bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the structure of different optimization strategies
Authors: Zemliak Alexander , Espinosa-Garcia Jorge
Published: February 2020

Purpose

In this paper, on the basis of a previously developed approach to circuit optimization, the main element of which is the control vector that changes the form of the basic equations, the structure of the control vector is determined, which minimizes CPU time.

Design/methodology/approach

The circuit optimization process is defined as a controlled dynamic system with a special control vector. This vector serves as the main tool for generalizing the problem of circuit optimization and produces a huge number of different optimization strategies. The task of finding the best optimization strategy that minimizes processor time can be formulated. There is a need to find the optimal structure of the control vector that minimizes processor time. A special function, which is a combination of the Lyapunov function of the optimization process and its time derivative, was proposed to predict the optimal structure of the control vector. The found optimal positions of the switching points of the control vector give a large gain in CPU time in comparison with the traditional approach.

Findings

The optimal positions of the switching points of the components of the control vector were calculated. They minimize processor time. Numerical results are obtained for various circuits.

Originality/value

The Lyapunov function, which is one of the main characteristics of any dynamic system, is used to determine the optimal structure of the control vector, which minimizes the time of the circuit optimization process.
Marketing performance measurement systems and firm performance
Authors: Liang Xiaoning , Gao Yuhui
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Driven by the growing pressure to justify the contributions of marketing activities, marketers have shown considerable interest in improving their marketing performance measurement systems (MPMSs). The purpose of this study is to examine the neglected mediating effect of marketing capabilities on the MPMS–firm performance relationship and to focus on specific aspects of MPMSs that have been largely omitted in the prior research, namely, the comprehensiveness and uses of MPMSs.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted with marketing and senior managers from 210 Irish-based companies. The proposed research model was tested by using the SPSS Process macro and structural equation modeling in AMOS 24.

Findings

The three characteristics of MPMSs influence firm performance in different manners: while the diagnostic use of MPMSs hinders the development of market-linking capability and thus negatively influences firm performance; the comprehensiveness of MPMSs positively influences firm performance through its impact on architectural marketing capability; and the interactive use of MPMSs via externally focused learning and market-linking capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study used objective firm performance data to validate subjective data, the use of single-informant and self-reported measures may still be a concern, as the strong relationships between variables may be because of single-informant bias.

Practical implications

This study provides insights into how companies can use a comprehensive MPMS to cultivate specific crucial marketing capabilities and thereby enhance firm performance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the marketing performance measurement literature by proposing and empirically validating the mediating effect of marketing capabilities on the MPMS–firm performance relationship.
Do organisational culture and national culture mediate the relationship between high-performance human resource management practices and organisational citizenship behaviour?
Authors: Lockhart Pamela , Shahani Nusrat Khan , Bhanugopan Ramudu
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of high-performance human resource management practices (HPHRMPs) on organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) and the influences of national culture (NC) and organisational culture (OC) on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a self-administered survey, data were collected from a sample of 420 public sector employees. The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling and hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

The findings of this study offer new insights into the ability to improve OCB through greater consideration of NC and OC in the design of HPHRMP. The results indicated that NC fully mediates the relationship between HPHRMP and OCB, whilst OC has a partial mediating influence.

Research limitations/implications

HPHRMP includes a wide variety of functional areas; however, this study has only examined three (reward management, performance appraisal and promotion practices) and contributes to understanding the importance of institutional theory in HRM.

Practical implications

This study highlights the need for HR professionals to ensure that they consider the impact of cultural differences (national and organisational) on how these HR practices will be perceived by employees.

Originality/value

The present study seeks to extend research into the link between cultural context and HPHRMP and posits that culture plays a crucial role in this relationship.
Towards development and validation of scale for ethical decision-making model in marketing
Authors: Shamsudheen Shinaj Valangattil , Azhar Rosly Saiful
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to develop and validate scale for ethical decision-making model in marketing that confirms religious–humanistic approach with special reference to ethical philosophy in Islam. Synthesized model of Ferrell and Gresham contingency framework for ethical decision-making in marketing and Al-Ghazali’s ethical philosophy are considered as theoretical background of this study.

Design/methodology/approach

“Content validity test” and “factor analysis” are used to refine measurement items and define as well as validate the scale, respectively. A total of 362 samples were collected from Islamic banking practitioners in the United Arab Emirates.

Findings

Item scale of the constructs comprised in the conceptual model defined and validated by using content validity test (CVT). Underlying theoretical dimensions of the constructs were extracted through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and evidence of validation of scale/construct reported through CFA.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of this paper is limited to development and validation of scale. Future studies are suggested to use the newly validated scale/construct in descriptive model, and examine the hypotheses prescribed in the model. Further, explanations on theoretical background of this paper is limited as the main objective of this paper is to statistically validate the conceptual model adopted.

