bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Supervised Natural Image Reconstruction and Large-Scale Semantic Classification from Brain Activity
Authors: Gaziv Guy , Beliy Roman , Granot Niv , Hoogi Assaf , Strappini Francesca , Golan Tal , Irani Michal
Published: September 2020

Reconstructing natural images and decoding their semantic category from fMRI brain recordings is challenging. Acquiring sufficient pairs of images and their corresponding fMRI responses, which span the huge space of natural images, is prohibitive. We present a novelself-supervisedapproach that goes well beyond the scarce paired data, for achieving both: (i) state-of-the art fMRI-to-image reconstruction, and (ii) first-ever large-scale semantic classification from fMRI responses. By imposing cycle consistency between a pair of deep neural networks (from image-to-fMRI & from fMRI-to-image), we train our image reconstruction network on a large number of “unpaired” natural images (images without fMRI recordings) from many novel semantic categories. This enables to adapt our reconstruction network to a very rich semantic coverage without requiring any explicit semantic supervision. Specifically, we find that combining our self-supervised training withhigh-level perceptual losses, gives rise to new reconstruction & classification capabilities. In particular, this perceptual training enables to classify well fMRIs of never-before-seen semantic classes,without requiring any class labels during training. This gives rise to: (i) Unprecedented image-reconstruction from fMRI of never-before-seen images (evaluated by image metrics and human testing), and (ii) Large-scale semantic classification of categories that were never-before-seen during network training.Such large-scale (1000-way) semantic classification from fMRI recordings has never been demonstrated before. Finally, we provide evidence for the biological consistency of our learned model.
A neural network-based framework to understand the Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)-related alteration of the human gut microbiome
Authors: Guo Shun , Zhang Haoran , Chu Yunmeng , Jiang Qingshan , Ma Yingfei
Published: September 2020

To identify the microbial markers from the complex human gut microbiome for delineating the disease-related microbial alteration is of great interest. Here, we develop a framework combining neural network (NN) and random forest (RF), resulting in 40 marker species and 90 marker genes identified from the metagenomic dataset D1 (185 healthy and 183 type 2 diabetes (T2D) samples), respectively. Using these markers, the NN model obtains higher accuracy in classifying the T2D-related samples than machine learning-based approaches. The NN-based regression analysis determines the fasting blood glucose (FBG) is the most significant association factor (P<<0.05) in the T2D-related alteration of the gut microbiome. Twenty-four marker species that vary little across the case and control samples and are often neglected by the statistic-based methods greatly shift in different stages of the T2D development, implying that the cumulative effect of the markers rather than individuals likely drives the alteration of the gut microbiome.
Gastrointestinal involvement attenuates COVID-19 severity and mortality
Authors: Livanos Alexandra E. , Jha Divya , Cossarini Francesca , Gonzalez-Reiche Ana S. , Tokuyama Minami , Aydillo Teresa , Parigi Tommaso L. , Ramos Irene , Dunleavy Katie , Lee Brian , Dixon Rebekah , Chen Steven T. , Martinez-Delgado Gustavo , Nagula Satish , Ko Huaibin M. , Reidy Jason , Naymagon Steven , Grinspan Ari , Ahmad Jawad , Tankelevich Michael , Gordon Ronald , Sharma Keshav , Britton Graham J. , Chen-Liaw Alice , Spindler Matthew P. , Plitt Tamar , Wang Pei , Cerutti Andrea , Faith Jeremiah J. , Colombel Jean-Frederic , Kenigsberg Ephraim , Argmann Carmen , Merad Miriam , Gnjatic Sacha , Harpaz Noam , Danese Silvio , Rahman Adeeb , Kumta Nikhil A. , Aghemo Alessio , Petralia Francesca , Bakel Harm van , Garcia-Sastre Adolfo , Mehandru Saurabh
Published: September 2020

Given that gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are a prominent extrapulmonary manifestation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), we investigated the impact of GI infection on disease pathogenesis in three large cohorts of patients in the United States and Europe. Unexpectedly, we observed that GI involvement was associated with a significant reduction in disease severity and mortality, with an accompanying reduction in key inflammatory proteins including IL-6, CXCL8, IL-17A and CCL28 in circulation. In a fourth cohort of COVID-19 patients in which GI biopsies were obtained, we identified severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) within small intestinal enterocytes for the first timein vivobut failed to obtain culturable virus. High dimensional analyses of GI tissues confirmed low levels of cellular inflammation in the GI lamina propria and an active downregulation of key inflammatory genes includingIFNG, CXCL8, CXCL2andIL1Bamong others. These data draw attention to organ-level heterogeneity in disease pathogenesis and highlight the role of the GI tract in attenuating SARS-CoV-2-associated inflammation with related mortality benefit.
Self-learning on COVID-19 among medical students and their preparedness to participate in government’s COVID-19 response in Bhutan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dorji Thinley , Tamang Saran Tenzin , Tilak TVSVGK
Published: September 2020

Background

Bhutan lacks a medical school and all their medical students are trained outside in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India. When the COVID-19 pandemic let to closure of medical schools in these countries, the Bhutanese medical students were repatriated in March-April 2020. Upon return, they were kept in government-sponsored facility quarantine for 21 days. This study assessed their knowledge on COVID-19 as a part of self-learning and attitude as part of preparedness towards participation in government’s health response to COVID-19.

