bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multi-institutional randomized phase III trial comparing postoperative radiotherapy to observation after adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with pathological N2 Stage III non-small cell lung cancer: Japan Clinical Oncology Group Study JCOG1916 (J-PORT study)
Authors: Shimoyama Ryo , Nakagawa Kazuo , Ishikura Satoshi , Wakabayashi Masashi , Sasaki Tomonari , Yoshioka Hiroshige , Hashimoto Tadayoshi , Kataoka Tomoko , Fukuda Haruhiko , Watanabe Shun-ichi
Published: February 2021

The standard treatment for pathological N2 Stage III non-small cell lung cancer with negative surgical margins in Japan is cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy. However, recent studies suggest that the addition of thoracic radiotherapy after adjuvant chemotherapy prolongs survival. While thoracic radiotherapy is considered to prolong survival by improving locoregional control, it is known to increase radiation-induced adverse events. We began a randomized controlled trial in January 2021 in Japan to confirm the superiority of radiotherapy over observation after adjuvant chemotherapy in pathological N2 Stage III non-small cell lung cancer patients with negative surgical margins. We aim to accrue 330 patients from 47 institutions over 5 years. The primary endpoint is relapse-free survival; the secondary endpoints are overall survival, proportion of patients completing radiotherapy in the radiotherapy arm, early adverse events, late adverse events in the radiotherapy arm, serious adverse events and local recurrence.
Canard optimization for enhancing the performance of small horizontal axis wind turbine at low wind speeds
Authors: Shiah Yui-Chuin , Chang Chia Hsiang , Chen Yu-Jen , Reddy Ankam Vinod Kumar
Published: February 2021

Generally, the environmental wind speeds in urban areas are relatively low due to clustered buildings. At low wind speeds, an aerodynamic stall occurs near the blade roots of a horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT), leading to decay of the power coefficient. The research targets to design canards with optimal parameters for a small-scale HAWT system operated at variable rotational speeds. The design was to enhance the performance by delaying the aerodynamic stall near blade roots of the HAWT to be operated at low wind speeds. For the optimal design of canards, flow fields of the sample blades with and without canards were both simulated and compared with the experimental data. With the verification of our simulations, Taguchi analyses were performed to seek the optimum parameters of canards. This study revealed that the peak performance of the optimized canard system operated at 540 rpm might be improved by ∼35%.
A three-dimensional surface elastic model for vibration analysis of functionally graded arbitrary straight-sided quadrilateral nanoplates under thermal environment
Authors: Shahabodini A , Ansari R , Rouhi H
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a three-dimensional (3D) size-dependent formulation is developed for the free vibrations of functionally graded quadrilateral nanoplates subjected to thermal environment. The plate model is constructed within the frameworks of the Gurtin–Murdoch surface and the 3D elasticity theories. In this way, the effect of surface free energy and all the components of stress and strain tensors are considered without any initial assumption on them as there is no need to assume the variation of transverse normal stress inside the bulk material in advance. The variational differential quadrature approach and the mapping technique are applied to derive a discretized weak form of the governing equations. The present solution method bypasses the transformation and discretization of the higher order derivatives appearing in the equations of the strong form. The effects of surface stress, thermal environment, material gradient index and geometrical properties on the size-dependent vibrational behavior of quadrilateral nanoplates are investigated. It is observed that the thermal load intensifies the effect of surface free energy on the natural frequency of the nanoplates. The present model is exact in the extent of the continuum models and can be employed for structures with any thickness–span ratios.
A comparative study of protein–ssDNA interactions
Authors: Lin Maoxuan , Malik Fareeha K , Guo Jun-tao
Published: February 2021

Single-stranded DNA-binding proteins (SSBs) play crucial roles in DNA replication, recombination and repair, and serve as key players in the maintenance of genomic stability. While a number of SSBs bind single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) non-specifically, the others recognize and bind specific ssDNA sequences. The mechanisms underlying this binding discrepancy, however, are largely unknown. Here, we present a comparative study of protein–ssDNA interactions by annotating specific and non-specific SSBs and comparing structural features such as DNA-binding propensities and secondary structure types of residues in SSB–ssDNA interactions, protein–ssDNA hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions between specific and non-specific SSBs. Our results suggest that protein side chain-DNA base hydrogen bonds are the major contributors to protein–ssDNA binding specificity, while π–π interactions may mainly contribute to binding affinity. We also found the enrichment of aspartate in the specific SSBs, a key feature in specific protein–double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) interactions as reported in our previous study. In addition, no significant differences between specific and non-specific groups with respect of conformational changes upon ssDNA binding were found, suggesting that the flexibility of SSBs plays a lesser role than that of dsDNA-binding proteins in conferring binding specificity.
Comment on ‘effects of acetaminophen on risk taking’
Authors: Ross Jennifer A , Holstege Christopher P
Published: February 2021