Practical implications

Proper application of validated scale of ethical decision-making model in marketing should enable concerned authorities of marketing department to gauge and understand the ethical aspects of individuals in the organizations. Apparently, apprehension of ethical perception of workforces in organizations should benefit in enhancing competence and minimize the costs from unethical behaviour, and, thus, better governance in whole level of management.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is an initial attempt to develop and validate the scale of ethical decision-making model in marketing that accommodates both religious and humanistic aspects into a single model to examine the decision-making behaviour related to ethical issues of individuals in organizations.
Urban mobility modeling to reduce traffic congestion in Surabaya: a system dynamics framework
Authors: Suryani Erma , Hendrawan Rully Agus , Adipraja Philip Faster Eka , Wibisono Arif , Dewi Lily Puspa
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to address the urban mobility and traffic congestion problem under environmental dynamics to improve mobility and reduce traffic congestion using system dynamics (SD) simulation and scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

SD simulation was used to analyze urban mobility and traffic congestion. Data were collected from the Transportation Department of Surabaya City. Several scenarios to improve urban mobility and reduce traffic congestion were developed by modifying the structures and parameters of the model.

Findings

Several factors influence urban mobility, including modal split, trip frequency, delay performance and the ratio of public transport supply and demand. Urban mobility, daily traffic and road capacity are some factors that affect traffic congestion. Scenarios can be designed based on the assumptions of the proposed strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted at Surabaya City, East Java, Indonesia, which is the fourth most-congested city in the world.

Practical implications

By implementing several strategies (mass rapid transit and bus rapid transit development and public transport delay reduction), mobility performance is projected to be improved by 70.34-92.96%. With this increased mobility, traffic congestion is projected to decline by 52.5-65.8%.

Originality/value

The novel contributions of this research are: formulating relationships between several variables; modeling dynamic behavior of urban mobility and traffic congestion; and building scenario models to improve mobility and reduce traffic congestion in Surabaya. With the increase in urban mobility and the decrease in average daily traffic, traffic congestion could be reduced by a minimum of 57.6% and a maximum of 69%.
Strategic analysis using SWOT-AHP: a fibre cement sheet company application
Authors: Ashutosh Ashutosh , Sharma Ashok , Beg Masroor Ahmad
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Purpose of study: Indian fibre cement industry is at crossroads on account of the dropping margins attributed to the dynamic internal and external challenges faced by it. The ever-changing technology, the increasing availability of substitutes and changing demographic consumption profiles have questioned the survival of this industry. Internal and external factors affecting an organization provide inputs to the strategic decision-making. Diversity of factors and prioritization is a major challenge encountered for developing a strategy for the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Strategic analysis in the paper proposes to rank important key variables through SWOT-AHP methodology affecting a fibre cement company. Computed priorities of SWOT factor could help in formation of management approach to key decisions facing the firm. It is a descriptive research design. The problem itself has multiple SWOT criteria that have been evaluated in three phases with the help of industry experts and AHP criteria.

Findings

SWOT-AHP analysis has been a strategic fit for qualitative analysis of factors. The important ranked factors affecting the organization have been found to be brand name, capability of both the management and technical, quality of the product, and the efficient customer service and marketing reach/distribution.

Research limitations/implications

Ranking of key SWOT factors found through AHP methodology will help the firm under study to develop and plan strategic alternatives to counter all challenges faced by them.

Practical implications

The management of the firm under study shall be benefited in fine-tuning the overall strategy of the organization.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a hybrid SWOT-AHP strategic analysis first time in this sector. The affecting factors have been quantified and ranked to identify priority factors for the firm to focus.
Igbo management philosophy: a key for success in Africa
Authors: Osiri J. Kalu
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present the Igbo management philosophy as having the potential to bring about success in Africa and propose a framework that comprises a set of values and three key institutions: the marketplace, the family and the apprenticeship system. The paper shows that effective leaders are servant-leaders who sacrifice for others.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper relied on earlier and contemporary peer-reviewed, news media and books. These materials offered insight into what Igbos believed, how they behaved and how they historically organized their lives. Materials authored by both African and non-African authors were considered.

Findings

The researcher concluded that Igbos developed a management system based on a philosophy that is African, which is different from the Western system. A framework for the Igbo management philosophy is derived from complex interactions of values and institutions in Igbo societies. The researcher finds that a set of values, particularly, the value of sacrifice, is crucial for ensuring effective business leadership.