Method

This was a cross-sectional study among medical students who had returned to the country. This survey was conducted through an online questionnaire while the students were in 21-day facility quarantine. The sample size calculated was 129 and a convenient sampling was used. Knowledge was assessed using 20 questions, each scored 1/20. Cumulative score of score of ≥80% was categorized as “good knowledge”, score of ≥60 – 79% was considered “satisfactory knowledge”, and score < 60% was considered “poor knowledge.” Correlation between knowledge score and duration of clinical clerkship was tested using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Attitude of students towards their willingness to participate in the national COVID-19 response were tested using rating scales. Data were analysed using Stata 13.1.

Results

120 medical students responded to this survey (response rate = 93%). Eighty-eight (74%) had good knowledge, 28 (23%) had satisfactory knowledge and only four (3%) had poor knowledge on COVID-19. The students scored high on the symptomatology, mode of transmission, prevention and treatment options and on local epidemiology; and scored low on the forms of mechanical ventilations and on the home-management of non-critical cases. The knowledge score correlated with duration of clinical clerkship (r = 0.326, p = 0.001). The primary source of information were social media sites (102, 85%), television (94, 78%) and newspapers (76, 63%). The majority (78, 65%) were willing to participate in the government’s COVID-19 response but could not identify what roles they could play. The fear of contracting COVID-19 was reported in only in 8.7%.

Conclusions

The medical students had good knowledge on COVID-19 and were self-learned through social media, television and newspapers. The students held positive attitude towards participation in the government’s COVID-19 response.
Clinical Outcomes of Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19 by Race
Authors: Marmarchi Fahad , Liu Michael , Rangaraju Srikant , Auld Sara C. , Creel-Bulos Maria Christina , Kempton Christine L , Sharifpour Milad , Gaddh Manila , Sniecinski Roman , Maier Cheryl L. , Nahab Fadi ,   The Emory COVID-19 Quality and Clinical Research Collaborative (QCRC)
Published: September 2020

Background

Studies of COVID-19 have shown that African Americans have been affected by the virus at a higher rate compared to other races. This cohort study investigated comorbidities and clinical outcomes by race among COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

Methods

This is a case series of critically ill patients admitted with COVID-19 to a tertiary referral teaching hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. The study included all critically ill hospitalized patients between March 6, 2020 and May 5, 2020. Clinical outcomes during hospitalization included mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy and mortality stratified by race.

Results

Of 288 patients included (mean age, 63 ± 16 years; 45% female), 210 (73%) were African American. African Americans had significantly higher rates of comorbidities compared to other races, including hypertension (80% vs 59%, p=0.001), diabetes (49% vs 34%, p=0.026) and mean BMI (33 kg/m2 vs 28 kg/m2, p<0.001). Despite African Americans requiring continuous renal replacement therapy during hospitalization at higher rates than other races (27% vs 13%, p=0.011), rates of intubation, intensive care unit length of stay, and overall mortality (30% vs 24%, p=0.307) were similar.

Conclusion

This racially diverse series of critically ill COVID-19 patients shows that despite higher rates of comorbidities at hospital admission in African Americans compared with other races, there was no significant difference in mortality.
Neonatal Presentations to the Children’s Emergency Department
Authors: Blakey Sarah , Lyttle Mark D , Magnus Dan
Published: September 2020

Background

Paediatric attendances to Emergency Departments (EDs) in the UK are increasing, particularly for younger children. Neonates present a challenge due to their non-specific presentations. Community services are under increasing pressure and parents may preferentially bring their children to the ED, even for non-urgent problems. Neonatal attendances have not been extensively studied, but previous reviews have shown many are well, often not requiring specific medical intervention. This study aimed to characterise the presenting features, management and disposition of neonatal attendances to a tertiary Children’s ED (CED).

Methods

Retrospective observational review of medical records identified via the ED Electronic database of neonatal attendances (≤28 days) to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children (BRHC) over 12 months (01/01/2016-31/12/2016). Further information was obtained from investigation results, discharge summaries and historical admissions data.

Results

Neonatal attendances increased from 655 to 1205 from 2008-2016. The most common presenting complaints were breathing difficulty (18.1%), vomiting (8.3%) and poor feeding (8.2%). The most common diagnoses were ‘no significant medical problem’ (41.9%), bronchiolitis (10.5%) and suspected sepsis (10.0%). Just over 1/3 were admitted (23% inpatient, 12% Short Stay Unit). Median length of stay for inpatients was 2 days. Half of neonatal attendances to the ED had no investigations performed and most (77.7%) needed advice or observation only.

