bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved genetic prediction of complex traits from individual-level data or summary statistics
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Privé Florian , Vilhjálmsson Bjarni , Speed Doug
Published: August 2020

Most existing tools for constructing genetic prediction models begin with the assumption that all genetic variants contribute equally towards the phenotype. However, this represents a suboptimal model for how heritability is distributed across the genome. Therefore, we develop prediction tools that allow the user to specify the heritability model. We compare individual-level data prediction tools using 14 UK Biobank phenotypes; our new tool LDAK-Bolt-Predict outperforms the existing tools Lasso, BLUP, Bolt-LMM and BayesR for all 14 phenotypes. We compare summary statistic prediction tools using 225 UK Biobank phenotypes; our new tool LDAK-BayesR-SS outperforms the existing tools lassosum, sBLUP, LDpred and SBayesR for 223 of the 225 phenotypes. The increase in prediction accuracy from improving the heritability model tends to be substantial. For example, when using LDAK-Bolt-Predict, the proportion of phenotypic variance explained increased by on average 14% (range 5-29%), equivalent to increasing the sample size by a quarter.
Acquired deficiency of the peroxisomal enzyme enoyl-CoA hydratase/3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase is a metabolic vulnerability in hepatoblastoma
Authors: Wang Huabo , Chen Xiaoguang , Schwalbe Marie , Gorka Joanna E. , Mandel Jordan A. , Wang Jinglin , Lu Jie , Goetzman Eric S. , Dobrowolski Steven , Prochownik Edward V.
Published: August 2020

Metabolic reprogramming provides transformed cells with proliferative and/or survival advantages. However, capitalizing on this therapeutically has been only moderately successful due to the relatively small magnitude of these differences and because cancers may re-program their metabolism to evade metabolic pathway inhibition. Mice lacking the peroxisomal bi-functional enzyme enoyl-CoA hydratase/3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (Ehhadh) and supplemented with the 12-carbon fatty acid lauric acid (C12) accumulate dodecanedioic acid (DDDA), a toxic C12 metabolite that causes hepatocyte necrosis and acute liver failure. In a murine model of pediatric hepatoblastoma (HB), down-regulation of Ehhadh also occurs in combination with a more general suppression of mitochondrial β- and peroxisomal ω-fatty acid oxidation (FAO) pathways. HB-bearing mice provided with C12 and/or DDDA-supplemented diets survived significantly longer than those on standard diets. The tumors also developed massive necrosis in response to short-term DDDA supplementation. Reduced Ehhadh was noted in murine hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and in substantial subsets of human cancers, including HCCs. Acquired DDDA resistance was not associated with Ehhadh re-expression but was associated with 129 transcript differences ~90% of which were down-regulated in DDDA-resistant tumors and ~two-thirds of which correlated with survival in several human cancers. These transcripts often encoded components of the extracellular matrix suggesting that DDDA resistance arises from its reduced intracellular transport. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of a metabolic intervention that is non-toxic, inexpensive and likely compatible with traditional therapies. C12 and/or DDDA-containing diets could potentially be used to supplement other treatments or as alternative therapeutic choices.
Mu Opioid Receptor Gene Dosage Influences Reciprocal Social Behaviors and Nucleus Accumbens Microcircuitry
Authors: Toddes Carlee , Lefevre Emilia M. , Brandner Dieter D. , Zugschwert Lauryn , Rothwell Patrick E.
Published: August 2020

The mu opioid receptor regulates reward derived from both drug use and natural experiences, including social interaction. Homozygous genetic knockout of the mu opioid receptor (Oprm1−/−) causes social deficits in mice, whereas partial dysregulation of mu opioid signaling has been documented in several neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we investigated the social behavior of male and female mice with heterozygous genetic knockout of the mu opioid receptor (Oprm1+/−), modeling partial reduction of mu opioid signaling. Reciprocal social interaction and social conditioned place preference were diminished in Oprm1+/− and Oprm1−/− mutants of both sexes. Interaction with Oprm1 mutants also altered the social behavior of genotypical test partners. We corroborated this latter result using a social preference task, in which genotypical mice preferred interactions with another typical mouse over Oprm1 mutants. We also analyzed inhibitory synapses in the nucleus accumbens, a key brain region for mu opioid regulation of social behavior, using methods that differentiate between medium spiny neurons (MSNs) expressing the D1 or D2 dopamine receptor. Inhibitory synaptic transmission was increased in D2-MSNs of male mutants, but not female mutants, while the density of inhibitory synaptic puncta at the cell body of D2-MSNs was increased in both male and female mutants. These changes in nucleus accumbens microcircuitry were more robust in Oprm1+/− mutants than Oprm1−/− mutants, demonstrating that partial reductions of mu opioid signaling can have large effects on brain function and behavior. Our results support a role for partial dysregulation of mu opioid signaling in social deficits associated with neuropsychiatric conditions.
An Easy-to-Fabricate Cell Stretcher Reveals Density-Dependent Mechanical Regulation of Collective Cell Movements in Epithelia
Authors: Hart Kevin C. , Sim Joo Yong , Hopcroft Matthew A. , Cohen Daniel J. , Tan Jiongyi , Nelson W. James , Pruitt Beth L.
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Introduction

Mechanical forces regulate many facets of cell and tissue biology. Studying the effects of forces on cells requires real-time observations of single- and multi-cell dynamics in tissue models during controlled external mechanical input. Many of the existing devices used to conduct these studies are costly and complicated to fabricate, which reduces the availability of these devices to many laboratories.

