bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The everyday acoustic environment and its association with human heart rate: evidence from real-world data logging with hearing aids and wearables
Authors: Christensen Jeppe H. , Saunders Gabrielle H. , Porsbo Michael , Pontoppidan Niels H.
Published: July 2020

We investigate the short-term association between multidimensional acoustic characteristics of everyday ambient sound and continuous mean heart rate. We used in-market data from hearing aid users who logged ambient acoustics via smartphone-connected hearing aids and continuous mean heart rate in five-minute intervals from their own wearables.

We find that acoustic characteristics explain approximately 4% of the fluctuation in mean heart rate throughout the day. Specifically, increases in ambient sound pressure intensity are significantly related to increases in mean heart rate, corroborating prior laboratory and short-term real-world data. In addition, increases in ambient sound quality - that is, more favourable signal to noise ratios – are associated with decreases in mean heart rate.

Our findings document a previously unrecognized mixed influence of everyday sounds on cardiovascular stress, and that the relationship is more complex than is seen from examination of sound intensity alone. Thus, our findings highlight the relevance of ambient environmental sound in models of human ecophysiology.
The anxiety and ethanol intake controlling GAL5.1 enhancer is epigenetically modulated by, and controls preference for, high fat diet
Authors: McEwan Andrew , Erickson Johanna Celene , Davidson Connor , Heijkoop Jenny , Turnbull Yvonne , Delibegovic Mirela , Murgatroyd Chris , MacKenzie Alasdair
Published: July 2020

Excess maternal fat intake and obesity increase offspring susceptibility to conditions such as chronic anxiety and substance abuse. We hypothesised that these susceptibilities are established through environmentally modulated DNA-methylation (5mC/5hmC) changes in regions of the genome that modulate mood and consumptive behaviours. We explored the effects of environmental factors on 5mC/5hmC levels within the GAL5.1 enhancer that controls anxiety-related behaviours and alcohol intake. We first observed that 5mC/5hmC levels within the GAL5.1 enhancer differed significantly in different parts of the brain. Moreover, we noted that early life stress had no significant effect of 5mC/5hmC levels within GAL5.1. By contrast, we identified that allowing access of pregnant mothers to high-fat diet (>60% calories from fat) had a significant effect on 5mC/5hmC levels within GAL5.1 in hypothalamus and amygdala of resulting male offspring. Cell transfection based studies using GAL5.1 reporter plasmids showed that 5mC has a significant repressive effect on GAL5.1 activity and its response to known stimuli such as EGR1 expression and PKC agonism. Intriguingly, CRISPR driven disruption of GAL5.1 from the mouse genome, although having negligible effects on metabolism, significantly decreased intake of high fat diet suggesting that GAL5.1, in addition to being epigenetically modulated by high-fat diet, also actively contributes to the consumption of high-fat diet suggesting its involvement in an environmentally-influenced regulatory-loop. Furthermore, considering that GAL5.1 also controls alcohol preference and anxiety these studies may provide a first glimpse into an epigenetically controlled mechanism that links maternal high-fat diet with transgenerational susceptibility to alcohol abuse and anxiety.
Active Strategies for Multisensory Conflict Suppression in the Virtual Hand Illusion
Authors: Lanillos Pablo , Franklin Sae , Maselli Antonella , Franklin David W.
Published: July 2020

The perception of our body in space is flexible and manipulable. The predictive brain hypothesis explains this malleability as a consequence of the interplay between incoming sensory information and our body expectations. However, given the interaction between perception and action, we might also expect that actions would arise due to prediction errors, especially in conflicting situations. Here we describe a computational model, based on the free-energy principle, that forecasts involuntary movements in sensorimotor conflicts. We experimentally confirm those predictions in humans using a virtual reality rubber-hand illusion. Participants generated movements (forces) towards the virtual hand, regardless of its location with respect to the real arm, with little to no forces produced when the virtual hand overlaid their physical hand. The congruency of our model predictions and human observations indicates that the brain-body is generating actions to reduce the prediction error between the expected arm location and the new visual arm. This observed unconscious mechanism is an empirical validation of the perception-action duality in body adaptation to uncertain situations and evidence of the active component of predictive processing.
Phylogenetically conserved peritoneal fibrosis response to an immunologic adjuvant in ray-finned fishes
Authors: Vrtílek Milan , Bolnick Daniel I.
Published: July 2020