Originality/value

Western influence on management has persisted. However, with the economic rise of China, Asian philosophical thought has taken a more center stage in academic management scholarship. Even though human civilization occurred in Africa, it is perplexing that African management systems are not mainstream. There has been research on indigenous African systems and African management philosophy in general. Previous scholarship has also explored the Igbo culture as a whole and their apprenticeship system; however, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first time a framework for an Igbo management philosophy is proposed.
Development of a firm export performance measurement model using a hybrid multi-attribute decision-making method
Authors: Dahooie Jalil Heidary , Meidute-Kavaliauskiene Ieva , Vanaki Amir Salar , Podviezko Askoldas , Beheshti Jazan Abadi Elham
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The present study is aimed to develop a firm export performance measurement model. Increased levels of globalization are forcing firms, especially SMEs (i.e. small and medium-sized enterprises) and entrepreneurial firms, to enter new markets and increase their exports. Consequently, export performance measurement has become a vital tool for achieving competitive advantages, and this type of measurement is considered an important topic of research in the field of international marketing. However, the literature lacks a comprehensive framework for measuring export performance, even though many criteria for gauging this performance's parameters have been discovered and applied.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was conducted, and the most important criteria for export performance measurement was identified using weights obtained by stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis method. Then, the export performance of five firms was evaluated using the additive ratio assessment method with interval-valued triangular fuzzy numbers.

Findings

The 15 most significant criteria were identified and categorized into three dimensions: economic, strategic, and other. The strategic dimension was identified as the most important, while the criteria “strategic goals achievement” and “return on investment” were found to be the most relevant.

Practical implications

A comprehensive framework including a definitive set of the most prominent, useful evaluation criteria was established which enables both scholars and practitioners to assess export performance.

Originality/value

The current study attempts to fill the gaps in the literature by presenting a comprehensive framework for export performance measurement.
Performance evaluation of MRAS and SMO based sensorless PMSM drives
Authors: Singh Shweta , Tiwari Amar Nath , Singh S.N.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

For vector control of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) requires motor speed and rotor position estimation. The precision of the open-loop techniques of the stator flux and speed for vector control PMSM drive drops as mechanical speed decreases. The stator resistance and estimated stator flux values crisscross have a huge effect on the transient and steady-state performance of the drive at lower speed. The framework turns out to be increasingly strong against parameter crisscross and signal noises by using adaptive observers for estimation of speed and flux.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a comparison of two-speed observers for the vector control PMSM drive: the sliding mode observer (SMO) and the model reference adaptive system (MRAS). A comprehensive analysis of SMO and MRAS respects dynamic, steady-state performance and robustness, affectability, stability and computational complexity has been introduced. The abstract of the advantages and disadvantages of both observer and their comparative analysis have also been discussed.

Findings

Dynamic performance steady-state performance and robustness, affectability and stability.

Originality/value

This paper presents a sensorless scheme, namely, MRAS and SMO for control of PMSM drive. These sensorless techniques have been tested for a PMSM motor drive and the motor performance was compared for both techniques. Matlab/Simulink based simulation results conclude that the adaptive methods improve dynamic response, reduces torque ripples and extended speed range.
Capturing threshold responses of marine benthos along gradients of natural and anthropogenic change
Authors: Couce Elena , Engelhard Georg H. , Schratzberger Michaela
Published: February 2020

Ecologists and managers need to understand what types of communities emerge with continued human alterations to ecosystems against a background of natural change. Both natural and anthropogenic drivers are well known to affect organisms’ distributions; however, it often remains unclear where along a range of environmental and anthropogenic gradients important compositional community changes occur.

We used a big‐data approach, including over 175,000 presence records of benthic genera for the North Sea, to identify environmental (bed shear stress, sediment grain size, temperature) and anthropogenic parameters (trawling effort) driving benthic community composition over a 21‐year period. We applied a Gradient Forest analysis, based on Random Forests, to estimate the locations and importance of thresholds where small cumulative increases in the predictors drive a much greater change in genus composition than would be expected from linear effects.

Shear stress was the most important predictor of benthic community composition. Trawling effort, temperature gradients and sediment grain size were of intermediate importance. This corroborates that current and wave effects (typically associated with seabed substrate types) are primary determinants of benthic communities.

Our results suggest that a genus composition threshold for both infauna and epifaunal benthic communities is crossed when the seafloor is trawled as little as once every 4 years. Higher trawling levels corresponded with gradual compositional change without obvious thresholds, which would be consistent with chronic fishing in the North Sea over the last two centuries having caused persistent, long‐term changes in ecosystem structure and functioning. This was corroborated by the large‐scale spatial patterns of benthic community composition undergoing limited temporal changes during the 21‐year study period.

