bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct colorimetric LAMP assay for in-field detection of African swine fever virus: a validation study during an outbreak in Vietnam
Authors: Tran Diem Hong , Tran Hau Thi , Le Uyen Phuong , Vu Xuan Dang , Trinh Thi Bich Ngoc , Do Hoang Dang Khoa , Than Van Thai , Bui Le Minh , Vu Van Van , Nguyen Thi Lan , Phung Huong Thi Thu , Le Van Phan
Published: June 2020

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly infectious viral disease with high mortality. The most recent ASF outbreak in Vietnam occurred in 2019, posing a threat to spread to the neighboring Asian countries. Without a commercial vaccine or efficient chemotherapeutics successfully developed, rapid diagnosis and necessary biosecurity procedures are required to control the disease. While the diagnosis method of ASF recommended by the World Organization of Animal Health is real-time PCR, it is not suitable for in-field detection of the disease. In this study, a colorimetric Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assay was developed and evaluated for ASF virus detection using crude serum samples collected from domestic pigs in Vietnam during the 2019 outbreak. The LAMP results can be readily visualized to naked eyes within 30 minutes without the requirement of DNA extraction and sophisticated equipment. The sensitivity, specificity, and limit of detection of colorimetric LAMP assay were comparable to a commercial diagnostic real-time PCR kit. Results strongly indicate that the developed colorimetric LAMP assay is highly recommended for the in-field diagnosis of ASF.
Implementation and evaluation of a novel real-time multiplex assay for SARS-CoV-2: In-field learnings from a clinical microbiology laboratory
Authors: Williams Eloise , Bond Katherine , Chong Brian , Giltrap Dawn , Eaton Malcolm , Kyriakou Peter , Calvert Peter , Zhang Bowen , Siwan Mahendra , Howden Benjamin , Druce Julian , Catton Mike , Williamson Deborah A
Published: June 2020

The unprecedented scale of testing required to effectively control the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has necessitated urgent implementation of rapid testing in clinical microbiology laboratories. To date, there are limited data available on the analytical performance of emerging commercially available assays for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and integration of these assays into laboratory workflows. Here, we performed a prospective validation study of a commercially available assay, the AusDiagnostics Coronavirus Typing (8-well) assay. Respiratory tract samples for SARS-CoV-2 testing were collected between 1st March and 25th March 2020. All positive samples and a random subset of negative samples were sent to a reference laboratory for confirmation. In total, 2,673 samples were analyzed using the Coronavirus Typing assay. The predominant sample type was a combined nasopharyngeal/throat swab (2,640/2,673; 98.8%). Fifty-four patients were positive for SARS-CoV-2 (0.02%) using the Coronavirus Typing assay; 53/54 (98.1%) positive results and 621/621 (100%) negative results were concordant with the reference laboratory. Compared to the reference standard, sensitivity of the Coronavirus Typing assay for SARS-CoV-2 was 100% [95% CI 93.2%-100%], specificity 99.8% [95% CI 99.1%-100%], positive predictive value 98.1% (95% CI 90.2%-99.7%] and negative predictive value 100% [95% CI 99.4%-100%]. In many countries, standard regulatory requirements for the introduction of new assays have been replaced by emergency authorizations and it is critical that laboratories share their post-market validation experiences, as the consequences of widespread introduction of a sub-optimal assay for SARS-CoV-2 are profound. Here, we share our in-field experience, and encourage other laboratories to follow suit.
fMRI and Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES): A systematic review of parameter space and outcomes
Authors: Ghobadi-Azbari Peyman , Jamil Asif , Yavari Fatemeh , Esmaeilpour Zeinab , Malmir Nastaran , Mahdavifar-Khayati Rasoul , Soleimani Ghazaleh , Cha Yoon-Hee , Shereen A. Duke , Nitsche Michael A. , Bikson Marom , Ekhtiari Hamed
Published: June 2020

The combination of non-invasive brain stimulation interventions with human brain mapping methods have supported research beyond correlational associations between brain activity and behavior. Functional MRI (fMRI) partnered with transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) methods, i.e., transcranial direct current (tDCS), transcranial alternating current (tACS), and transcranial random noise (tRNS) stimulation, explore the neuromodulatory effects of tES in the targeted brain regions and their interconnected networks and provide opportunities for individualized interventions. Advances in the field of tES-fMRI can be hampered by the methodological variability between studies that confounds comparability/replicability. In order to explore variability in the tES-fMRI methodological parameter space (MPS), we conducted a systematic review of 222 tES-fMRI experiments (181 tDCS, 39 tACS and 2 tRNS) published before February 1, 2019, and suggested a framework to systematically report main elements of MPS across studies. We have organized main findings in terms of fMRI modulation by tES. tES modulates activation and connectivity beyond the stimulated areas particularly with prefrontal stimulation. There were no two studies with the same MPS to replicate findings. We discuss how to harmonize the MPS to promote replication in future studies.
Assessment of effective isolation, safe burial and vaccination optimal controls for an Ebola epidemic model
Authors: Tassé Arsène Jaurès Ouemba , Tsanou Berge , Lubuma Jean M.-S. , Woukeng Jean Louis
Published: June 2020