Antagonistic interactions between hosts and parasites may drive the evolution of novel host defenses, or new parasite strategies. Host immunity is therefore one of the fastest evolving traits. But where do the novel immune traits come from? Here, we test for phylogenetic conservation in a rapidly evolving immune trait – peritoneal fibrosis. Peritoneal fibrosis is a costly defense against novel specialist tapewormSchistocephalussolidus (Cestoda) expressed in some freshwater populations of threespine stickleback fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus, Perciformes). We asked whether stickleback fibrosis is a derived species-specific trait or an ancestral immune response that was widely distributed across ray-finned fish (Actinopterygii) only to be employed by threespine stickleback against the specialist parasite. We combined literature review on peritoneal fibrosis with a comparative experiment using either parasite-specific, or non-specific, immune challenge in deliberately selected species across fish tree of life. We show that ray-finned fish are broadly, but not universally, able to induce peritoneal fibrosis when challenged with a generic stimulus (Alum adjuvant). The experimental species were, however, largely indifferent to the tapeworm antigen homogenate. Peritoneal fibrosis, thus, appears to be a common and deeply conserved fish immune response that was co-opted by stickleback to adapt to a new selective challenge.
Single-cell morphometrics reveals ancestral principles of notochord development
Authors: Andrews Toby G R , Pönisch Wolfram , Paluch Ewa , Steventon Benjamin J , Benito-Gutierrez Elia
Published: July 2020

During development, embryonic tissues are formed by the dynamic behaviours of their constituent cells, whose collective actions are tightly regulated in space and time. To understand such cell behaviours and how they have evolved, it is necessary to develop quantitative approaches to map out morphogenesis, so comparisons can be made across different tissues and organisms. With this idea in mind, here we sought to investigate ancestral principles of notochord development, by building a quantitative portrait of notochord morphogenesis in the amphioxus embryo – a basally-branching member of the chordate phylum. To this end, we developed a single-cell morphometrics pipeline to comprehensively catalogue the morphologies of thousands of notochord cells, and to project them simultaneously into a common mathematical space termed morphospace. This approach revealed complex patterns of cell-type specific shape trajectories, akin to those obtained using single-cell genomic approaches. By spatially mapping single-cell shape trajectories in whole segmented notochords, we found evidence of spatial and temporal variation in developmental dynamics. Such variations included temporal gradients of morphogenesis spread across the anterior-posterior axis, divergence of trajectories to different morphologies, and the convergence of different trajectories onto common morphologies. Through geometric modelling, we also identified an antagonistic relationship between cell shape regulation and growth that enables convergent extension to occur in two steps. First, by allowing growth to counterbalance loss of anterior-posterior cell length during cell intercalation. Secondly, by allowing growth to further increase cell length once cells have intercalated and aligned to the axial midline, thereby facilitating a second phase of tissue elongation. Finally, we show that apart from a complex coordination of individual cellular behaviours, posterior addition from proliferating progenitors is essential for full notochord elongation in amphioxus, a mechanism previously described only in vertebrates. This novel approach to quantifying morphogenesis paves the way towards comparative studies, and mechanistic explanations for the emergence of form over developmental and evolutionary time scales.
Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Specific CD4(+) and CD8 (+) T Cell Responses Using MHC Class I and II Tetramers
Authors: Poluektov Yuri , Daftarian Pirouz , Delcommenne Marc C.
Published: July 2020

The success of SARS-CoV-2 (CoV-2) vaccines is measured by their ability to mount immune memory responses that are long-lasting. To achieve this goal, it is important to identify surrogates of immune protection, namely, CoV-2 MHC Class I and II immunodominant pieces/epitopes and methodologies to measure them. Here, we present results of flow cytometry-based MHC Class I and II QuickSwitch™ platforms for assessing SARS-CoV-2 peptide binding affinities to various human alleles as well as the H-2 Kb mouse allele. Multiple SARS-CoV-2 potential MHC binders were screened and validated by QuickSwitch testing. While several predicted peptides with acceptable theoretical Kd showed poor MHC occupancies, fourteen MHC class II and a few MHC class I peptides showed promiscuity in that they bind with multiple MHC molecule types. With the peptide exchange generated MHC tetramers, scientists can assess CD4+ and CD8+ immune responses to these different MHC/peptide complexes. Results obtained with several SARS-CoV-2 MHC class I and II peptides are included and discussed.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of hematological and immunological markers in COVID-19 infection: A meta-analysis of 6320 patients
Authors: Elshazli Rami M. , Toraih Eman A , Elgaml Abdelaziz , El-Mowafy Mohammed , El-Mesery Mohamed , Amin Mohamed Nasreldien , Hussein Mohammad H , Killackey Mary T. , Fawzy Manal S , Kandil Emad
Published: July 2020

Objective

Evidence-based characterization of the diagnostic and prognostic value of the hematological and immunological markers related to the epidemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is critical to understand the clinical course of the infection and to assess in development and validation of biomarkers.

Methods

Based on systematic search in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct up to April 22, 2020, a total of 52 eligible articles with 6,320 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cohorts were included. Pairwise comparison between severeversusmild disease, Intensive Care Unit (ICU)versusgeneral ward admission, and expiredversussurvivors were performed for 36 laboratory parameters. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the DerSimonian Laird method/random effects model and converted to Odds ratio (OR). The decision tree algorithm was employed to identify the key risk factor(s) attributed to severe COVID-19 disease.