Synthesis and applications. Although well established in theory, threshold effects are poorly validated in the field. We generated new information on multi‐organism responses to environmental change at the scale of a continental shelf ecosystem and over a multi‐decadal time period. This will help pure and applied scientists better understand the conditions under which community thresholds are crossed and provide environmental managers with empirical evidence that is expected to reduce uncertainty regarding decisions on the protection and sustainable use of the marine environment.
Ontogenetic consistency in oak defence syndromes
Authors: Moreira Xoaquín , Abdala‐Roberts Luis , Galmán Andrea , Bartlow Andrew W. , Berny‐Mier y Teran Jorge C. , Carrari Elisa , Covelo Felisa , de la Fuente María , Ferrenberg Scott , Fyllas Nikolaos M. , Hoshika Yasutomo , Lee Steven R. , Marquis Robert J. , Nakamura Masahiro , Nell Colleen S. , Pesendorfer Mario B. , Steele Michael A. , Vázquez‐González Carla , Zhang Shuang , Rasmann Sergio
Published: February 2020

Plant species allocate resources to multiple defensive traits simultaneously, often leading to so‐called defence syndromes (i.e. suites of traits that are co-expressed across several species). While reports of ontogenetic variation in plant defences are commonplace, no study to date has tested for ontogenetic shifts in defence syndromes, and we know little about the ecological and evolutionary drivers of variation in plant defence syndromes across ontogeny.

We tested for ontogenetic variation in plant defence syndromes by measuring a suite of defensive and nutritional traits on saplings and adult trees of 29 oak (Quercus, Fagaceae) species distributed across Europe, North America, and Asia. In addition, we investigated if these syndromes exhibited a phylogenetic signal to elucidate the nature of their macro‐evolutionary variation, whether they were associated with levels of herbivore pressure and climatic conditions, and if any such evolutionary and ecological patterns were contingent on ontogeny.

Our analyses revealed three distinct oak defence syndromes: the first included species with high defences, the second species with high defences and low nutrient levels, and the third species with high nutrients and thinner leaves. Interestingly, these defence syndromes remained virtually unchanged across the two ontogenetic stages sampled. In addition, our analyses indicated no evidence for a phylogenetic signal in oak syndromes, a result consistent across ontogenetic stages. Finally, with respect to ecological factors, we found no effect of climatic conditions on defences for either ontogenetic stage, whereas defence syndromes were associated with differing levels of herbivory in adults but not saplings suggesting an association between herbivore pressure and syndrome type that is contingent on ontogeny.

Synthesis. Together, these findings indicate that defence syndromes remain remarkably consistent across oak ontogenetic stages, are evolutionarily labile, and while they appear unrelated to climate, they do appear to be associated with herbivory levels in an ontogenetic‐dependent manner. Overall, this study builds towards a better understanding of ecological and evolutionary factors underlying multivariate plant defensive phenotypes.
Laodelphax striatellus Atg8 facilitates Rice stripe virus infection in an autophagy‐independent manner
Authors: Yu Yuan‐Ling , Zhang Meng‐Ting , Huo Yan , Tang Ji‐Liang , Liu Qing , Chen Xiao‐Ying , Fang Rong‐Xiang , Zhang Li‐Li
Published: February 2020

Rice stripe virus (RSV) is the causative agent of rice stripe disease and is completely dependent on insect vectors for its plant‐to‐plant transmission. Laodelphax striatellus is the major insect vector for RSV. In this study, we explored the interactions between RSV infection and L. striatellus autophagy, a potential intrinsic antiviral mechanism in insects. We found that L. striatellus autophagic activity did not affect RSV infection; however, the autophagy‐related‐8 (Atg8) gene significantly enhanced virus infection. During RSV initial infection within the L. striatellus midgut, silencing of Atg8 expression significantly decreased the phosphorylation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (p‐JNK); however, when RSV infection is absent, silencing of Atg8 did not alter p‐JNK levels. These results indicated that Atg8 might activate the JNK machinery by allowing more virus infection into cells. We further revealed that Atg8‐deficiency significantly decreased RSV accumulation on the surface of the insect midgut epithelial cells, suggesting a receptor trafficking function of the γ‐aminobutyric acid receptor‐associated protein family. Using the RSV ovary entry as a model, in which vitellogenin receptor (VgR) mediates RSV cell entry, we clarified that Atg8‐deficiency decreased the abundance of VgR localizing on the cytomembrane and disturbed the attachment of RSV in the germarium zones. Collectively, these results revealed an autophagy‐independent function of L. striatellus Atg8 that enhances RSV initial infection by increasing virus attachment on the infection sites.
Incidence of assault in Sydney, Australia, throughout 5 years of alcohol trading hour restrictions: controlled before‐and‐after study
Authors: Kypri Kypros , Livingston Michael
Published: February 2020

Background and aims

In February 2014, pubs and bars in Kings Cross (KX) and the central business district (CBD) of Sydney, Australia were required to stop serving alcohol by 3 a.m. and operate a ‘lockout’ from 1.30 a.m. We studied changes in the incidence of assault during the following 5 years, including possible displacement.

Design

Controlled before‐and‐after ecological study.

Setting

Sydney, Australia.

Participants/Cases

Assaults in specified areas in which police apprehended at least one person.