Conclusion

Many neonates presenting to the CED were well and discharged with observation only. This suggests not only that there is potential for improved community management but that increased support for community colleagues and new parents is needed. There are also implications for reviewing training in emergency medicine, especially the ability to assess ‘well’ infants and to manage common neonatal problems. Drivers of health policy should consider developing enhanced models of out of hospital care which are acceptable to clinicians and families
Efficacy and safety ofBoswelliacontaining formulations for the treatment of osteoarthritis: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Singh Ambrish , Hussain Salman , Molina García Pablo , Antony Benny
Published: September 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic joint disease with limited pharmacological management options.Boswelliaextracts (BE) or formulations containing BE are generally considered as safe and offers a modest efficacy for the treatment of OA. Although previous systematic reviews have assessed the efficacy of BE in OA, these reviews had excluded trials assessing various formulations containing BE and excluded various combinations of BE. Hence, this study aims to systematically review the evidence from RCTs assessing the efficacy and safety of both BE and formulations containing BE for the treatment of OA. Biomedical databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar will be searched to identify the RCTs of BE or formulations containing BE in patients with OA (hand, knee, hip, or any other OA). Cochrane risk of bias tool will be used to assess the quality of included studies. Review Manager 5 (Rev Man) and STATA Version 16 will be used to conduct the statistical analysis.
Geometricus Represents Protein Structures as Shape-mers Derived from Moment Invariants
Authors: Durairaj Janani , Akdel Mehmet , de Ridder Dick , van Dijk Aalt DJ
Published: September 2020

Motivation

As the number of experimentally solved protein structures rises, it becomes increasingly appealing to use structural information for predictive tasks involving proteins. Due to the large variation in protein sizes, folds, and topologies, an attractive approach is to embed protein structures into fixed-length vectors, which can be used in machine learning algorithms aimed at predicting and understanding functional and physical properties. Many existing embedding approaches are alignment-based, which is both time-consuming and ineffective for distantly related proteins. On the other hand, library- or model-based approaches depend on a small library of fragments or require the use of a trained model, both of which may not generalize well.

Results

We present Geometricus, a novel and universally applicable approach to embedding proteins in a fixed-dimensional space. The approach is fast, accurate, and interpretable. Geometricus uses a set of 3D moment invariants to discretize fragments of protein structures into shape-mers, which are then counted to describe the full structure as a vector of counts. We demonstrate the applicability of this approach in various tasks, ranging from fast structure similarity search, unsupervised clustering, and structure classification across proteins from different superfamilies as well as within the same family.

Availability

Python code available athttps://git.wur.nl/durai001/geometricus

Contact

aaltjan.vandijk@wur.nl,janani.durairaj@wur.nl
Porcine model elucidates function of p53 isoform in carcinogenesis
Authors: Niu Guanglin , Hellmuth Isabel , Flisikowska Tatiana , Pausch Hubert , Rieblinger Beate , Carrapeiro Alexander , Schade Benjamin , Böhm Brigitte , Kappe Eva , Fischer Konrad , Klinger Bernhard , Steiger Katja , Burgkart Reiner , Bourdon Jean-Christophe , Saur Dieter , Kind Alexander , Schnieke Angelika , Flisikowski Krzysztof
Published: September 2020

Background

The pig has long been an important animal species for biomedical research. Recent years has also seen an increasing number of genetically engineered pig models of human diseases including cancer. We previously generated pigs with a modifiedTP53allele which carries a Cre-removable transcriptional stop signal in intron 1, and an oncogenic mutationTP53R167H(orthologous to humanTP53R175Hand mouseTrp53R172H) in exon 5. Pigs with the unrecombined mutant allele (flTP53R167H) develop osteosarcoma (OS) in aged heterozygous and young homozygous animals. In addition, some homozygous animals also developed nephroblastomas and lymphomas. This observation suggested thatTP53gene dysfunction is itself the key initiator of tumorigenesis, but raises the question which aspects of theTP53regulation leads to the development of such a narrow tumour spectrum, mainly OS.

Methods

We performed a series of molecular and cellular analyses to study the regulation ofTP53and its family members in both healthy tissue and tumours (n= 48) from flTP53R167Hpigs. Human OS cell lines were used to prove relevance to human patients.

Results

Molecular analyses of p53 revealed the presence of two internalTP53promoters (Pint and P2) equivalent to those found in human. Consequently, both pigs and human expressTP53isoforms. Data presented here strongly suggest that P2-driven expression of the mutant R167H-Δ152p53 isoform (equivalent to the human R175H-Δ160p53 isoform) and its circular counterpartcircTP53determine the tumour spectrum and play a critical role in the malignant transformation of bones, kidney or spleen in flTP53R167Hpigs. The detection of Δ152p53 isoform mRNA in serum is indicative of tumorigenesis. Furthermore, we showed a tissue-specific p53-dependent deregulation of the p63 and p73 isoforms in these tumours.

