bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Center for Trauma Survivorship: Addressing the great unmet need for posttrauma center care
Authors: Livingston David H. , La Bagnara Susan , Sieck Derrick , Yonclas Peter , Castellano Cherie , Cho Cathy , Walling Patricia A. , Mosenthal Anne C.
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Returning patients to preinjury status is the goal of a trauma system. Trauma centers (TCs) provide inpatient care, but postdischarge treatment is fragmented with clinic follow-up rates of <30%. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are common, but few patients ever obtain necessary behavioral health services. We postulated that a multidisciplinary Center for Trauma Survivorship (CTS) providing comprehensive care would meet patient's needs, improve postdischarge compliance, deliver behavioral health, and decrease unplanned emergency department (ED) visits and readmissions.

METHODS

Focus groups of trauma survivors were conducted to identify issues following TC discharge. Center for Trauma Survivorship eligible patients are aged 18 to 80 years and have intensive care unit stay of >2 days or have a New Injury Severity Score of ≥16. Center for Trauma Survivorship visits were scheduled by a dedicated navigator and included physical and behavioral health care. Patients were screened for PTSD and depression. Patients screening positive were referred for behavioral health services. Patients were provided 24/7 access to the CTS team. Outcomes include compliance with appointments, mental health visits, unplanned ED visits, and readmissions in the year following discharge from the TC.

RESULTS

Patients universally felt abandoned by the TC after discharge. Over 1 year, 107 patients had 386 CTS visits. Average time for each appointment was >1 hour. Center for Trauma Survivorship “no show” rate was 17%. Eighty-six percent screening positive for PTSD/depression successfully received behavioral health services. Postdischarge ED and hospital admissions were most often for infections or unrelated conditions. Emergency department utilization was significantly lower than a similarly injured group of patients 1 year before the inception of the CTS.

CONCLUSION

A CTS fills the vast gaps in care following TC discharge leading to improved compliance with appointments and delivery of physical and behavioral health services. Center for Trauma Survivorship also appears to decrease ED visits in the year following discharge. To achieve optimal long-term recovery from injury, trauma care must continue long after patients leave the TC.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, Level III.
Extraction of alumina from alumina rich coal gangue by a hydro-chemical process
Authors: Yang Quancheng , Zhang Fan , Deng Xingjian , Guo Hongchen , Zhang Chao , Shi Changsheng , Zeng Ming
Published: April 2020

Vast quantities of gangue from coal mining and processing have accumulated over the years and caused significant economic and environmental problems in China. For high added-value utilization of alumina rich coal gangue (ARCG), a mild hydro-chemical process was investigated to extract alumina. The influences of NaOH concentration, mass ratio of alkali to gangue, reaction temperature and reaction time were systematically studied. An alumina extraction rate of 94.68% was achieved at the condition of NaOH concentration 47.5%, alkali to gangue ratio of 6, reaction temperature of 260°C and reaction time of 120 min. The obtained leaching residues were characterized through X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectrometer. Research confirmed that kaolinite the main alumina-bearing phase of ARCG can be decomposed and transformed to Na
8
Al
6
Si
6
O
24
(OH)
2
(H
2
O)
2
and Ca
2
Al
2
SiO
6
(OH)
2
at relatively low temperature and short reaction time. Additionally, Na
8
Al
6
Si
6
O
24
(OH)
2
(H
2
O)
2
and Ca
2
Al
2
SiO
6
(OH)
2
are unstable and will transform to alumina-free phase NaCaHSiO
4
under the optimal conditions, which is the major reason for high alumina extraction rates.
Competing ternary surface reaction CO + O2 + H2on Ir(111)
Authors: Rohe Kevin , Cisternas Jaime , Wehner Stefan
Published: April 2020

The CO oxidation on platinum-group metals under ultra-high-vacuum conditions is one of the most studied surface reactions. However, the presence of disturbing species and competing reactions are often neglected. One of the most interesting additional gases to be treated is hydrogen, due to its importance in technical applications and its inevitability under vacuum conditions. Adding hydrogen to the reaction of CO and O2leads to more adsorbed species and competing reaction steps towards water formation. In this study, a model for approaching the competing surface reactions CO+O2 + H2is presented and discussed. Using the framework of bifurcation theory, we show how the steady states of the extended system correspond to a swallowtail catastrophe set with a tristable regime within the swallowtail. We explore numerically the possibility of reaching all stable states and illustrate the experimental challenges such a system could pose. Lastly, an approximative first-principle approach to diffusion illustrates how up to three stable states balance each other while forming heterogeneous patterns.
Deriving pairwise transfer entropy from network structure and motifs
Authors: Novelli Leonardo , Atay Fatihcan M. , Jost Jürgen , Lizier Joseph T.
Published: April 2020