The article by Keaveney et al. entitled ‘Effects of acetaminophen on risk taking’ was published in July of 2020 and concluded that using acetaminophen increased risk-taking behaviors, potentially by reducing perceived risk. We believe that there is not enough data to support the generalization of this association and feel that the conclusions were presented without acknowledgement of the limitations of this study. Media articles often further dramatized these findings, presenting the potential correlation between acetaminophen and risk taking as fact. It is unfair to readers to sensationalize the associations seen in controlled experiments in an attempt to generalize the study’s findings. As scientists, we need to assure that the discussions and conclusions presented in publications appropriately highlight the limitations of studies. We must also work to assure that the public does not sensationalize preliminary and limited research results.
Processing of facial expressions of same-race and other-race faces: distinct and shared neural underpinnings
Authors: Wang Xuena , Han Shihui
Published: February 2021

People understand others’ emotions quickly from their facial expressions. However, facial expressions of ingroup and outgroup members may signal different social information and thus be mediated by distinct neural activities. We investigated whether there are distinct neuronal responses to fearful and happy expressions of same-race (SR) and other-race (OR) faces. We recorded electroencephalogram from Chinese adults when viewing an adaptor face (with fearful/neutral expressions in Experiment 1 but happy/neutral expressions in Experiment 2) and a target face (with fearful expressions in Experiment 1 but happy expressions in Experiment 2) presented in rapid succession. We found that both fearful and happy (vs neutral) adaptor faces increased the amplitude of a frontocentral positivity (P2). However, a fearful but not happy (vs neutral) adaptor face decreased the P2 amplitudes to target faces, and this repetition suppression (RS) effect occurred when adaptor and target faces were of the same race but not when of different races. RS was observed on two late parietal/central positive activities to fearful/happy target faces, which, however, occurred regardless of whether adaptor and target faces were of the same or different races. Our findings suggest that early affective processing of fearful expressions may engage distinct neural activities for SR and OR faces.
Exploring the Relationship Between Movement Disorders and Physical Activity in Patients With Schizophrenia: An Actigraphy Study
Authors: Pieters Lydia E , Deenik Jeroen , Tenback Diederik E , van Oort Jasper , van Harten Peter N
Published: February 2021

Low physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) are major contributors to mental health burden and increased somatic comorbidity and mortality in people with schizophrenia and related psychoses. Movement disorders are highly prevalent in schizophrenia populations and are related to impaired functioning and poor clinical outcome. However, the relationship between movement disorders and PA and SB has remained largely unexplored. Therefore, we aimed to examine the relationship between movement disorders (akathisia, dyskinesia, dystonia, and parkinsonism) and PA and SB in 216 patients with schizophrenia and related psychoses. Actigraphy, the St. Hans Rating Scale for extrapyramidal syndromes, and psychopathological ratings (PANSS-r) were applied. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression, adjusting for sex, age, negative symptoms, and defined daily dose of prescribed antipsychotics. Parkinsonism was significantly associated with decreased PA (β = −0.21, P < .01) and increased SB (β = 0.26, P < .001). For dystonia, only the relationship with SB was significant (β = 0.15, P < .05). Akathisia was associated with more PA (β = 0.14, P < .05) and less SB (β = −0.15, P < .05). For dyskinesia, the relationships were non-significant. In a prediction model, akathisia, dystonia, parkinsonism and age significantly predicted PA (F(5,209) = 16.6, P < .001, R2Adjusted = 0.27) and SB (F(4,210) = 13.4, P < .001, R2Adjusted = 0.19). These findings suggest that movement disorders, in particular parkinsonism, are associated with reduced PA and increased SB in patients with psychotic disorders. Future studies should take movement disorders into account when examining PA and SB, to establish the clinical value of movement disorders in activating people with psychotic disorders to improve their mental and somatic health.
Risk Factors and Mortality of COVID-19 in Patients With Lymphoma: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Regalado-Artamendi Isabel , Jiménez-Ubieto Ana , Hernández-Rivas José Ángel , Navarro Belén , Núñez Lucía , Alaez Concha , Córdoba Raúl , Peñalver Francisco Javier , Cannata Jimena , Estival Pablo , Quiroz-Cervantes Keina , Riaza Grau Rosalía , Velasco Alberto , Martos Rafael , Domingo-González Amalia , Benito-Parra Laurentino , Gómez-Sanz Elvira , López-Jiménez Javier , Matilla Arturo , Herraez María Regina , Penalva María José , García-Suárez Julio , Díez-Martín José Luis , Bastos-Oreiro Mariana
Published: February 2021