Conclusions

This study highlights important species-specific differences in the transcriptional regulation ofTP53. For the first time acircTP53RNA was identified. Results indicate that the Δ152p53 isoform, its circularcircTP53and p53 family members, TAp63δ and TAp73δ, likely play a role in the malignant transformation of bone and other tumours. Considering the similarities ofTP53regulation between pig and human, these observations provide useful pointers for further investigation into isoform function including the novelcircTP53in both the pig model and human patients.
A dopamine gradient controls access to distributed working memory in monkey cortex
Authors: Froudist-Walsh Sean , Bliss Daniel P. , Ding Xingyu , Jankovic-Rapan Lucija , Niu Meiqi , Knoblauch Kenneth , Zilles Karl , Kennedy Henry , Palomero-Gallagher Nicola , Wang Xiao-Jing
Published: September 2020

Dopamine is critical for working memory. However, its effects throughout the large-scale primate cortex are poorly understood. Here we report that dopamine receptor density per neuron, measured by receptor autoradiography in the macaque monkey cortex, displays a macroscopic gradient along the cortical hierarchy. We developed a connectome- and biophysically-based model for distributed working memory that incorporates multiple neuron types and a dopamine gradient. The model captures an inverted U-shaped dependence of working memory on dopamine. The spatial distribution of mnemonic persistent activity matches that observed in over 90 experimental studies. We show that dopamine filters out irrelevant stimuli by enhancing inhibition of pyramidal cell dendrites. The level of cortical dopamine can also determine whether memory encoding is through persistent activity or an internal synaptic state. Taken together, our work represents a cross-level understanding that links molecules, cell types, recurrent circuit dynamics and a core cognitive function distributed across the cortex.
Functional myeloid-derived suppressor cells expand in blood but not airways of COVID-19 patients and predict disease severity
Authors: Falck-Jones Sara , Vangeti Sindhu , Yu Meng , Falck-Jones Ryan , Cagigi Alberto , Badolati Isabella , Österberg Björn , Lautenbach Maximilian Julius , Åhlberg Eric , Lin Ang , Szurgot Inga , Lenart Klara , Hellgren Fredrika , Sälde Jörgen , Albert Jan , Johansson Niclas , Bell Max , Loré Karin , Färnert Anna , Smed-Sörensen Anna
Published: September 2020

The immunopathology of COVID-19 remains enigmatic, exhibiting immunodysregulation and T cell lymphopenia. Monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSC) are T cell suppressors that expand in inflammatory conditions, but their role in acute respiratory infections remains unclear. We studied blood and airways of COVID-19 patients across disease severity at multiple timepoints. M-MDSC frequencies were elevated in blood but not in nasopharyngeal or endotracheal aspirates of COVID-19 patients compared to controls. M-MDSCs isolated from COVID-19 patients suppressed T cell proliferation and IFNγ production partly via an arginase-1 (Arg-1) dependent mechanism. Furthermore, patients showed increased Arg-1 and IL-6 plasma levels. COVID-19 patients had fewer T cells, and displayed downregulated expression of the CD3ζ chain. Ordinal regression showed that early M-MDSC frequency predicted subsequent disease severity. In conclusion, M-MDSCs expand in blood of COVID-19 patients, suppress T cells and strongly associate with disease severity, suggesting a role for M-MDSCs in the dysregulated COVID-19 immune response.
Application of an ecology-based analytic approach to discriminate signal and noise in low-biomass microbiome studies: whole lung tissue is the preferred sampling method for amplicon-based characterization of murine lung microbiota
Authors: Baker Jennifer M. , Hinkle Kevin J. , McDonald Roderick A. , Falkowski Nicole R. , Huffnagle Gary B. , Dickson Robert P.
Published: September 2020

Background

Low-biomass microbiome studies (such as those of the lungs, placenta, and skin) are vulnerable to contamination and sequencing stochasticity, which obscure legitimate microbial signal. Since low-biomass microbiome fields have had variable success in establishing the reality and clinical significance of identified microbiota, we sought to develop and apply an analytical approach to discriminate signal from noise in low-biomass microbiome studies. We used this approach to determine the optimal sampling strategy in murine lung microbiome studies, which will be essential for future mechanistic lung microbiome research.

Methods

Using a novel, ecology-based analytic approach, we compared bacterial DNA from the lungs of healthy adult mice collected via two common sampling approaches: homogenized whole lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. We quantified bacterial DNA using droplet digital PCR, characterized bacterial communities using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and systematically assessed the quantity and identity of bacterial DNA in both specimen types. We compared bacteria detected in lung specimens to each other and to potential source communities: negative (background) control specimens and paired oral samples.

Findings

By all measures, whole lung tissue in mice contained greater bacterial signal and less evidence of contamination than did BAL fluid. Relative to BAL fluid, whole lung tissue exhibited a greater quantity of bacterial DNA, distinct community composition, decreased sample-to-sample variation, and greater biological plausibility when compared to potential source communities. In contrast, bacteria detected in BAL fluid were minimally different from those of procedural, reagent, and sequencing controls.

