bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Opinion on Immigration
Authors: Victor Kristina
Published: September 2019

The movement of people within states and across state borders has occurred for hundreds of years. Research examining how, when, and why domestic populations perceive of positive or negative impacts from the rise or fall of immigration is examined in the following sections. Within the literature on public opinion and immigration, various themes, immigrant groups, and domestic populations are examined; public opinion in receiving countries tends to be limited to North America, western Europe, and Australia. The first theme examines the impact of immigrant types—certain immigrants are viewed more favorably than others. The frames used by elites and the news media help to develop the notion of deservedness or usefulness of immigrant types. How often the immigration issue is in the news or in the political sphere, along with the tone of the coverage, heightens the salience and can influence public opinion on immigration. The second theme examines the role of economics at the personal, regional, or national levels. This research examines more than just personal or national economic context; it also examines additional underlying attitudes and beliefs about racial and ethnic groups, such as group threat and proximity to immigrant groups, that may be active or latent and influence public opinion on immigration. The third theme examines when and how public opinion on immigration influences other policy areas, such as individual preferences for further integration in the European Union (EU), or support for welfare and other redistributive programs sponsored by the state. The fourth theme is how and when public opinion on immigration changes—what explains periods of slow and steady support or opposition, versus periods of rapid or volatile changes to public opinion on immigration. There are a few recurring points of interest across the several broad themes outlined above: (1) perceptions of positive or negative impact of immigrants in the receiving country, (2) perceptions of the number of immigrants compared to domestic populations in receiving country, and (3) the current salience and context of the immigration issue in the receiving country.
Deconstructing Poststroke Delirium in a Prospective Cohort of Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage*
Authors: Reznik Michael E. , Drake Jonathan , Margolis Seth A. , Moody Scott , Murray Kayleigh , Costa Samantha , Mahta Ali , Wendell Linda C. , Thompson Bradford B. , Rao Shyam S. , Barrett Anna M. , Boukrina Olga , Daiello Lori A. , Asaad Wael F. , Furie Karen L. , Jones Richard N.
Published: September 2019

Objectives:

Poststroke delirium may be underdiagnosed due to the challenges of disentangling delirium symptoms from underlying neurologic deficits. We aimed to determine the prevalence of individual delirium features and the frequency with which they could not be assessed in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

Design:

Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting:

Neurocritical Care and Stroke Units at a university hospital.

Patients:

Consecutive patients with intracerebral hemorrhage from February 2018 to May 2018.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

An attending neurointensivist performed 257 total daily assessments for delirium on 60 patients (mean age 68.0 [sd 18.4], 62% male, median intracerebral hemorrhage score 1.5 [interquartile range 1–2], delirium prevalence 57% [n = 34]). Each assessment included the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU, Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist, a focused bedside cognitive examination, chart review, and nurse interview. We characterized individual symptom prevalence and established delirium diagnoses using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition criteria, then compared performance of the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU and Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist against reference-standard expert diagnosis. Symptom fluctuation (61% of all assessments), psychomotor changes (46%), sleep-wake disturbances (46%), and impaired arousal (37%) had the highest prevalence and were never rated “unable to assess,” while inattention (36%), disorientation (27%), and disorganized thinking (18%) were also common but were often rated "unable to assess" (32%, 43%, and 44% of assessments, respectively), most frequently due to aphasia (32% of patients). Including nonverbal assessments of attention decreased the frequency of "unable to assess" ratings to 11%. Since the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist may be positive without the presence of symptoms that require verbal assessment, it was more accurate (sensitivity = 77%, specificity = 97%, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.87) than the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (sensitivity = 41%, specificity = 88%, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.64).

Conclusions:

Delirium is common after intracerebral hemorrhage, but severe neurologic deficits may confound its assessment and lead to underdiagnosis. The Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist’s inclusion of nonverbal features may make it more accurate than the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU in patients with neurologic deficits, but novel tools designed for such patients may be warranted.
Predictive Value of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on the AJCC-8 and Brigham and Women's Hospital Staging Criteria
Authors: Tejera-Vaquerizo Antonio , Cañueto Javier , Llombart Beatriz , Martorell-Calatayud Antonio , Sanmartín Onofre
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Recommendations on when to perform sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) are lacking despite the tumor's clear predilection for lymphatic spread.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the frequency of SLN metastasis in published series of cSCC in the context of the eighth edition of the American joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC-8) and the Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) staging criteria.

METHODS

Systematic review of studies of patients with cSCC who underwent SLN biopsy that described biopsy results.

RESULTS

In total, 153 patients with 24 positive SLN biopsies (15.7%) were included. Based on the AJCC-8 criteria positivity rates in the T2 and T3 categories were 8.3% (1/12 patients) and 25% (8/32), respectively. Using the BWH system there were, 2/33 in category T2a (6.5%), and 5/17 in category T2b (29.8%). On applying the same criteria to tumors of the trunk and extremities the results were similar.