Methods

We show how to fabricate a simple, low-cost, uniaxial stretching device, with readily available materials and instruments that is compatible with high-resolution time-lapse microscopy of adherent cell monolayers. In addition, we show how to construct a pressure controller that induces a repeatable degree of stretch in monolayers, as well as a custom MATLAB code to quantify individual cell strains.

Results

As an application note using this device, we show that uniaxial stretch slows down cellular movements in a mammalian epithelial monolayer in a cell density-dependent manner. We demonstrate that the effect on cell movement involves the relocalization of myosin downstream of Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK).

Conclusions

This mechanical device provides a platform for broader involvement of engineers and biologists in this important area of cell and tissue biology. We used this device to demonstrate the mechanical regulation of collective cell movements in epithelia.
Sex-specific effects of developmental density on life history and age-dependent flight traits
Authors: Sanghvi Krish , Zajitschek Felix , Iglesias-Carrasco Maider , Head Megan L.
Published: August 2020

The environment organisms experience during development can have effects which carry over into their adult lives. These developmental environments may not only affect adult traits at a given point in time, but also how these traits change with age. Generally, stressful developmental environments can lead to sub-optimal adult fitness traits and a faster deterioration of these traits with age. But whether these environments affect how performance traits change with age or whether they affect males and females differently lacks evidence. Here, we test the sex-specific effects of crowding during development on life history traits such as lifespan, fecundity, age-dependent survival, and reproductive senescence, as well as flight performance traits, in the seed beetle-Callosobruchus maculatus. We show that although developmental crowding has no effect on flight performance of either sex, on male adult lifespan, or on female age-dependant survival, it is detrimental to female lifespan and fecundity, as well as female age-dependent reproduction. Additionally, we show that flight traits can change with age and differ between males and females, which may be reflective of sex-specific life-histories and behaviour. Our study has implications for understanding how developmental environments affect life history and behavioural strategies of both males and females.
Response of gut microbiota to feed-borne bacteria depends on fish growth rate: a snapshot survey of farmed juvenileTakifugu obscurus
Authors: Jin Xingkun , Chen Ziwei , Shi Yan , Gui Jian-Fang , Zhao Zhe
Published: August 2020

Understanding the ecological processes in controlling the assemblage of gut microbiota becomes an essential prerequisite for a more sustainable aquaculture. Here we used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to characterize the hindgut microbiota from cultured obscure pufferTakifugu obscurus. The gut microbiota is featured with lower alpha-diversity, greater beta-dispersion and higher average 16S rRNA copy numbers comparing to water and sediment, but far less so to feed. SourceTracker predicted a notable source signature from feed in gut microbiota. Furthermore, effect of varying degrees of feed-associated bacteria on compositional, functional and phylogenetic diversity of gut microbiota were revealed. Coincidently, considerable increase of species richness and feed source proportions both were observed in slow growth fugu, implying a reduced stability in gut microbiota upon bacterial disturbance from feed. Moreover, quantitative ecological analytic framework was applied and the ecological processes underlying such community shift were determined. In the context of lower degree of feed disturbance, homogeneous selection and dispersal limitation largely contribute to the community stability and partial variations among hosts. Whilst with the degree of feed disturbance increased, variable selection leads to an augmented interaction within gut microbiota, entailing community unstability and shift. Altogether, our findings illustrated a clear diversity-function relationships in fugu gut microbiota, and it has implicated in a strong correlation between feed-borne bacteria and host growth rate. These results provide a new insight into aquaculture of fugu and other economically important fishes, as well as a better understanding of host-microbe interactions in the vertebrate gastrointestinal tract.