Measurements

We compared change in non‐domestic assault in KX and the CBD with adjacent areas, other city areas, and outer suburbs, adjusting for the trend in the rest of the state during three periods: 6 p.m.–1.29 a.m. (‘pre‐lockout’), 1.30 a.m.–2.59 a.m. (‘lockout’) and 3 a.m.–6 a.m. (‘after last‐drinks’). We constructed interrupted time‐series models with terms for secular trend and season, producing incidence rate ratios (IRR) for step and slope parameters. We performed sensitivity analyses on impacts of missing location data.

Findings

After the intervention, assaults fell 38% in KX (IRR for step change = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.49, 0.79) and 10% in the CBD (IRR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.80, 0.99). Assaults continued declining in KX (IRR for slope = 0.990, 95% CI = 0.982, 0.998) and later increased in adjacent areas (IRR for slope = 1.006, 95% CI = 1.001, 1.011) and earlier in the evenings in both KX and the adjacent areas. The net reduction was 627 assaults over 60 months post‐intervention, i.e. 10 fewer per month. Estimates were robust to extreme assumptions about missing data.

Conclusions

The 2014 alcohol supply restrictions for pubs and bars in Kings Cross (KX) and the central business district (CBD) of Sydney, Australia were followed by a substantial reduction in the incidence of assault in KX and to a lesser extent in the CBD, possibly displacing some cases to adjacent areas and earlier in the evening.
Medication‐related criteria in frailty assessment tools: A narrative review
Authors: Dearing Marci E. , Bowles Susan K. , Isenor Jennifer E. , Theou Olga , Reeve Emily
Published: February 2020

Objective

To review medication‐related criteria within validated frailty tools.

Methods

Narrative review of validated frailty assessment tools. Frailty tools were identified from recently published reviews; each tool was reviewed to determine whether any medication‐related criteria were included and how these criteria contributed to the scoring/assessment of frailty.

Results

Eight out of 16 validated frailty tools included medication‐related criteria. The majority of criteria were a numerical cut‐off of number of medications taken; however, the specific cut‐off was not consistent.

Conclusion

Inclusion of medication‐related criteria in frailty tools is highly variable. Future research is required to determine whether incorporation of medication use into frailty assessment can impact outcomes in terms of frailty prevention and treatment.
The diagnostic value of a seven‐autoantibody panel and a nomogram with a scoring table for predicting the risk of non–small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Weidong , Zhuang Runzhou , Ma Honghai , Fang Likui , Wang Zhitian , Lv Wang , Hu Jian
Published: February 2020

The early detection of non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a common concern. The aim of our study was to validate the diagnostic value of a seven‐autoantibody (7‐AAB) panel compared with radiological diagnosis for NSCLC. We constructed a nomogram and a scoring table based on the 7‐AAB panel’s result to predict the risk of NSCLC. We prospectively enrolled 268 patients who presented with radiological lesions and underwent both the 7‐AAB panel test and pathological diagnosis by surgical resection. A comparison between the 7‐AAB panel and radiological diagnosis was performed. A nomogram and a scoring table based on the 7‐AAB panel’s result to predict the risk of NSCLC were constructed and internally validated. The 7‐AAB panel test had a specificity of 90.2% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 92.7%, which were significantly higher than those of the radiological diagnosis. The 7‐AAB panel also showed a preferable sensitivity in patients with early‐stage disease. Seven factors, including the 7‐AAB panel results, were integrated into the nomogram. For more convenient application, we formulated a scoring table based on the nomogram. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.840 and 0.860 in the training group and validation group, respectively, which was higher than that using the 7‐AAB panel or radiological diagnosis alone. This study reveals that our 7‐AAB panel has clinical value in the diagnosis of NSCLC. The utility of our nomogram and the scoring table indicated that they have the potential to assist clinicians in avoiding unnecessary treatment or needless follow‐up.
Environmental factors for establishment of the dormant state in oocytes
Authors: Hayashi Katsuhiko , Shimamoto So , Nagamatsu Go
Published: February 2020

Guaranteeing the sustainability of gametogenesis is a fundamental issue for perpetuating the species. In the mammalian ovary, sustainability is accomplished by keeping a number of oocytes “stocked” in the dormant state. Despite the evident importance of this state, the mechanisms underlying the oocyte dormancy are not fully understood, although it is presumed that both intrinsic and extrinsic factors are involved. Here, we review environmental factors involved in the regulation of oocyte dormancy. Consideration of the environmental factors illustrates the nature of the ovarian compartment, in which primordial follicles reside. This should greatly improve our understanding of the mechanisms and also assist in reconstitution of the dormant state in culture. Accumulating knowledge on the dormant state of oocytes will contribute to a wide range of research in fields such as developmental biology, reproductive biology and regenerative medicine.
Beech leaf disease symptoms caused by newly recognized nematode subspecies Litylenchus crenatae mccannii (Anguinata) described from Fagus grandifolia in North America
Authors: Carta Lynn Kay , Handoo Zafar A. , Li Shiguang , Kantor Mihail , Bauchan Gary , McCann David , Gabriel Colette K. , Yu Qing , Reed Sharon , Koch Jennifer , Martin Danielle , Burke David J.
Published: February 2020