Interpretation

An ecology-based analytical approach discriminates signal from noise in low-biomass microbiome studies and identifies whole lung tissue as the preferred specimen type for murine lung microbiome studies. Sequencing, analysis, and reporting of potential source communities, including negative control specimens and contiguous biological sites, is crucial for biological interpretation of low-biomass microbiome studies, independent of specimen type.

Funding

National Institutes of Health
BURST enables mathematically optimal short-read alignment for big data
Authors: Al-Ghalith Gabriel , Knights Dan
Published: September 2020

One of the fundamental tasks in analyzing next-generation sequencing data is genome database search, in which DNA sequences are compared to known reference genomes for identification or annotation. Although algorithms exist for optimal database search with perfect sensitivity and specificity, these have largely been abandoned for next-generation sequencing (NGS) data in favor of faster heuristic algorithms that sacrifice alignment quality. Virtually all DNA alignment tools that are commonly used in genomic and metagenomic database search use approximate methods that sometimes report the wrong match, and sometimes fail to find a valid match when present. Here we introduce BURST, a high-throughput DNA short-read aligner that uses several new synergistic optimizations to enable provably optimal alignment in NGS datasets. BURST finds all equally good matches in the database above a specified identity threshold and can either report all of them, pick the most likely among tied matches, or provide lowest-common-ancestor taxonomic annotation among tied matches. BURST can align, disambiguate, and assign taxonomy at a rate of 1,000,000 query sequences per minute against the RefSeq v82 representative prokaryotic genome database (5,500 microbial genomes, 19GB) at 98% identity on a 32-core computer, representing a speedup of up to 20,000-fold over current optimal gapped alignment techniques. This may have broader implications for clinical applications, strain tracking, and other situations where fast, exact, extremely sensitive alignment is desired.
Structural characterization of Nonstructural protein 1 from SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Semper Cameron , Watanabe Nobuhiko , Savchenko Alexei
Published: September 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus and the etiological agent of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Efficient replication of the virus relies on the activity of nonstructural protein 1 (Nsp1), a major virulence factor shown to facilitate suppression of host gene expression through promotion of host mRNA degradation and interaction with the 40S ribosomal subunit. Here, we report the crystal structure of the globular domain of SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1, encompassing residues 13 to 127, at a resolution of 1.65 Å. Our structure features a six-stranded, capped β-barrel motif similar to Nsp1from SARS-CoV and reveals how variations in amino acid sequence manifest as distinct structural features. Through comparative analysis of structural homologues, we identified a topological signature associated with this protein fold that facilitated modeling of Nsp1 from MERS-CoV. Combining our high-resolution crystal structure with existing data on the C-terminus of Nsp1 from SARS-CoV-2, we propose a model of the full-length protein. Our results provide unparalleled insight into the molecular structure of a major pathogenic determinant of SARS-CoV-2.
Dysregulation of adipose ILC2 underlies thermogenic failure in aging
Authors: Goldberg Emily L. , Shchukina Irina , Youm Yun-Hee , Camell Christina D. , Dlugos Tamara , Artyomov Maxim N. , Dixit Vishwa Deep
Published: September 2020

Aging impairs the integrated immunometabolic responses which have evolved to maintain core body temperature in homeotherms to survive cold-stress, infections, and dietary restriction. Adipose tissue inflammation regulates the thermogenic stress response but how adipose tissue-resident cells instigate thermogenic failure in aged are unknown. Here, we define alterations in the adipose-resident immune system and identify that type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) are lost in aging. Restoration of ILC2 numbers in aged mice to levels seen in adults through IL-33 supplementation failed to rescue old mice from metabolic impairment and cold-induced lethality. Transcriptomic analyses revealed intrinsic defects in aged ILC2, and adoptive transfer of adult ILC2 are sufficient to protect old mice against cold. Thus, the functional defects in adipose ILC2 during aging drive thermogenic failure.

One Sentence Summary

Age-related changes in adipose tissue drive reprogramming of ILC2 that leads to impaired cold tolerance
Optimal Control of Chlamydia Model with Vaccination
Authors: Odionyenma U. B. , Omame A. , Ukanwoke N.O. , Nometa I.
Published: September 2020

This paper presents an SVEIRT epidemiological model in the human population with Chlamydia trachomatis. The model incorporated the vaccination class and investigated the role played by some control strategies in the dynamics of the disease (Chlamydia tracomatis). The reproduction number which helps in determining the rate of spread of the disease, was calculated using the method proosed by van den Driessche and Watmough. The local and global stability of the equlibrium points where established, where it was observed that the model is locally asymptotically stable if the reproduction number is less than unity, and globally stable if a certain threshold value is greater than unity or the re-nfection rate is zero. The effect of the re-infection rate on the global stability suggests the exhibition of the phenomenon of backward bifurcation of the model. The backward bifurcation of the system was later studied, and it shows that backward bifurcation will occur if the value of the bifurcation parameter ‘a’ is positive. The optimal control of the model shows the effect of different strategies in the transmission dynamicsof the disease and the cost effectivenes of each control pair. It was observed that the treatment and control effort gives the most cost effective combinations and at the same time the highest rate of disease avertion when compared to other stratagies. Sensitivity analysis of the parameters as shown in model, shows parameters that have high impact on the chosen classes.
The more I know, the more I engage: consumer education's role in consumer engagement in the coffee shop context
Authors: Ornelas Sánchez Sidney A. , Vera Martínez Jorge
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The present study examines the potential association between the company's efforts on consumer education and consumer engagement and addresses the implications of this link in strategic decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