Transfer entropy (TE) is an established method for quantifying directed statistical dependencies in neuroimaging and complex systems datasets. The pairwise (or bivariate) TE from a source to a target node in a network does not depend solely on the local source-target link weight, but on the wider network structure that the link is embedded in. This relationship is studied using a discrete-time linearly coupled Gaussian model, which allows us to derive the TE for each link from the network topology. It is shown analytically that the dependence on the directed link weight is only a first approximation, valid for weak coupling. More generally, the TE increases with the in-degree of the source and decreases with the in-degree of the target, indicating an asymmetry of information transfer between hubs and low-degree nodes. In addition, the TE is directly proportional to weighted motif counts involving common parents or multiple walks from the source to the target, which are more abundant in networks with a high clustering coefficient than in random networks. Our findings also apply to Granger causality, which is equivalent to TE for Gaussian variables. Moreover, similar empirical results on random Boolean networks suggest that the dependence of the TE on the in-degree extends to nonlinear dynamics.
Regional differences in reported Covid-19 cases show genetic correlations with higher socio-economic status and better health, potentially confounding studies on the genetics of disease susceptibility
Authors: Abdellaoui Abdel
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background

In March 2020, England showed a rapid increase in Covid-19 cases. Susceptibility for infectious diseases like Covid-19 is likely to be partly genetic. Mapping the genetic susceptibility for Covid-19 outcomes may reveal biological mechanisms that could potentially aid in drug or vaccine developments. However, as the disease spreads unevenly across the country, regional allele frequency differences could become spuriously associated with disease prevalence.

Methods

A regional genome-wide association study (RGWAS) was conducted in 396,042 individuals from England to investigate the association between 1.2 million genetic variants and regional differences in daily reported Covid-19 cases from March 1st to April 18th 2020.

Results

The polygenic signal increases during the first weeks of March, peaking at March 13th with the measured genetic variants explaining ∼3% of the variance, including two genome-wide significant loci. The explained variance starts to drop at the end of March and reaches almost zero on April 18th. The majority of this temporary polygenic signal is due to genes associated with higher educational attainment and better health.

Conclusions

The temporary positive relationship between Covid-19 cases and regional socio-economic status (SES) at the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak may reflect 1) a higher degree of international travelers, 2) more social contacts, and/or 3) better testing capacities in higher SES regions. These signals are in the opposite direction of expected disease risk increasing effects, which has the potential to cancel out signals of interest. Genetic association studies should be aware of the timing and location of cases as this can introduce interfering polygenic signals that reflect regional differences in genes associated with behavior.
Repurposing Pyramax® for the Treatment of Ebola Virus Disease: Additivity of the Lysosomotropic Pyronaridine and Non-Lysosomotropic Artesunate
Authors: Lane Thomas R. , Dyall Julie , Mercer Luke , Goodin Caleb , Foil Daniel H. , Zhou Huanying , Postnikova Elena , Liang Janie Y. , Holbrook Michael R. , Madrid Peter B. , Ekins Sean
Published: April 2020

We have recently identified three molecules (tilorone, quinacrine and pyronaridine tetraphosphate) which all demonstrated efficacy in the mouse model of infection with mouse-adapted Ebola virus (EBOV) model of disease and had similarin vitroinhibition of an Ebola pseudovirus (VSV-EBOV-GP), suggesting they interfere with viral entry. Using a machine learning model to predict lysosomotropism these compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit via a lysosomotropic mechanismin vitro. We now demonstratein vitrothat pyronaridine tetraphosphate is an inhibitor of Lysotracker accumulation in lysosomes (IC50= 0.56 μM). Further, we evaluated synergy between pyronaridine and artesunate (Pyramax®), which are used in combination to treat malaria. Artesunate was not found to have lysosomotropic activityin vitroand the combination effect on EBOV inhibition was shown to be additive. Pyramax® may represent a unique example of the repurposing of a combination product for another disease.
Food waste as a resource: grinding, dilution, and storage as a pretreatment strategy to produce fermentation intermediates
Authors: Daly Sarah E. , Usack Joseph G. , Harroff Lauren A. , Booth James G. , Keleman Michael P. , Angenent Largus T.
Published: April 2020