CONCLUSION

It would seem reasonable to recommend SLN biopsy for patients with AJCC-8 Stage T3+ disease or BWH Stage T2b/T3 disease. Both the AJCC-8 and the BWH systems would appear to be useful for staging cSCC of the trunk and extremities.
Project Five Wishes: promoting advance directives in primary care
Authors: Atherton Kahla N.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Despite the widely known and well-established benefits of advance care planning, it is estimated that 15–30% of American adults have completed advance directives (ADs). Evidence suggests that the best place for advance care planning (ACP) is in primary care, but many barriers to this practice exist.

Local problem:

Providers in a Northern Arizona private practice primary care clinic expressed frustration with their current ability and standard of care regarding ADs. Only 0.8% of their established adult patients had ADs.

Methods:

Project Five Wishes was a 16-week trial designed to increase the number of ADs recorded at a Northern Arizona primary practice. The secondary purpose was to increase primary care provider knowledge, comfort, confidence, perceived importance, and frequency of discussions about ADs with patients.

Interventions:

Interventions used in this project aimed to eliminate common barriers to ACP through a 30-minute presentation for providers and by integrating a user-friendly AD form into the office workflow.

Results:

The number of ADs recorded increased by 25.4%. There were no statistically significant changes in the providers' reported knowledge, comfort, confidence, perceived importance, and frequency of discussions regarding ADs.

Conclusions:

The feasibly reproducible process used in Project Five Wishes was successful at increasing the number of patients with ADs in this 16-week trial and could lead to improvement in this area for other clinics as well.
Analysis and Evaluation of Reviews on Lean and Six Sigma in Health Care
Authors: Peimbert-García Rodrigo E.
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives:

Health care is a complex industry in which professionals are facing the challenge of balancing lower costs with better health and quality of care. To remain competitive, health care organizations have promoted the use of Lean and Six Sigma in various settings. More than 300 refereed English-language articles about Lean and/or Six Sigma in health care are found in the literature, and many reviews have been published on this subject.

Methods:

This article characterizes the literature by evaluating and classifying 22 reviews, based on year of publication, country, taxonomy, health care setting, outcome, tools, and enabling factors, in order to identify gaps in the literature and set new directions for research.

Results:

Findings indicate that 90% of reviews are characterized by restrictive inclusion criteria that result in the inclusion of only 3% to 66% of the literature at the corresponding time. Furthermore, there is no full comprehensive literature review available on Lean and Six Sigma in health care. Other gaps in the literature include more studies with better research design, broader applications in various health care settings and various countries, sustainability assessment and long-term effects, and evidence of failed Lean and Six Sigma implementations.

Conclusion:

This study provides an updated starting point for future research to researchers and practitioners in the field.
Exploring the Business Case for Improving Quality of Care for Patients With Chronic Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Eubank Breda H. , Emery J. C. Herbert , Lafave Mark R. , Wiley J. Preston , Sheps David M. , Mohtadi Nicholas G.
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives:

Currently, management of patients presenting with chronic rotator cuff tears in Alberta is in need of quality improvements. This article explores the potential impact of a proposed care pathway whereby all patients presenting with chronic rotator cuff tears in Alberta would adopt an early, conservative management plan as the first stage of care; ultrasound investigation would be the preferred tool for diagnosing a rotator cuff tear; and only patients are referred for surgery once conservative measures have been exhausted.

Methods:

We evaluate evidence in support of surgery and conservative management, compare care in the current state with the proposed care pathway, and identify potential solutions in moving toward optimal care.

Results:

A literature search resulted in an absence of indications for either surgical or conservative management. Conservative management has the potential to reduce utilization of public health care resources and may be preferable to surgery. The proposed care pathway has the potential to avoid nearly Can $87 000 in public health care costs in the current system for every 100 patients treated successfully with conservative management.

Conclusion:

The proposed care pathway is a low-cost, first-stage treatment that is cost-effective and has the potential to reduce unnecessary, costly surgical procedures.
A molecular barcode and online tool to identify and map imported infection with Plasmodium vivax
Authors: Trimarsanto Hidayat , Amato Roberto , Pearson Richard D , Sutanto Edwin , Noviyanti Rintis , Trianty Leily , Marfurt Jutta , Pava Zuleima , Echeverry Diego F , Lopera-Mesa Tatiana M , Montenegro Lidia Madeline , Tobón-Castaño Alberto , Grigg Matthew J , Barber Bridget , William Timothy , Anstey Nicholas M , Getachew Sisay , Petros Beyene , Aseffa Abraham , Assefa Ashenafi , Rahim Awab Ghulam , Chau Nguyen Hoang , Hien Tran Tinh , Alam Mohammad Shafiul , Khan Wasif A , Ley Benedikt , Thriemer Kamala , Wangchuck Sonam , Hamedi Yaghoob , Adam Ishag , Liu Yaobao , Gao Qi , Sriprawat Kanlaya , Ferreira Marcelo U , Barry Alyssa , Mueller Ivo , Drury Eleanor , Goncalves Sonia , Simpson Victoria , Miotto Olivo , Miles Alistair , White Nicholas J , Nosten Francois , Kwiatkowski Dominic P , Price Ric N , Auburn Sarah
Published: September 2019