Symptoms of beech leaf disease (BLD), first reported in Ohio in 2012, include interveinal greening, thickening and often chlorosis in leaves, canopy thinning and mortality. Nematodes from diseased leaves of American beech (Fagus grandifolia) sent by the Ohio Department of Agriculture to the USDA, Beltsville, MD in autumn 2017 were identified as the first recorded North American population of Litylenchus crenatae (Nematology, 21, 2019, 5), originally described from Japan. This and other populations from Ohio, Pennsylvania and the neighbouring province of Ontario, Canada showed some differences in morphometric averages among females compared to the Japanese population. Ribosomal DNA marker sequences were nearly identical to the population from Japan. A sequence for the COI marker was also generated, although it was not available from the Japanese population. The nematode was not encountered in Fagus crenata (its host in Japan) living among nematode‐infested Fagus grandifolia in the Holden Arboretum, nor has L. crenatae been reported in American beech in Japan. The morphological and host range differences in North American populations are nomenclaturally distinguished as L. crenatae mccannii ssp. n. from the population in Japan. Low‐temperature scanning electron microscopy (LT‐SEM) demonstrated five lip annules and a highly flexible cuticle. Females, juveniles and eggs were imaged within buds with a Hirox Digital microscope and an LT‐SEM. Nematodes swarmed to the tips of freshly cut beech buds, but explants could not be maintained. Inoculation of fresh nematodes from infested leaves or buds to buds or leaves of F. grandifolia seedlings resulted in BLD leaf symptoms. Injuring dormant buds prior to nematode application, in fall or spring, promoted the most reliable symptom expression. The biogeography and physiology of anguinid nematode leaf galling, and potential co‐factors and transmission are discussed.
QCA and the harnessing of unstructured qualitative data
Authors: Nishant Rohit , Ravishankar M.N.
Published: February 2020

This paper proposes qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) as a novel method to harness unstructured data sets such as publicly available reports and news articles. It shows how QCA and conventional qualitative IS research can complement each other. In particular, it demonstrates how qualitative IS research can combine typical qualitative coding techniques with a specific type of QCA, namely crisp‐set QCA (csQCA). The paper illustrates how QCA offers qualitative IS research an innovative approach to explicate the combination of conditions associated with particular outcomes. Drawing on an empirical study of green IS, it showcases the potential of QCA to harness large unstructured qualitative material and generate deeper insights about emerging IS phenomena. The paper also highlights how QCA can contribute to the data collection and analysis stages of qualitative IS research.
Flagging difference: Identification and emotional responses to national flags
Authors: Muldoon Orla T. , Trew Karen , Devine Paula
Published: February 2020

Flags can be thought of as representations designed to unite the national community. Emotional responses are seen as being particularly important in driving allegiances to flags. In societies affected by conflict, where the nation itself is contested, emotional responses to national symbols however, have the potential to be divisive. In this study, using a large scale sample in Northern Ireland, emotional responses to the in‐group and out‐group flags and their relationship to national identities are considered. 1,179 respondents reported their self‐categorized national identity, as well as explicit emotional responses to both in‐group and out‐group flags. The strength of identification with preferred national group, British, Irish, or Northern Irish, was also measured. Emotional responses to in‐group flags were significantly related to both strength of national identification and the type of emotion, annoyed, hopeful, satisfied, or uneasy, under consideration. Weaker emotional responses and different emotions were reported in response to out‐group flags. The results of the study are interpreted as consistent with appraisal and intergroup emotions theory which suggests the strongest emotional responses are evidenced in response to symbols of one's own group. The importance of emotions to understanding the dynamics of intergroup conflict, and in Northern Ireland in particular, is also discussed.
Comparative study of strategies to prevent esophageal and periesophageal injury during atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: de Oliveira Barbara D. , Oyama Helena , Hardy Carina A. , de Melo Sissy L. , Pisani Cristiano F. , Chokr Muhieddine O. , Balbo Conrado , da Costa Darrieux Francisco C. , Hachul Denise T. , Chaves Dalton M. , Artifon E. L. A. , Cestari Idágene A. , Sakai Paulo , Scanavacca Mauricio I.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To compare the prevalence of esophageal and periesophageal thermal injury in patients undergoing radiofrequency (RF) atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation using 8 mm tip catheters during three different esophageal protection strategies.

Methods

Forty‐five consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF underwent first ablation procedure, besides esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) combined with radial endosonography (EUS) performed before and after the pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. Before the procedure, patients were randomly assigned to one of three esophageal lesion protection strategies: group I—without any protective or monitoring dispositive and limiting RF applications to 30 W for 20 seconds, in left atrium posterior wall (LAPW); group II—power and time of RF delivery, up to 50 W for 20 seconds at LAPW, limited by esophageal temperature monitoring; group III—applications of RF in LAPW with fixed power application of 50 W for 20 seconds during continuous esophageal cooling.