In several states of the U.S., one measure to mitigate greenhouse-gas emissions has been to ban food wastes from landfills. As a result, U.S.-based companies are now providing decentralized food-waste management systems for supermarkets and restaurants, which include storage as a slurry. It is unclear, however, which storage conditions (factors) would affect the spontaneous microbial activity, resulting in a different fermentation product spectra, and how this would affect further post-treatment. Here, we performed two experiments to mimic: 1) storage and 2) subsequent anaerobic digestion. For the food-waste storage system, we designed a mixed-level fractional factorial analysis with 12 experimental combinations, including separating food waste into: carbohydrate-rich, lipid-rich, and protein-rich food waste. We found that all factors that we tested correlated with the fermentation product spectra, but that especially the factors: i) storage temperature; ii) food-waste composition; and iii) storage time affected the fermentation outcome. We observed that relatively low pH levels of 3-4, which were achieved due to rapid lactic acid accumulation by microbial activity during storage, coincided with greater lactate production at a maximum chemical oxygen demand (COD) selectivity of 90%. This provides an opportunity to optimize lactate production, which is ideal for subsequent methane or chemical production.

TOC/Abstract graphic
BBSome regulation of LITE-1 receptor in a cilium-independent manner inC. elegans
Authors: Zhang Xinxing , Liu Jinzhi , Liu Jianfeng , Xu X.Z. Shawn
Published: April 2020

Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS) is a genetic disorder affecting primary cilia. BBSome, a protein complex composed of eight BBS proteins, regulates the structure and function of cilia in diverse organisms, and its malfunction causes BBS in humans. Here, we report a new function of BBSome inC. elegans. In a forward genetic screen for genes regulating the light sensitivity of the ciliated ASH sensory neurons, we isolatedbbsmutants, indicating that BBSome regulates ASH photosensitivity. Surprisingly, cilia are not required for ASH neurons to sense light, suggesting that BBSome regulates ASH photosensitivity independently of cilia. Interestingly, the light-sensing receptor LITE-1, which mediates photosensation, is a non-ciliary protein in ASH neurons. LITE-1 in ASH neurons becomes unstable inbbsmutants in an age-dependent manner, indicating that BBSome regulates the stability of LITE-1 in these neurons. These results identify a cilium-independent function of BBSome in regulating a non-ciliary protein in ciliated cells.
Structure of a single-chain H2A/H2B dimer
Authors: Warren Christopher , Bonanno Jeffrey B. , Almo Steven C. , Shechter David
Published: April 2020

Chromatin is the complex assembly of nucleic acids and proteins that makes up the physiological form of the eukaryotic genome. The nucleosome is the fundamental repeating unit of chromatin, and is composed of ∼147 bp of DNA wrapped around a histone octamer formed by two copies of each core histone: H2A, H2B, H3 and H4. Prior to nucleosome assembly, and during histone eviction, histones are typically assembled into soluble H2A/H2B dimers and H3/H4 dimers and tetramers. A multitude of factors interact with soluble histone dimers and tetramers, including chaperones, importins, histone-modifying enzymes and chromatin-remodeling enzymes. It is still unclear how many of these proteins recognize soluble histones; therefore, there is a need for new structural tools to study non-nucleosomal histones. Here, a single-chain, tailless Xenopus H2A/H2B dimer was created by directly fusing the C-terminus of H2B to the N-terminus of H2A. It is shown that this construct (termed scH2BH2A) is readily expressed in bacteria and can be purified under non-denaturing conditions. A 1.31 Å resolution crystal structure of scH2BH2A shows that it adopts a conformation that is nearly identical to that of nucleosomal H2A/H2B. This new tool is likely to facilitate future structural studies of many H2A/H2B-interacting proteins.
Characterization of thePseudomonas aeruginosaT6SS PldB immunity proteins PA5086, PA5087 and PA5088 explains a novel stockpiling mechanism
Authors: Wen Haiying , Geng Zhi , Gao Zengqiang , She Zhun , Dong Yuhui
Published: April 2020

The bacterial type VI secretion system (T6SS) secretes many toxic effectors to gain advantage in interbacterial competition and for eukaryotic host infection. The cognate immunity proteins of these effectors protect bacteria from their own effectors. PldB is a T6SS trans-kingdom effector inPseudomonas aeruginosathat can infect both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Three proteins, PA5086, PA5087 and PA5088, are employed to suppress the toxicity of PldB-family proteins. The structures of PA5087 and PA5088 have previously been reported, but the identification of further distinctions between these immunity proteins is needed. Here, the crystal structure of PA5086 is reported at 1.90 Å resolution. A structural comparison of the three PldB immunity proteins showed vast divergences in their electrostatic potential surfaces. This interesting phenomenon provides an explanation of the stockpiling mechanism of T6SS immunity proteins.
Domain formation and phase transitions in the wurtzite-based heterovalent ternaries: a Landau theory analysis
Authors: Quayle Paul C.
Published: April 2020

