma have focused on individuals living in urban areas, overlooking the experiences of persons outside these communities. Using qualitative data collected from a sample of men and women paroled for sexual offenses in Missouri, we contrast how social and structural stigma alter the reentry experiences for participants living in communities along the rural and urban continuum. The results show that the stigma of a sex offense conviction was a near‐universal experience and residence restrictions stymied efforts to find housing. Residents of urban areas and some large cities felt that the community offered relative anonymity from stigma but the stress of their status being discovered was omnipresent. Participants in rural areas and small cities had less social privacy and reported being shunned in the community, although strong social ties did mitigate some of the consequences of stigma. The results highlight the importance of considering place when studying reentry and have implications for designing correctional policies to address the needs of residents returning to non–metropolitan locations.
The Vulnerable World Hypothesis
Authors: Bostrom Nick
Published: September 2019

Scientific and technological progress might change people's capabilities or incentives in ways that would destabilize civilization. For example, advances inDIYbiohacking tools might make it easy for anybody with basic training in biology to kill millions; novel military technologies could trigger arms races in which whoever strikes first has a decisive advantage; or some economically advantageous process may be invented that produces disastrous negative global externalities that are hard to regulate. This paper introduces the concept of avulnerable world: roughly, one in which there is some level of technological development at which civilization almost certainly gets devastated by default, i.e. unless it has exited the ‘semi‐anarchic default condition’. Several counterfactual historical and speculative future vulnerabilities are analyzed and arranged into a typology. A general ability to stabilize a vulnerable world would require greatly amplified capacities for preventive policing and global governance. The vulnerable world hypothesis thus offers a new perspective from which to evaluate the risk‐benefit balance of developments towards ubiquitous surveillance or a unipolar world order.
Is the Patent System a Barrier to Inclusive Prosperity? The Biomedical Perspective
Authors: Gubby Helen
Published: September 2019

As patents grant monopolies, the patent system has a considerable impact on markets. When corporations use certain patent strategies, social welfare can be damaged. This article focuses on how corporations use patent strategies in the biomedical sector. Strategic patenting makes it possible to extend monopolies beyond the designated period and block competitors. Access to fundamental research can be restricted. Patients are disadvantaged by high monopoly prices for drugs, which can mean exclusion from treatment. It is argued here that as biomedical technologies are so vital to the welfare of people, and that in some cases are literally a matter of life or death for patients, this area of technology should not be controlled by private companies through their patent monopolies. The whole biomedical sector should be taken out of the ambit of the patent system.
Genetic Selection for Alcohol Preference in Mice Alters Dorsal Striatum Neurotransmission
Authors: Fritz Brandon M. , Muñoz Braulio , Atwood Brady K.
Published: September 2019

Background

Although it is widely acknowledged that the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder (AUD) is strongly influenced by genetic factors, very little is known about how this genetic predisposition may alter neurotransmission in a way that promotes AUD susceptibility. The dorsal striatum has garnered increased attention as a brain region of interest in AUD development given its significant roles in goal‐directed and habitual behavior.

Methods

In the present work, dorsal striatal neurotransmission parameters were measured in preclinical mouse models of high and low AUD risk. We performed brain slice whole‐cell patch clamp electrophysiological recordings from medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the dorsomedial (DMS) and dorsolateral (DLS) striatum of naïve adult male and female selectively bred high‐ and low‐alcohol–preferring lines of mice (HAP and LAP).

Results

We found that MSNs of HAP mice were significantly more excitable than those of LAP mice, specifically in the DLS. Additionally, the frequencies of spontaneous glutamate‐ and GABA‐mediated currents were both elevated in HAP mice relative to LAP mice in both dorsal striatal subregions, whereas amplitude differences were more variable between lines and subregions. AMPAR/NMDAR current ratios were significantly lower in HAP mice in both DLS and DMS.

Conclusions

Collectively, these results suggest that genetic predisposition for high or low alcohol consumption produces significantly different basal functional states within both DLS and DMS which may be important factors in the behavioral phenotypes of HAP and LAP mice.
A morphological and stereological study on brain, cerebral hemispheres and cerebellum of New Zealand rabbits
Authors: Selçuk Muhammet Lütfi , Tıpırdamaz Saadettin
Published: September 2019

The aim of this research was to determine brain, cerebral hemispheres and cerebellum volume and volume ratios by using stereological methods and investigate morphological differences between female and male New Zealand rabbits. The study was applied on 14‐month old (10 male and 10 female) New Zealand rabbits. The materials removed from the cavum cranii using dorsal approach. After following routine histological procedure, paraffin blocks were prepared and cut every seventieth section at 10 μm thickness. Slides were stained with Crossmon's triple stain and photographed. The sectional images obtained were transferred to ImageJ program to estimate grey and white matter volume on cerebral hemispheres and cerebellum with principle of Cavalieri. According to results, there was no asymmetry on the left and right cerebral hemispheres of New Zealand rabbits. In the total hemisphere volume calculated by Cavalieri principle, grey and white matter ratio was 81.57% and 18.43% in female, 82.80% and 17.20% in male. It was found that the white matter was significantly higher in females than males in cerebral hemispheres (p < .05). Also, it was found that grey and white matter ratio in total cerebellum volume was 67.82% and 32.18% in female, 67.94% and 32.06% in male respectively. It was determined that the females' white matter was larger than male rabbits in cerebellum (p < .05). It is thought that morphometric data obtained from this study will contribute to the existing anatomical knowledge and also considered as reference values in the clinical sciences.
A stepwise thrombolysis regimen in the management of acute portal vein thrombosis in patients with evidence of intestinal ischaemia
Authors: Benmassaoud Amine , AlRubaiy Laith , Yu Dominic , Chowdary Pratima , Sekhar Mallika , Parikh Pathik , Finkel Jemima , See Teik Choon , O’Beirne James , Leithead Joanna A. , Patch David
Published: September 2019

Background

Anticoagulation alone in acute, extensive portomesenteric vein thrombosis (PVT) does not always result in spontaneous clot lysis, and leaves the patient at risk of complications including intestinal infarction and portal hypertension.

Aim

To develop a new standard of care for patients with acute PVT and evidence of intestinal ischaemia.

Methods

We present a case series of patients with acute PVT and evidence of intestinal ischaemia plus ongoing symptoms despite initial systemic anticoagulation, who were treated with a thrombolysis protocol between 2014 and 2019. This stepwise protocol initially uses low‐dose systemic alteplase, and in patients with ongoing abdominal pain, and no evidence of radiological improvement, is followed by local clot dissolution therapy (CDT) through a TIPSS. Outcomes and safety were assessed.

Results

Twenty‐two patients were included. The mean age was 44.6 (standard deviation [SD] 16.0) years, and 64% had an identifiable prothrombotic risk factor. All patients had intestinal wall oedema and 77% had complete occlusion of all portomesenteric veins. Systemic thrombolysis was started 18.7 (SD 11.2) days after the onset of symptoms. 55% of patients underwent TIPSS insertion for CDT. At the end of treatment, symptoms resolved in 91% of patients and recanalisation in 86%. Only one patient required resection for intestinal ischaemia, and there were no deaths. Major complications occurred in two patients (9%).

Conclusions

Our stepwise protocol is effective, resulting in good recanalisation rates. It can be commenced early while organising transfer to a centre capable of performing local CDT.