Imported cases present a considerable challenge to the elimination of malaria. Traditionally, patient travel history has been used to identify imported cases, but the long-latency liver stages confound this approach in Plasmodium vivax. Molecular tools to identify and map imported cases offer a more robust approach, that can be combined with drug resistance and other surveillance markers in high-throughput, population-based genotyping frameworks. Using a machine learning approach incorporating hierarchical FST (HFST) and decision tree (DT) analysis applied to 831 P. vivax genomes from 20 countries, we identified a 28-Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) barcode with high capacity to predict the country of origin. The Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC), which provides a measure of the quality of the classifications, ranging from −1 (total disagreement) to 1 (perfect prediction), exceeded 0.9 in 15 countries in cross-validation evaluations. When combined with an existing 37-SNP P. vivax barcode, the 65-SNP panel exhibits MCC scores exceeding 0.9 in 17 countries with up to 30% missing data. As a secondary objective, several genes were identified with moderate MCC scores (median MCC range from 0.54-0.68), amenable as markers for rapid testing using low-throughput genotyping approaches. A likelihood-based classifier framework was established, that supports analysis of missing data and polyclonal infections. To facilitate investigator-lead analyses, the likelihood framework is provided as a web-based, open-access platform (vivaxGEN-geo) to support the analysis and interpretation of data produced either at the 28-SNP core or full 65-SNP barcode. These tools can be used by malaria control programs to identify the main reservoirs of infection so that resources can be focused to where they are needed most.
Ago2-seq identifies new microRNA targets for seizure control
Authors: Venø Morten T. , Reschke Cristina R. , Morris Gareth , Connolly Niamh M. C. , Su Junyi , Yan Yan , Engel Tobias , Jimenez-Mateos Eva M. , Harder Lea M. , Pultz Dennis , Haunsberger Stefan J. , Pal Ajay , Norwood Braxton A. , Costard Lara S. , Neubert Valentin , Gallo Federico Del , Salvetti Beatrice , Vangoor Vamshidhar R. , Rodriguez Amaya Sanz , Muilu Juha , Fabene Paolo F. , Pasterkamp R. Jeroen , Prehn Jochen H.M. , Schorge Stephanie , Andersen Jens S. , Rosenow Felix , Bauer Sebastian , Kjems Jørgen , Henshall David C.
Published: September 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that shape the gene expression landscape, including during the pathogenesis of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). In order to provide a full catalog of the miRNA changes that happen during experimental TLE, we sequenced Argonaute 2-loaded miRNAs in the hippocampus of three different animal models at regular intervals between the time of the initial precipitating insult to the establishment of spontaneous recurrent seizures. The commonly upregulated miRNAs were selected for a functionalin vivoscreen using oligonucleotide inhibitors. This revealed anti-seizure phenotypes upon inhibition of miR-10a-5p, miR-21a-5p and miR-142a-5p as well as neuroprotection-only effects for inhibition of miR-27a-3p and miR-431-5p. Proteomic data and pathway analysis on predicted and validated targets of these miRNAs indicated a role for TGFβ signaling in a shared seizure-modifying mechanism. Together, these results identify functional miRNAs in the hippocampus and a pipeline of new targets for seizure control in epilepsy.
Human Visual Search Follows Suboptimal Bayesian Strategy Revealed by a Spatiotemporal Computational Model
Authors: Zhou Yunhui , Yu Yuguo
Published: September 2019

Humans perform sequences of eye movements to search for a target in complex environment, but the efficiency of human search strategy is still controversial. Previous studies showed that humans can optimally integrate information across fixations and determine the next fixation location. However, their models ignored the temporal control of eye movement, ignored the limited human memory capacity, and the model prediction did not agree with details of human eye movement metrics well. Here, we measured the temporal course of human visibility map and recorded the eye movements of human subjects performing a visual search task. We further built a continuous-time eye movement model which considered saccadic inaccuracy, saccadic bias, and memory constraints in the visual system. This model agreed with many spatial and temporal properties of human eye movements, and showed several similar statistical dependencies between successive eye movements. In addition, our model also predicted that the human saccade decision is shaped by a memory capacity of around 8 recent fixations. These results suggest that human visual search strategy is not strictly optimal in the sense of fully utilizing the visibility map, but instead tries to balance between search performance and the costs to perform the task.

