bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel mechanism for business analytics value creation: improvement of knowledge-intensive business processes
Authors: Marjanovic Olivera
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper focuses on the “how” of business analytics (BA) value creation, which remains an open research problem and a practical challenge. The main purpose of this paper is to propose a novel BA value creation mechanism that is BA-enabled improvement of Knowledge-intensive Business Processes (KIBPs), with experiential knowledge of decision makers as the key to a more sustainable BA-enabled competitive differentiation.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a qualitative research case study, conducted in a large retail distribution company. The research insights were observed through a combined lens of work systems theory and the knowledge-based view (KBV) of the firm, using an interpretive approach.

Findings

The proposed theoretical model identifies three stages of KIBP improvement through BA and explains how they lead to a sustainable BA-enabled competitive differentiation. Stage 1 focusses on BA support for individual knowledge-intensive tasks, Stage 2 focusses on individual decision makers and their ability to gain KIBP-related analytical insights and turn them into action; and Stage 3 on sharing of the acquired experiential knowledge amongst decision makers using BA.

Originality/value

In addition to proposing a novel mechanism for BA value creation, this research demonstrates the importance of leveraging experiential knowledge of decision makers as a pathway to a more sustainable competitive differentiation through BA. This, in turn, creates new opportunities for knowledge management researchers to engage in BA-related research. It also opens a new approach for BA researchers to investigate BA value creation mechanisms through the lens of KBV, rather than more common resource-based or capability-based views.
Identity reflexivity: a framework of heuristics for strategy change in hybrid organizations
Authors: Greco Angela , Long Thomas , de Jong Gjalt
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between (dual) organizational identity and individual heuristics – simple rules and biases – in the process of strategy change. This paper offers a theory on identity reflexivity as a cognitive mechanism of strategy change in the context of organizational hybridity.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on a 2-year ethnographic study at a Dutch social housing association dealing with the process of strategy change. The empirical data comprises of in-depth semi-structured interviews, ethnographic observations as well as secondary sources.

Findings

Conflicting identities at the organizational level influence heuristics at the individual level, since members tend to identify with their department's identity. Despite conflicting interpretations, paths of cognitive shortcuts – that the authors define as internal and external identity reflexivity – are shared by the conflicting identities.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this research are subject to limitations typical of a qualitative case-study, such as possibly being context dependent. The authors argue that this research contributes to the understanding of how individual heuristics relate to organizational heuristics, and suggest that the process of identity reflexivity can contribute to the alignment of conflicting identities enabling strategy formation in the context of a dual-identity organization.

Practical implications

Understanding how managers with conflicting identities achieve agreements is important to help organizational leaders to pursue sustainability-oriented strategy change.

Social implications

Given the pressure experienced by mission-driven organizations to integrate multiple sustainability demands in their mission, understanding managers' decision-making mechanism when adapting to new, often conflicting, sustainability demands is important to accelerate societal sustainability transitions.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the process of new strategy design in the context of a socially driven business. This context fundamentally differs from the one addressed by the existing heuristics literature with respect to organizational environment and role, and specific competing demands.
Towards more balanced sourcing strategies – are supply chain risks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic driving reshoring considerations?
Authors: van Hoek Remko , Dobrzykowski David
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Reshoring is one of the supply chain risk management techniques suggested in literature. However, literature suggests that the decision-making involved in reshoring is complex and not fully understood. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, reshoring may represent a way to reduce reliance on global sources and improve resilience of their supply chains. This paper aims to explore if the pandemic is driving reshoring decisions and if the pandemic will actually lead to companies reshoring parts of their supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper critically engages with senior(-most) supply chain managers from three manufacturing companies as they proceed through reshoring decision-making. This enables to develop experiential knowledge about reshoring decision-making processes and their context, as well as insights into the relevance of existing knowledge about reshoring. While not a full multiple case study, the opportunity to engage directly with senior(-most) supply chain managers as they consider reshoring, enables near real-time learning. Not only is reshoring a very timely topic literature has also called for more event-based empirical research. Further to that, it is hoped that this can complement this special issue and support, in a timely manner, the many researchers that are actively studying the impact of the pandemic on supply chains.