IMPORTANCE

Environmental bacteria has a great impact on fish gut microbiota, yet little is known as to where fish acquire their gut symbionts, and how gut microbiota response to environmental bacteria. Through the integrative analysis by community profiling and source tracking, we show that feed-associated bacteria can impose a strong disturbance upon fugu gut microbiota. As a result, marked alterations in the composition and function of gut microbiota in slow growth fugu were observed, which is potentially correlated with the host physiological condition such as gastric evacuation rate. Our findings emphasized the intricate linkage between feed and gut microbiota, and highlighted the importance of resolving the feed source signal before the conclusion of comparative analysis of microbiota can be drawn. Our results provide a deeper insight into aquaculture of fugu and other economically important fishes, and have further implications for an improved understanding of host-microbe interactions in the vertebrate gastrointestinal tract.
Loud noise exposure differentially affects subpopulations of auditory cortex pyramidal cells
Authors: Nogueira Ingrid , Winne Jessica , Lima Thiago Z. , Malfatti Thawann , Leao Richardson N. , Leao Katarina E.
Published: August 2020

Loud noise-exposure generates tinnitus in both humans and animals. Macroscopic studies show that noise exposure affects the auditory cortex; however, cellular mechanisms of tinnitus generation are unclear. Here we compare membrane properties of layer 5 (L5) pyramidal cells (PCs) of the primary auditory cortex (A1) from control and noise-exposed mice. PCs were previously classified in type A or type B based on connectivity and firing properties. Our analysis based on a logistic regression model predicted that afterhyperpolatization and afterdepolarization following the injection of inward and outward current are enough to predict cell type and these features are preserved after noise trauma. One week after a noise-exposure (4-18kHz, 90dB, 1.5 hr, followed by 1.5hr silence) no passive membrane properties of type A or B PCs were altered but principal component analysis showed greater separation between control/noise-exposure recordings for type A neurons. When comparing individual firing properties, noise exposure differentially affected type A and B PC firing frequency in response to depolarizing current steps. Specifically, type A PCs decreased both initial and steady state firing frequency and type B PCs significantly increased steady state firing frequency following noise exposure. These results show that loud noise can cause distinct effects on type A and B L5 auditory cortex PCs one week following noise exposure. As the type A PC electrophysiological profile is correlated to corticofugal L5 neurons, and type B PCs correlate to contralateral projecting PCs these alterations could partially explain the reorganization of the auditory cortex observed in tinnitus patients.
Synchronization between keyboard typing and neural oscillations
Authors: Duprez J. , Stokkermans M. , Drijvers L. , Cohen M.X
Published: August 2020

Rhythmic neural activity synchronizes with certain rhythmic behaviors, such as breathing, sniffing, saccades, and speech. The extent to which neural oscillations synchronize with higher-level and more complex behaviors is largely unknown. Here we investigated electrophysiological synchronization with keyboard typing, which is an omnipresent behavior daily engaged by an uncountably large number of people. Keyboard typing is rhythmic with frequency characteristics roughly the same as neural oscillatory dynamics associated with cognitive control, notably through midfrontal theta (4 -7 Hz) oscillations. We tested the hypothesis that synchronization occurs between typing and midfrontal theta, and breaks down when errors are committed. Thirty healthy participants typed words and sentences on a keyboard without visual feedback, while EEG was recorded. Typing rhythmicity was investigated by inter-keystroke interval analyses and by a kernel density estimation method. We used a multivariate spatial filtering technique to investigate frequency-specific synchronization between typing and neuronal oscillations. Our results demonstrate theta rhythmicity in typing (around 6.5 Hz) through the two different behavioral analyses. Synchronization between typing and neuronal oscillations occurred at frequencies ranging from 4 to 15 Hz, but to a larger extent for lower frequencies. However, peak synchronization frequency was idiosyncratic across subjects, therefore not specific to theta nor to midfrontal regions, and correlated somewhat with peak typing frequency. Errors and trials associated with stronger cognitive control were not associated with changes in synchronization at any frequency. As a whole, this study shows that brain-behavior synchronization does occur during keyboard typing but is not specific to midfrontal theta.

Significance statement

Every day, millions of people type on keyboards. Keyboard typing is a rhythmic behavior, with inter-keystroke-intervals of around 135 ms (~7 Hz), which is roughly the same frequency as the brain rhythm implicated in cognitive control (“theta” band, ~6 Hz). Here we investigated the hypothesis that the EEG signature of cognitive control is synchronized with keyboard typing. By recording EEG during typing in 30 healthy subjects we showed that keyboard typing indeed follows theta rhythmicity, and that synchronization between typing and neural oscillations occurs. However, synchronization was not limited to theta but occurred at frequencies ranging from 4 to 15 Hz, and in several regions. Brain-behavior synchronization during typing thus seems more nuanced and complex than we originally hypothesized.
Self-operated stimuli improve subsequent visual motion processing
Authors: Sedda Giulia , Ostry David J. , Sanguineti Vittorio , Sabatini Silvio P.
Published: August 2020