Characterizing the crystalline disorder properties of heterovalent ternary semiconductors continues to challenge solid-state theory. Here, a Landau theory is developed for the wurtzite-based ternary semiconductor ZnSnN2. It is shown that the symmetry properties of two nearly co-stable phases, with space groupsPmc21andPbn21, imply that a reconstructive phase transition is the source of crystal structure disorder via a mixture of phase domains. The site exchange defect, which consists of two adjacent antisite defects, is identified as the nucleation mechanism of the transition. A Landau potential based on the space-group symmetries of thePmc21andPbn21phases is constructed from the online databases in theISOTROPYsoftware suite and this potential is consistent with a system that undergoes a paraelectric to antiferroelectric phase transition. It is hypothesized that the low-temperaturePbn21phase is antiferroelectric within thec-axis basal plane. The dipole arrangements within thePbn21basal plane yield a nonpolar spontaneous polarization and the electrical susceptibility derived from the Landau potential exhibits a singularity at the Néel temperature characteristic of antiferroelectric behavior. These results inform the study of disorder in the broad class of heterovalent ternary semiconductors, including those based on the zincblende structure, and open the door to the application of the ternaries in new technology spaces.
Two-dimensional numerical analysis of differential concentration corrosion in seawater pipeline
Authors: Yingwei Liu , Zhang Zhongwu , Zhang Yang
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new two-dimensional differential concentration corrosion mathematical model based on the knowledge that oxygen distribution on the surface of the seawater pipe is two-dimensional.

Design/methodology/approach

The ionic conductive layer element near the pipeline wall is regarded as the research object, and the finite element method is adopted to obtain the oxygen distribution in the layers and the natural corrosion potential and natural corrosion current of each element. Then, these element sets are regarded as a whole circuit and each element as a node on the circuit; the equation is satisfied by the corrosion potential after polarization is derived for each element according to Kirchhoff’s second law.

Findings

Matlab is used to solve the equation sets, and the overall corrosion current is calculated. The results are quite different from those considered without the differential concentration corrosion. If the differential concentration corrosion is not considered, the location with high oxygen concentration on the pipeline wall has a large corrosion potential and current. If corrosion is considered, the potential will cause polarization and the positions with original higher corrosion potential will produce anodic polarization. Meanwhile, the speed of corrosion also decreases. At the same time, the position with original lower corrosion potential will produce cathodic polarization, and the corrosion current is also increased, namely, the corrosion current and the potential will be homogenized.

Originality/value

A two-dimensional model for the study of concentration corrosion is proposed creatively. Based on the knowledge of electricity, a discrete equation of corrosion potential after polarization is derived. The distribution of corrosion potential and corrosion current is obtained by solving the equation, and the mechanism of concentration corrosion is analyzed. The law of concentration polarization corrosion is also obtained.
The Pacific Alliance and the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Toro-Fernandez Juan-Felipe , Tijmes-Ihl Jaime
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has built bilateral relations with Latin American states. The purpose of this article is to explore the potential for using the Pacific Alliance (PA) as a negotiating frame as regards the Belt and Road Initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

We use a descriptive and analytical methodology to recapitulate and analyze the factual and normative background of Latin American economic integration during the last three decades, a process that so far has culminated in the Pacific Alliance (PA) and an emphasis on the Asia–Pacific region.

Findings

We contend that the PA has been a learning process in terms of economic cooperation. In addition, it is a Latin American economic integration project that emphasizes its focus on the Asia–Pacific region. Considering the nature of BRI projects, as well as Latin American states’ and China’s interests, we contend that it would be beneficial if Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru, the members of the PA, and China channeled their BRI relations through the PA. Thus, the PA should be China’s negotiating partner.

Originality/value

So far, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Latin America has been built upon bilateral relations. This article explores the possibility of developing the BRI through the Pacific Alliance (PA).
Social media in government offices: usage and strategies
Authors: Yavetz Gal , Aharony Noa
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The current study seeks to present and examine the strategies, management and dissemination of information on social media platforms by Israeli government organizations and agencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The article uses the “Case Study” approach, through semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted with directors in charge of the use of social media in government departments.

Findings

The findings indicate that government agencies tend to favor Facebook over other social network platforms, in order to reach the widest possible audience. They do this by adhering to the platform's limitations, such as regularly using sponsored advertising to increase reach and visibility, and also by publishing visual content, such as videos and images, at the expense of text. In addition, the impact of respondents to adopt social media outweighs the use and importance awarded to traditional government websites. A clear preference is evident toward cultivating and strengthening existing information on social media at the expense of further developing official websites.