The coffee shop industry serves as the context for testing the probable effect of education on creating more engaged consumers. To achieve this objective, regular coffee drinkers were asked to evaluate the education efforts of their favourite coffee shop and their level of engagement was assessed. Education and engagement were assessed using previously developed scales constituting a 32-item scale. The responses of 122 subjects were used in the analysis.

Findings

Consumer education, both firm specific and market related, are found to be related to engagement within a coffee shop context. Findings might suggest alternative strategies within coffee shop brands to enhance their educational efforts to increasing their consumer's engagement levels, which might ultimately result in more loyal customers.

Practical implications

The association between consumer education and consumer engagement is relevant when engagement is identified as a powerful predictor of several desired behavioural outcomes, such as satisfaction, word of mouth and loyalty. The possibility of education influencing consumer engagement might highlight an alternative strategy for companies pursuing higher engagement levels.

Originality/value

Although both constructs, education and engagement, have been previously used to analyse a set of different phenomena, the present study is perhaps the first to address a potential correlation between the two.
How engaging leaders foster employees' work engagement
Authors: Rahmadani Vivi Gusrini , Schaufeli Wilmar B. , Stouten Jeroen
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The current study investigates the mediating role of job resources (JRs) (i.e. person-–ob fit, value congruence, alignment, job control, use of skills, participation in decision-making, coworker support and performance feedback) and basic psychological need satisfaction at work (i.e. autonomy, relatedness, competence and meaningfulness) in the relationship between engaging leadership (EL) (i.e. inspiring, strengthening, empowering and connecting) and work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation analysis was used to test the mediation hypotheses, using a two-wave longitudinal design and an Indonesian sample of 412 employees from an agribusiness state-owned company.

Findings

The results show that EL at baseline 2017 (T1) predicts T1–T2 increase in work engagement (WE) directly, as well as indirectly through T1 JRs, and T1–T2 increase in basic psychological need satisfaction.

Originality/value

This research extends the job demands-resources (JD-R) model by showing the important role of ELfor fostering WE through increasing JRs and satisfying basic psychological needs at work.
The effect of authentic leadership and psychological capital on work engagement: the mediating role of job satisfaction
Authors: Wirawan Hillman , Jufri Muhammad , Saman Abdul
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of authentic leadership and psychological capital (PsyCap) on work engagement via job satisfaction by employing the job demands-resources (JD-R) model.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were 307 (52% male and 48% female) employees randomly recruited from a state-owned company in the eastern part of Indonesia. Most participants had completed an undergraduate degree with a mean age of 27.55 (SD = 7.89). The study employed a three-wave data collection technique to rule out any common method biases.

Findings

The results suggested that the theoretical model and empirical data showed a good fit (CMIN/DF = 2.19 and RMSEA = 0.06), indicating an indirect effect of authentic leadership and PsyCap on work engagement via job satisfaction. The effect of authentic leadership on work engagement was fully mediated by job satisfaction. In contrast, job satisfaction only partially mediated the relationship between PsyCap and work engagement.

Research limitations/implications

First, this study did not explore any further consequences of gender equality. Second, although the data have been compared with some existing studies, this study did not collect cross-cultural data from different countries. Lastly, the data were collected from a state-owned enterprise, which may limit generalisation to other organisations.

Originality/value

This study offered a new perspective by examining the implications of the JD-R model in the eastern part of Indonesia, where organisation culture is predominantly influenced by Buginese values. Furthermore, the inclusion of job satisfaction into the model added new information regarding the importance of mediating variables in explaining the indirect effect of job and personal resources.
The impact of a co-produced personality disorder training on staff burnout, knowledge and attitudes
Authors: Finamore Chloe , Rocca Fiammetta , Parker Jennie , Blazdell Julia , Dale Oliver
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Mental health professionals working with patients with personality disorder are at risk of burnout. Burnout can adversely affect workforce retention and the delivery of high-quality care. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the three-day Knowledge and Understanding Framework (KUF) awareness-level personality disorder training on burnout, knowledge and attitudes in staff working in mental health settings.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 253 mental health professionals attended the KUF training, delivered through a co-production model (i.e. co-delivered by a mental health professional and service user consultant with lived experience). Questionnaires were administered at pre- and post-training to assess changes in burnout symptoms and understanding, perceived capabilities and emotional reactions concerning personality disorder.