Results

Cohorts with elevated levels of white blood cells (WBCs) (OR=1.75), neutrophil count (OR=2.62), D-dimer (OR=3.97), prolonged prothrombin time (PT) (OR=1.82), fibrinogen (OR=3.14), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (OR=1.60), procalcitonin (OR=4.76), IL-6 (OR=2.10), and IL-10 (OR=4.93) had higher odds of progression to severe phenotype. Decision tree model (sensitivity=100%, specificity=81%) showed the high performance of neutrophil count at a cut-off value of more than 3.74□x109/L for identifying patients at high risk of severe COVID□19. Likewise, ICU admission was associated with higher levels of WBCs (OR=5.21), neutrophils (OR=6.25), D-dimer (OR=4.19), and prolonged PT (OR=2.18). Patients with high IL-6 (OR=13.87), CRP (OR=7.09), D-dimer (OR=6.36), and neutrophils (OR=6.25) had the highest likelihood of mortality.

Conclusions

Several hematological and immunological markers, in particular neutrophilic count, could be helpful to be included within the routine panel for COVID-19 infection evaluation to ensure risk stratification and effective management.
Sleep quality, mental health and circadian rhythms during COVID lockdown – Results from the SleepQuest Study
Authors: Carrigan Neil , Wearn Alfie , Meky Saba , Selwood James , Piggins Hugh D. , Turner Nicholas , Greenwood Rosemary , Coulthard Elizabeth
Published: July 2020

Behavioural responses to COVID-19 lockdown will define the long-term impact of psychological stressors on sleep and brain health. Here we tease apart factors that help protect against sleep disturbance. We capitalise on the unique restrictions during COVID-19 to understand how time of day of daylight exposure and outside exercise interact with chronotype and sleep quality. 3474 people from the UK (median age 62, range 18-91) completed our online ‘SleepQuest’ Study between 29th April and 13th May 2020 – a set of validated questionnaires probing sleep quality, depression, anxiety and attitudes to sleep alongside bespoke questions on the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on sleep, time spent outside and exercising and self-help sleep measures. Significantly more people (n=1252) reported worsened than improved sleep (n=562) during lockdown (p<0.0001). Factors significantly associated with worsened sleep included low mood (p<0.001), anxiety (p<0.001) and suspected, proven or at risk of COVID-19 symptoms (all p<0.03). Sleep improvement was related to the increased length of time spent outside (P<0.01). Older people’s sleep quality was less affected than younger people by COVID lockdown (p<0.001). Better sleep quality was associated with going outside and exercising earlier, rather than later, in the day. However, the benefit of being outside early is driven by improved sleep in ‘owl’ (p=0.0002) and not ‘lark’ (p=0.27) chronotype, whereas, the benefit of early exercise (inside or outside) did not depend on chronotype. Defining the interaction between chronotype, mental health and behaviour will be critical for targeted lifestyle adaptations to protect brain health through current and future crises.
G6PD Deficiency Overrepresented Among Pediatric COVID-19 Cases in One Saudi Children Hospital
Authors: Al-Aamri Maryam , Al-Khalifa Fatima , Al-Nahwi Fawatim , Al-Ameer Heba , Al-Abdi Sameer
Published: July 2020

Fluorescent spot test for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency was performed in 5 boys and 14 girls who had confirmed COVID-19. Out of those, 4 (80%) boys and 5 (36%) girls were found to be G6PD deficient.
Epidemiological model for the inhomogeneous spatial spreading of COVID-19 and other diseases
Authors: Tsori Yoav , Granek Rony
Published: July 2020

We suggest a mathematical model for the spread of an infectious disease in human population, with particular attention to the COVID-19. Common epidemiological models, e.g., the well-known susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered (SEIR) model, implicitly assume fast mixing of the population relative to the local infection rate, similar to the regime applicable to many chemical reactions. However, in human populations, especially under different levels of quarantine conditions, this assumption is likely to fail. We develop a continuous spatial model that includes five different populations, in which the infectious population is split into latent (or pre-symptomatic) and symptomatic. Based on nearest-neighbor infection kinetics, we arrive into a “reaction-diffusion” model. Our model accounts for front propagation of the infectious population domains under partial quarantine conditions, which is present on top of the common local infection process. Importantly, we also account for the variable geographic density of the population, that can strongly enhance or suppress infection spreading. Our results demonstrate how infected domains spread outward from epicenters/hotspots, leading to different regimes of sub-exponential (quasi linear or power-law) growth. Moreover, we show how weakly infected regions surrounding a densely populated area can cause rapid migration of the infection towards the center of the populated area. Predicted heat-maps show remarkable similarity to recently media released heat-maps. We further demonstrate how localized strong quarantine conditions can prevent the spreading of the disease from an epicenter/hotspot, significantly reducing the number of infected people. Application of our model in different countries, using actual demographic data and infectious disease parameters, can provide a useful predictive tool for the authorities, in particular, for planning strong lockdown measures in localizes areas.
Air recirculation role in the infection with COVID-19, lessons learned from Diamond Princess cruise ship
Authors: Almilaji Orouba , Thomas Peter W
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The Diamond Princess cruise ship is a unique case because it is the place at which testing capacity has reached its highest rate in the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. By analysing data that are collected about the current COVID-19 outbreak onboard, and by considering the design of the air conditioning system of the ship and virus transmission modes on cruise ships, this study aims to raise the hypothesis regarding the role of poor ventilation systems in the spread of COVID-19.