Results

Baseline characteristics of patients were similar in all groups. The four PVs were isolated in 14 (93.3%), 13 (86.7%), and 15 (100%) patients, respectively in groups I, II, and III. The mean RF power was significantly higher (P < .001) in the posterior side of PVs in group III. Post‐AF ablation EGD and EUS revealed two esophageal wall ulcerations and two periesophageal mediastinal edemas only in the esophageal cooling group (P = .008).

Conclusion

Esophageal cooling balloon strategy resulted in a higher RF power energy delivery when ablating at the LA posterior wall, using 8 mm nonirrigated tip catheters under temperature mode control. Despite that, patients presented a relatively low incidence of esophageal and periesophaeal injuries.
Pulmonary vein firing initiating atrial fibrillation in the horse: Oversized dimensions but similar mechanisms
Authors: Linz Dominik , Hesselkilde Eva , Kutieleh Rayed , Jespersen Thomas , Buhl Rikke , Sanders Prashanthan
Published: February 2020

Atrial fibrillation is triggered by the pulmonary veins in humans. Although atrial fibrillation is known to occur in other species, the mechanisms of disease in these are not known. Here we present evidence for pulmonary vein triggers in the horse, where 3D HD Grid mapping was undertaken in the conscious state in the absence of fluoroscopy.
Predictors of long‐term outcomes greater than 10 years after cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation
Authors: Patel Divyang , Trulock Kevin M. , Moennich Laurie Ann , Kiehl Erich L. , Kumar Anirudh , Toro Saleem , Donnellan Eoin , Grimaldi Adam , Baranowski Bryan , Hussein Ayman A. , Tarakji Khaldoun G. , Cantillon Daniel J. , Niebauer Mark , Wazni Oussama M. , Varma Niraj , Wilkoff Bruce L. , Rickard John W.
Published: February 2020

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is indicated in patients with medically refractory heart failure and wide QRS duration. While much is known about predictors of left ventricular (LV) remodeling after CRT implantation and short‐term mortality, limited data exist on long‐term outcomes after CRT placement.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing CRT implantation at our center between 2003 and 2008 and examined mortality using institutional electronic records, social security death index, and online obituary search. We included only patients with preimplant echoes with LV ejection fraction (LVEF) 35% or below. Variable selection was performed using stepwise regression and models were compared using goodness‐of‐fit criteria. A final model was validated with the bootstrap regression method.

Results

Out of the 877 CRT patients undergoing implantation during this time, 287 (32.7%) survived longer than 10 years. Significant (P < .05) predictors of survival in our multivariate model were age, left ventricular diastolic diameter, sex, presence of nonischemic vs ischemic cardiomyopathy, QRS duration, atrial fibrillation, BNP levels, and creatinine levels at the time of CRT implantation. A model using the odds ratios from these variables had a receiver operating curve with an area under the curve score of 0.816 (standard error, 0.019) at predicting survival or freedom from LVAD or heart transplant for longer than 10 years after CRT implantation. The specificity for factors 3 or above and 5 or above was 68% and 77%, respectively.

Conclusion

A large proportion of patients are still alive 10 years after CRT implantation. Variables at the time of CRT implant can help provide prognostic information to patients and electrophysiologists to determine the long‐term benefit and survival of patients after CRT implantation.
Hedgehog signalling mediates drug resistance through targeting TAP1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Xiao‐Tian , Ding Jia , Li Hui‐Yan , Zuo Jie‐Liang , Ge Sheng‐Yang , Jia Hu‐Liang , Wu Jian
Published: February 2020

Multidrug resistance is one of the reasons for low survival of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our previous studies indicate that the hedgehog signalling is involved in hepatic carcinogenesis, metastasis and chemo‐resistance. The present study aims to uncover molecular mechanisms underlying hepatoma chemo‐resistance. TAP1 and GLI1/2 gene expression was assessed in both poorly differentiated hepatoma cells and HCC specimens. Potential GLI‐binding site in the TAP1 promoter sequence was validated by molecular assays. Approximately 75% HCC specimens exhibited an elevated expression of hedgehog GLI1 transcription factor compared with adjacent liver tissue. Both GLI1/2 and TAP1 protein levels were significantly elevated in poorly differentiated hepatoma cells. Both Huh‐7‐trans and Huh‐7‐DN displayed more karyotypic abnormalities and differential gene expression profiles than their native Huh‐7 cells. Sensitivity to Sorafenib, doxorubicin and cisplatin was remarkably improved after either GLI1 or TAP1 gene was inhibited by an RNAi approach or by a specific GLI1/2 inhibitor, GANT61. Further experiments confirmed that hedgehog transcription factor GLI1/2 binds to the TAP1 promoter, indicating that TAP1 is one of GLI1/2 target genes. In conclusion, TAP1 is under direct transcriptional control of the hedgehog signalling. Targeting hedgehog signalling confers a novel insight into alleviating drug resistance in the treatment of refractory HCC.
The effect of the systemic folic acid intake as an adjunct to scaling and root planing on clinical parameters and homocysteine and C‐reactive protein levels in gingival crevicular fluid of periodontitis patients: A randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Keceli H. Gencay , Ercan Nuray , Karsiyaka Hendek Meltem , Kisa Ucler , Mesut Burcu , Olgun Ebru
Published: February 2020