Patients with cancer are poorly represented in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) series, and heterogeneous series concerning hematology patients have been published. This study aimed to analyze the impact of COVID-19 in patients with lymphoma. We present a multicenter retrospective study from 19 centers in Madrid, Spain, evaluating risk factors for mortality in adult patients with COVID-19 and lymphoma. About 177 patients (55.9% male) were included with a median follow-up of 27 days and a median age of 70 years. At the time of COVID-19 diagnosis, 49.7% of patients were on active treatment. The overall mortality rate was 34.5%. Age >70 years, confusion, urea concentration, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and age >65 score ≥2, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease were associated with higher mortality risk (P < 0.05). Active disease significantly increased the risk of death (hazard ratio, 2.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-4.77; P = 0.01). However, active treatment did not modify mortality risk and no differences were found between the different therapeutic regimens. The persistence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-positive polymerase chain reaction after week 6 was significantly associated with mortality (54.5% versus 1.4%; P < 0.001). We confirm an increased mortality compared with the general population. In view of our results, any interruption or delay in the start of treatment should be questioned given that active treatment has not been demonstrated to increase mortality risk and that achieving disease remission could lead to better outcomes.
Ageing, cellular senescence and the impact of diet: an overview
Authors: Maduro Ana T. , Luís Carla , Soares Raquel
Published: February 2021

Ageing is a risk factor for chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndrome. Among others, senescence mechanisms have become a target of huge research on the topic of the ageing process. Cellular senescence is a state of an irreversible growth arrest that occurs in response to various forms of cellular stress and is characterized by a pro-inflammatory secretory phenotype. Multiple studies showed that cellular senescence occurs in both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Senescent cells accumulate with ageing and can contribute to age-related decline in tissue function. Obesity is a metabolic condition that can accelerate the ageing process by promoting a premature induction of the senescent state of the cells. In contrast, caloric restriction without malnutrition is currently the most effective non-genetic intervention to delay ageing, and its potential in decreasing the cellular senescent burden is suggested. Here, it will be highlighted the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in cellular senescence and discussed some of the research that is being done about how environmental conditions such as diet can affect the accumulation of senescent cells.
Spectrum of hemoglobin disorders in southern Odisha, India: a hospital based study
Authors: Sahu Pramita , Purohit Prasanta , Mantri Santwana , Tudu Ramray , Nayak Jayanti , Agrawalla Sunil Kumar , Behera Samira Kumar , Patro Manoj Kumar , Karmee Nivedita , Tripathy Diptimayee , Mishra Bharati , Mishra Debi Prasad
Published: February 2021

Background:

Hemoglobin disorders are the leading health concern in the world including India. There is a paucity of literature on the spectrum of hemoglobin disorders in southern districts of Odisha state. This study was undertaken to elucidate the occurrence of different hemoglobin disorders in a tertiary health care facility of Odisha state, India.

Methods:

The study cases were suspected patients of all age groups advised for screening of different hemoglobin disorders. Hemoglobin disorders were screened by sickling slide test and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using the Variant-II hemoglobin testing system as per the manufacturer's guidelines.

Results:

Over 2 years, 2332 blood samples (including 1102 pediatric and 1230 adult cases) were investigated, out of which, 1380 (59.2%) of cases had abnormal hemoglobin disorders. The most common was sickle cell disorders (48.67%, 1135/2332) followed by β-thalassemia (11.32%, 264/2332). Some rare variants were detected as hemoglobin D-Punjab, hemoglobin E, hemoglobin Lepore, hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin, hemoglobin with high P2 window, hemoglobin with high P3 window etc, Among the cases with abnormal hemoglobin disorders, 744 (53.9%), 545 (39.5%) and, 91 (6.6%) cases were found to have the heterozygous, homozygous and, double heterozygous state. Of the 188 ante-natal cases screened, 31.4% of cases had abnormal hemoglobin variants with sickle cell disorders being the most prevalent one.

Conclusion:

Along with the high occurrence of sickle cell disorders in the study area, some other rare hemoglobin disorders are also prevalent which calls for a large community-based cohort study.
What is the clinical evidence on psilocybin for the treatment of psychiatric disorders? A systematic review
Authors: Castro Santos Henrique , Gama Marques João
Published: February 2021

Background:

Psilocybin is a predominant agonist of 5HT1A and 5HT2A/C receptors and was first isolated in 1958, shortly before it became a controlled substance. Research on the potential therapeutic effects of this compound has recently re-emerged alongside what is being addressed as a psychedelic renaissance.

Methods:

In this paper we performed a systematic review of the clinical trials conducted so far regarding the therapeutic effects of psilocybin on psychiatric disorders. The eligibility criteria included clinical trials that assessed psilocybin's potential therapeutic effects on patients with psychiatric disorders. Nine hundred seven articles were found and screened in regard to the title, from which 94 were screened through abstract and 9 met the eligibility criteria and were included.

Results:

The papers published focused on 3 disorders: depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and substance use disorder (namely tobacco and alcohol). Psilocybin has shown a relatively safe profile and very promising results, with reductions found on most of the psychiatric rating scales’ scores. Research on depression showed the most solid evidence, supported by 3 randomized controlled trials. Studies on OCD and substance use disorder showed more limitations due to their open-label design.