Design

This is an analysis of count data that has been collected by the onboard clinic up to the 20th February 2020. Symptomatic infection rates during the quarantine period in cabins with previous confirmed cases are compared to these in cabins without previous confirmed cases.

Results

Symptomatic infection rate during the quarantine period in cabins with previously confirmed cases is not significantly higher than that in cabins without previously confirmed cases. Age doesn’t appear to be a cofounder.

Conclusions

Airborne transmission of COVID-19 through the ventilation system onboard could explain the virus spread into cabins during the quarantine period.

Strength and Limitations of the study

The study described an important intervention measure that is ignored by national authorities to reduce exposure and limit the transmission of COVID-19 in confined places.

The study reviewed the Diamond Princess cruise ship deck plans, the design of its HVAC (heating ventilation air-conditioning) system, and previous viral outbreaks on cruise ships.

The study considered all other studies that highlighted the airborne transmission mode of COVID-19.

The study only considered the airborne transmission mode to explain the infection with COVID-19 in passengers’ cabins on the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

The study used published count data to calculate the infection rates.
Multiple Haplotype Reconstruction from Allele Frequency Data
Authors: Pelizzola Marta , Behr Merle , Li Housen , Munk Axel , Futschik Andreas
Published: July 2020

Since haplotype information is of widespread interest in biomedical applications, effort has been put into their reconstruction. Here, we propose a new, computationally efficient method, calledhaploSep, that is able to accurately infer major haplotypes and their frequencies just from multiple samples of allele frequency data. Our approach seems to be the first that is able to estimate more than one haplotype given such data. Even the accuracy of experimentally obtained allele frequencies can be improved by re-estimating them from our reconstructed haplotypes. From a methodological point of view, we model our problem as a multivariate regression problem where both the design matrix and the coefficient matrix are unknown. The design matrix, with 0/1 entries, models haplotypes and the columns of the coefficient matrix represent the frequencies of haplotypes, which are non-negative and sum up to one. We illustrate our method on simulated and real data focusing on experimental evolution and microbial data.
A novel retinoic acid analog, 4-Amino-2-Trifluoromethyl-Phenyl Retinate (ATPR) triggers differentiation and is effective in the treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Bao Jing , Du Yan , Li Lan-lan , Xia Liang , Chen Fei-hu
Published: July 2020

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), form RARα fusion genes and proteins is one of the most prevalent forms of leukemia. 4-Amino-2-Trifluoromethyl-Phenyl Retinate (ATPR), a derivative of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), is of potent functions in the induce of cell differentiation, growth arrest, and apoptosis. Nowadays, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of ATPR on this APL pathological model, and whether the mechanism involves PI3K/AKT, ERK and Notch signaling. We established a human xenograft mouse model using NB4 cells and found that ATPR significantly increased the protein concentration in the CD11b and suppressed the PI3K/AKT signaling and activated the ERK and Notch signaling in tumor tissue. Collectively, these data suggest that ATPR shows antileukemic effects by regulating PI3K/AKT, ERK and Notch signaling.
Female mice exposed to low-doses of dioxin during pregnancy and lactation have increased susceptibility to diet-induced obesity and diabetes
Authors: Hoyeck Myriam P , Merhi Rayanna C , Blair Hannah , Spencer C Duncan , Payant Mikayla A , Martin Alfonso Diana I , Zhang Melody , Matteo Geronimo , Chee Melissa J , Bruin Jennifer E
Published: July 2020

Objective

Exposure to persistent organic pollutants is consistently associated with increased diabetes risk in humans. We investigated the short- and long-term impact of chronic low-dose dioxin (aka 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, TCDD) exposure during pregnancy and lactation on glucose homeostasis and beta cell function in female mice, including their response to a metabolic stressor later in life.