Since 1976 many outbreaks of Ebola virus disease have occurred in Africa, and up to now, no treatment is available. Thus, to fight against this illness, several control strategies have been adopted. Among these measures, isolation, safe burial and vaccination occupy a prominent place. In this paper therefore, we present a model which takes into account these three control strategies as well as the difference in immunological responses of infected by distinguishing individuals with moderate and severe symptoms. The sensitivity analysis of the control reproduction number suggests that, the vaccination response works better than the two other control measures at the beginning of the disease, and there is no need to vaccinate people in order to overcome Ebola. The global asymptotic dynamic of the model with controls is completely achieved exhibiting a sharp threshold behavior. Consequently, the global stability of the endemic equilibrium when the control reproduction number is greater than one, calls for the implementation of the three responses optimally. Thus, we define, analyze and implement different optimal control problems which minimize the cost of controls and the number of infected individuals through vaccination, isolation and safe burial. The obtained results highlight that, in order to mitigate Ebola outbreaks, an optimal vaccination strategy has more impact than the combination of isolation and safe burial responses. Therefore, the broad recommendation is that: if for any disease outbreak, the vaccine can be available quickly, one should think of implementing large vaccination programs rather than any other control measures.
Predicting individual risk for COVID19 complications using EMR data
Authors: Kinar Yaron , Lanyado Alon , Shoshan Avi , Yesharim Rachel , Domany Tamar , Shalev Varda , Chodick Gabriel
Published: June 2020

Background

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has challenged healthcare organizations and caused numerous deaths and hospitalizations worldwide. The need for data-based decision support tools for many aspects of controlling and treating the disease is evident but has been hampered by the scarcity of real-world reliable data. Here we describe two approaches: a. the use of an existing EMR-based model for predicting complications due to influenza combined with available epidemiological data to create a model that identifies individuals at high risk to develop complications due to COVID-19 and b. a preliminary model that is trained using existing real world COVID-19 data.

Methods

We have utilized the computerized data of Maccabi Healthcare Services a 2.3 million member state-mandated health organization in Israel. The age and sex matched matrix used for training the XGBoost ILI-based model included, circa 690,000 rows and 900 features. The available dataset for COVID-based model included a total 2137 SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals who were either not hospitalized (n = 1658), or hospitalized and marked as mild (n = 332), or as having moderate (n = 83) or severe (n = 64) complications.

Findings

The AUC of our models and the priors on the 2137 COVID-19 patients for predicting moderate and severe complications as cases and all other as controls, the AUC for the ILI-based model was 0.852[0.824–0.879] for the COVID19-based model – 0.872[0.847–0.879].

Interpretation

These models can effectively identify patients at high-risk for complication, thus allowing optimization of resources and more focused follow up and early triage these patients if once symptoms worsen.

Funding

There was no funding for this study

Research in context

Evidence before this study

We have search PubMed for coronavirus[MeSH Major Topic] AND the following MeSH terms: risk score, predictive analytics, algorithm, predictive analytics. Only few studies were found on predictive analytics for developing COVID19 complications using real-world data. Many of the relevant works were based on self-reported information and are therefore difficult to implement at large scale and without patient or physician participation.

Added value of this study

We have described two models for assessing risk of COVID-19 complications and mortality, based on EMR data. One model was derived by combining a machine-learning model for influenza-complications with epidemiological data for age and sex dependent mortality rates due to COVID-19. The other was directly derived from initial COVID-19 complications data.

Implications of all the available evidence

The developed models may effectively identify patients at high-risk for developing COVID19 complications. Implementing such models into operational data systems may support COVID-19 care workflows and assist in triaging patients.
Ribosome rescue inhibitors clearNeisseria gonorrhoeae in vivousing a new mechanism
Authors: Aron Zachary D. , Mehrani Atousa , Hoffer Eric D. , Connolly Kristie L. , Torhan Matthew C. , Alumasa John N. , Srinivas Pooja , Cabrera Mynthia , Hosangadi Divya , Barbor Jay S. , Cardinale Steven C. , Kwasny Steven M. , Morin Lucas R. , Butler Michelle M. , Opperman Timothy J. , Bowlin Terry L. , Jerse Ann , Stagg Scott M. , Dunham Christine M. , Keiler Kenneth C.
Published: June 2020

Thetrans-translation pathway for rescuing stalled ribosomes is conserved and essential in bacterial pathogens but has no mammalian homolog, making it an ideal target for new antibiotics. We previously reported the discovery of a family of acylaminooxadiazoles that selectively inhibittrans-translation, resulting in broad-spectrum antibiotic activity. Optimization of the pharmacokinetic and antibiotic properties of the acylaminooxadiazoles produced MBX-4132, which cleared multiple-drug resistantNeisseria gonorrhoeaeinfection in mice after a single oral dose. Cryo-EM studies of non-stop ribosomes showed that acylaminooxadiazoles bind to a unique site near the peptidyl-transfer center and significantly alter the conformation of ribosomal protein L27, suggesting a novel mechanism for specific inhibition oftrans-translation by these molecules.