Conclusions:

Altogether, the results from the studies reviewed in this paper suggest a substantial therapeutic potential. This calls for further research to confirm the results observed so far and further explain the underlying mechanisms.
Moderation of doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats by aqueous leaf-extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Tridax procumbens
Authors: Ikewuchi Catherine C. , Ifeanacho Mercy O. , Ikewuchi Jude C.
Published: February 2021

Background:

The major draw-back of doxorubicin's use in chemotherapy is its toxicity on various organs including the kidneys. This study investigated the potential protective role of aqueous leaf-extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Tridax procumbens against nephrotoxicity induced by doxorubicin.

Methods:

To this end, their impact on plasma biomarkers of kidney function, as well as renal lipid profile, biomarkers of oxidative stress, electrolyte profile and activities of renal ATPases was monitored in doxorubicin treated rats. Metformin (250 mg/kg body weight, orally) and the extracts (50, 75 and 100 mg/kg, orally) were daily administered for 14 days; while nephrotoxicity was induced with doxorubicin (15 mg/kg, intra-peritioneally), once on the 12th day of study.

Results:

The plasma concentrations of creatinine, and urea; as well as the renal malondialdehyde, cholesterol, calcium and sodium concentrations in the Test control, were significantly (P < .05) higher than those of all the other groups. However, the renal concentrations of ascorbic acid, chloride, magnesium and potassium, and the renal activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase superoxide dismutase, Ca2+-ATPase, Mg2+-ATPase and Na+,K+-ATPase in the Test control were significantly (P < .05) lower than those of all the other groups.

Conclusions:

Pre-treatment with the extracts and metformin boosted endogenous antioxidants, and prevented doxorubicin-induced renal damage, as indicated by the attenuation of doxorubicin-induced renal oxidative stress, as well as the attenuation of doxorubicin-induced adverse alterations in renal cholesterol, ATPases and electrolyte balance, and plasma biomarkers of kidney function, and keeping them at near-normal values.
Assessment of coping with cancer-related burdens: psychometric properties of the Cognitive-Emotional Coping with Cancer scale and the German Mini-mental Adjustment to Cancer scale
Authors: Cwik Jan C. , Vaganian Lusine , Bussmann Sonja , Labouvie Hildegard , Houwaart Stefanie , Gerlach Alexander L. , Kusch Michael
Published: February 2021

Objective:

A proportion of cancer patients develop depression and anxiety as a consequence of the cancer diagnosis. The common-sense model of self-regulation is a theoretical framework focusing on cognitive-emotional processes that can explain associations between cancer and depression and anxiety. Based on this model, we constructed the Cognitive-Emotional Coping with Cancer scale (CECC) and assessed its psychometric properties. A secondary aim was to test the factorial structure of the German version of the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale (Mini-MAC).

Methods:

Overall, 412 participants with a current cancer diagnosis or a cancer diagnosis in remission were included in an online survey study. The factorial structure of the CECC was studied via exploratory analysis, and the factorial structure of the German Mini-MAC was via a confirmatory factorial analysis. The construct validity of both scales was also investigated with multi-trait/multi-method analyses. The cutoff scores, internal consistency, and test-reliability of the CECC subscales were calculated.

Results:

The results illustrated that the CECC consists of 5 correlating subscales. These subscales had a very good construct validity and reliability. The construct validity of the Mini-MAC was good, and the confirmatory factorial analysis showed an adequate model fit of the 5-factor model. However, the internal consistency and the factor loading of 2 subscales of the German Mini-MAC are questionable.

Conclusions:

The CECC can be a useful tool to assess cognitive-emotional strategies to cope with cancer for researchers and practitioners. For the German Mini-MAC, the study confirmed factorial structures with questionable psychometric properties of 2 subscales.
Preemptive VAE—An Important Tool for Managing Blood Loss in MVT Candidates With PMT
Authors: Borle Deeplaxmi P. , Kesseli Samuel J. , Barbas Andrew S. , Rege Aparna S. , Vikraman Deepak , Kadiyala Ravindra , Kim Charles Y. , Smith Tony P. , Suhocki Paul V. , Sudan Debra L.
Published: February 2021

Background.

Explantation of native viscera in multivisceral transplant candidates, particularly in those with extensive portomesenteric thrombosis (PMT), carries considerable morbidity due to extensive vascularized adhesions. Preemptive visceral angioembolization has been previously described as a technique to minimize excessive blood loss during mobilization of the native viscera but is not well described specifically in patients with extensive PMT.

Methods.

In a series of 5 patients who underwent mutivisceral transplant for PMT from June 2015 to November 2018, we performed preoperative superior mesenteric, splenic, and hepatic artery embolization to reduce blood loss during explanation and evaluated the blood loss and blood product utilization, as well as 30-day rates of infectious complications.

Results.