Findings

Reshoring was being actively considered by all three companies during the research process in Q3 and Q4 of 2020. During this period the pandemic has not yet led to substantial implementation of reshoring, at least by the companies studied in this paper. In response to tariffs on Chinese imports, companies had been diversifying their supply base away from China, but doing so by developing alternative, global sources. Additionally, companies are using alternative risk management techniques, such as supplier collaboration, in the short to medium term. Reshoring decision-making is indeed found to be complex and requires a longer-term time horizon for decision-making and implementation. Logistical challenges and growth in demand do drive a willingness of consumers to pay a premium for locally sourced products. However, when supply normalizes these considerations might lose relevance well before reshoring decision-making and implementation can be completed.

Originality/value

This paper studies reshoring in a real-world setting, learning directly from insights from industry as they emerge. This paper develops four extensions to existing knowledge, develop these in frameworks and hope that this will support ongoing consideration in industry and support the many researchers that are active in this domain today. This paper also suggests several directions for further research.
Gender identities and corporate social responsibility practices: a biographical approach of managerial recompositions in SMEs context
Authors: Etogo Gabriel , Manga Engama Etgard , Nomo Théophile Serge
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to question gender identities as the basis for a differentialist conception of how to conceive and practice corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Design/methodology/approach

This study has used a qualitative approach to study five paths of small and medium-sized entreprises (SMEs) female entrepreneurs. This study selected female entrepreneurs who can bring us rich material, which highlights the relationship between the concepts of gender identity and CSR practices. In this perspective, this study has retained five “revealing” cases.

Findings

By establishing a break with the ontological experience that contributes to the application of CSR practices as a natural expression of behaviour, this study shows how social relations of sex reproduce but also how social relations are subverted with respect to the requirements relating to CSR practices.

Originality/value

The main originality of this approach consisted in adopting the concept of “gender inversion”, characteristic of “gender mobility”, to identify the potential and/or effective observable recompositions in the field of managerial behaviours.
Seed beetles as a modern model system of interspecific competition
Authors: Kyogoku Daisuke
Published: June 2021

When and how multiple species can or cannot coexist is a fundamental question in ecology. Recent theory suggests that mechanisms other than trophic tradeoff could enhance the coexistence of ecologically similar species, with a strong emphasis on reproductive processes. Therefore, how resource competition and reproductive interactions jointly drive competitive dynamics is an empirical question of interest. In this context, interspecific competition between two congeneric seed beetles, Callosobruchus maculatus and C. chinensis, is a particularly interesting system; they are ecologically similar, their reproductive biology is well understood, and the two species interact with each other reproductively (through reproductive interference). Here, I review the literature for those who are interested in studying the interspecific interactions within this system, with a special emphasis on their reproductive biology and reproductive interference. I also reanalyze the results of a previous study to provide additional insight. At the end of the paper, I suggest several future directions to encourage future work that could provide further general ecological and evolutionary insights.
Adversarial risk analysis for first‐price sealed‐bid auctions
Authors: Ejaz Muhammad , Joshi Chaitanya , Joe Stephen
Published: June 2021

Adversarial risk analysis (ARA) is an upcoming methodology that is considered to have advantages over the traditional decision‐theoretic and game‐theoretic approaches. ARA solutions for first‐price sealed‐bid (FPSB) auctions have been found but only under strong assumptions which make the model somewhat unrealistic. In this paper, we use ARA methodology to model FPSB auctions using more realistic assumptions. We define a new utility function that considers bidders’ wealth, we assume a reserve price and find solutions not only for risk‐neutral but also for risk‐averse as well as risk‐seeking bidders. We model the problem using ARA for non‐strategic play and level‐k thinking solution concepts.
Group sequential testing for cluster randomized trials with time‐to‐event endpoint
Authors: Li Jianghao , Jung Sin‐Ho
Published: June 2021