One Sentence Summary

Ribosome rescue inhibitors reveal a new conformation of the ribosome and kill drug-resistantNeisseria gonorrhoeae in vivo.
CHMP2B regulates TDP-43 phosphorylation and proteotoxicity via modulating CK1 turnover independent of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway
Authors: Sun Xing , Deng Xue , Hu Rirong , Duan Yongjia , Zhang Kai , Cui Jihong , Ni Jiangxia , Wang Qiangqiang , Chen Yelin , Li Ang , Fang Yanshan
Published: June 2020

Protein inclusions containing phosphorylated TDP-43 are a shared pathology in several neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). However, most ALS/FTD patients do not have a mutation in TDP-43 or the enzymes directly regulating its phosphorylation. It is intriguing how TDP-43 becomes hyperphosphorylated in each disease condition. In a genetic screen for novel TDP-43 modifiers, we found that knockdown (KD) ofCHMP2B, a key component of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) machinery, suppressed TDP-43-mediated neurodegeneration inDrosophila. Further investigation using mammalian cells indicated thatCHMP2BKD decreased whereas its overexpression (OE) increased TDP-43 phosphorylation levels. Moreover, a known FTD-causing mutationCHMP2Bintron5promoted hyperphosphorylation, insolubility and cytoplasmic accumulation of TDP-43. Interestingly, CHMP2B did not manifest these effects by its well-known function in the autophagy-lysosomal pathway. Instead, the kinase CK1 tightly regulated TDP-43 phosphorylation level in cells, and CHMP2B OE or CHMP2BIntron5significantly decreased ubiquitination and the turnover of CK1 via the ubiquitin-proteasome (UPS) pathway. Finally, we showed that CHMP2B protein levels increased in the cerebral cortices of aged mice, which might underlie the age-associated TDP-43 pathology and disease onset. Together, our findings reveal a molecular link between the two ALS/FTD-pathogenic proteins CHMP2B and TDP-43, and provide an autophagy-independent mechanism for CHMP2B in pathogenesis.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

TDP-43 and CHMP2B are both ALS/FTD-associated proteins. Protein aggregations containing phosphorylated TDP-43 are a pathological hallmark of ALS/FTD; however, it is unclear how increased phosphorylation of TDP-43 occurs in diseases. The pathogenesis of CHMP2B has mainly been considered as a consequence of autophagy-lysosomal dysfunction. Here, we reveal that increase of CHMP2B levels (which occurs in aged mouse brains) or expression of the disease-causing mutation CHMP2BIntron5promotes TDP-43 hyperphosphorylation, insolubility and cytoplasmic mislocalization. This effect is independent of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway but rather relies on the proteasome-mediated turnover of the kinase CK1 that phosphorylates TDP-43. Together, we provide a new molecular mechanism of CHMP2B pathogenesis by linking it to TDP-43 pathology via CK1.
Influence of the microenvironment on the modulation of the host response by the typhoid toxin
Authors: Martin Océane C.B. , Butter Deborah , Paparouna Eleni , Theodorou Sofia D.P. , Haykal Maria M. , Boutet-Robinet Elisa , Tebaldi Toma , Bergonzini Anna , Chiloeches Maria Lopez , Wakeham Andrew , Rhen Mikael , Gorgoulis Vassilis G. , Mak Tak , Pateras Ioannis S. , Frisan Teresa
Published: June 2020

Bacterial genotoxins cause DNA damage in eukaryotic cells, resulting in activation of the DNA damage response (DDR)in vitro. These toxins are produced by Gram negative bacteria, enriched in the microbiota of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. However, their role in infection remains poorly characterized. We have addressed the role of the typhoid toxin in the modulation of the host-microbial interaction in health and disease.

Infection with a genotoxigenicSalmonellaprotected mice from intestinal inflammation. The toxin-induced DNA damage caused senescencein vivo, which was uncoupled from the inflammatory response, and associated with the maintenance of an anti-inflammatory environment. This effect was lost when infection occurred in mice suffering from inflammatory conditions that mimic Ulcerative Colitis, a form of IBD.

These data highlight a complex context-dependent crosstalk between bacterial genotoxins-induced DDR and the host immune response, underlining an unexpected role for bacterial genotoxins.
Signal sequences encode information for protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Sun Sha , Li Xia , Mariappan Malaiyalam
Published: June 2020