Methods

Female mice were injected with either corn oil (CO; vehicle control) or 20 ng/kg/d TCDD 2x/week throughout mating, pregnancy, and lactation, and then tracked for 6-10 weeks after chemical exposure stopped. A subset of CO- and TCDD-exposed dams were then transferred to a 45% high fat diet (HFD) or remained on standard chow diet for an additional 11 weeks to assess long-term effects of TCDD on adaptability to a metabolic stressor.

Results

Dioxin-exposed dams were hypoglycemic at birth but otherwise had normal glucose homeostasis during and post-dioxin exposure. However, dioxin-exposed dams on chow diet were modestly heavier than controls starting 5 weeks after the last dioxin injection, and their weight gain accelerated after transitioning to a HFD. Dioxin-exposed dams also had accelerated onset of hyperglycemia, dysregulated insulin secretion, reduced islet size, increased MAFA-beta cells, and increased proinsulin accumulation following HFD feeding compared to control dams.

Conclusions

Our mouse model suggests that chronic low-dose dioxin exposure may be a contributing factor to obesity and diabetes pathogenesis in females.
Fast operando X-ray pair distribution function using the DRIX electrochemical cell
Authors: Diaz-Lopez Maria , Cutts Geoffrey L. , Allan Phoebe K. , Keeble Dean S. , Ross Allan , Pralong Valerie , Spiekermann Georg , Chater Philip A.
Published: July 2020

In situ electrochemical cycling combined with total scattering measurements can provide valuable structural information on crystalline, semi-crystalline and amorphous phases present during (dis)charging of batteries. In situ measurements are particularly challenging for total scattering experiments due to the requirement for low, constant and reproducible backgrounds. Poor cell design can introduce artefacts into the total scattering data or cause inhomogeneous electrochemical cycling, leading to poor data quality or misleading results. This work presents a new cell design optimized to provide good electrochemical performance while performing bulk multi-scale characterizations based on total scattering and pair distribution function methods, and with potential for techniques such as X-ray Raman spectroscopy. As an example, the structural changes of a nanostructured high-capacity cathode with a disordered rock-salt structure and composition Li4Mn2O5 are demonstrated. The results show that there is no contribution to the recorded signal from other cell components, and a very low and consistent contribution from the cell background.
Multi-objective recognition based on deep learning
Authors: Liu Xin , Wu Junhui , Man Yiyun , Xu Xibao , Guo Jifeng
Published: July 2020

Purpose

With the continuous development of aerospace technology, space exploration missions have been increasing year by year, and higher requirements have been placed on the upper level rocket. The purpose of this paper is to improve the ability to identify and detect potential targets for upper level rocket.

Design/methodology/approach

Aiming at the upper-level recognition of space satellites and core components, this paper proposes a deep learning-based spatial multi-target recognition method, which can simultaneously recognize space satellites and core components. First, the implementation framework of spatial multi-target recognition is given. Second, by comparing and analyzing convolutional neural networks, a convolutional neural network model based on YOLOv3 is designed. Finally, seven satellite scale models are constructed based on systems tool kit (STK) and Solidworks. Multi targets, such as nozzle, star sensor, solar,etc., are selected as the recognition objects.

Findings

By labeling, training and testing the image data set, the accuracy of the proposed method for spatial multi-target recognition is 90.17%, which is improved compared with the recognition accuracy and rate based on the YOLOv1 model, thereby effectively verifying the correctness of the proposed method.

Research limitations/implications

This paper only recognizes space multi-targets under ideal simulation conditions, but has not fully considered the space multi-target recognition under the more complex space lighting environment, nutation, precession, roll and other motion laws. In the later period, training and detection can be performed by simulating more realistic space lighting environment images or multi-target images taken by upper-level rocket to further verify the feasibility of multi-target recognition algorithms in complex space environments.

Practical implications

The research in this paper validates that the deep learning-based algorithm to recognize multiple targets in the space environment is feasible in terms of accuracy and rate.

Originality/value

The paper helps to set up an image data set containing six satellite models in STK and one digital satellite model that simulates spatial illumination changes and spins in Solidworks, and use the characteristics of spatial targets (such as rectangles, circles and lines) to provide prior values to the network convolutional layer.
Left out of the office “tribe”: the influence of workplace ostracism on employee work engagement
Authors: Haldorai Kavitha , Kim Woo Gon , Phetvaroon Kullada , Li Jun (Justin)
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how workplace ostracism influences employee work engagement. It further examines the mediating role of workplace belongingness and moderating role of intrinsic work motivation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from 402 hotel employees from Thailand. A second stage moderated-mediation is used to test the relationship between workplace ostracism and employee work engagement.

Findings

Workplace ostracism negatively impacts employee work engagement and workplace belongingness mediates this relationship. The negative effect of workplace ostracism on employee work engagement through workplace belongingness is stronger for employees high on intrinsic motivation.