Originality/value

Findings and conclusions from this type of research can help digital media directors and content editors in government agencies, to improve the quality of their content and improve the accessibility of the information they share online. In addition, the findings of the study strengthen the growing body of knowledge focused on the relationship between government ministries and social media.
Stakeholder management in prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction projects: benchmarking the key result areas
Authors: Wuni Ibrahim Yahaya , Shen Geoffrey Qiping
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC) projects are industrialized building systems that are co-created. Thus, effective management of the involved stakeholders is required to ensure project success. However, knowledge of how best to manage the diverse stakeholders in PPVC projects is limited. This research identified and prioritized the success factors or key result areas (KRAs) for the effective stakeholder management (SM) in PPVC projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research design was implemented involving a literature review and structured questionnaire survey with international PPVC experts. The research identified and statistically analysed 12 KRAs for SM in PPVC projects.

Findings

Analysis showed that the top three KRAs for SM in PPVC projects include: effective working collaboration, communication and information sharing among participants; effective coordination of the PPVC supply chain segments; and early involvement of relevant stakeholders in the PPVC project. A factor analysis clustered the 12 KRAs into stakeholder analysis and early involvement, effective communication and information sharing and stakeholder interest integration and conflict management.

Practical implications

The paper identified and prioritized the KRAs required for the effective SM in PPVC projects. To practitioners, the results may serve as decision support on the key areas to focus to ensure effective SM in PPVC projects and may guide the efficient allocation of limited resources.

Originality/value

This research constitutes the first exclusive attempt at identifying and benchmarking the generic KRAs required for effective SM in PPVC projects and contributes to the SM body of knowledge in industrialized construction.
Organic wheat products and consumer choice: a market segmentation analysis
Authors: Drugova Tatiana , Curtis Kynda R. , Akhundjanov Sherzod B.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper examines determinants of consumer interest in organic versions of wheat products by analyzing differences in selected factors among groups of consumers, distinguished by their likelihood of purchasing organic wheat products. The analysis is performed for bread and cookies to examine whether the findings are different for virtue and vice food categories.

Design/methodology/approach

A consumer survey was conducted across the western United States in 2017. Latent class modeling is used to identify groups of “very likely,” “likely” and “unlikely” consumers of organic wheat products, based on preferences for organic wheat products and attitudes toward organics in general.

Findings

Consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for organic foods depend on product type. Additionally, significant differences are found across consumer groups—regardless of product type—in the importance they place on labels and product characteristics, WTP, reasons for (not) purchasing organic products and consumption limitations.

Research limitations/implications

The group of organic consumers may be underrepresented in the sample. In addition, since actual behavior was not observed—respondents provided only stated preferences or responses to hypothetical questions—the results should be interpreted carefully.

Originality/value

Few studies have examined preferences for organic wheat products across consumer groups. This study is also the first to examine the connection between wheat/gluten intolerance/avoidance and preference for organic versions of wheat products. Finally, this study adds to the limited literature on consumer preferences for organic virtue and vice food products.
Ethical consumers: an exploratory investigation of the ethical food consumption behaviour of young adults in the North East of Scotland
Authors: Oke Adekunle , Ladas Jasmina , Bailey Moira
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the motivation as well as barriers for ethical food consumption behaviour by focussing on the food consumption pattern of young adults in the North East of Scotland. Considering the recent involvement of young adults in environmental activism, consumption behaviour of young adults in the North East of Scotland, an oil-based community, presents essential research interest to understand whether young adults often contemplate the consequences of their lifestyle.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors explored the perceptions of ten purposive recruited young adults using semi-structured interviews to understand factors underpinning consumer's decision-making towards ethical food products.

Findings

The study reveals three key factors influencing ethical food consumption behaviour among young adults. The findings show that personal health and well-being are the main reasons why consumers engage in ethical food consumption. Also, it is observed that information facilitates decision-making by raising awareness regarding the social, environmental and health consequences of food production and consumption. Further, the findings show that situational attributes, such as product price and product availability, are creating dissonance when engaging in ethical food consumption.