Proper interpretation of visual information requires capturing the structural regularities in the visual signal and this frequently occurs in conjunction with movement. Perceptual interpretation is complicated both by transient perceptual changes that accompany motor activity, and as found in audition and somatosensation, by more persistent changes that accompany the learning of new movements. Here we asked whether motor learning also results in sustained changes to visual perception. We designed a reaching task in which participants directly controlled the visual information they received, which we term self-operated stimuli. Specifically, they trained to make movements in a number of directions. Directional information was provided by the motion of an intrinsically ambiguous moving stimulus which was directly tied to motion of the hand. We find that movement training improves perception of coherent stimulus motion, and that changes in movement are correlated with the perceptual change. No perceptual changes are observed in passive observers even when they are provided with an explicit strategy to solve perceptual grouping. Comparison of empirical perceptual data with simulations based on a Bayesian generative model of motion perception suggests that movement training promotes the fine-tuning of the internal representation of stimulus geometry. These results emphasize the role of sensorimotor interaction in determining the persistent properties in space and time that define a percept.
Reciprocal skeletal phenotypes of PRC2-related overgrowth and Rubinstein–Taybi syndromes: potential role of H3K27 modifications
Authors: Gamu Daniel , Gibson William T.
Published: August 2020

Within histone H3, lysine 27 (H3K27) is one of the residues that functions as a molecular switch, by virtue of being subject to mutually exclusive post-translational modifications that have reciprocal effects on gene expression. Whereas acetylation of H3K27 is associated with transcriptional activation, methylation at this residue causes transcriptional silencing; these two modifications are mutually exclusive. Establishment of these epigenetic marks is important in defining cellular identity and for maintaining normal cell function, as evidenced by rare genetic disorders of epigenetic writers involved in H3K27 post-translational modification. Polycomb repressive complex (PRC2)-related overgrowth and Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome (RSTS) are respectively associated with impaired H3K27 methylation and acetylation. Whereas these syndromes share commonalities like intellectual disability and susceptibility to cancers, they are generally divergent in their skeletal growth phenotypes, potentially through dysregulation of their opposing H3K27 writer functions. In this review, we discuss the requirement of H3K27 modifications for successful embryogenesis, highlighting data from relevant mouse knockout studies. Although such gene ablation studies are integral for defining fundamental biological roles of methyl- and acetyltransferase function in vivo, studies of partial loss-of-function models are likely to yield more meaningful translational insight into progression of PRC2-related overgrowth or RSTS. Thus, modeling of rare human PRC2-related overgrowth and RSTS variants in mice is needed to fully understand the causative role of aberrant H3K27 modification in the pathophysiology of these syndromes.
Clinical utility of ultra-rapid whole-genome sequencing in an infant with atypical presentation of WT1-associated nephrotic syndrome type 4
Authors: Sanford Erica , Wong Terence , Ellsworth Katarzyna A. , Ingulli Elizabeth , Kingsmore Stephen F.
Published: August 2020

Relatively little is known about phenotypic variability in nonsyndromic nephropathy associated with the gene encoding the WT1 transcription factor. We report a 12-mo-old female who presented with vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue in the setting of renal failure and malignant hypertension. Trio ultra-rapid whole-genome sequencing identified a novel, likely pathogenic, de novo missense variant (c.485T > A, p.Val162Asp) in WT1 in 46 h, consistent with a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome type 4 (NPHS4; OMIM 256370). This disorder typically presents with nephrotic syndrome (gross proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema). Rapid diagnosis had an immediate impact on her clinical management in the pediatric intensive care unit. Diagnostic renal biopsy was avoided, and placement of permanent dialysis access, a gastrostomy tube, and bilateral nephrectomy were accelerated. This report expands the presenting phenotype of nonsyndromic nephrotic syndrome and/or renal failure due to heterozygous variants in WT1 (NPHS4). It also highlights the relationship between time to genomic diagnosis and clinical utility in critically ill infants.
Unpacking the problems behind the limited green construction adoption: towards a theoretical model
Authors: Hammond Samuel Fiifi , Gajendran Thayaparan , Savage David A. , Maund Kim
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Given the importance of green construction for reducing the negative environmental impact of the construction industry, and the numerous policies instituted by governments around the world to motivate building construction stakeholders, why is there still a limited level of adoption?

Design/methodology/approach

Building on studies that have questioned the dominant framing of the limited adoption of green construction as an inefficient behaviour, this study proposes a theoretical model characterising the two problems in the decision-making process that boost the reluctance of building construction stakeholders to embrace green construction. A traditional literature review, combining deductive and inductive approaches was employed.

Findings

The theoretical model consists of six conceptual variables as follows: social norms, personal dilemma, trust, loss aversion, self-interest and green construction adoption. The expected relationships between them are also provided.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical model has not been empirically tested; however, it can be replicated or adapted for empirical investigation in any context.

Practical implications

This study may help in identifying which factors must be given attention in policy-making in order to promote the adoption of green technologies and practices. Specifically, subjecting the theoretical model to empirical test will reveal the strongest paths that can be used to curtail the reluctance of the industry to embrace green construction.