We propose group sequential methods for cluster randomized trials (CRTs) with time‐to‐event endpoint. The alpha spending function approach is used for sequential data monitoring. The key to this approach is determining the joint distribution of test statistics and the information fraction at the time of interim analysis. We prove that the sequentially computed log‐rank statistics in CRTs do not have independent increment property. We also propose an information fraction for group sequential trials with clustered survival data and a corresponding sample size determination approach. Extensive simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the performance of our proposed testing procedure using some existing alpha spending functions in terms of expected sample size and maximal sample size. Real study examples are taken to demonstrate our method.
Exacerbation of immune thrombocytopenia following COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Kuter David J.
Published: June 2021

There is concern that COVID‐19 vaccination may adversely affect immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) patients. Fifty‐two consecutive chronic ITP patients were prospectively followed after COVID‐19 vaccination. Fifteen percent had no worsening of clinical symptoms but no post‐vaccination platelet count; 73% had no new symptoms and no significant platelet count decline. However, 12% had a median platelet count drop of 96% within 2–5 days post vaccination with new bleeding symptoms; after rescue therapy with corticosteroids +/− intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), platelets recovered to >30 × 109/l a median three days later. ITP exacerbation occurred independently of remission status, concurrent ITP treatment, or vaccine type. Safety of a second vaccine dose needs careful assessment.
CGRP receptor antagonists for migraine. Are they also AMY1 receptor antagonists?
Authors: Garelja Michael L. , Walker Christopher S. , Hay Debbie L.
Published: June 2021

The development of several drugs that target the calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) system has been a major breakthrough in the pharmacological management of migraine. These are divided into two major classes, antibodies which bind to the CGRP peptide, preventing it from activating CGRP receptors and receptor antagonists. Within the receptor antagonist class, there are two mechanisms of action, small molecule receptor antagonists and an antibody antagonist. This mini‐review considers the pharmacology of these receptor targeted antagonist drugs at the CGRP receptor and closely related AMY1 receptor, at which CGRP may also act. The antagonists are most potent at the CGRP receptor but can also show antagonism of the AMY1 receptor. However, important data are missing and selectivity parameters cannot be provided for all antagonists. The clinical implications of AMY1 receptor antagonism are unknown, but we urge consideration of this receptor as a potential contributing factor to CGRP and antagonist drug actions.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Migraine and Headache Therapy (BJP 75th Anniversary). To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.3/issuetoc
South Korean Education Under Psychocultural Globalization
Authors: Jung Hyang Jin , Ahn Junehui
Published: June 2021

In this special issue, we examine how globalizing forces reshape the self among South Koreans in educational contexts. To address facets of and issues raised by what we call “psychocultural globalization,” we take as the central problematic the tension between individuality and relationality in both self‐organization and self‐other relationships in various educational settings in a globalizing South Korea. A focal concern shared in the five articles is: How are competing educational ideas and values intertwined, contested, and negotiated in the South Korean landscape of psychocultural globalization? The articles jointly and individually address the popularization and institutionalization of Western child‐rearing and educational practices, in both formal and informal educational settings, at the same time that they closely attend to conscious efforts to rediscover and cultivate traditional local values. [education, self, psychocultural globalization, South Korea]

Abstract in Korean

이 특집호는 한국 교육 현장에서 추구하는 자아 지형에 전지구화가 가지고 오는 변화를 살펴보는 것을 목적으로 한다. 저자들이 ‘심리문화적 전지구화’라고 명명하는 현상을 살펴보기 위해, 특집호의 논문들은 전지구화의 영향 아래 변화하고 있는 한국의 교육 현장에서 자아 형성 및 자아와 타자의 관계에 있어 개별성과 관계성이 만들어내는 긴장에 주목한다. 특집호의 논문들이 공통적으로 다루는 주요 주제는 다음과 같다: 한국 사회의 심리문화적 전지구화 현장에서 다양하고 때로는 대립적인 교육 이념과 가치들이 어떻게 서로 엮이고, 경쟁하고, 협상되는가? 논문들은 학교교육과 비공식교육에서 서구적 양육방식과 교육실천이 대중화 및 제도화되고 있는 동시에 전통적인 가치들을 재발견, 함양하고자 하는 의식적이고 적극적인 노력 또한 전개되고 있음에 주목한다.
Federal democracy, distributive justice and the future of Europe
Authors: Benz Arthur
Published: June 2021