Originality/value

This study contributes to sustainability research and the ongoing debate on consumerism by exploring ethical food consumption behaviour and highlights the need to address situational challenges, such as product price and availability. The study suggests that interventions to address current consumption patterns should also emphasise the social and personal benefits of food consumption rather than the environmental benefits that have been the focus of prior research.
Psychosocial perception of the effects of harmattan dust on the environment and health of building occupants in Maiduguri, Nigeria
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed Alhaji , Bulama Kyari , Usman Audu Alhaji , Modu Mala Ali , Bukar Alhaji Modu , Lawan Alhaji Kasir , Habib Garba Abba
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the psychosocial perception of harmattan dust on building openings, health and housekeeping to determine the influence of the dust on building occupants.

Design/methodology/approach

Population-representative survey data were collected from Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria, through physical administration of questionnaires by assessing several variables. Statistical package SPSS 16.0 was used for the data analysis, which is mainly descriptive analysis in frequencies, percentages and means together with a repeated Pearson’s chi-square analysis to identify the relationship between the factors and the significance testing.

Findings

The results show that majority (94.3%) experienced dust problem in harmattan season, and a larger part (76.6%) confirmed that the dust penetrates through doors and windows. Higher percentage (91.2%) noticed that the dust particles on their floor/furniture surfaces, and on an average, people clean their houses three times daily in harmattan season. Majority (80.5%) of the respondents smell dust in the harmattan season, and greater part (77.9%) experienced health challenges in this season, of which 12.8% confirmed harmattan dust aggravates their asthma, 13.6% confirmed it causes headache, 3.1% confirmed it exacerbated pneumonia, 58.5% confirmed it causes coughing, 3.5% confirmed catarrh, 2.3% confirmed nasal/respiratory congestion, sneezing and bronchitis and 6.2% experienced eye problems. Moreover, the results indicate that number/types of openings in a building are significantly associated with factors including smelling dust in the harmattan season and health problem experienced because of dust indoors. The number of times people clean their homes/workplaces is significantly related to important variables such as experiencing dust problem in harmattan season and number/type of openings in a building. The results further established that the health problem experienced by people is significantly related to important variables including dust problem experienced in the harmattan season and type of openings in a room.

Originality/value

Harmattan dust is a serious challenge to health and well-being of building occupants in the study area. The built environment professionals need to optimize building openings for effective dust control indoors.
Understanding landlord perspectives on applicants with sex offenses
Authors: Kunstler Naomi , Tsai Jack
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to understand landlords’ attitudes toward applicants with histories of sex offenses and landlords’ willingness to broaden eligibility criteria for tenancy.

Design/methodology/approach

A convenience sample of 50 landlords in Connecticut were interviewed. The content of interviews was analyzed to examine how often a landlord would be open to renting to individuals on the sex offender registry and what conditions affect their decisions.

Findings

In total, 44% of landlords would not rent to adults with histories of sex offenses under any circumstance, but 8% of landlords reported they would rent to such individuals and an additional 36% of landlords were open to it with a high threshold for other indicators of good tenancy such as stable housing history, good credit and timely rental payments.

Practical implications

These findings not only illustrate the real-world challenges in finding housing for adults with histories of sex offenses but also highlight opportunities in working with landlords.

Originality/value

There has been little examination of housing adults with sex offenders from the perspective of landlords, which is important to understand to address this difficult and sensitive issue.
Mixed convection stagnation point flow of a hybrid nanofluid past a vertical flat plate with a second order velocity model
Authors: Roşca Alin V. , Roşca Natalia C. , Pop Ioan
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the steady mixed convection stagnation point of a hybrid nanofluid with a second-order velocity slip.

Design/methodology/approach

Using appropriate similarity variables, the partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary (similar) differential equations, which are numerically solved using the bvp4c function in MATLAB. The numerical results are used to present graphical illustrations for the reduced skin friction, reduced Nusselt number, velocity and temperature profiles.

Findings

Dual solutions are discovered in this study. Thus, stability analysis is implemented and the first (upper branch) and second (lower branch) solutions are determined and analyzed.

Research limitations/implications

Hybrid nanofluids have many practical applications in the modern industry such as in micro-manufacturing, periodic heat exchanges process, nano drug delivery system and nuclear reactors.

Originality/value

Despite numerous studies on the mixed convection stagnation point of classical viscous fluids past a vertical plate flow, none of the researchers have focused on the effect of second-order slip velocity on hybrid nanofluids. The behavior of the flow and heat transfer has been thoroughly analyzed with the variations in governing parameters such as heat source/sink and nanoparticle volume fraction. Moreover, the use of the wall slip velocity in this hybrid nanofluid model strengthened the novelty of this study.
Internet and firm development
Authors: Zhong Shunbin , Qiu Leiju , Sun Baowen
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a survey of existing literature on the economic impacts of the internet on firm development, and outlines an overall framework of the existing studies. The purpose is to show how the internet affects firm development, which may help policymakers and other researchers to have a better knowledge of existing research characteristics, problems and future directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review the studies on the economic impacts of the internet on firm characteristics and external environment, identify the characteristics of the existing literature and problems and discuss the directions of possible future research.