Findings

There were improvements in two burnout domains: decreases in emotional exhaustion (p = 0.009) and increases in personal accomplishment (p < 0.001) between pre-and post-training. Significant improvements were found in understanding, perceived capabilities and emotional reactions (p < 0.001).

Research limitations/implications

This evaluation is limited by a lack of a control group and long-term follow-up. Further research is required to investigate the sustainability of reductions in burnout for mental health professionals attending training and supervision structures.

Originality/value

KUF training may contribute to reductions in the high levels of burnout often experienced amongst staff working in mental health settings and could form a part of a broader strategy focussing on continued supervision and opportunities to integrate learning into practice.
The effect of crossovers on the stability of DNA origami type nanocarriers
Authors: Mogheiseh Maryam , Hasanzadeh Ghasemi Reza , Soheilifard Reza
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the stability of the three nanocarriers created by DNA origami method with different positions and numbers of crossovers

Design/methodology/approach

Nanocarriers are attractive components among a variety of nanostructures created by DNA origami and can have numerous applications in mechanical and medical engineering. For this reason, the current study compares three nanotubes with different positions and numbers of crossovers created by DNA origami method that can be utilized as nanocarriers. To investigate the structures, the DNA nanocarriers are studied at the human body temperature 310 K. Molecular dynamics simulations are used for this study. For a quantitative analysis of DNA nanocarriers, the areas of three hexagons at three different sites in each of the nanotubes are investigated. The results indicate that the number and position of crossovers are among the significant factors in the structure stability of nanocarriers. The analyses also revealed that although adding crossovers in locations with fewer crossovers increase structural stability, the position of crossovers can have different effects on the stability. DNA origami-based nanocarriers can be implemented in drug delivery, allow the nanocargoes to pass various surfaces and act as filters for passing cargoes of different dimensions and chemical structures.

Findings

The results indicate that the number and position of crossovers are among the significant factors in the structure stability of nanocarriers

Originality/value

In this paper, the stability of DNA origami nanocarriers with different positions and numbers of crossovers was investigated.
Factors affecting crime, fear of crime and satisfaction with police: focusing on policing and the neighborhood context
Authors: Cho Joon Tag
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore factors affecting police performance, such as violent crime, fear of crime and satisfaction with police, using objectively measured policing and neighborhood characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combined four data sources, including police statistics, a crime victimization survey, local government statistics and a public service satisfaction survey. Negative binomial regression and ordinary least squares models were estimated using data from 135 city governments.

Findings

Violent crime was negatively associated with arrest, while fear of crime was negatively associated with patrol and positively correlated with disorder and public places. In addition, satisfaction with police had a positive association with level of patrolling and disorder policing, whereas residents receiving public assistance, ethnic heterogeneity and entertainment establishments were negatively associated with it.

Research limitations/implications

This paper identified the different factors that impact each type of police performance, indicating its unique characteristics. Further research should be conducted to analyze data from non-urban areas to improve external validity.

Practical implications

This study suggests that police managers need to choose the means of policing carefully depending on which performance indicators they are focusing on improving in the region.

Originality/value

Few studies to date have examined the correlation between objectively measured policing and neighborhood context factors and police performance at the macro level.
Empirical characterization of hydration behavior of Indian paddy varieties by physicochemical characterization and kinetic studies
Authors: Aruva Saikrishna , Dutta Sayantani , Moses Jeyan Arthur , C Anandharamakrishnan
Published: September 2020

Temperature is an important factor in the determination of hydration kinetics in paddy, and it varies with variety. To understand this hydration behavior, the current study analyses the hydration kinetics of 12 different paddy varieties of India that were exposed to different soaking temperatures. The protein content of the paddy samples was found to be in the range of 6.13 to 9.19%; whereas, starch content was between 67.79 and 84.88%. The physicochemical composition of paddy varieties as well as variation in time‐temperature of hydration was found to be decisive in ascertaining the hydration behavior. An increased hydration rate was observed with increasing hydration temperature as well as with higher amylose content of paddy. Among the varieties studied, the ratio of amylose to amylopectin was between 0.37 and 0.77. For all samples, the gelatinization temperature was in the range of 65.60 to 83.10 °C, which in turn was negatively correlated with amylose content, and influenced the hydration behavior of paddy. The optimum time‐temperature condition range for hydration for each paddy variety was between 50 and 60°C for 2 to 3.5 hr, depending upon the variety. The activation energy for the paddy samples in this investigation was found to be in the range of 8.70 to 23.10 kJ/mol. The kinetic modeling of hydration was conducted using Peleg's model, with a good fit. The data indicated that with increment in hydration temperature, the rate of hydration was enhanced in all varieties with a decrease in the Peleg's rate constant (K1) and capacity constant (K2). These constants indicate a direct temperature‐dependence of water absorption in paddy.