One-third of newly synthesized proteins in mammals are translocated into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through the Sec61 translocon. It remains unclear how protein translocation coordinates with the chaperone availability to promote protein folding in the ER. We find that signal sequences cause a translocation pause at the Sec61 translocon until nascent chains engage with luminal chaperones for efficient translocation and folding in the ER. Using a substrate-trapping proteomic approach, we identify that nascent proteins with marginally hydrophobic signal sequences accumulate on the cytosolic side of the Sec61 translocon, which recruits BiP chaperone through Sec63 to bind onto nascent chains. Surprisingly, BiP binding not only releases translocationally paused nascent chains into the ER lumen but also ensures protein folding. Increasing hydrophobicity of signal sequences bypasses Sec63/BiP-dependent protein translocation but translocated nascent chains misfold and aggregate under conditions of limited BiP availability in the ER. Thus, signal sequence-dependent protein folding explains why signal sequences are diverse and use multiple protein translocation pathways.
The myosin regulatory light chain Myl5 localizes to mitotic spindle poles and is required for proper cell division
Authors: Ramirez Ivan , Gholkar Ankur A. , Velasquez Erick F. , Guo Xiao , Torres Jorge Z.
Published: June 2020

Myosins are ATP-dependent actin-based molecular motors critical for diverse cellular processes like intracellular trafficking, cell motility and cell invasion. During cell division, myosin MYO10 is important for proper mitotic spindle assembly, the anchoring of the spindle to the cortex, and positioning of the spindle to the cell mid-plane, while myosin MYO2 functions in actomyosin ring contraction to promote cytokinesis. However, myosins are regulated by myosin regulatory light chains (RLCs), and whether RLCs are important for cell division has remained unexplored. Here, we have determined that the previously uncharacterized myosin RLC Myl5 associates with the mitotic spindle and is required for cell division. Myl5 localized to the mitotic spindle poles and spindle microtubules during early mitosis, an area overlapping with MYO10 localization. Depletion of Myl5 led to defects in chromosome congression and to a slower progression through mitosis. We propose that Myl5 is a novel myosin RLC that is important for cell division.
Olfactory transmucosal SARS-CoV-2 invasion as port of Central Nervous System entry in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Meinhardt Jenny , Radke Josefine , Dittmayer Carsten , Mothes Ronja , Franz Jonas , Laue Michael , Schneider Julia , Brünink Sebastian , Hassan Olga , Stenzel Werner , Windgassen Marc , Rößler Larissa , Goebel Hans-Hilmar , Martin Hubert , Nitsche Andreas , Schulz-Schaeffer Walter J. , Hakroush Samy , Winkler Martin S. , Tampe Björn , Elezkurtaj Sefer , Horst David , Oesterhelweg Lars , Tsokos Michael , Heppner Barbara Ingold , Stadelmann Christine , Drosten Christian , Corman Victor Max , Radbruch Helena , Heppner Frank L.
Published: June 2020

The newly identified severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, a pandemic respiratory disease presenting with fever, cough, and often pneumonia. Moreover, thromboembolic events throughout the body including the central nervous system (CNS) have been described. Given first indication for viral RNA presence in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid and in light of neurological symptoms in a large majority of COVID-19 patients, SARS-CoV-2-penetrance of the CNS is likely. By precisely investigating and anatomically mapping oro- and pharyngeal regions and brains of 32 patients dying from COVID-19, we not only describe CNS infarction due to cerebral thromboembolism, but also demonstrate SARS-CoV-2 neurotropism. SARS-CoV-2 enters the nervous system via trespassing the neuro-mucosal interface in the olfactory mucosa by exploiting the close vicinity of olfactory mucosal and nervous tissue including delicate olfactory and sensitive nerve endings. Subsequently, SARS-CoV-2 follows defined neuroanatomical structures, penetrating defined neuroanatomical areas, including the primary respiratory and cardiovascular control center in the medulla oblongata.
Side by side comparison of three fully automated SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays with a focus on specificity
Authors: Perkmann Thomas , Perkmann-Nagele Nicole , Breyer Marie-Kathrin , Breyer-Kohansal Robab , Burghuber Otto C , Hartl Sylvia , Aletaha Daniel , Sieghart Daniela , Quehenberger Peter , Marculescu Rodrig , Mucher Patrick , Strassl Robert , Wagner Oswald F , Binder Christoph J , Haslacher Helmuth
Published: June 2020

Background

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous new serological test systems for the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies have become available quickly. However, the clinical performance of many of them is still insufficiently described. Therefore we compared three commercial, CE-marked, SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays side by side.

Methods

We included a total of 1,154 specimens from pre-COVID-19 times and 65 samples from COVID-19 patients (≥14 days after symptom onset) to evaluate the test performance of SARS-CoV-2 serological assays by Abbott, Roche, and DiaSorin.

Results

All three assays presented with high specificities: 99.2% (98.6-99.7) for Abbott, 99.7% (99.2-100.0) for Roche, and 98.3% (97.3-98.9) for DiaSorin. In contrast to the manufacturers’ specifications, sensitivities only ranged from 83.1% to 89.2%. Although the three methods were in good agreement (Cohen’s Kappa 0.71-0.87), McNemar’s test revealed significant differences between results obtained from Roche and DiaSorin. However, at low seroprevalences, the minor differences in specificity resulted in profound discrepancies of positive predictability at 1% seroprevalence: 52.3% (36.2-67.9), 77.6% (52.8-91.5), and 32.6% (23.6-43.1) for Abbott, Roche, and DiaSorin, respectively.