Practical implications

Hotel firms should make social connection an organization-wide strategic priority. They can include workplace ostracism as workplace harassment in their policy.

Originality/value

Besides contributing to the nascent literature on workplace ostracism in the hospitality industry, the present study extends research on workplace ostracism by empirically testing the relationship between workplace ostracism and employee work engagement. By using workplace belongingness as a mediator, a better understanding is provided regarding “why” workplace ostracism relates to employee work engagement. By introducing intrinsic work motivation as a moderator, scholars can gain a better understanding in regard to “whom” workplace ostracism negatively relates to employee work engagement.
Factors affecting women's employment likelihood in a Muslim society: the case of Azerbaijan
Authors: Aliyev Khatai , Seyfullali Javid , Saidova Narmin , Musayev Tural , Nuhiyev Farzali
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of females' likelihood to work in a Muslim society, Azerbaijan.

Design/methodology/approach

To obtain more precise results, the authors analyze the relationships of interest in three different contexts: single (unmarried) females (n = 407,M = 0.779, Std. = 0.416), married female (n = 398,M = 0.706, SD = 0.456) and married male (n = 381,M = 0.378, Std. = 0.485). Linear probabilistic models and logistic regression techniques are employed to estimate regression parameters.

Findings

The results altogether display a strong positive impact of the educational attainment of both females and married males. Between the income of married males' and females' employment likelihood, nonlinear – inverse U-shaped association is found. The findings indicate that conservatism towards females' employment is not religiously opinionated, mostly due to insufficient educational attainment.

Practical implications

Based on the research findings, inspiring individuals are recommended to attain degree level qualifications. Simultaneously, the government should engage in mass media to increase awareness of the public about the non-monetary benefits of female employment.

Originality/value

The research results are highly useful for policy practices and fill the huge gap in the studies and research made on the Azerbaijan labor market.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at:https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-09-2019-0557.
Effects of board characteristics, audit committee and risk management on corporate performance: evidence from Palestinian listed companies
Authors: Musallam Sami R.M.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effects of board characteristics, audit committee and risk management on corporate performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 31 Palestinian non-financial listed companies from 2010 to 2016, this study uses a generalized least square method.

Findings

The results show that the effects of board ownership, board independence, audit committee meeting, audit committee size, audit committee financial expertise and risk management are positive and significant on corporate performance while the effects of chief executive officer duality and audit committee size are negative and significant on corporate performance.

Practical implications

The results of this paper are important to policymakers, shareholders and directors of companies to make appropriate choices about the board, audit committee characteristics and risk management to protect the interest of different stakeholders, increase the flow of capital and foreign investment into non-financial companies.

Social implications

This paper fills a gap in the corporate governance literature by investigating the effects of board characteristics, audit committee and risk management on corporate performance in Palestine as one of the youngest stock exchanges in a region that assists in testing the validity of agency theory in a young and small emerging market context.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to investigate the effects of board characteristics, audit committee and risk management collectively on corporate performance in Palestine as prior research on these topics has been investigated separately.
The internationalization of small to medium-sized enterprises: do all levels in international networking matter?
Authors: Ahimbisibwe Godwin Mwesigye , Ntayi Joseph Mpeera , Ngoma Muhammed , Bakunda Geoffrey , Kabagambe Levi Bategeka
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether each level in international networking (network extension, network penetration and network integration) matters in the internationalization of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a cross-sectional and correlational research design. The data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 206 exporting SMEs in Uganda. The study employed a structural equation modelling (SEM) technique using partial least square (PLS) to test the hypothesis.

Findings

The findings revealed that network extension and network integration do matter in SMEs’ internationalization, while network penetration does not.

Practical implications

SMEs in developing countries need to concentrate on network extension and network integration levels to successfully internationalize their operations.

Originality/value

The study provides initial evidence on whether network extension, network penetration and network integration matter in SMEs’ internationalization in developing countries like Uganda.
Creative practice as a mutual route to well-being
Authors: Argyle Elaine
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Drawing on the evaluation of a series of workshops in painting and drawing, this paper will assess the impact of attendance on the well-being of participants who had been identified as being at risk of developing mental health problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation was conducted by an independent researcher and consisted of interviews with group members at the beginning and the end of the project about their expectations and experiences. To complement this data, interviews were also carried out with group leaders and artists.

Findings

Workshop attendance helped to promote the mutual recovery and inclusion of participants while also enhancing the supportive capacities and social capital of their respective groups. These impacts were broad, sustained and mutually reinforcing, transcending the individual and the group to incorporate wider settings.