Originality/value

Contributes towards the current research agenda on the reasons for the low level of voluntary adoption of green construction. It also provides theoretical answers to the questions regarding the limited impact of the plentiful policy mechanisms instituted by governments around the world to promote green construction adoption.
Mapping the interrelationships between community assets
Authors: McPherson Matthew Q. , Friesner Daniel , Bozman Carl S.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Community asset mapping (CAM) is an evidence-based activity commonly used in local socioeconomic development initiatives. Residents and other stakeholders collaboratively identify the resources that they deem most important to the vitality of their community. Results are depicted qualitatively using maps. While maps are a useful means to convey information, alternate approaches to summarize data drawn from CAM activities may yield additional inferences that better inform community development initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a retrospective analysis of secondary, de-identified data collected from the 2015–2016 Gonzaga University Logan Neighborhood Asset Mapping Project. Hierarchical and nonhierarchical cluster analyses were used to establish interrelationships between the perceived importance of various community assets.

Findings

The hierarchical cluster analysis revealed a very intuitive hierarchical clustering of community assets, with various health care services tightly clustered together. Similarly, farmers’ markets, community gardens and meeting spaces were clustered closely together. Third, community education and care services for all age groups were clustered together. The nonhierarchical cluster analysis revealed intuitive clustering of respondent groups who valued particular sets of assets.

Originality/value

By identifying these clusters and characterizing the linkages between them, it is possible to fund multiple development initiatives that are mutually reinforcing. For example, if the neighborhood obtains funds to invest, then they could be used to facilitate both community gardens and farmers’ markets, two closely related activities. Additional physical locations might also be developed to support (possibly outdoor) meeting space.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2020-0206.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the public health challenges in Bangladesh: a commentary
Authors: Haque Amlan
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the current pandemic situation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Bangladesh, how the Government is managing this unprecedented condition and encountering these increasing public health challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a viewpoint of the current COVID-19 pandemic situation in Bangladesh.

Findings

As one of the most densely populated countries, Bangladesh is vulnerable to COVID-19. Currently, the infection of COVID-19 is spreading fast and started to capture all the parts of Bangladesh. The Government of Bangladesh has already taken several preventive measures to overcome the pandemic such as declaring hotspots of COVID-19 and setting lockdowns, increasing mass awareness through social media and satellite TV channels. They are also encouraging private and community healthcare initiatives to increase hospital beds and COVID-19 treatment facilities. Besides, the Government has deployed defence force and additional health workers and increased public holidays to reduce the number of coronavirus infections. However, both the number of infected people and the death toll is rising, and there are growing challenges that the Government and public healthcare professions need to overcome.

Originality/value

This paper delivers information about the present developing situation of COVID-19 in Bangladesh, how the Government is handling and public health challenges that have raised. This paper can be helpful for the policymakers and Government officials for effective public health interventions.
The impact of tourists' emotions on satisfaction and destination loyalty – an integrative moderated mediation model: tourists' experience in Switzerland
Authors: Al‐Msallam Samaan
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of tourists' emotional responses toward a particular destination on tourists' satisfaction and destination loyalty. Perceived quality adds as a moderator variable.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a quantitative data collection method, with distributing the questionnaire to 346 tourists of 43 nationalities in four main tourist attractions in Switzerland. The structural equation modeling approach and bootstrapping technique were used to empirically test the study hypotheses.

Findings

The results confirm the negative impact of negative emotions. The mediating role of the tourists' satisfaction was documented. As expected, perceived quality dampened the negative effect of negative emotions on tourists' satisfaction. However, surprisingly, it does not serve as a moderator in the relationship between positive emotions and tourists' satisfaction.

Practical implications

This study resulted in a set of practical marketing recommendations. Tourism marketers are encouraged to keep positive emotions high among tourists, aimed to increase their satisfaction toward the destination and revisit it again in the future and also, pay more attention to the quality of the destination as an essential tool to reduce the impact of negative emotions.

Originality/value

Many studies in tourism literature studied associations between positive emotions and tourists' behavior. The present study is drawing more attention to negative emotions. In addition, this study tries to address the gap in the tourism literature regarding the modified impact of perceived quality on the relationship between emotions and tourists' satisfaction.
Mitigating loneliness with companion robots in the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: an integrative framework and research agenda
Authors: Odekerken-Schröder Gaby , Mele Cristina , Russo-Spena Tiziana , Mahr Dominik , Ruggiero Andrea
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Loneliness and isolation are on the rise, globally threatening the well-being across age groups; global social distancing measures during the COVID-19 crisis have intensified this so-called “loneliness virus”. The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrative framework and research agenda on the role of companion robots in mitigating feelings of loneliness.