Author Summary

During visual search, how do humans determine when and where to make eye movement is an important unsolved issue. Previous studies suggested that human can optimally use the visibility map to determine fixation locations, but we found that such model didn’t agree with details of human eye movement metrics because it ignored several realistic biological limitations of human brain functions, and couldn’t explain the temporal control of eye movements. Instead, we showed that considering the temporal course of visual processing and several constrains of the visual system could greatly improve the prediction on the spatiotemporal properties of human eye movement while only slightly affected the search performance in terms of median fixation numbers. Therefore, humans may not use the visibility map in a strictly optimal sense, but tried to balance between search performance and the costs to perform the task.
Custom built scanner and simple image processing pipeline enables low-cost, high-throughput phenotyping of maize ears
Authors: Warman Cedar , Fowler John E
Published: September 2019

High-throughput phenotyping systems are becoming increasingly powerful, dramatically changing our ability to document, measure, and detect phenomena. Unfortunately, taking advantage of these trends can be difficult for scientists with few resources, particularly when studying nonstandard biological systems. Here, we describe a powerful, cost-effective combination of a custom-built imaging platform and open-source image processing pipeline. Our maize ear scanner was built with off-the-shelf parts for <$80. When combined with a cellphone or digital camera, videos of rotating maize ears were captured and digitally flattened into projections covering the entire surface of the ear. Segregating GFP and anthocyanin seed markers were clearly distinguishable in ear projections, allowing manual annotation using ImageJ. Using this method, statistically powerful transmission data can be collected for hundreds of maize ears, accelerating the phenotyping process.
Cep55 overexpression promotes genomic instability and tumorigenesis in mice
Authors: Sinha Debottam , Nag Purba , Nanayakkara Devathri , Duijf Pascal H.G. , Burgess Andrew , Raninga Prahlad , Smits Veronique A.J. , Bain Amanda L. , Subramanian Goutham , Wall Meaghan , Finnie John. W. , Kalimutho Murugan , Khanna Kum Kum
Published: September 2019

High expression of centrosomal protein CEP55 has been correlated with clinico-pathological parameters across multiple human cancers. Despite significantin vitrostudies and association of aberrantly overexpressed CEP55 with worse prognosis, its causal rolein vivotumorigenesis remains elusive. Here, using a ubiquitously overexpressing transgenic mouse model, we show thatCep55overexpression causes spontaneous tumorigenesis and acceleratesTrp53+/-induced tumoursin vivo. At the cellular level, using mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), we demonstrate thatCep55overexpression induces proliferation advantage by modulating multiple cellular signalling networks including the PI3K/AKT pathway. Notably, theCep55overexpressing MEFs demonstrate high level of mitotic chromosomal instability (CIN) due to stabilized microtubules. Interestingly,Cep55overexpressing MEFs have a compromised Chk1-dependent S-phase checkpoint, causing increased replication speed and DNA damage, resulting in a prolonged aberrant mitotic division. Importantly, this phenotype was rescued by pharmacological inhibition of Pi3k/Akt or expression of mutant Chk1 (S280A), that is insensitive to regulation by active AKT, inCep55overexpressing cell. Collectively, our data demonstrates causative effects of deregulated Cep55 on genome stability and tumorigenesis which have potential implications for tumour initiation and therapy.
APOBEC3B reporter myeloma cell lines identify DNA damage response pathways leading to APOBEC3B expression
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroyuki , Shirakawa Kotaro , Matsumoto Tadahiko , Kazuma Yasuhiro , Matsui Hiroyuki , Horisawa Yoshihito , Stanford Emani , Sarca Anamaria Daniela , Shirakawa Ryutaro , Shindo Keisuke , Takaori-Kondo Akifumi
Published: September 2019

Apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like (APOBEC) DNA cytosine deaminase 3B (A3B) is a DNA editing enzyme which induces genomic DNA mutations in multiple myeloma and various other cancers. APOBEC family proteins are highly homologous so it is especially difficult to investigate the biology of A3B alone in cancer cells. To investigate A3B function in myeloma cells easily and comprehensively, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to generate A3B reporter cells that contain 3×FLAG tag and IRES-EGFP sequences integrated at the end of the A3B gene. These reporter cells stably express 3xFLAG tagged A3B and the reporter EGFP and this expression is enhanced under known stimuli, such as PMA. Conversely, shRNA knockdown of A3B decreased EGFP fluorescence and 3xFLAG tagged A3B protein levels. We screened a series of anticancer treatments using these cell lines and identified that most conventional therapies, such as antimetabolites or radiation, exacerbated endogenous A3B expression, but recent molecular targeting drugs, including bortezomib, lenalidomide and elotuzumab, did not. Furthermore, chemical inhibition of ATM, ATR and DNA-PK suppressed the EGFP expression upon treatment with antimetabolites. These results suggest that DNA damage response triggers A3B expression through ATM, ATR and DNA-PK signaling.
Simultaneous development and periodic clustering of simple and complex cells in visual cortex
Authors: Kim Gwangsu , Jang Jaeson , Paik Se-Bum
Published: September 2019

Neurons in the primary visual cortex (V1) are often classified as simple or complex cells, but it is debated whether they are discrete hierarchical classes of neurons developing sequentially, or if they represent a continuum of variation within a single class of cells developing simultaneously. Herein, we show that simple and complex cells may arise simultaneously from the universal process of retinal development. From analysis of the cortical receptive fields in cats, we show evidence that simple and complex cells originate from the periodic variation of ON-OFF segregation in the feedforward projection of retinal mosaics, by which they organize into periodic clusters in V1. Our key prediction that clusters of simple and complex cells correlate topographically with orientation maps was confirmed by data in cats. Our results suggest that simple and complex cells are not two distinct neural populations but arise from common retinal afferents, simultaneous with orientation tuning.