Aim

To evaluate clinical and biochemical effects of adjunctive systemic folic acid (FA) intake with scaling and root planing (SRP) in periodontitis treatment.

Materials and methods

Sixty periodontitis subjects (30 per group) were randomly assigned into study groups and treated with either SRP + placebo (SRP + P) or SRP + folic acid (SRP + F). In addition to clinical parameters (plaque index [PI], gingival index [GI], probing pocket depth [PPD], clinical attachment level [CAL] and gingival recession [GR]), gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were obtained at baseline and post‐treatment (PT) periods (one (PT‐1), three (PT‐3) and six (PT‐6) months) for C‐reactive protein (CRP) and homocysteine (Hcy) evaluation.

Results

Significant time‐dependent reduction was detected at all clinical parameters for both groups (p < .001). Compared to SRP + P, CAL was lower in SRP + F at PT‐1 (p = .004) and PT‐3 (p = .035), whereas GR was lower at only PT‐1 (p = .015). GCF volume and CRP did not show inter‐group differences, whereas Hcy was higher in SRP + F at PT‐3 (p = .044) and PT‐6 (p = .041). GCF volume and Hcy showed reduction after treatment in both groups (p < .001).

Conclusion

Both modalities exhibited clinical improvement and change in biochemical parameters. Adjunctive systemic FA intake may be recommended adjunctive to periodontitis treatment to reveal better outcomes. However, its impact mechanisms should be further enlightened.
Crowdsourcing and interactive modelling for urban flood management
Authors: Gebremedhin Eskedar T. , Basco‐Carrera Laura , Jonoski Andreja , Iliffe Mark , Winsemius Hessel
Published: February 2020

Participatory modelling has become a growing concept in environmental modelling, as it allows stakeholders to be involved in various stages of model development. The majority of studies, however, have focused on the participation during model use for scenario analysis and strategy evaluation after the model has been developed. Large‐scale community mapping efforts create new opportunities to establish, detail and improve flood models at the development stage by working together with local stakeholders. In this article, we propose a novel participatory modelling and mapping approach. It builds on the community mapping projects across the most vulnerable wards in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, which uses OpenStreetMap as a data platform. The approach consists of community mapping, an automated flood inundation model development and facilitation of stakeholder involvement. The participation of stakeholders in data collection helped achieving a more accurate flood model. The participatory modelling approach made participants aware of the skills necessary to develop an urban flood model with OpenStreetMap, necessary for creating a resilient society. The level of improvement obtained through the applied participatory modelling and mapping approach demonstrates its value in hydrodynamic model development and its potential for application in data scarce areas prone to urban floods.
Rheological study of tannin and protein interactions based on model systems
Authors: Brossard Natalia , Bordeu Edmundo , Ibáñez Rodrigo A. , Chen Jianshe , Osorio Fernando
Published: February 2020

The interaction between wine tannins and saliva proteins is responsible for wine astringency perception, producing a depletion of salivary proteins and changes on oral friction. In sensorial terms, astringency is described as a dryness and puckering sensation in the mouth, which is related to the “structure” or “body” of red wines. However, these last descriptors, as structure or body, are perceived during wine tasting and commonly related to wine viscosity. To address these differences on sensory response, we hypothesize that tannin–protein interactions could be a key factor involved in the viscosity of red wines/saliva mixtures, just as they are for astringency. We used a rheological method to study the impact of tannin–protein interaction on the viscosity of model wine‐saliva systems. Mixtures of model saliva based on mucin and typical astringent compounds, as commercial tannins and gallic acid, were evaluated for their rheological behavior. The viscometric flow of the fluid mixtures was determined, and subsequently, the viscosity was evaluated at a shear rate of 60 s−1. It was observed that red wines/saliva mixtures exhibit non‐Newtonian flow and ascending tannin doses led to an increase in the apparent viscosity. Nephelometric analysis demonstrate that tannin‐mucin aggregates were formed, which suggests that these complexes were potentially responsible for the viscosity increases, modifying the rheological behavior of these mixtures. Results from this work propose that tannin–protein interactions are also involved in the underlying mechanism of thickness perception of red wines and rheology could be a complementary instrumental technique for wine mouthfeel characterization.