Findings

The authors find that the impacts of the internet on firm development mainly display two relevant mechanisms (firm characteristics and external environment), and they can be grouped into six channels (firm innovation, firm business mode, firm performance, firm productivity, firm import and export trade and firm location selection).

Originality/value

This study builds up a framework of how the internet impacts on firm development, which can add value to the future research of firm intelligent transaction modes in the crowd intelligence network.
Influence of structure and stretch on air permeability of compression knits
Authors: Muraliene Laima , Mikucioniene Daiva
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Air permeability has a valuable role in comfort parameters. It is known that air permeability of elastomeric yarns is firmly low. Despite that, usage of elastomeric inlay-yarns is the most common and the most effective way to generate compression for knitted textile. This study aims to investigate the influence of elastomeric inlay-yarn linear density, insertion density and elongation of the sample to the air permeability of compression knitted materials.

Design/methodology/approach

Two different types of knitting patterns were investigated: rib 1 × 1 pattern with different elastomeric inlay-yarn linear density (four variants) and insertion density (without inlay yarn and with inlay-yarns inserted into every single, second or fourth course) and combined laid-in jacquard pattern. The air permeability test for these structures was performed without any deformation and at 10 and 20 per cent fixed transverse elongation.

Findings

According to the investigation, insertion density of inlay-yarns has a huge impact on air permeability; however, air permeability of knitted material is not linearly proportional to the total amount of inlay-yarns. Also, it was found that air permeability increases by increasing elongation, regardless of knitting pattern and total amount of elastomeric inlay-yarn in the knitted structure. Alteration of the loop geometry at natural state and 20 per cent fixed elongation was established, and the increase of air permeability at fixed elongation may be dependent on changes of knitted material porosity.

Originality/value

According to the obtained results, recommendations to perform air permeability measurement at least with minimal specific wear elongation are presented.
How useful is each item in the Sport Spectator Identification Scale?: an item response theory analysis
Authors: Kim Kyungyeol Anthony , Lee Senyung , Byon Kevin K
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of each item in the Sport Spectator Identification Scale (SSIS) (Wann and Branscombe, 1993) using the item response theory (IRT) and to provide evidence for modifications in the scale.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 635 spectators of US professional sports responded to the seven-item SSIS on an eight-point semantic differential scale. The general partial credit model was fitted to the data.

Findings

The results revealed that four items (Items 1, 2, 3 and 5) provide a relatively high amount of information, whereas three items (Items 4, 6 and 7) provide a low amount of information, indicating different levels of measurement precision among the items. Furthermore, the results showed that some low-level response options were rarely selected by participants, indicating that it may not be necessary to include response options as many as eight within each item.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies examining the psychometric properties of the SSIS as a whole, the present study provides information about the usefulness of each item of the SSIS in measuring individuals' team identification. Based on the findings, the authors identified some issues with the three problematic items, including the wording of the items and the link between the question and the target construct. The authors make several suggestions for researchers and practitioners in improving individual item quality and in making informed decisions when using the SSIS in the future.
Firms’ reaction to threats from informal firms: exploring the roles of institutional quality and technical gap
Authors: Qi Guoyou , Zou Hailiang , X.M. Xie , Zeng Saixing
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Threats from the informal sector have become an important concern among formal firms. As a response to these threats, formal firms can adopt product innovation (PI) and marketing innovation (MI) strategies to differentiate themselves. The purpose of this paper is to examine how firm-level technical capability and external institutional quality affect firms’ reactions to the threats from informal firms by adopting innovative activities.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on attention-based view (ABV), an empirical study is conducted by using firm-level data from the World Bank Enterprise Survey in 2013.

Findings

The findings indicate that when faced with competition from informal firms, formal firms will intensify their innovation activities in both MI and PI, and their technical capability mitigates the competitive threats from informal sectors and thus weakens the impact of informal competitors on the level of product and marketing innovations. Moreover, it is found that the improvement of institutional quality reduces formal firms’ urgency to introduce new products when facing informal competitors. However, this improvement strengthens the impact of informal rivalry on formal firms’ innovation in marketing methods.