Originality/value

The importance of the these wider factors are often overlooked by traditional recovery models with their person-centred focus tending to neglect the context in which this recovery is located.
Triggers and strategies related to the collaborative information-seeking behaviour of researchers in ResearchGate
Authors: Ebrahimzadeh Sanam , Rezaei Sharifabadi Saeed , Karbala Aghaie Kamran Masoumeh , Dalkir Kimiz
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the triggers, strategies and outcomes of collaborative information-seeking behaviours of researchers on the ResearchGate social networking site.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from the population of researchers who use ResearchGate. The sample was limited to the Ph.D. students and assistant professors in the library and information science domain. Qualitative interviews were used for data collection.

Findings

Based on the findings of the study, informal communications and complex information needs lead to a decision to use collaborative information-seeking behaviour. Also, easy access to sources of information and finding relevant information were the major positive factors contributing to collaborative information-seeking behaviour of the ResearchGate users. Users moved from collaborative Q&A strategies to sharing information, synthesising information and networking strategies based on their needs. Analysis of information-seeking behaviour showed that ResearchGate users bridged the information gap by internalizing new knowledge, making collaborative decisions and increasing their work's visibility.

Originality/value

As one of the initial studies on the collaborative information-seeking behaviour of ResearchGate users, this study provides a holistic picture of different triggers that affect researchers' information-seeking on ResearchGate.
Urban land speculation: model development
Authors: Gemeda Bedane S. , Abebe Birhanu G. , Cirella Giuseppe T.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The aim of the research is to examine the role of property tax in land and building administration and to develop a dynamic model. The paper investigates the extent to which local governments take advantage of property tax in generating revenue and encouraging certain life cycle assessment-oriented land and building speculation patterns in Shashemene, Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted using case study and survey research strategies. Shashemene's administrative area (i.e. specific to four peri-urban villages) was purposively selected as the case study area. A combination of different data collection instruments was employed: questionnaires and field observation. Moreover, an extensive survey of owners of undeveloped land and building, throughout the study area, was conducted. Multiple regression analysis was applied to the analyzed data as well as the use of dynamic modeling of land and building via qualitative and numerical analysis of property.

Findings

Results indicate that speculators will hold land and building for a marginal period only if the difference between present net rates of return exceeds the difference between discounted expected percent return.

Practical implications

This paper provides a simple model to recognize the optimum length of time to hold a parcel of land and building from the market by land speculators.

Originality/value

The introduction and potential implementation of dynamics modeling to the local government calls for controlling speculation that has resulted in local revenue enhancement.
Numerical modeling of thermal anisotropy on a selective laser melting process
Authors: Trejos Juan Daniel , Reyes Luis Arturo , Garza Carlos , Zambrano Patricia , Lopez-Botello Omar
Published: July 2020

Purpose

An experimental and numerical study of thermal profiles of 316 L stainless steel during selective laser melting (SLM) was developed. This study aims to present a novel approach to determine the significance and contribution of thermal numerical modeling enhancement factors of SLM.

Design/methodology/approach

Surface and volumetric heat models were proposed to compare the laser interaction with the powder bed and substrate, considering the powder size, absorptance and propagation of the laser energy through the effective depth of the metal layer. The approach consists in evaluating the contribution of the thermal conductivity anisotropic enhancement factors to establish the factors that minimized the error of the predicted results vs the experimental data.

Findings

The level of confidence of the carried-out analysis is of 97.8% for the width of the melt pool and of 99.8% for the depth of the melt pool. The enhancement factors of the y and z spatial coordinates influence the most in the predicted melt pool geometry.

Research limitations/implications

Nevertheless, the methodology presented in this study is not limited to 316 L stainless steel and can be applied to any metallic material used for SLM processes.

Practical implications

This study is focused on 316 L stainless steel, which is commonly used in SLM and is considered a durable material for high-temperature, high-corrosion and high-stress situations.

Social implications

The additive manufacturing (AM) technology is a relatively new technology becoming global. The AM technology may have health benefits when compared to the conventional industrial processes, as the workers avoid extended periods of exposure present in conventional manufacturing.

Originality/value

This study presents a novel approach to determine the significance and contribution of thermal numerical modeling enhancement factors of SLM. It was found that the volumetric heat model and anisotropic enhancement thermal approaches used in the present research, had a good agreement with experimental results.
Elastic behavior of composites reinforced by 3D printed tubular lattice braid textures
Authors: Rahiminia Mohammad Amin , Latifi Masoud , Sadighi Mojtaba
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce an innovative transversal tubular braid texture and to study the elastic behavior of its 3 D printed structure comparatively to 3 D printed longitudinal tubular braid texture (maypole) to be used as reinforcement.

Design/methodology/approach

Regarding the lack of proper machines for the production of the proposed texture, the structure of samples was produced as a tubular lattice braid texture using a 3 D printer with the fused deposition modeling method subsequent to simulation by Rhinoceros software. The produced specimens were composited by polyurethane resin. The composite samples were evaluated by the split disk mechanical test to obtain their hoop stress. The structures of the reinforced composites were theoretically analyzed by ANSYS software.