Discussions pertaining to advancing strategic policies and democracy in the EU cannot afford to disregard a fundamental institutional dilemma of the EU's political system, the conflict between intense interdependence and power sharing in a multilevel polity for one, and autonomy of governments as a condition for democratic legitimacy of power for another. Conceiving the EU as a federal democracy draws attention to this dilemma. This concept suggests democracy‐preserving modes of governance instead of coercive coordination (policy adjustment to competition in the common market, joint decision‐making among governments, central regulation by law and court decisions), which so far predominate in most relevant policy fields. It also calls for procedures to cope with issues of distributive justice stemming from territorial disparities in resources and burdens. The article conceptualises these challenges and outlines feasible steps to advance federal democracy in the EU.
Public sector performance auditing in a political hegemony: A case study of Indonesia
Authors: Sumiyana Sumiyana , Hendrian Hendrian , Jayasinghe Kelum , Wijethilaka Chaminda
Published: June 2021

Debate over public‐sector auditors’ independence has focused largely on Western developed democracies. Drawing on Gramsci's theory of hegemony, this study explores how the political hegemony and ideology influence public‐sector auditors’ independence and audit quality in a developing country, Indonesia. In contrast to the widely accepted belief that public‐sector auditors’ independence is guaranteed by the legislature, this study argues that active intervention by the political hegemony undermines this independence and thus impairs audit quality. The study's document analysis and in‐depth interviews conducted with technical controllers, supervisors and investigators at the Supreme Audit Institution in Indonesia reveal that the political hegemony and ideology influence auditors’ cognition. This study enhances understanding of how the political hegemony, supported by the imperium, ruling‐class psychology and spheres of influence, substantially erodes auditors’ constitutive role, giving rise to concerns about value for taxpayers’ money and public‐sector effectiveness and efficiency.
Conformational switches and redox properties of the colon cancer‐associated human lectin ZG16
Authors: Javitt Gabriel , Kinzel Alisa , Reznik Nava , Fass Deborah
Published: June 2021

Zymogen granule membrane protein 16 (ZG16) is produced in organs that secrete large quantities of enzymes and other proteins into the digestive tract. ZG16 binds microbial pathogens, and lower ZG16 expression levels correlate with colorectal cancer, but the physiological function of the protein is poorly understood. One prominent attribute of ZG16 is its ability to bind glycans, but other aspects of the protein may also contribute to activity. An intriguing feature of ZG16 is a CXXC motif at the carboxy terminus. Here, we describe crystal structures and biochemical studies showing that the CXXC motif is on a flexible tail, where it contributes little to structure or stability but is available to engage in redox reactions. Specifically, we demonstrate that the ZG16 cysteine thiols can be oxidized to a disulfide by quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase 1, which is a sulfhydryl oxidase present together with ZG16 in the Golgi apparatus and in mucus, as well as by protein disulfide isomerase. ZG16 crystal structures also draw attention to a nonproline cis peptide bond that can isomerize within the protein and to the mobility of glycine‐rich loops in the glycan‐binding site. An understanding of the properties of the ZG16 CXXC motif and the discovery of internal conformational switches extend existing knowledge relating to the glycan‐binding activity of the protein.
Why should we cultivate “the difference” in everyday practices of the university?
Authors: Kunce Aleksandra
Published: June 2021