Design/methodology/approach

A netnographic analysis of 595 online visual and textual descriptions offer empirical insights about the role of the companion robot Vector during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

The contributions of this study are twofold. First, it postulates that companion robots have the potential of mitigating feelings of loneliness (i.e. indicator of well-being). Second, this study contributes to transformative service by developing an integrative framework introducing the roles (personal assistant, relational peer and intimate buddy) that companion robots can fulfill to mitigate feelings of loneliness through building different types of supportive relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed research agenda encourages future service scholars to investigate 1) the role of robots in addressing loneliness, 2) design features that drive adoption of robots, 3) social support for different groups, 4) the operationalization and the measurement of loneliness and 5) an impact analysis of companion robots.

Practical implications

Service providers and policy makers can leverage the insights about how companion robots can help reduce a sense of loneliness.

Originality/value

The integrative framework on loneliness reduction, based on 595 unprompted online contributions issued during the COVID-19 pandemic, offers initial evidence for the impact of companion robots in reducing people's feelings of loneliness.
Toward a goal-oriented view of customer journeys
Authors: Becker Larissa , Jaakkola Elina , Halinen Aino
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Customer experience research predominantly anchors the customer journey on a specific offering, implying an inherently firm-centric perspective. Attending calls for a more customer-centric approach, this study aims to develop a goal-oriented view of customer journeys.

Design/methodology/approach

This study interprets the results of a phenomenological study of a transformative journey toward a sober life with the self-regulation model of behavior to advance understanding of customer journeys.

Findings

The consumer's journey toward a higher-order goal encompasses various customer journeys toward subordinate goals, through which consumers engage in iterative cognitive and behavioral processes to adjust or maintain their experienced situation vis-à-vis the goal. Experiences drive behavior toward the goal. It follows that negative experiences may contribute to goal attainment.

Research limitations/implications

This study highlights the importance of looking at the consumers' higher-order goals to obtain a more holistic understanding of the customer journey.

Practical implications

Companies and organizations should extend their view beyond the immediate goals of their customers to identify relevant touchpoints and other customer journeys that affect the customer experience.

Originality/value

This study proposes conceptualization of the customer journey, comprising goal-oriented processes at different hierarchical levels, and it demonstrates how positive and negative customer experiences spur behaviors toward the higher-order consumer goal. This conceptualization enables a more customer-centric perspective on journeys.
Corporate governance disclosures by Spanish universities: how different variables can affect the level of such disclosures?
Authors: Andrades Javier , Martinez-Martinez Domingo , Larrán Jorge Manuel
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how the level of corporate governance disclosures by Spanish universities is influenced by a set of variables.

Design/methodology/approach

To do this, the authors carried out a content analysis of the website disclosures of all Spanish universities identified by the Universities Rectors’ Conference in Spain.

Findings

Results show that the amount of corporate governance information disclosed by Spanish universities is far from being adequate and does not meet the stakeholders’ demands, as well as those requirements imposed by the law. The findings have revealed that the most influential variables associated with better disclosure levels of corporate governance information are the public–private status and institution size.

Originality/value

Compared to the private sector, the researchers have paid less attention to corporate governance disclosures in universities. In the Spanish university context, there is limited literature on the level of corporate governance disclosures.
Corporate social responsibility, organizational trust and commitment: a moderated mediation model
Authors: George Nimmy A. , Aboobaker Nimitha , Edward Manoj
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Drawing from the deontic justice theory and the social exchange theory, the purpose of this study attempts to identify the relationship between perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) and employees' affective commitment, mediated through organizational trust. Furthermore, the authors seek to understand how the attitude of employees toward the importance of CSR, moderates the aforementioned relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The respondents for this descriptive study were drawn from a sample of 500 employees working in manufacturing companies in India. Self-reporting questionnaires were administered among the respondents, who were selected through the judgment sampling method. Measurement model analysis was done using IBM AMOS 21.0 and path analytic procedures using PROCESS 3.0 macro was used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

Results revealed that there is a significant indirect effect of all three dimensions of CSR on affective commitment, through organizational trust. The conditional indirect effects varied significantly, and it was identified that both employee-CSR and customer-CSR had a significant indirect effect on employee affective commitment. However, social/nonsocial CSR did not have a conditional indirect effect on affective commitment, through attitude toward the importance of CSR and organizational trust.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional nature of the study does not allow inference of causality and pose limitations for generalization of results. Though the limitation of common method bias is inherent in studies with self-reporting measures, the authors adopted several procedural remedies to minimize its effect. The study results, particularly the role of attitude toward the importance of CSR need to be tested among employees in different industry sectors. Future studies should examine the same theoretical model in different nations, where CSR activities are not mandated by law.