Highlights

Simple and complex cells arise simultaneously from retinal afferents.

Simple/complex cells are organized into periodic clusters across visual cortex.

Simple/complex clusters are topographically correlated with orientation maps.

Development of clustered cells in V1 is explained by the Paik-Ringach model.
Liverpool knowledge quarter sustainability network: case study
Authors: Stenton Ian , Hanmer-Dwight Rachael
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to study the development of the Liverpool Knowledge Quarter Sustainability Network (KQSN). It outlines the sectors included in the collaborative knowledge-sharing, the nature of the work it facilitates, and considers how the network can transform its existing objectives around the shared vision of the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Design/methodology/approach

The KQSN operates in a collaborative cross-sectoral forum to support, facilitate or coordinate projects around sustainability, with core leads sitting in higher education and health care.

Findings

The KQSN supports projects through collaborative activity and enables members to access specialist advice available through the network. Through its membership, the KQSN is primed to develop metrics for demonstrating Knowledge Quarter SDG-aligned activity. The KQSN has scope to increase its level of implementation arising from its shared values, with a renewed focus around the SDGs.

Practical implications

This paper contributes to the 2018 EAUC Annual Conference theme of “Collaborations for Change” and the need for transformative partnerships that are prepared to align their mission to the SDGs.

Originality/value

Unlike discipline- or sector-specific networks, the KQSN has an inclusive membership, making it an original multi-disciplinary sustainability platform for neighbouring organisations in and around Liverpool's Knowledge Quarter. This case study can support other knowledge cluster communities to replicate its model. This case study also presents a diverse range of small projects, which are easily replicable and hopefully will inspire others to do something similar.
Gamification in e-learning
Authors: Poondej Chanut , Lerdpornkulrat Thanita
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This study aims to deploy game elements in an e-learning course on the Moodle platform. One of the greatest challenges of e-learning can be motivating and engaging students in learning. Gamification has been attracting increasing attention as a key underlying aspect of pedagogy that can be used to increase student engagement and motivation in learning.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate student satisfaction and engagement with an e-learning course, here an Information Literacy Skills course, the authors collected data from 104 undergraduate students enrolled on the course in Thailand. In addition, the authors used student interaction data obtained from Moodle to examine whether there were any differences in the frequency of online interaction with the course between the students who performed at an above-average level and those who were below average.

Findings

The findings indicated that the students were highly satisfied with the gamification tools in Moodle and they were engaged in the gamified e-learning course. The authors found a significant difference in the frequency of online interaction with the course between the group who performed at an above-average level and the group who were below average.

Practical implications

The findings have important implications for the development of gamification in e-learning.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to study how gamification idea can be implemented in e-learning.
Measuring the flexibility index for a supply chain using graph theory matrix approach
Authors: Singh Rajesh Kumar , Kumar Pravin
Published: September 2019

Purpose

In complex business environment of today, organizations are trying to be flexible and agile for meeting dynamic demands of customers in terms of product variety, cost cutting and decreasing product life cycle. The main purpose of this paper is to identify different attributes of flexibility and to propose an approach for evaluating flexibility index of a supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

Total 33 factors are identified from the literature and further clustered into six major groups. They are top management commitment, organizational factors, mutual understanding, flow of information, relationship and decision-making and responsiveness. On the basis of these factors, an index has been developed by using graph theory matrix approach to evaluate the flexibility intensity of the supply chain for the firm in consideration.

Findings

The proposed approach has been illustrated in context to an Indian automobile organization, and value of the flexibility index has been evaluated. Framework proposed will help the supply chain managers to evaluate the flexibility index of their respective organizations.

Research limitations/implications

As values taken for different flexibility sub-factors are based on inputs given by managers of case organization, chances of bias may be there. Therefore, a study may be validated with more case studies to validate the proposed framework. Based on the flexibility index, organizations can find their strong and weak areas for strategy development.

Originality/value

A firm can also compare the flexibility index of its own supply chain with other’s supply chain or with the best in the industry for benchmarking purpose. Benchmarking of flexibility will help organizations in developing strategies to compete in dynamic market scenario.
Innovation drivers in Ecuadorian manufacturing
Authors: Rochina-Barrachina María Engracia , Rodríguez Jorge Antonio
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study which are the drivers of different types of innovations for manufacturing firms. The considered innovation types are product, process, organizational and marketing innovations. In addition, this study also aims to understand why most types of innovation (with the exception of organizational innovation) have decreased over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The two non-overlapping waves of the Ecuadorian National Innovation Activities Survey 2013 and 2015 (NIAS) are used. To identify the determinants of the different types of innovations and to check whether the decisions to innovate are correlated, a tetravariate probit model is used.