Findings

The results of the mechanical test and theoretical analysis showed that the composites reinforced with transversal tubular lattice braid have higher strength compared to the composites reinforced with longitudinal ones. This assured that the composite reinforced by transversal tubular lattice braid is reliable to be used as high-performance tube for different applications.

Originality/value

Further work is carried out to produce the innovated complex structure continuously by a specially designed machine and fibrous materials to reinforce tubular composites in an industrial continual process to be applied for high-pressure fluids flows.
Dietary advanced glycation end‐products: Perspectives linking food processing with health implications
Authors: Zhang Qiaozhi , Wang Yanbo , Fu Linglin
Published: July 2020

Dietary advanced glycation end products (dAGEs) are complex and heterogeneous compounds derived from nonenzymatic glycation reactions during industrial processing and home cooking. There is mounting evidence showing that dAGEs are closely associated with various chronic diseases, where the absorbed dAGEs fuel the biological AGEs pool to exhibit noxious effects on human health. Currently, due to the uncertain bioavailability and rapid renal clearance of dAGEs, the relationship between dAGEs and biological AGEs remains debatable. In this review, we provide the most updated information on dAGEs including their generation in processed foods, analytical and characterization techniques, metabolic fates, interaction with AGE receptors, implications on human health and reducing strategies. Available evidence demonstrating a relevance between dAGEs and food allergy is also included. AGEs are ubiquitous in foods and their contents largely depend on the reactivity of carbonyl and amino groups, along with surrounding condition mainly pH and heating procedures. Once being digested and absorbed into the circulation, two separate pathways can be involved in the deleterious effects of dAGEs: an AGE receptor‐dependent way to stimulate cell signals, and an AGE receptor‐independent way to dysregulate proteins via forming complexes. Inhibition of AGEs formation during food processing and reduction in the diet are two potent approaches to restrict health‐hazardous dAGEs. To elucidate the biological role of dAGEs toward human health, the following significant perspectives are raised: molecular size and complexity of dAGEs; interactions between unabsorbed dAGEs and gut microbiota; and roles played by concomitant compounds in the heat‐processed foods.
Association between marijuana use and electrocardiographic abnormalities by middle age: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study
Authors: Jakob Julian , Stalder Odile , Syrogiannouli Lamprini , Pletcher Mark J. , Vittinghoff Eric , Ning Hongyan , Tal Kali , Rana Jamal S. , Sidney Stephen , Lloyd‐Jones Donald M. , Auer Reto
Published: July 2020

Aims

To evaluate the prevalence of electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities in marijuana users as an indirect measure of subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Design

Longitudinal and cross‐sectional secondary data analysis from the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) study.

Setting

Four communities in the United States.

Participants

A total of 2585 participants from the 5115 black and white men and women recruited at age 18–30 years in 1985 to 1986 in CARDIA.

Measurements

ECG abnormalities coded as minor and major abnormalities with the Minnesota code of electrocardiographic findings at year 20. Self‐reported current (past 30 days) and computed cumulative life‐time marijuana use (one ‘marijuana‐year’ corresponds to 365 days of use) through assessments every 2–5 years. We fitted logistic regression models adjusting for sex, race, center, education, age, tobacco smoking, physical activity, alcohol use and body mass index.

Findings

Among the 2585 participants with an ECG at year 20, mean age was 46, 57% were women, 45% were black; 83% had past exposure to marijuana and 11% were using marijuana currently. One hundred and seventy‐three participants (7%) had major abnormalities and 944 (37%) had minor abnormalities. Comparing current with never use in multivariable‐adjusted models, the odds ratio (OR) for major ECG abnormalities was 0.60 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.32–1.15] and for minor ECG abnormalities 1.21 (95% CI = 0.87–1.68). Results did not change after stratifying by sex and race. Cumulative marijuana use was not associated with ECG abnormalities.

Conclusion

In a middle‐aged US population, life‐time cumulative and occasional current marijuana use were not associated with increases in electrocardiogram abnormalities. This adds to the growing body of evidence that occasional marijuana use and cardiovascular disease events and markers of subclinical atherosclerosis are not associated.
Preparing maternity for COVID‐19: A translational simulation approach
Authors: Lowe Belinda , De Araujo Victoria , Haughton Helen , Schweitzer Jane , Brazil Victoria
Published: July 2020

COVID‐19 has posed major challenges for health care. Hospitals around the world have needed to rapidly prepare for the emerging pandemic. Translational simulation – simulation that is integrated and focused on emerging clinical priorities – offers numerous opportunities to aid in pandemic preparation. We describe our approach to preparing our institution’s maternity services for the COVID‐19 pandemic using translational simulation. We suggest lessons for providers of maternity services, and for those who support them through simulation activities.