Conclusion

We find diagnostically relevant differences in specificities for the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays by Abbott, Roche, and DiaSorin that have a significant impact on the positive predictability of these tests.
Composite fuzzy-wavelet-based active contour for medical image segmentation
Authors: Mewada Hiren , Patel Amit V. , Chaudhari Jitendra , Mahant Keyur , Vala Alpesh
Published: June 2020

Purpose

In clinical analysis, medical image segmentation is an important step to study the anatomical structure. This helps to diagnose and classify abnormality in the image. The wide variations in the image modality and limitations in the acquisition process of instruments make this segmentation challenging. This paper aims to propose a semi-automatic model to tackle these challenges and to segment medical images.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose Legendre polynomial-based active contour to segment region of interest (ROI) from the noisy, low-resolution and inhomogeneous medical images using the soft computing and multi-resolution framework. In the first phase, initial segmentation (i.e. prior clustering) is obtained from low-resolution medical images using fuzzy C-mean (FCM) clustering and noise is suppressed using wavelet energy-based multi-resolution approach. In the second phase, resultant segmentation is obtained using the Legendre polynomial-based level set approach.

Findings

The proposed model is tested on different medical images such as x-ray images for brain tumor identification, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), spine images, blood cells and blood vessels. The rigorous analysis of the model is carried out by calculating the improvement against noise, required processing time and accuracy of the segmentation. The comparative analysis concludes that the proposed model withstands the noise and succeeds to segment any type of medical modality achieving an average accuracy of 99.57%.

Originality/value

The proposed design is an improvement to the Legendre level set (L2S) model. The integration of FCM and wavelet transform in L2S makes model insensitive to noise and intensity inhomogeneity and hence it succeeds to segment ROI from a wide variety of medical images even for the images where L2S failed to segment them.
The tangled web: consequences of workplace cyberbullying in adult male and female employees
Authors: Loh Jennifer , Snyman Robyn
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test a moderated mediation model that links the experience of cyberbullying, perceived stress and job satisfaction among Australian employees.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 254 white collar Australian employees was conducted from a wide variety of business corporations to investigate the role of workplace cyberbullying and job outcomes. A moderated mediation analysis was conducted.

Findings

Results indicated that workplace cyberbullying resulted in perceived stress, which in turn predicted employee’s job dissatisfaction. The results further revealed that cyberbullied female employees as opposed to male employees were more likely to report greater perceived stress and to be dissatisfied in their job.

Research limitations/implications

Overall, the results suggest that cyberbullying is a potential resource drain for employees and has detrimental implications in their organisational life. Importantly, male and female employees reacted to workplace cyberbullying differently suggesting the need to address the issue of workplace cyberbullying more gender sensitively.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence that workplace cyberbullying can be a gendered phenomenon. Furthermore, COR theory and gender role theory is combined to reveal the differences between men and women in terms of their vulnerability towards different stressors.
An exploration of the techniques, outputs and outcomes of circulation management at exhibitions
Authors: Töppig Sabine Elisabeth , Moital Miguel
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To establish how and why exhibition managers manage circulation, this study explores the techniques (specific activities used to influence circulation), outputs (tangible enhancements in the performance of the exhibition resulting from changes in circulation dynamics) and outcomes (benefits of those enhancements to exhibitors, attendees and the exhibition organiser) of circulation management.

Design/methodology/approach

In face-to-face interviews, 10 exhibition managers were asked how and why they manage attendee circulation, which also involved a card-sorting exercise to elicit tacit circulation management knowledge. Four different experienced exhibitions managers from three continents were asked to validate the findings.

Findings

Four types of techniques were identified: magnet, layout, curiosity and playfulness and guiding techniques, with these implemented to achieve five outputs: greater footfall, better exposure to exhibits, enhanced navigation, greater buzz and managing congestion levels. The results further show that circulation was managed to achieve a variety of organiser-, exhibitor- and attendee-related outcomes. The study uncovered a large range of factors influencing the employment of circulation management techniques. Conflicts in outputs resulting from several techniques are highlighted, requiring the exhibition manager to establish which outputs and resulting outcomes take priority over others.

Originality/value

This exploratory study is the first study to propose a circulation management model for the exhibition context, equipping exhibition managers with knowledge to strategically manage attendee circulation.
Popular preferences for a fully means-tested welfare provision model: social and cross-national divides in Europe
Authors: Gugushvili Dimitri , van Oorschot Wim
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Whether welfare provision should be broad-based or selectively targeted at the poor is one of the most common themes in social policy discourse. However, empirical evidence concerning people's preferences about these distributive justice principles is very limited. The current paper aims to bridge this gap, by analyzing Europeans' opinions about a hypothetical transformation of the welfare state that would provide social transfers and services only to people on low incomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis draws on data from the 2016 European Social Survey and covers 21 countries. In order to understand what would motivate people to support the complete means testing of welfare provision, we use multilevel models with individual-level and contextual predictors.