Following preemptive embolization, median total blood loss was 6000 mL (range 800–7000 mL). The median transfusion requirements were as follows: 16 units packed red blood cells (range 2–47), 14 units fresh frozen plasma (range 0–29), 2 units cryoprecipitate (range 1–14), 4 units platelets (range 2–10), and 500 mL cell saver autotransfusion (range 0–1817). In the first 30 postoperative days, 2 out of 5 patients developed positive blood cultures and 3 out of 5 developed complex intra-abdominal infections. Two patients developed severe graft pancreatitis resulting in mycotic aneurysm of the aortic conduit; bleeding from the aneurysm led to 1 patient mortality.

Conclusions.

Preoperative embolization is an effective modality to mitigate exsanguinating blood loss during multivisceral transplant in patients with portomesenteric thrombosis; however, it is unclear if the resultant native organ ischemia during explant carries clinically relevant consequences.
Structural Basis for SARS-CoV-2 Envelope Protein in Recognition of Human Cell Junction Protein PALS1
Authors: Chai Jin , Cai Yuanheng , Pang Changxu , Wang Liguo , McSweeney Sean , Shanklin John , Liu Qun
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has created a global health and economic emergency. SARS-CoV-2 viruses hijack human proteins to promote their spread and virulence including the interactions involving the viral envelope (E) protein and human proteins. To understand the structural basis for SARS-CoV-2 viral-host recognition, we used cryo-electron microscopy to determine a structure for the human cell junction protein PALS1 and SARS-CoV-2 E protein complex. The structure shows that the E protein C-terminal DLLV motif recognizes a pocket formed exclusively by hydrophobic residues from the PDZ and SH3 domains in PALS1. Our structural analysis provides an explanation for the observation that the viral E protein recruits PALS1 from lung epithelial cell junctions resulting in vascular leakage, lung damage, viral spread, and virulence. In addition, our structure provides novel targets for peptide- and small-molecule inhibitors that could block the PALS1-E interactions to reduce the E-mediated damage to vascular structures.
p97/VCP induces GLI1 to control XBP1-dependent endoplasmic reticulum stress transcriptional response
Authors: Barroso Kim , Almada Luciana L. , Olson Rachel L. O. , Auner Holger W. , Pedeux Rémy , Iovanna Juan L. , Chevet Eric , Fernandez-Zapico Martin E.
Published: February 2021

Upon accumulation of improperly folded proteins in the ER, an adaptive pathway named the UPR is triggered to restore ER homeostasis. The induction of stress genes controlling ER dynamics is a conditionsine qua nonfor an effective UPR. Although this requirement has been extensively characterized, the transcriptional mechanism underlying this process remains in part elucidated. Here, we show that p97/VCP, an AAA+ ATPase known to modulate ER stress-induced gene expression, dynamically interacts with RUVBL2 and the mSin3A-HDAC1/2 complex. Further analysis of the mechanism defined a novel interplay between the aforementioned molecules and the transcription factor USF2 to control expression of GLI1, a primary effector of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. Under basal conditions, GLI1 is repressed by RUVBL2-mSin3A-HDAC1/2 while upon ER stress GLI1 is induced through a mechanism requiring p97/VCP-mediated extraction of the repressor complex. Further analysis showed that GLI1 cooperate with ATF6f to activate the expression of XBP1, a transcription factor regulating the expression of genes controlling cellular stress response, under ER conditions. Overall, our work demonstrates that p97/VCP orchestrates the activation of GLI1 upon ER stress in a Hh ligand-independent fashion and defines the interplay between the newly identified p97/VCP-mSin3A-HDAC1/2 complex and the transcription factor USF2 as an essential player in this process.
Characterization of the sorbitol dehydrogenase SmoS from Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021
Authors: Kohlmeier MacLean G. , Bailey-Elkin Ben A. , Mark Brian L. , Oresnik Ivan J.
Published: February 2021

Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021 is a Gram-negative alphaproteobacterium with a robust capacity for carbohydrate metabolism. The enzymes that facilitate these reactions assist in the survival of the bacterium across a range of environmental niches, and they may also be suitable for use in industrial processes. SmoS is a dehydrogenase that catalyzes the oxidation of the commonly occurring sugar alcohols sorbitol and galactitol to fructose and tagatose, respectively, using NAD+ as a cofactor. The main objective of this study was to evaluate SmoS using biochemical techniques. The nucleotide sequence was codon-optimized for heterologous expression in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) Gold cells and the protein was subsequently overexpressed and purified. Size-exclusion chromatography and X-ray diffraction experiments suggest that SmoS is a tetramer. SmoS was crystallized, and crystals obtained in the absence of substrate diffracted to 2.1 Å resolution and those of a complex with sorbitol diffracted to 2.0 Å resolution. SmoS was characterized kinetically and shown to have a preference for sorbitol despite having a higher affinity for galactitol. Computational ligand-docking experiments suggest that tagatose binds the protein in a more energetically favourable complex than fructose, which is retained in the active site over a longer time frame following oxidation and reduces the rate of the reaction. These results supplement the inventory of biomolecules with potential for industrial applications and enhance the understanding of metabolism in the model organism S. meliloti.
Investigating tourist post-travel evaluation and behavioural intention: a cultural intelligence perspective
Authors: Zhang Yunen , Shao Wei , Thaichon Park
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether cultural intelligence will influence Chinese tourists’ travel satisfaction, revisit intention and word-of-mouth communication.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted to collect data from 614 adult Chinese tourists, who have overseas travel experiences. Then, the Statistics Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and the structural equation modelling (SEM) were employed for data analysis.