The paper explores the phenomenon of the local‐worldly university. Why should we cultivate “the Difference” in everyday practices of the university? The author refers to the Derridean “différance,” to the idea of wonder (το θαυμα) and the Herderean concept of Heimat. By putting these terms in the university's specific context, the author asks questions about an autonomous space for thinking and experiencing. The university cannot be homeless, unanchored or uncommitted. The more intensively the universalising procedures of the control of universities are implemented, the more we are convinced that the world does not need any global institutions of higher education and research. This is because a human being is more localised than we would be willing to admit. What is important is difference, the untranslatability of knowledge and languages, the contextual grounding of thinking and action, as well as the experience of the fragility of what is “locally human,” which makes us observe closely a local human being, attached to a place, wandering about with the notion of home, and thus dispelling his or her doubts here and now, even when they tend to recur eternally.
Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs CD45‐/CD44+/CD73+/CD90+) isolated from osteoporotic mice SAM/P6 as a novel model for osteoporosis investigation
Authors: Sikora Mateusz , Śmieszek Agnieszka , Marycz Krzysztof
Published: June 2021

Available therapies aimed at treating age‐related osteoporosis are still insufficient. Therefore, designing reliable in vitro model for the analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying senile osteoporosis is highly required. We have isolated and characterized progenitor cells isolated from bone marrow (BMSCs) of osteoporotic mice strain SAM/P6 (BMSCSAM/P6). The cytophysiology of BMSCSAM/P6 was for the first time compared with BMSCs isolated from healthy BALB/c mice (BMSCBALB/c). Characterization of the cells included evaluation of their multipotency, morphology and determination of specific phenotype. Viability of BMSCs cultures was determined in reference to apoptosis profile, metabolic activity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial membrane potential and caspase activation. Additionally, expression of relevant biomarkers was determined with RT‐qPCR. Obtained results indicated that BMSCSAM/P6 and BMSCBALB/c show the typical phenotype of mesenchymal stromal cells (CD44+, CD73+, CD90+) and do not express CD45. Further, BMSCSAM/P6 were characterized by deteriorated multipotency, decreased metabolic activity and increased apoptosis occurrence, accompanied by elevated oxidative stress and mitochondria depolarisation. The transcriptome analyses showed that BMSCSAM/P6 are distinguished by lowered expression of molecules crucial for proper osteogenesis, including Coll‐1, Opg and Opn. However, the expression of Trap, DANCR1 and miR‐124‐3p was significantly up‐regulated. Obtained results show that BMSCSAM/P6 present features of progenitor cells with disturbed metabolism and could serve as appropriate model for in vitro investigation of age‐dependent osteoporosis.
Skin adverse events related to personal protective equipment: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Montero‐Vilchez T. , Cuenca‐Barrales C. , Martinez‐Lopez A. , Molina‐Leyva A. , Arias‐Santiago S.
Published: June 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is a global pandemic that has spread all over the word. To avoid the virus transmission, healthcare workers must wear adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is associated with several side events, including skin reactions. The objective of this study was to summarize the prevalence, type and risk factors for cutaneous adverse events related to PPE and prevention measures to avoid them. A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted using MEDLINE, Scopus and EMBASE databases from conception to 21 January 2021. All types of epidemiological studies regarding skin adverse events related to PPE were included. The literature search identified 1007 references, 35 of them met the eligible criteria and were included for analysis, representing 31 453 participants. The media of skin side events related to PPE was 75.13%. The rate of cutaneous adverse events related to mask was 57.71%, and those associated with gloves and hand hygiene products was 49.16%. Most common skin adverse events were contact dermatitis, acne and itching. The most damaged anatomical regions were the nasal bridge, the cheeks and the hands. The duration of PPE wearing was the most common risk factor. Frequent handwashing, gloves and masks were the agents most frequently related to skin reactions. N95 respirators were the most harmful mask type for the skin. Hydrocolloid use prevented from developing skin adverse events related to masks. In conclusion, the rate of cutaneous adverse events related to PPE use is high. A longer duration of PPE wearing was the most common risk factor. Using hydrocolloid could prevent from skin injuries related to mask use.
Exercise training in the management of overweight and obesity in adults: Synthesis of the evidence and recommendations from the European Association for the Study of Obesity Physical Activity Working Group
Authors: Oppert Jean‐Michel , Bellicha Alice , van Baak Marleen A. , Battista Francesca , Beaulieu Kristine , Blundell John E. , Carraça Eliana V. , Encantado Jorge , Ermolao Andrea , Pramono Adriyan , Farpour‐Lambert Nathalie , Woodward Euan , Dicker Dror , Busetto Luca
Published: June 2021