Findings

The results show that the upper and middle classes are the most opposed to the idea, presumably as they would be the net losers from such a reform. Furthermore, our results indicate that more-egalitarian people show a higher level of support for means testing, even though the political left has traditionally promoted universalism. Some key characteristics of the welfare state also matter: People are more likely to endorse complete means testing in countries with less-generous provision and a higher incidence of poverty. However, the extent to which the existing welfare state relies on means testing has no influence on people's opinions about implementing a fully means-tested welfare model.

Practical implications

Some of the key findings are likely to be of interest to activists advocating on behalf of the poor and the socially vulnerable. Although it is generally assumed that universal provision is the best strategy to address the needs of disadvantaged people, our results suggest that from an electoral point of view, targeting within universalism may be a more appealing welfare strategy.

Originality/value

This paper details one of the very few studies to examine preferences for means-tested welfare provision in a comparative context. In addition, one of the contextual variables used in the analysis – the proportion of means-tested social benefits out of the total expenditure on social benefits – is unique to this study.
Precise vehicle ego-localization using feature matching of pavement images
Authors: Jiang Zijun , Xu Zhigang , Li Yunchao , Min Haigen , Zhou Jingmei
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Precise vehicle localization is a basic and critical technique for various intelligent transportation system (ITS) applications. It also needs to adapt to the complex road environments in real-time. The global positioning system and the strap-down inertial navigation system are two common techniques in the field of vehicle localization. However, the localization accuracy, reliability and real-time performance of these two techniques can not satisfy the requirement of some critical ITS applications such as collision avoiding, vision enhancement and automatic parking. Aiming at the problems above, this paper aims to propose a precise vehicle ego-localization method based on image matching.

Design/methodology/approach

This study included three steps, Step 1, extraction of feature points. After getting the image, the local features in the pavement images were extracted using an improved speeded up robust features algorithm. Step 2, eliminate mismatch points. Using a random sample consensus algorithm to eliminate mismatched points of road image and make match point pairs more robust. Step 3, matching of feature points and trajectory generation.

Findings

Through the matching and validation of the extracted local feature points, the relative translation and rotation offsets between two consecutive pavement images were calculated, eventually, the trajectory of the vehicle was generated.

Originality/value

The experimental results show that the studied algorithm has an accuracy at decimeter-level and it fully meets the demand of the lane-level positioning in some critical ITS applications.
Virtual reality and modern tourism
Authors: Pestek Almir , Sarvan Maida
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight as to how recent trends in virtual reality (VR) have changed the way tourism and hospitality industry communicates their offerings and meets the tourists’ needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on systematic literature review, where the relations between focal concepts are given to analyze potential future developments concerning VR.

Findings

The paper identifies and analyzes how VR technology affected tourism and hospitality industry through three main touch points – future tourism planning and management, technology-based marketing of tourism destinations and VR potential in changing consumer requirements. These concepts were analyzed to identify changing forces and suggest potential paradigm shifts that tourism and hospitality suppliers and marketers need to consider. These included realistic virtual travel replacements, the importance of interactive experiences and innovation in future tourism systems.

Originality/value

While there has been increasingly larger number of discussions on how tourists and tourism and hospitality industry have been using information and communication technology recently, there is little evidence of scholars and practitioners applying such methods. This paper used systematic literature review to illustrate means in which VR could be ingrained into tourism and hospitality services to meet the needs of tourists. It suggests that VR can and probably will fundamentally change the way in which tourists’ experiences and requirements are managed entirely.
Comprehensive analysis of potential prognostic biomarker in gliomas
Authors: Yu Zunpeng , Lu Long
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Gliomas are common intracranial tumors with the characteristic of diffuse and invasive growth. The prognosis is poor, and the recurrence rate and mortality are higher. With the development of big data technology, many methods such as natural language processing, computer vision and image processing have been deeply applied in the medical field. This can help clinicians to provide personalized and precise diagnosis and therapeutic schedule for patients with different type of gliomas to achieve the best therapeutic effect. The purpose of this paper is to summarize and extract useful information from published research results by conducting a secondary analysis of the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) literature database were used to retrieve published Chinese and English research papers about human gliomas. Comprehensive analysis was applied to conduct this research. The factors affecting survival and prognosis were screened and analyzed respectively in this paper, and different methods for multidimensional data of patients were discussed.

Findings

This paper identified biomarkers and therapeutic modalities associated with prognosis for different grade of gliomas. This paper investigated the relationship among these clinical prognostic factors and different histopathologic tying and grade of gliomas by comprehensive analysis. This paper summarizes the research progress of biomarker in medical imaging and genomics of gliomas to improve prognosis and the current status of treatment in China.

Originality/value

Combined with multimodal data such as genomics data, medical image data and clinical information data, this paper comprehensively analyzed the prognostic factors of glioma and provided guidance and evidence for rational treatment planning and improvement of clinical treatment prognosis.
Development and evaluation of a cloud bookcase system for mobile library
Authors: Lai Chin-Feng , Zhong Hua-Xu , Chiu Po-Sheng , Pu Ying-Hung
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to adopt cloud technology and develop a “cloud bookcase system” to make it possible to provide consistent mobile reading experiences to allow readers to use all kinds of mobile devices to read e-books.