Findings

The findings confirm that cultural intelligence has significant positive impacts on tourist satisfaction, revisit intention and electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) communication. Additionally, tourist satisfaction significantly affects tourist eWOM communication.

Originality/value

This study provides theoretical and practical contributions regarding the effects of tourist cultural intelligence, especially on tourist post-travel evaluation and behavioural intention, which has been merely investigated in extant tourism research.
Optimum investor portfolio allocation in new age digital assets
Authors: Aggarwal Vaibhav
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Bitcoin and Ethereum, although the most prominent cryptocurrencies, carry a high ticker price. Many investors carry an inherent bias against high price ticker securities and prefer only low prices securities. This paper aims to help market players generate adequate risk-adjusted returns by investing in only lower-priced cryptocurrencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The pairwise bivariate BEKK-GARCH (1,1) model is deployed to capture the short- and long-term volatility linkages between Litecoin, Stellar and Ripple from August 2015 to June 2020.

Findings

Litecoin is the most influential volatility sender in the basket of these three cryptocurrencies. The portfolio weights indicate that investors can create an optimized two asset portfolio with the lowest exposure to Stellar with Litecoin and Ripple. Market players with a long position in Ripple can have the cheapest hedge by shorting Stellar.

Originality/value

This study adds to the scant literature on the association between emerging cryptocurrencies and finding optimum portfolio weight and hedge ratios.
The role of digitalized information sharing for flexibility capability utilization: lessons from Germany and Japan
Authors: Doetzer Mathias , Pflaum Alexander
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Information-sharing and flexibility are considered to be major tools for risk mitigation and supply chain resiliency. However, less light has been shed on the role of information-sharing as an enabler to utilize flexibility capabilities before and after supply chain disruptions. The aim of this paper is to provide indications on how digitalized information-sharing (DIS) enhances flexibility capability utilization.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology follows a qualitative approach, including 31 transcribed semi-structured interviews with supply chain experts in Germany and Japan.

Findings

The findings indicate that DIS supports flexibility capability utilization in pre- and post-disruptive supply chain management. First, the enhancement of estimated transport time accuracy supports rapid supplier and transport mode adjustment. Second, while the effects of DIS in manufacturing are limited without pre-existing flexibility capabilities, steady internal and external DIS utilizes exciting manufacturing flexibility to cope with disruptions beyond production. Third, track and trace technologies enhance the value of shared data and allow flexibility in the form of demand-oriented distribution, but companies unable to adopt technologies can still enhance flexibility capabilities with DIS using the existing infrastructure.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the essential role of digital information-sharing for flexibility utilization in supply chain risk management. While existing studies engaged with flexibility and information-sharing in supply chain risk management, this study contributes by emphasizing digital information-sharing as a key triggering enabler for flexibility in pre- and post-disruptive phases.
Prudence and temperance in portfolio selection with Shariah-compliant investments
Authors: Mounir Amine Mohammed
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the impact of Sharīʿah-compliant stocks on other investor risk preferences beyond the risk aversion, namely, prudence and temperance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the non-parametric model data envelopment analysis with the shortage function as a measure of performance. The model uses three specifications considering skewness and kurtosis that describe according to expected utility theory, prudence and temperance.

Findings

Results show that first, efficient portfolios consist mainly of conventional stocks in the three-model specification. Second, the skewness improvement is achieved only when considering conventional stocks while Sharīʿah-compliant assets do not exhibit any impact on the third moment. Finally, diversification through both conventional and Sharīʿah-compliant stocks does not lead to kurtosis reduction. Sharīʿah-compliant stocks in efficient portfolios are sensitive to return and risk solely, and hence, prudence and temperance as related to skewness and kurtosis measures can be ignored in optimal portfolio selection during normal market conditions.

Research limitations/implications

Findings suggest the same conclusions for four Islamic screening methods; however, readers should be prudent due to the limited sample. Results show that Sharīʿah-compliant assets do not have an impact on higher-order moments optimal portfolio returns, and hence, question the commonly admitted assumption of non-normality return distributions at least for Sharīʿah-compliant stocks.

Practical implications

The research findings suggest that Islamic investor preferences are described only by return and risk along with Sharīʿah criteria for stock selection and portfolio allocation. Portfolio managers should not care about higher-order moments to manage Sharīʿah-compliant funds. The traditional mean-variance Markowitz framework will be sufficient for investment or allocation decision-making. Description of Sharīʿah-compliant portfolio returns with only the first two order moments gives such asset more resiliency to extreme events like a crisis.