There is a need for updated practice recommendations on exercise in the management of overweight and obesity in adults. We summarize the evidence provided by a series of seven systematic literature reviews performed by a group of experts from across Europe. The following recommendations with highest strength (Grade A) were derived. For loss in body weight, total fat, visceral fat, intra‐hepatic fat, and for improvement in blood pressure, an exercise training program based on aerobic exercise at moderate intensity is preferentially advised. Expected weight loss is however on average not more than 2 to 3 kg. For preservation of lean mass during weight loss, an exercise training program based on resistance training at moderate‐to‐high intensity is advised. For improvement in insulin sensitivity and for increasing cardiorespiratory fitness, any type of exercise training (aerobic, resistance, and combined aerobic or resistance) or high‐intensity interval training (after thorough assessment of cardiovascular risk and under supervision) can be advised. For increasing muscular fitness, an exercise training program based preferentially on resistance training alone or combined with aerobic training is advised. Other recommendations deal with the beneficial effects of exercise training programs on energy intake and appetite control, bariatric surgery outcomes, and quality of life and psychological outcomes in management of overweight and obesity.
Affordable oral health care: dental biofilm disruption using chloroplast made enzymes with chewing gum delivery
Authors: Singh Rahul , Ren Zhi , Shi Yao , Lin Shina , Kwon Kwang‐Chul , Balamurugan Shanmugaraj , Rai Vineeta , Mante Francis , Koo Hyun , Daniell Henry
Published: June 2021

Current approaches for oral health care rely on procedures that are unaffordable to impoverished populations, whereas aerosolized droplets in the dental clinic and poor oral hygiene may contribute to spread of several infectious diseases including COVID‐19, requiring new solutions for dental biofilm/plaque treatment at home. Plant cells have been used to produce monoclonal antibodies or antimicrobial peptides for topical applications to decrease colonization of pathogenic microbes on dental surface. Therefore, we investigated an affordable method for dental biofilm disruption by expressing lipase, dextranase or mutanase in plant cells via the chloroplast genome. Antibiotic resistance gene used to engineer foreign genes into the chloroplast genome were subsequently removed using direct repeats flanking the aadA gene and enzymes were successfully expressed in marker‐free lettuce transplastomic lines. Equivalent enzyme units of plant‐derived lipase performed better than purified commercial enzymes against biofilms, specifically targeting fungal hyphae formation. Combination of lipase with dextranase and mutanase suppressed biofilm development by degrading the biofilm matrix, with concomitant reduction of bacterial and fungal accumulation. In chewing gum tablets formulated with freeze‐dried plant cells, expressed protein was stable up to 3 years at ambient temperature and was efficiently released in a time‐dependent manner using a mechanical chewing simulator device. Development of edible plant cells expressing enzymes eliminates the need for purification and cold‐chain transportation, providing a potential translatable therapeutic approach. Biofilm disruption through plant enzymes and chewing gum‐based delivery offers an effective and affordable dental biofilm control at home particularly for populations with minimal oral care access.
Genetic basis of kernel starch content decoded in a maize multi‐parent population
Authors: Hu Shuting , Wang Min , Zhang Xuan , Chen Wenkang , Song Xinran , Fu Xiuyi , Fang Hui , Xu Jing , Xiao Yingni , Li Yaru , Bai Guanghong , Li Jiansheng , Yang Xiaohong
Published: June 2021