Findings

The results obtained point to some relevant differences in terms of the drivers of the different types of innovation. In addition, it is also evident that with the passage of time, certain problems that may be reducing the incentives to innovate have become more acute.

Originality/value

The study adds new empirical evidence to the literature on the role of investments in incorporated technology in innovation in developing countries. In particular, for Ecuadorian firms, the acquisition of incorporated technology in capital goods seems to be very relevant. This highlights the existence of a supply-driven innovation strategy. However, there is also room for innovation strategies driven by demand conditions.
Views on aging in selection: HR implications
Authors: Jeske Debora , Setti Annalisa , Gibbons Daisy Beth
Published: September 2019

Purpose

It is well-known that stereotypes on aging and perceptions about the suitability of certain jobs for certain age groups can influence performance ratings. However, it is unclear whether and how subjective views on aging are associated with judgment on someone else’s performance. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of aging perceptions and images of aging on performance ratings for a fictitious set of male candidates with different age and job profiles. Ratings of interest were job suitability, developmental potential, interpersonal skills and performance capacity.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an online survey format, data was collected from 203 Irish and UK employees to assess how they evaluated different fictitious candidates for a local development committee. The age and mentorship status of the candidates were also manipulated.

Findings

The age or mentoring status of the candidate did not play a significant role in how they were rated. Multiple regression analyses indicated, however, that participants’ aging perceptions and aging images had a significantly positive influence on how they rated the fictitious candidates (after controlling for participant variables such as age and experience). However, positive images of aging and aging perceptions on the part of the participants predicted more positive overall job suitability ratings, developmental potential, interpersonal skills and performance capacity. When the participants had more negative views on aging, they would also allocate lower ratings.

Originality/value

The results indicate that employee attitudes about aging play a role in how they will rate others. Given the importance of potential rating bias, the authors propose a number of training interventions that human resource professionals may be able to carry out to positively shape the informational basis for more negative aging attitudes.
Probing crustal anisotropy by receiver functions at the deep continental drilling site KTB in Southern Germany
Authors: Bianchi Irene , Bokelmann Götz
Published: September 2019

Seismic anisotropy is a unique observational tool for remotely studying deformation and stress within the Earth. Effects of anisotropy can be seen in seismic data; they are due to mineral alignment, fractures or layering. Seismic anisotropy is linked to local stress and strain, allowing modern geophysics to derive geomechanical properties from seismic data for supporting well planning and fracking. For unravelling anisotropic properties of the crust, the teleseismic receiver functions methodology has started to be widely applied recently due to its ability in retrieving the three‐dimensional characteristics of the media sampled by the waves. The applicability of this technique is tested here by a field test carried out around the Kontinental Tiefbohrung site in southeastern Germany. We compare our results to previous investigations of the metamorphic rock pile of the Zone Erbendorf‐Vohenstrauss, drilled down to 9 km depth, which sampled an alternating sequence of paragneiss and amphibolite, in which a strong foliation has been produced by ductile deformation. The application of the receiver functions reveals the presence of two distinct anisotropic layers within the metamorphic rock pile at 0–4 km and below 6 km depth, with up to 8% anisotropy; the depth of these two layers corresponds to the location of mica‐rich paragneiss which show intense foliation, and finally proves the relation between the signal in the receiver functions, rock texture and presence of cracks. We have now the capability of providing insights from passive seismic data on geomechanical properties of the rocks, useful for geological exploration and engineering purposes, which will help influencing expensive drilling decisions thanks to future application of this seismic technique.
Identification of Microorganisms Associated with the Quality Improvement of Dry‐Aged Beef Through Microbiome Analysis and DNA Sequencing, and Evaluation of Their Effects on Beef Quality
Authors: Oh Hyemin , Lee Hyun Jung , Lee Jiyoung , Jo Cheorun , Yoon Yohan
Published: September 2019

The objective of this study was to isolate and identify the microorganisms, especially yeasts and molds, related to the improvement of beef quality during dry‐aging of beef through microbiome analysis, and to examine the possibility of using them as starter culture strains to improve the efficiency of dry‐aging beef production. Beef sirloins were dry‐aged for 28 days using different wind speeds (0, 2.5, and 5 m/s) at 1 to 3 °C and 75% relative humidity, and microbial compositions were confirmed by microbiome analysis. Mold and yeast samples were plated on potato dextrose agar supplemented with 10% tartaric acid, and the isolated colonies were identified by DNA sequencing. The isolates were subjected to microbial characterization (morphological characterization, growth condition, and enzyme activity). Microbiome analysis showed that the dominant microorganisms were molds and yeasts identified as Pilaira anomala SMFM201611 and Debaryomyces hansenii SMFM201707. Pilaira anomala SMFM201611 and D. hansenii SMFM201707 were inoculated into 24 sirloins of the lowest grade. All samples were dry‐aged for 0, 14, 21, and 28 days and analyzed for microbial growth, pH, shear force, ultrastructure, and flavor compounds (free amino acids and free fatty acids). Inoculation with P. anomala SMFM201611 and D. hansenii SMFM201707 improved tenderness and cause the breakdown of myofibrils by proteolysis. Both microorganisms also produced free amino acids and fatty acids through proteolytic and lipolytic activities. These results indicate that P. anomala SMFM201611 and D. hansenii SMFM201707 isolated and identified from dry‐aged beef can improve the quality of low‐grade beef during dry‐aging.