Originality/value

This study is pioneering in conceptualizing and empirically testing a theoretical model that examined the combined influence of perceived CSR, employees' attitude toward the importance of CSR and organizational trust on their affective commitment toward the organization. This study extends the literature by examining the indirect/mechanisms linking CSR and employees' affective commitment. Exploring more on the employee individual differences and its influence on organizational outcomes will definitely improve individual and organizational functioning.
Characterization of sponge‐associated Verrucomicrobia: microcompartment‐based sugar utilization and enhanced toxin–antitoxin modules as features of host‐associated Opitutales
Authors: Sizikov Sofia , Burgsdorf Ilia , Handley Kim Marie , Lahyani Matan , Haber Markus , Steindler Laura
Published: August 2020

Bacteria of the phylum Verrucomicrobia are ubiquitous in marine environments and can be found as free‐living organisms or as symbionts of eukaryotic hosts. Little is known about host‐associated Verrucomicrobia in the marine environment. Here we reconstructed two genomes of symbiotic Verrucomicrobia from bacterial metagenomes derived from the Atlanto‐Mediterranean sponge Petrosia ficiformis and three genomes from strains that we isolated from offshore seawater of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Phylogenomic analysis of these five strains indicated that they are all members of Verrucomicrobia subdivision 4, order Opitutales. We compared these novel sponge‐associated and seawater‐isolated genomes to closely related Verrucomicrobia. Genomic analysis revealed that Planctomycetes‐Verrucomicrobia microcompartment gene clusters are enriched in the genomes of symbiotic Opitutales including sponge symbionts but not in free‐living ones. We hypothesize that in sponge symbionts these microcompartments are used for degradation of l‐fucose and l‐rhamnose, which are components of algal and bacterial cell walls and therefore may be found at high concentrations in the sponge tissue. Furthermore, we observed an enrichment of toxin–antitoxin modules in symbiotic Opitutales. We suggest that, in sponges, verrucomicrobial symbionts utilize these modules as a defence mechanism against antimicrobial activity deriving from the abundant microbial community co‐inhabiting the host.
Use of an Automated System to Evaluate Feature Dissimilarities in Handwriting Under a Two‐Stage Evaluative Process*†
Authors: Fuglsby Cami , Saunders Christopher , Ommen Danica M. , Caligiuri Michael P.
Published: August 2020

The two‐stage evaluative process is an established framework utilized by forensic document examiners (FDEs) for reaching a conclusion about the source(s) of handwritten evidence. In the second, or discrimination, stage, the examiner attempts to estimate the rarity of observations in a relevant background population. Unfortunately, control samples from a relevant background population are often unavailable, leaving the FDE to reach this determination based on subjective experience. Automated handwriting feature recognition systems are capable of performing both feature comparison and discrimination, yet these systems have not been subjected to empirical validation studies. In the present study, we repurposed a commercially available automated system to generate empirical distributions for ranking feature dissimilarity scores among pairs of handwritten phrases. The blinded results of this automated process were used to survey an international cohort of 36 FDEs regarding their strength of support for same‐ and different‐writer propositions. The survey served to cross‐validate FDE decision‐making under the two‐stage approach. Results from the survey demonstrated a clear pattern of response consistent with ground truth. Predictive regression analyses indicated that the automated feature dissimilarity scores and the log of their cumulative distribution functions accounted for 72% of the variability in FDE opinions. This study demonstrated that feature dissimilarity scores acquired using automated processes and their distributions are closely aligned with FDE decision‐making processes supporting the heuristic value of the two‐stage evaluative framework.
Measuring the Tibia: Trotter’s Error Revisited
Authors: Jantz Richard L. , Meadows Jantz Lee , Ousley Stephen D.
Published: August 2020

In Trotter and Gleser’s (Am J Phys Anthropol 1952;10:463) classic study of stature estimation, a definition of the tibia length measurement is given that agrees with the standard condylar‐malleolar length. That Trotter did not in fact measure according to her definition, but rather omitted the malleolus, has been well documented by Jantz et al. (J Forensic Sci 1995;40:758). Both the Terry collection and the World War 2 (WW2) samples were affected, although questions remain about the latter that cannot be resolved directly because it is no longer available for examination. Trotter's data from hundreds of servicemen are especially important because the statures were measured by technicians, rather than based on cadaver lengths or forensic statures. The questions examined in this note are as follows: Was WW2 measured uniformly in the same way as Terry; are there differences between Terry and WW2 that could influence estimation of the adjustment; and is the 10 millimeter (mm) adjustment proposed by Jantz et al. (J Forensic Sci 1995;40:758) still appropriate. Our analysis relies on a measurement taken by Trotter that is clearly and uniquely defined, what she called “ordinary length”. This measurement was used to create expectations about how Trotter measured what she called maximum length of the tibia. Results provide no evidence that WW2 was measured any differently than Terry, with the exception of one small series. They also show slight morphological differences on the distal and/or proximal end of the tibia between Terry and WW2. Despite the slight difference, the adjustment to account for the malleolus is still valid.
Modeling the NaCl diffusion in beef during brining process
Authors: Zhao Xutong , Sun Yonghai , Zhou Yajun
Published: August 2020