Starch is the most abundant storage carbohydrate in maize kernels and provides calories for humans and other animals as well as raw materials for various industrial applications. Decoding the genetic basis of natural variation in kernel starch content is needed to manipulate starch quantity and quality via molecular breeding to meet future needs. Here, we identified 50 unique single quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for starch content with 18 novel QTLs via single linkage mapping, joint linkage mapping and a genome‐wide association study in a multi‐parent population containing six recombinant inbred line populations. Only five QTLs explained over 10% of phenotypic variation in single populations. In addition to a few large‐effect and many small‐effect additive QTLs, limited pairs of epistatic QTLs also contributed to the genetic basis of the variation in kernel starch content. A regional association study identified five non‐starch‐pathway genes that were the causal candidate genes underlying the identified QTLs for starch content. The pathway‐driven analysis identified ZmTPS9, which encodes a trehalose‐6‐phosphate synthase in the trehalose pathway, as the causal gene for the QTL qSTA4−2, which was detected by all three statistical analyses. Knockout of ZmTPS9 increased kernel starch content and, in turn, kernel weight in maize, suggesting potential applications for ZmTPS9 in maize starch and yield improvement. These findings extend our knowledge about the genetic basis of starch content in maize kernels and provide valuable information for maize genetic improvement of starch quantity and quality.
Mixotrophy in diatoms: Molecular mechanism and industrial potential
Authors: Villanova Valeria , Spetea Cornelia
Published: June 2021

Diatoms are microalgae well known for their high variability and high primary productivity, being responsible for about 20% of the annual global carbon fixation. Moreover, they are interesting as potential feedstocks for the production of biofuels and high‐value lipids and carotenoids. Diatoms exhibit trophic flexibility and, under certain conditions, they can grow mixotrophically by combing photosynthesis and respiration. So far, only a few species of diatoms have been tested for their mixotrophic metabolism; in some cases, they produced more biomass and with higher lipid content when grown under this condition. Phaeodactylum tricornutum is the most studied diatom species for its mixotrophic metabolism due to available genome sequence and molecular tools. However, studies in additional species are needed to better understand the conservation of this process in diatoms and its potential in industrial applications. Here, we describe the photosynthetic and respiratory pathways involved in mixotrophy and provide an overview of the trophic variability in diatoms. This review also highlights promising areas of industrial applications for diatoms when cultivated under mixotrophy.
Cascade Sensitivity Measures
Authors: Pesenti Silvana M. , Millossovich Pietro , Tsanakas Andreas
Published: June 2021

In risk analysis, sensitivity measures quantify the extent to which the probability distribution of a model output is affected by changes (stresses) in individual random input factors. For input factors that are statistically dependent, we argue that a stress on one input should also precipitate stresses in other input factors. We introduce a novel sensitivity measure, termed cascade sensitivity, defined as a derivative of a risk measure applied on the output, in the direction of an input factor. The derivative is taken after suitably transforming the random vector of inputs, thus explicitly capturing the direct impact of the stressed input factor, as well as indirect effects via other inputs. Furthermore, alternative representations of the cascade sensitivity measure are derived, allowing us to address practical issues, such as incomplete specification of the model and high computational costs. The applicability of the methodology is illustrated through the analysis of a commercially used insurance risk model.
“They Will Be Like a Swarm of Locusts”: Race, Rurality, and Settler Colonialism in American Prepping Culture*
Authors: Ford Allison E.
Published: June 2021

Preppers represent a sub‐culture of Americans who prepare for the collapse of society, or “the end of the world as we know it,” via emergency preparedness and self‐sufficiency. Securing access to land and the rights to access natural resources are the tenets of self‐sufficiency. Preppers associate access to land, water, resources, and distance from the presumed danger of the urban core with the national myth of a white, settler‐colonial rural idyll. Rural living is thus an ideal of self‐sufficiency. Based on thematic narrative analysis of data derived from multi‐method ethnographic research (participant observation, digital ethnography, and interviews [n = 22]), I examine the relationship between settler‐colonialism, white hegemony, and environmental privilege in preppers' discourse about the rural. Preppers rely on racially based frameworks that align with hegemonic whiteness, color‐blind racism, and settler‐colonialism. Even as they deny the salience of structural racism, preppers make claims to superiority based on cultural capacities like individualism, meritocracy, rationality, and objectivity. They invoke these claims to justify individualized, defensive response to socio‐environmental risk that reproduces white possession of rural lands. Racialized prepper discourse informs the environmental practices that preppers adopt, based on claims to superiority and cultural entitlement to land rooted in settler‐colonial ethics.
Personality computing: New frontiers in personality assessment
Authors: Phan Le Vy , Rauthmann John F.
Published: June 2021