Originality/value

This research is the first in literature exploring whether prudence and temperance defined by higher-order moments can be drivers, besides Sharīʿah criteria, in portfolio allocation decision-making. This study is unique in terms of methodology and application. It uses individual stock data on the Casablanca Stock Exchange.
A comparative analysis of the provision of student housing safety measures
Authors: Simpeh Fredrick , Akinlolu Mariam
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Security, safety, environment and health have become an integral part of facility management (FM). Therefore, FM departments within organisations are required to put measures in place to safeguard facility users. This paper thus aims to investigate and compare the safety and security measures that are provided in the student housing of two universities in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method approach was adopted; interview was used to collect qualitative data, whereas a questionnaire was used as an instrument to collect quantitative data. Content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data, whereas both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data.

Findings

It became evident that university B had a better provision of safety and security measures in the student housing than university A. The study also found that both universities had some lapses in the safety and security measures provided in the student housing. Measures that were lacking in both universities were weapon detector, closed-circuit television (CCTV), water sprinkler system, burglar bars on the doors, lift for disabled students, disabled toilet facility, traffic light, tags for vehicles, first aid box, accident book and medically trained personnel.

Research limitations/implications

Data were collected from only two universities, making it difficult to generalise the findings of the research. For a broader perspective, a study that expands the number of participating universities is recommended.

Practical implications

The facility management and safety department in the universities can use the recommendations to improve on the safety and security measures required in the student housing. Moreover, the recommendations can contribute to the development of policy frameworks for student housing safety.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of studies on student housing safety/security worldwide, and South Africa in particular. With this study, the authors contribute to the body of knowledge in this area of research.
The four spheres of value co-creation in humanitarian professional services
Authors: Pillitteri Francesco , Mazzola Erica , Bruccoleri Manfredi
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The study focuses on the value co-creation processes in humanitarian professional services provision, analysing the key enabling factors of beneficiaries' participation, involved in long-term integration programmes (L-TIPs).

Design/methodology/approach

Through an in-depth case study, the research looks at the practices of value co-creation in humanitarian professional services, considering both the perspectives of the professional service provider and beneficiary.

Findings

In professional services beneficiary's participation affects the success of the L-TIPs outcomes. Participation's enablers can be classified into four different spheres, each belonging to different elements of professional service: the beneficiary, the professionals, the service design and the external environment.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to the literature on humanitarian operations & supply chain management. By focussing on an understudied phase of the disaster life-cycle management, it contributes to the theory of value co-creation by exploring new issues and drivers of beneficiary's participation.

Practical implications

This research has interesting implications for policymakers and humanitarian practitioners. First, guidelines for professionals' behaviours and interventions should be designed as well as new practices and strategies should be adopted. Second, governments should avoid concentrating L-TIPs in few big humanitarian centres.

Originality/value

The study focuses on an understudied stage of humanitarian operations, namely the L-TIPs, and uses this setting to build on the theory of value co-creation in professional services by identifying its enabling factors, clustered into four spheres, namely beneficiary, professional, service design and environmental.
Statistical analysis of bamboo scrimber tensile mechanical property based on different models and experiments
Authors: Sun Songsong , Wan Maosong
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Bamboo scrimber is a new natural fiber-reinforced composite material in the modern industry. In this paper, the strength characteristics of this material were chosen as the object of study.

Design/methodology/approach

First, axial tensile fracture experiments were conducted on different test specimens to determine the corresponding strength data. Then three commonly used distribution models were applied to analyze the relationship between the strength and survival rate.

Findings

The results show that the tensile data demonstrate obvious dispersion. In addition, the three-parameter Weibull model fits the data best and may be used as the fundamental model for future analysis.

Originality/value

Special statistical analysis research of the bamboo material experimental results has rarely been discovered. This paper provides a solid foundation for better understanding the mechanism of the bamboo scrimber strength phenomenon.
A method to improve tracking ability of drive control of MEMS gyroscopes
Authors: Chen Junying , Zhu Fu , Liu Mou , Meng Zhen , Xu Lin , Xu Lin
Published: February 2021

Purpose

A high-precision gyroscope is an important tool for accurate positioning, and the amplitude stability and frequency tracking ability of the drive control system are important and necessary conditions to ensure the precision of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) gyroscopes. To improve the precision of MEMS gyroscopes, this paper proposes a method to improve the amplitude stability and frequency tracking ability of a drive control system.

Design/methodology/approach

A frequency tracking loop and an amplitude control loop are proposed to improve the frequency tracking ability and amplitude stability of the drive control system for a MEMS gyroscopes. The frequency tracking loop mainly includes a phase detector, a frequency detector and a loop filter. And, the amplitude control loop mainly includes an amplitude detector, a low-pass filter and an amplitude control module. The simulation studies on the frequency tracking loop, amplitude control loop and drive control system composed of these two loops are implemented. The corresponding digital drive control algorithm is realized by the Verilog hardware description language, which is downloaded to the application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) platform to verify the performances of the proposed method.