An in‐depth understanding of mass transfer during brining process is important for improving the quality and characteristics of meat products. In this study, a fitted equation of time and NaCl concentrations in the aqueous phase of beef was established to calculate the NaCl diffusion coefficient for simulation. A three‐dimensional simulating model of mass transfer was developed to evaluate the NaCl diffusion in beef during brining process. And the validity of this simulating model was verified by comparing the NaCl concentrations evaluated by the numerical simulation simulated with the experimental measurements. The results indicated that the power function time variant equation can predict NaCl concentrations (R2 = 0.995) and accurately calculate the NaCl diffusion coefficient (8.46 × 10–10 m2/s). The simulating model visually showed the NaCl diffusion in beef during brining process. Therefore, this research provided a new method for predicting the NaCl diffusion in realistic meat processing.

Practical Application

This research gives a new method for predicting the NaCl diffusion in meat product. The method accurately evaluated NaCl concentrations in beef at different brining time and clearly showed NaCl diffusion in beef during brining process, which could be helpful in reducing the cost and the complexity of detecting NaCl concentrations in meat during brining process.
Comparison of macular neovascularization lesion size by the use of Spectral‐Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography and Swept‐Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography versus Indocyanine Green Angiography
Authors: Haas Anna‐Maria , Ahmed Daniel , Stattin Martin , Graf Alexandra , Krepler Katharina , Ansari‐Shahrezaei Siamak
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To compare the lesion sizes of macular neovascularization (MNV) imaged with spectral‐domain (SD) and swept‐source (SS) optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) as well as indocyanine green angiography (ICGA).

Methods

In this prospective, observational case series, patients showing a secured diagnosis of MNV on ICGA or Fluorescein Angiography, were imaged by SD‐OCTA and SS‐OCTA on the same day. Lesion size was measured on 3 × 3‐mm2 and 6 × 6‐mm2 scans using the Maestro 2 SD‐OCTA (Topcon Corporation, Tokyo Japan) and the Triton SS‐OCTA device (Topcon Corporation, Tokyo Japan) and compared to ICGA (Spectralis HRA, Heidelberg, Germany).

Results

Twenty eyes from 20 patients (11 females, 55%) were enrolled. The neovascularization area measured on 6 × 6‐mm2 SD‐OCTA was lower compared to that outlined on SS‐OCTA, however, not reaching statistical significance (p = 0.094).

Regarding 3 × 3‐mm2 measurements, the median lesion sizes between the two OCTA devices were comparable (p = 0.492). Indocyanine green angiography depicted a larger lesion area than both OCTA devices, however, not reaching statistical significance.

Conclusion

SD‐OCTA tends to show smaller areas of MNV extension than SS‐OCTA regarding 6 × 6 mm2 scans. The lesion size of MNV can be very well compared between the different devices, emphasizing the use of OCTA for monitoring neovascular area. Lesion measurements on SS‐OCTA correlate better with ICGA than SD‐OCTA.
Pars plana vitrectomy combined with hyaloido‐zonula‐iridectomy in treatment of patients with chronic aqueous misdirection: A systematic literature review and case series
Authors: Schmidt Diana Chabané , Kessel Line , Pedersen Karen Bjerg , Villumsen Jørgen Ebbe , Bach‐Holm Daniella
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of vitrectomy combined with hyaloido‐zonula‐iridectomy from an anterior or a posterior approach in patients with treatment‐resistant aqueous misdirection (chronic aqueous misdirection) by systematically reviewing existing literature in combination with presentation of a case series.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases using search terms: malignant glaucoma, ciliary block, ciliolenticular block and aqueous misdirection. A consecutive series of three pseudophakic patients (5 eyes) diagnosed with chronic aqueous misdirection after cataract surgery is presented.

Results

A literature search identified 31 articles describing treatment of chronic aqueous misdirection with vitrectomy and a hyaloido‐zonula‐iridectomy. Studies, where patients were treated with a complete vitrectomy from pars plana in combination with a hyaloido‐zonula‐iridectomy, reported low relapse rates. Studies describing a surgical approach with vitrectomy performed from the anterior chamber, followed by a hyaloido‐zonula‐iridectomy, also reported low relapse rates except for one reporting relapse in nearly half of the patients. In our case series, a complete vitrectomy combined with a hyaloido‐zonula‐iridectomy resolved the chronic aqueous misdirection in all five eyes after one procedure except one eye where the hyaloido‐zonula‐iridectomy was repeated due to an insufficient opening. Some of the eyes still needed antiglaucomatous treatment due to chronic angle closure.

Conclusion

In treatment‐resistant malignant glaucoma, vitrectomy combined with a hyaloido‐zonula‐iridectomy should be considered performed to ensure communication between the anterior chamber and the vitreous cavity. If the condition has been unresolved for a long time, extensive synechiae of the angle may decrease the success rate due to chronic angle closure.