Practical Application

During dry‐aging, mold and yeast improve the quality of dry‐aged beef. Pilaira anomala SMFM201611 and Debaryomyces hansenii SMFM201707 isolated from dry‐aged beef can improve tenderness by breaking down myofibrils. Both microorganisms improve flavor by producing free fatty acids and amino acids, and the taste and aroma characteristics of low‐grade beef may be improved during the dry‐aging process.
Fatigue in complete spinal cord injury and implications on total delay
Authors: Rinaldin Carla Daniele Pacheco , Cabral Luciane Patrícia Adreani , Krueger Eddy , Nogueira‐Neto Guilherme N. , Nohama Percy , Scheeren Eduardo M.
Published: September 2019

The use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to artificially restore movement in people with complete spinal cord injury (SCI) induces an accelerated process of muscle fatigue. Fatigue increases the time between the beginning of NMES and the onset of muscle force (DelayTOT). Understanding how much muscle fatigue affects the DelayTOT in people with SCI could help in the design of closed‐loop neuroprostheses that compensate for this delay, thus making the control system more stable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the extent of fatigue on DelayTOT and peak force of the lower limbs in people with complete SCI. Fifteen men—young adults with complete SCI (paraplegia and tetraplegia) and stable health—participated in the experiment. DelayTOT was defined as the time interval between the beginning of NMES application until the onset of muscle force. The electrical intensity of NMES applied was adjusted individually and consisted of the amplitude required to obtain a full extension of the knee (0°), considering the maximum electrically stimulated extension (MESE). Subsequently, 70% of the MESE was applied during the fatigue induction protocol. Significant differences were identified between the moments before and after the fatigue protocol, both for peak force (P ≤ .026) and DelayTOT (P ≤ .001). The medians and interquartile range of the DelayTOT were higher in postfatigue (199.0 ms) when compared to the moment before fatigue (146.5 ms). The medians and interquartile range of the peak force were higher in unfatigued lower limbs (0.43 kgf) when compared to the moment postfatigue (0.27 kgf). The results support the hypothesis that muscle fatigue influences the increase in DelayTOT and decrease in force production in people with SCI. For future applications, the combined evaluation of the delay and force in SCI patients provides valuable feedback for NMES paradigms. The study will provide potentially critical muscle mechanical evidence for the investigation of the evolution of atrophy.
Spatio‐temporal models of intermediate complexity for ecosystem assessments: A new tool for spatial fisheries management
Authors: Thorson James T. , Adams Grant , Holsman Kirstin
Published: September 2019

Multispecies models are widely used to evaluate management trade‐offs arising from species interactions. However, identifying climate impacts and sensitive habitats requires integrating spatial heterogeneity and environmental impacts into multispecies models at fine spatial scales. We therefore develop a spatio‐temporal model of intermediate complexity for ecosystem assessments (a “MICE‐in‐space”), which is fitted to survey sampling data and time series of fishing mortality using maximum‐likelihood techniques. The model is implemented in the VAST R package, and it can be configured to range from purely descriptive to including ratio‐dependent interactions among species. We demonstrate this model using data for four groundfishes in the Gulf of Alaska using data from 1982 to 2015. Model selection for this case‐study shows that models with species interactions are parsimonious, although a model specifying separate density dependence without interactions also has substantial support. The AIC‐selected model estimates a significant, negative impact of Alaska pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus, Gadidae) on productivity of other species and suggests that recent fishing mortality for Pacific cod (G. microcephalus, Gadidae) is above the biological reference point (BRP) resulting in 40% of unfished biomass; other models show similar trends but different scales due to different BRP estimates. A simulation experiment shows that fitting a model with fewer species at a coarse spatial resolution degrades estimation performance, but that interactions and biological reference points can still be estimated accurately. We conclude that MICE‐in‐space models can simultaneously estimate fishing impacts, species trade‐offs, biological reference points and habitat quality. They are therefore suitable to forecast short‐term climate impacts, optimize survey designs and designate protected habitats.
Ciliogenesis‐coupled accumulation of IFT‐B proteins in a novel cytoplasmic compartment
Authors: Lamri Lynda , Twan Wang Kyaw , Katoh Takanobu A. , Botilde Yanick , Takaoka Katsuyoshi , Ikawa Yayoi , Nishimura Hiromi , Fukumoto Akemi , Minegishi Katsura , Mizuno Katsutoshi , Hamada Hiroshi
Published: September 2019