Findings

The simulation experiments in Matlab/Simulink and tests on the ASIC platform verify that the designed drive control system can keep the amplitude stable and track the driving frequency in real time with high precision.

Originality/value

This study shows a way to design and realize a drive control system for MEMS gyroscopes to improve their tracking ability. It is helpful for improving the precision of MEMS gyroscopes.
Magnetic suction compression-type gap sensor based on fiber Bragg grating sensing
Authors: Meng Lijun , Li Xinyu , Tan Xin
Published: February 2021

Purpose

A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor was designed to measure the door gap of automobile bodies.

Design/methodology/approach

The gap sensor was designed through a combination of the sliding wedge and cantilever beam, involving a magnetic force installation and arc structure of the force transmission point. Moreover, the sliding block adopted an anti-magnetic and wear-resistant material and the temperature compensation of the two FBGs was conducted. The magnetic force and contact stress of the sensor were examined to ensure that the sensor exhibited a certain magnetic attraction force and fatigue life. The performance of the gap sensor was examined experimentally.

Findings

The sensor could measure gaps with dimensions of 5 mm to 11 mm, with a sensitivity and measurement accuracy of 150.9 pm/mm and 0.0063% F.S., respectively. Moreover, the sensor exhibited a small gap sensitivity, with a repeatability error of 0.15%, anti-creep properties and magnetic interference abilities.

Originality/value

The sensor is compact and easy to install, as well as use for multiple sensor locations, with a maximum size of 43 mm, a mass of 26 g and installation type of magnetic suction. It can be used for high-precision static and dynamic measurements of the door inner clearance with a resolution of 0.013 mm to improve the efficiency of internal clearance on-line analysis and assembly quality inspection.
Effects of forced disruption in Medicaid managed care on children with asthma
Authors: Piwnica‐Worms Katherine , Staiger Becky , Ross Joseph S. , Rosenthal Marjorie S. , Ndumele Chima D.
Published: February 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effect of a forced disruption to Medicaid managed care plans and provider networks on health utilization and outcomes for children with persistent asthma.

Data Sources

Medicaid managed care administrative claims data from 2013 to 2016, obtained from a southeastern state.

Study Design

A difference‐in‐difference analysis compared patients’ outpatient, inpatient, and emergency department (ED) utilization and receipt of recommended services before and after implementation of a statewide redistribution of patients among nine managed care plans.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Enrollment data for children with asthma were linked to the administrative claims. Children were included if they had a diagnosis of persistent asthma in 2013 and if they were enrolled continuously throughout 2014‐2016.

Principal Findings

Among the 28 537 children with asthma, 26% were forced to switch their managed care plan after the redistribution. Of these, 67% also switched their primary care provider (PCP). Relative to those who remained in their plan, disruption was associated with an additional 2.1 percentage‐point decrease in the number of children who had an outpatient visit per quarter [95%CI −2.8, −1.3], from 71% to 66% (compared to plan stayers: 74% to 71%). Among children experiencing a change to their plan, there was overall a decrease in the proportion of children receiving an asthma‐specific visit per quarter, but there was less of a decrease in children that also changed their PCP [1.6 percentage points, 95%CI 0.7, 2.5], from 9.7% to 8.3% (compared to those who did not switch their PCP: 12% to 8.6%). Indicators of asthma care quality and emergent care utilization were not significantly different between the two periods.

Conclusions

While there was a decrease in the number of outpatient visits associated with forced disruption of Medicaid managed care plans for children with persistent asthma, there were no consistent associations with worse asthma quality performance or higher emergent health care utilization.
Comparison of DNA typing success in compromised blood and touch samples based on sampling swab composition
Authors: Smith Chastyn , Cox Jordan O. , Rhodes Ciara , Lewis Carolyn , Koroma Memunatu , Hudson Brittany C. , Dawson Cruz Tracey , Seashols‐Williams Sarah J.
Published: February 2021

Sample collection at the crime scene can introduce variations in DNA recovery based upon the substrate from which a sample is collected, the material of the collection device used, or the storage conditions after collection. There are many factors during this process that can degrade the sample during drying and storage, and before DNA extraction can be performed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the performance of standard cotton swab collection with the Bode BioSafe® swab, which includes both a desiccant at the swab head and proprietary compounds to prevent degradation of the sample during sample collection and preservation. Blood and touch DNA samples were collected from porous and nonporous substrates and stored at elevated temperatures to simulate accelerated time. DNA quantification and STR profile data were used to assess the performance of the swabs. BioSafe® swab collection resulted in similar DNA yields from blood samples and significantly higher DNA yields from touch samples when compared to collection with cotton swabs. BioSafe® swabs also resulted in higher DNA integrity during long‐term storage, increased STR profile success and improved retention of low‐level contributor alleles.