Practical Application

The hydration of paddy is an important procedure in paddy processing, and across the world, many industries are working on it. Irrespective of the variety, paddy processing globally has remained tricky. Knowledge about the hydration behavior of paddy would enable food processors to better understand the effect of process parameters and to model their experimental setup to obtain the desired physicochemical attributes, as well as process yield. Customers would benefit from adequately processed paddy with better digestibility for which industry would have to invest less in terms of time and resources, thereby making the hydrated paddy more affordable.
Gender Quotas and International Reputation
Authors: Bush Sarah Sunn , Zetterberg Pär
Published: September 2020

The global spread of electoral gender quotas has been characterized as one of the most significant institutional developments of the last 30 years. Many of the countries that have adopted these laws designed to increase women's political representation are electoral autocracies that have otherwise‐stark gender inequalities. Some scholars argue that electoral authoritarian states have adopted quotas as a strategy for improving their international reputations for democracy. This article represents the first exploration of whether quotas really generate reputational boosts. Using large‐scale survey experiments in Sweden and the United States concerning hypothetical developing countries, we find that they do. In particular, audiences perceived electoral autocracies as more democratic and were more likely to support giving them foreign aid when women's descriptive representation was greater. Beyond its contribution to our understanding of gender quotas and women's representation, this article contributes to broader debates about international reputation, human rights, and foreign aid attitudes.
Research directions in color movie restoration
Authors: Plutino Alice , Rizzi Alessandro
Published: September 2020

Film restoration is a complex and multidisciplinary field that requires the collaboration of many professionals. Here, we present a series of ongoing unresolved problems, focusing on digitisation, digital restoration and conservation.
Parent and child co‐resident status among an Australian community‐based sample of methamphetamine smokers
Authors: Ward Bernadette , Kippen Rebecca , Reupert Andrea , Maybery Darryl , Agius Paul A. , Quinn Brendan , Jenkinson Rebecca , Hickman Matthew , Sutton Keith , Goldsmith Rachael , Dietze Paul M.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Children in families where there is substance misuse are at high risk of being removed from their parents' care. This study describes the characteristics of a community sample of parents who primarily smoke methamphetamine and their child or children's residential status.

Design and Methods

Baseline data from a prospective study of methamphetamine smokers (‘VMAX’). Participants were recruited via convenience, respondent‐driven and snowball sampling. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to estimate associations between parental status; fathers' or mothers' socio‐demographic, psychosocial, mental health, alcohol, methamphetamine use dependence, alcohol use and child or children's co‐residential status.

Results

Of the 744 participants, 394 (53%) reported being parents; 76% (88% of fathers, 57% of mothers) reported no co‐resident children. Compared to parents without co‐resident children, parents with co‐resident children were more likely to have a higher income. Fathers with co‐resident children were more likely to be partnered and not to have experienced violence in the previous 6 months. Mothers with co‐resident children were less likely to have been homeless recently or to have accessed treatment for methamphetamine use.

Discussion and Conclusions

The prevalence of non‐co‐resident children was much higher than previously reported in studies of parents who use methamphetamine; irrespective of whether in or out of treatment. There is a need for accessible support and services for parents who use methamphetamine; irrespective of their child or children's co‐residency status. Research is needed to determine the longitudinal impact of methamphetamine use on parents' and children's wellbeing and to identify how parents with co‐resident children (particularly mothers) can be supported.
Can N2O emissions offset the benefits from soil organic carbon storage?
Authors: Guenet Bertrand , Gabrielle Benoit , Chenu Claire , Arrouays Dominique , Balesdent Jérôme , Bernoux Martial , Bruni Elisa , Caliman Jean‐Pierre , Cardinael Rémi , Chen Songchao , Ciais Philippe , Desbois Dominique , Fouche Julien , Frank Stefan , Henault Catherine , Lugato Emanuele , Naipal Victoria , Nesme Thomas , Obersteiner Michael , Pellerin Sylvain , Powlson David S. , Rasse Daniel P. , Rees Frédéric , Soussana Jean‐François , Su Yang , Tian Hanqin , Valin Hugo , Zhou Feng
Published: September 2020

To respect the Paris agreement targeting a limitation of global warming below 2°C by 2100, and possibly below 1.5°C, drastic reductions of greenhouse gas emissions are mandatory but not sufficient. Large‐scale deployment of other climate mitigation strategies is also necessary. Among these, increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks is an important lever because carbon in soils can be stored for long periods and land management options to achieve this already exist and have been widely tested. However, agricultural soils are also an important source of nitrous oxide (N2O), a powerful greenhouse gas, and increasing SOC may influence N2O emissions, likely causing an increase in many cases, thus tending to offset the climate change benefit from increased SOC storage. Here we review the main agricultural management options for increasing SOC stocks. We evaluate the amount of SOC that can be stored as well as resulting changes in N2O emissions to better estimate the climate benefits of these management options. Based on quantitative data obtained from published meta‐analyses and from our current level of understanding, we conclude that the climate mitigation induced by increased SOC storage is generally overestimated if associated N2O emissions are not considered but, with the exception of reduced tillage, is never fully offset. Some options (e.g. biochar or non‐pyrogenic C amendment application) may even decrease N2O emissions.