Originality/value

Previous studies that investigate the influence of informal threats are focused on technological innovation (e.g., PI and process innovation) strategies, but little knowledge is provided on non-technological innovative strategies, such as marketing strategies (e.g., MI and organizational innovation). This study contributes to the innovation literature by delving into the circumstances under which PI and/or MI is adopted to counter informal rivals. The findings enrich ABV by investigating how inter-firm resource similarity and marketing commonality strengthen top managers' attention to competition from informal firms.
Mediation effect of psychological contract between personality dimensions and turnover intention
Authors: Saeed Maryam
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aims to test the mediating role of psychological contract (PC) in a relationship between personality dimensions and turnover intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study is analytical in nature. The data for the purpose of the analysis is collected from 300 software engineers working in Lahore, Punjab. Purposive sampling technique is used for the collection of this data. The response rate was 87.33 per cent. Different data analysis techniques such as correlation, regression analysis, are used to test the 10 hypotheses of the study. Moreover, the study adopted a cross-sectional survey design.

Findings

According to regression analysis, extroversion, conscientiousness and agreeableness personality dimensions brought positive but insignificant increments in turnover intention. However, emotionally stable personality dimensions brought positive and significant increments in turnover intention. Open to experience personality dimension brought negative but insignificant decrement in turnover intention. Results showed extroversion personality dimension brought a very less but insignificant increment in variations of PC, which have higher contributions in variations of turnover intention. Emotional stable, conscientiousness and agreeableness personality dimensions brought also very less but a significant increment in PC. Open to experience personality dimension have negative but insignificant decrement in PC. Results showed the mediation impact of PC among emotional stability, conscientiousness and agreeableness personality dimensions and turnover intention. However, PC does not mediate among extroversion, open to experience personality dimensions and turnover intention. The paper concludes with recommendations for further research.

Originality/value

This study will help the organization in reducing the turnover rate and can enhance the motivation level of their employees.
Corruption in business
Authors: Begum Afroza
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to critically analyse the Criminal Code Amendment (Bribery of Foreign Public Officials) Act 1999 and Crimes Legislation Amendment (Combating Corporate Crime) Bill 2017 with special focus on the facilitation payment (FP) defence by referring to the UK Bribery Act 2010. The study will showcase how FP promotes disrespect for a good corporate culture inevitable for responsible and sustained business and as to why FP must be abolished to make the Australian regulation consistent with the international standards.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on primary and secondary sources including the Senate Committee Reports and recent legislative developments in Australia, and the relevant law of the UK.

Findings

Australia is lagging far behind comparative jurisdictions including the UK, and the FP defence must be abolished to make the Australian regulation consistent with the international standards and to foster international business backed up by globalisation, competition and interconnectedness of national economies.

Originality/value

This paper is the original work of the author and has not been submitted elsewhere for publication.
Exploiting trust for financial gain: an overview of business email compromise (BEC) fraud
Authors: Cross Cassandra , Gillett Rosalie
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore current knowledge of business email compromise (BEC) fraud, or approaches that specifically target organisations for financial gain, through the exploitation of trusted relationships. BEC fraud affects organisations globally and is estimated to have netted offenders over US$26bn since 2016. Despite the sheer magnitude of these losses, there is a dearth of academic research seeking to better understand this crime type, and prevent it from occurring.

Design/methodology/approach

This review summarises the known literature on BEC fraud. It uses a variety of academic and industry sources to ascertain the current state of knowledge, including how it is perpetrated, its impact (on businesses and individuals), how law enforcement have responded and its prevention.

Findings

This review highlights many gaps in knowledge surrounding BEC fraud. There has been a large focus on the technical aspects of BEC fraud, to the detriment of the human elements. Often, BEC fraud is successful through targeted and effective use of social engineering techniques and is able to overcome any technical solutions through the manipulation of personal relationships. Further, while the financial impacts of BEC fraud are obvious, there is no known research which has explored the non-financial harms of BEC fraud (across organisational and individual perspectives). With companies starting to (unsuccessfully) take legal action against those who have responded, there is a clear need to understand how organisations can better respond to incidents when they occur. Finally, there are gaps in knowledge on what is the best combination of both technical and human measures to prevent BEC fraud.

Research limitations/implications

This review is based on information presently available, and as indicated, there are significant gaps in what is currently known.

Practical implications

This review highlights the need to undertake research into the current gaps, with a view to improving best practice knowledge on prevention and response.

Social implications

Currently unknown, BEC fraud is posited to have significant impacts at both personal and collective levels. Increased knowledge of these non-financial impacts will improve how organisations respond to BEC fraud and how employees can be supported before and after an incident occurs.

Originality/value

Despite the magnitude of the problem, there is limited academic scholarship on BEC fraud. This literature review offers a summary of current knowledge and advocates a strong research agenda moving forward.