Design/methodology/approach

This study implements a cloud bookcase and uses four indicators (system quality, information quality, service quality, user satisfaction) to evaluate the system for reading e-books.

Findings

After completing the system, the authors used a questionnaire to evaluate the system. The results show that the quality can meet the needs and satisfaction of users. Subsequent interviews with some of the participants also reveal the biggest concerns of readers include library policy, resources and system quality.

Practical implications

System quality, information quality, service quality and satisfaction are adopted as the indicators to assess the ratings from people using mobile devices to read e-books on the cloud bookcase system developed in this study to evaluate whether the cloud bookcase system is a successful information system as well as the relations between mobile device factors and user ratings. The results indicate that the ratings from more than half of the readers for the system, as shown in the various indicators, achieve more than 60%. From the interview results, the results show that some participants also reveal there is still room for improvement in some areas.

Originality/value

This study implements a cloud bookcase and there are three contributions: (1) the cloud bookcase system developed in this study based on related theories proves able to meet the needs of users, (2) this system had high ratings for all four indicators, (3) the interview responses reveal that most people regard system quality as the most important, and some of the people value some of the items more, including library policy, readers' interests and more resources, especially the number of e-books available.
Towards sustainability practices deployment in building construction projects in Nigeria
Authors: Oladokun Michael Gbolagade , Isang Inimbom Walter , Emuze Fidelis
Published: June 2020

Purpose

With recent extreme weather change from global warming, the ever-increasing volume of waste, and the unsustainable use of natural resources, there is the need to evolve a new way by which building construction projects are constructed to reduce carbon emissions, environmental degradation and excessive resource consumption. It is based on this premise that this paper presents the level of implementation of sustainability practices during building construction projects in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted the mixed methods research approach that involves collecting quantitative and qualitative data through the use of questionnaire and interviews. The numeric data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such average percentages, mean item score, Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests whereas the textual data were analysed thematically.

Findings

From the questionnaire survey, the result shows that the awareness level of sustainability practices by construction professionals is high in the study area. Also, the findings indicate that “choosing the right construction method for resource conservation and consideration of the client’s satisfaction” is the major sustainability practices that construction professionals implement in the construction phase of building projects in the study area. Insights from the interviews align with the findings from the questionnaire survey.

Originality/value

This study concluded that the awareness level of sustainability practices is high in the study area and “choosing the right construction method for resource conservation” and “consideration of the client's satisfaction” are the major sustainability practices that construction professionals are aware of and is being implemented in the study area. Based on these findings and conclusions reached, it is recommended that construction professionals should improve their knowledge of sustainability to enhance their competence for the effective implementation of sustainability practices during building construction projects in Nigeria.
Forensic Autopsies can Determine Latent Prostate Cancer Prevalence
Authors: Takaso Marin , Hitosugi Masahito , Nakagawa Risako , Mukaisho Kenichi , Moriguchi Shingo , Koh Mirae , Sugihara Hiroyuki
Published: June 2020

To evaluate the usefulness of forensic autopsies in determining latent prostate cancer (PC) prevalence, we examined latent PC prevalence from autopsies and compared our findings between decedents with and without cancer. Data from forensic autopsies performed in Japan from 2004 to 2014 were obtained. For each prostate, histopathological examinations were performed in both the base and the apex sections. Three hundred and seventeen Japanese decedents were selected for analysis. The mean age of decedents was 56.4 ± 17.8 years (range, 14–94 years). Among this population, 39.4% died suddenly of disease and 60.6% died of external causes. Latent PC was identified in 45 (14.2%) decedents, who ranged from 27 to 93 years old (mean, 71.1 ± 12.9 years). The prevalence of clinically significant PC with a Gleason score of 7 or more was 8.8%, and the rate increased with age. Fifteen males had cancers other than PC. The prevalence of overall latent PC was significantly higher for those with cancer compared with those without (40.0% vs. 12.9%; P = 0.003). In this study, the use of forensic autopsy materials provided the opportunity to obtain a more accurate natural history of PC, as the decedents in this situation would have been more likely to have died suddenly while behaving as normal prior to death, and less likely to have been impacted by long‐term medical interventions.
A study on the correlation between remnant cholesterol and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio in Chinese community adults: A report from the REACTION study
Authors: Li Binqi , Wang Anping , Wang Yuxia , Li Lin , Li Bing , Yang Zizhong , Zhou Xin , Gao Zhengnan , Tang Xulei , Yan Li , Wan Qin , Wang Weiqing , Qin Guijun , Chen Lulu , Ning Guang , Mu Yiming
Published: June 2020

Background

The correlation between remnant cholesterol (RC) and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) has not been illustrated. The present study aims to explore the correlation between RC levels and UACR in Chinese community adults.

Methods

This study included 35 848 participants from a cohort study (REACTION). The UACR data were divided into three groups: UACR <10 mg/g, 10 ≤UACR<30 mg/g, and UACR ≥30 mg/g groups. RC was divided into two groups, according to the 75th percentile: <75% group and ≥75% group. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between RC and UACR.