Cluap1/IFT38 is a ciliary protein that belongs to the IFT‐B complex and is required for ciliogenesis. In this study, we have examined the behaviors of Cluap1 protein in nonciliated and ciliated cells. In proliferating cells, Cluap1 is located at the distal appendage of the mother centriole. When cells are induced to form cilia, Cluap1 is found in a novel noncentriolar compartment, the cytoplasmic IFT spot, which mainly exists once in a cell. Other IFT‐B proteins such as IFT46 and IFT88 are colocalized in this spot. The cytoplasmic IFT spot is present in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) but is absent in ciliogenesis‐defective MEFs lacking Cluap1, Kif3a or Odf2. The cytoplasmic IFT spot is also found in mouse embryos but is absent in the Cluap1 mutant embryo. When MEFs are induced to form cilia, the cytoplasmic IFT spot appears at an early step of ciliogenesis but starts to disappear when ciliogenesis is mostly completed. These results suggest that IFT‐B proteins such as Cluap1 accumulate in a previously undescribed cytoplasmic compartment during ciliogenesis.
Research Tracker 6 Accelerometer Calibration and Validation in Comparison to GENEActiv, ActiGraph, and Gas Analysis in Young Adults
Authors: Eyre Emma L. J. , Tallis Jason , Wilson Susie , Wilde Lee , Akhurst Liam , Wanderleys Rildo , Duncan Michael J.
Published: September 2019

Background: The ability to objectively assess physical activity and inactivity in free living individuals is important in understanding activity patterns and the dose response relationship with health. Currently, a large number of research tools exist, but little evidence has examined the validity/utility of the Research Tracker 6 (RT6) monitor. Questions remain in regard to the best placements, positions, and cut-points in young adults to determine activity intensity across a range of activities. This study sought to address this gap in young adults. The study aims were 1) to examine criterion validity of RT6 in comparison to breath-by-breath gas analysis; 2) convergent validity of RT6 in comparison to ActiGraph and GENEActiv; 3) development of RT6 tri-axial vector magnitude cut-points to classify physical activity at different intensities (i.e., for sedentary, moderate, and vigorous); 4) to compare the generated cut-points of the RT6 in comparison to other tools. Methods: Following ethics approval and informed consent, 31 young adults (age = 22±3 years: BMI = 23±3 kg/m2) undertook five modes of physical activity/sedentary behaviors while wearing three different accelerometers at hip and wrist locations (ActiGraph GT9X Link, GENEActiv, RT6). Expired gas was sampled during the five activities (MetaMax 3B). Correlational analysis assessed the relationship between accelerometer devices and METs/VO2. Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves analysis were used to calculate area under the curve and define cut-points for physical activity intensities. Results: The RT6 demonstrated criterion and convergent validity (r = 0.662–0.966, P < .05). RT6 generally performed good to excellent across activity intensities and monitor position (sedentary [AUC = 0.862–0.911], moderate [AUC = 0.849–0.830], vigorous [AUC = 0.872–0.877]) for non-dominant and dominant position, respectively. Cut-points were derived across activity intensities for non-dominant- and dominant-worn RT6 devices. Comparison of the RT6 derived cut-points identified appropriate agreement with comparative tools but yields the strongest agreement with the ActiGraph monitor at the hip location during sedentary, light, and moderate activity. Conclusion: The RT6 performed similar to the ActiGraph and GENEActiv and is capable of classifying the intensity of physical activity in young adults. As such this may offer a more useable tool for understanding current physical activity levels and in intervention studies to monitor and track changes without the excessive need for downloading and making complex analysis, especially given the option to view energy expenditure data while wearing it. The RT6 should be placed on the dominant hip when determining activities that are sedentary, moderate, or vigorous intensity.
Reliability and Validity of the Cancer Prevention Study-3 Physical Activity Survey Items
Authors: Rees-Punia Erika , Matthews Charles E. , Evans Ellen M. , Keadle Sarah K. , Anderson Rebecca L. , Gay Jennifer L. , Schmidt Michael D. , Gapstur Susan M. , Patel Alpa V.
Published: September 2019

This study examined the test-retest reliability and criterion validity of light (LPA), moderate (MPA), vigorous (VPA), and moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) physical activity survey items in a subset of participants from a large prospective cohort. Participants included 423 women and 290 men aged 31–72 years in the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). Information on physical activity (PA) was collected using two different surveys: one survey which captures all activity performed during a typical 24-hour period in broad categories (24-hour survey), and a more detailed survey focused primarily on leisure-time PA (LTPA survey). One-year reliability was assessed by computing Spearman correlation coefficients between responses from pre- and post-study periods for both surveys. Validity was assessed by comparing survey-estimated PA with accelerometry, seven-day diaries, and a latent variable representing ‘true’ PA estimated through the method of triads. Reliability was considered acceptable for most items on the LTPA survey (range ρ = 0.45–0.92) and the 24-hour survey (range ρ = 0.37–0.61). LPA validity coefficients were higher for the 24-hour survey, while MPA, VPA, and MVPA coefficients were higher for the LTPA survey. Study results suggest that both CPS-3 PA surveys are suitable for ranking or classifying participants in our population according to overall PA category or intensity-specific activity level.