Results

The RC exhibited an adjusted odds ratio that was significant in models 1‐5. Although all confounders were corrected in model 5, RC and UACR were still significantly correlated， and the correlation was more significant in females，when compared to males (odds ratio [OR]: 1.117, 95% CI: 1.063‐1.176, P < 0.001 for all subjects; OR: 1.092, 95% CI: 1.128‐1.161, P = 0.004 for females; and OR: 1.085, 95% CI: 0.998‐1.194, P = 0.088 for males). The RC was significantly correlated with UACR for subjects with 5.6 ≤ fasting blood glucose < 7.0 or 7.8 ≤ post‐load blood glucose < 11.1 mmol/L, 24 ≤ body mass index (BMI) < 28 kg/m2, 120 ≤ systolic blood pressure < 140 and/or 80 ≤ diastolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg.

Conclusions

In the Chinese community, RC is highly correlated with UACR, and the correlation is more significant in females compared with males. At higher RC levels, patients with critical values of blood pressure, BMI and blood glucose have a more significant correlation between RC and UACR.
Climate Change, Geopolitics, and Human Settlements in the Hexi Corridor over the Last 5,000 Years
Authors: YANG Liu , SHI Zhilin , ZHANG Shanjia , LEE Harry F.
Published: June 2020

Social responses to climate change over human history have been widely discussed in academia over the last two decades. However, the transformation of the human–environment nexus crossing prehistoric and historic periods and the processes associated with it are not yet clearly understood. In this study, based on published works on radiocarbon dating, archaeobotany, zooarchaeology, and archaeological sites, together with a synthesis of historical documents and high‐resolution paleoclimatic records, we trace the extent to which human settlement patterns in the Hexi Corridor in northwestern China evolved in conjunction with climate change over the last 5,000 years. A total of 129 Neolithic, 126 Bronze Age, and 1,378 historical sites in the Hexi Corridor (n=1,633) were surveyed. Our results show that, in the Late Neolithic and Bronze Age periods (~2800–100 BC), climate change contributed to the transformation of subsistence strategies and the subsequent changes in human settlement patterns in the Hexi Corridor. The warm‐humid climate in ~2800–2000 BC promoted millet agriculture and helped the Majiayao, Banshan, and Machang Cultures to flourish. The cold‐dry climate in ~2000–100 BC resulted in the divergence and transformation of subsistence strategies in the Xichengyi–Qijia–Siba and Shajing–Shanma Cultures and in a shift in their settlement patterns. However, in the historical period (121 BC–AD 1911), human settlement patterns were primarily determined by geopolitics related to the alternating rule of regimes and frequent wars, especially in the Sui–Tang dynasties. We also find that trans‐Eurasian cultural exchange since ~2000 BC improved social resilience to climate change in the Hexi Corridor, mediating the human–environment nexus there. Our findings may provide insights into how human societies reacted to climate change in arid and semi‐arid environments over the long term.
Integrated analysis of miRNAs and DNA methylation identifies miR‐132‐3p as a tumor suppressor in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Su Yun , Shetty Amol , Jiang Feng
Published: June 2020

Background

Aberrant miRNA expression and DNA methylation are two major epigenetic events in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We conducted a combined analysis of the molecular changes in LUAD.

Methods

We analyzed differentially expressed miRNAs and methylated CpG loci in 489 LUAD tissues versus 49 normal lung tissues of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The results were validated in cell lines and xenograft mouse models and additional pairs of 36 LUAD and 36 normal lung tissues.

Results

A total of 125 differentially expressed miRNAs and 145 differentially methylated CpG loci were identified in the LUAD versus normal lung tissues of TCGA data. Expression of the 22 miRNAs was inversely correlated with the 47 differentially methylated sites located in the miRNAs. Molecular and cellular function analysis showed that the abnormally methylated miRNAs were mainly involved in cell‐to‐cell signaling and interaction in airway cells. The DNA methylation status and altered expressions of miRNAs and their target genes were confirmed in 36 pairs of lung tumor and noncancerous lung tissues. Furthermore, aberrant miRNA expressions or DNA methylations alone could be involved in tumorigenesis of LUAD via different pathways. In addition, elevated miR‐132‐3p expression, reduced expression of its targeted gene (ZEB2), and decreased cell proliferation was observed in lung cancer cells treated with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo analyses showed that miR‐132‐3p‐3p downregulation via DNA methylation promoted tumorigenicity of lung cancer by directly regulating ZEB2.

Conclusions

The interaction between two epigenetic aberrations could have important functions in LUAD. miR‐132‐3p might act as a tumor suppressor in the tumorigenicity of LUAD.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

Systemically investigating relationship between aberrant miRNA expression and DNA methylation in lung cancer could improve understanding of lung tumorigenesis and develop diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

What this study adds

Three forms of relationships between the two epigenetic changes are defined.

miR‐132‐3p is further identified as a tumor suppressor in lung cancer.