Personality Computing (PC) is a burgeoning field at the intersection of personality and computer science that seeks to extract personality‐relevant information (e.g., on Big Five trait levels) from sensor‐assessed information (e.g., written texts, digital footprints, smartphone usage, non‐verbal behavior, speech patterns, game‐play, etc.). Such sensor‐based personality assessment promises novel and often technologically sophisticated ways to unobtrusively measure individual differences in a highly precise, granular, and faking‐resistant manner. We review the different conceptual underpinnings of PC; survey how well different types of sensors can capture different types of personality‐relevant information; discuss the evaluation of PC performance and psychometric issues (reliability and validity) of sensor‐derived scores as well as ethical, legal, and societal implications; and highlight how modern personality and computer science can be married more effectively to provide practically useful personality assessment. Together, this review aims to introduce readers to the opportunities, challenges, pitfalls, and implications of PC.
A Recommender System for the Additive Manufacturing of Component Inventories Using Machine Learning
Authors: Elaheh Ghiasian Seyedeh , Lewis Kemper
Published: June 2021

To appropriately leverage the benefits of additive manufacturing (AM), it would be advantageous if a printing could be guaranteed before allocating the necessary resources. Furthermore, when considering AM for an inventory of existing components traditionally fabricated through traditional means, such a guarantee could result in significant technical and economic advantages. To realize such advantages, this paper presents a platform that allows for a successful and efficient transition of part-inventories to AM. This is accomplished using a novel design recommender system supported by machine learning, capable of making suggestions towards effective design modifications. This system uses an automatic AM feasibility analysis of existing parts and a clustering of the parts based on similarities in their AM-feasibilities to develop a set of recommendations for those part clusters whose current designs are deemed as infeasible and/or inefficient for AM. The design modifications leverage a redesign algorithm to address not only problematic geometric issues but also potential infeasibilities associated with resource consumption. The utility of the presented modification algorithm is demonstrated using a number of case studies.
Design and Control Method of a Planar Omnidirectional Crawler Mechanism
Authors: Takane Eri , Tadakuma Kenjiro , Watanabe Masahiro , Konyo Masashi , Tadokoro Satoshi
Published: June 2021

Omnidirectional mobility is a popular method of moving in narrow spaces. In particular, the planar omnidirectional crawler previously developed by the authors can traverse unstable and uneven terrain with a large contact area. A novel point is that the proposed system is unique in its ability to carry heavy loads in all directions without getting stuck because of the large pressure-receiving area between the crawler and the ground. This work will facilitate omnidirectional motion, which has important implications for the use of robots in spaces such as not only factories, distribution centers, and warehouses but also soft soil in disaster sites. The objective of the present study was to establish a design and control method for an omnidirectional crawler mechanism that can conduct holonomic and two-axis cross-driving. Only two motors are set on the crawler base for translation in the X- and Y-directions, and two large crawler units are arranged for turning. We design a small crawler that has higher traversing ability with a derailment prevention mechanism and tapered track. Further, the relationship between the motor rotational speed as input and crawler velocity as output was verified for control. In addition, it was demonstrated experimentally that the proposed crawler could travel across various types of rough terrain in a target direction.
Symbolic Differentiation Algorithm for Inverse Dynamics of Serial Robots With Flexible Joints
Authors: Do Thanh-Trung , Vu Viet-Hung , Liu Zhaoheng
Published: June 2021

A new symbolic differentiation algorithm is proposed in this paper to automatically generate the inverse dynamics of flexible-joint robots in symbolic form, and results obtained can be used in real-time applications. The proposed method with O(n) computational complexity is developed based on the recursive Newton–Euler algorithm, the chain rule of differentiation, and the computer algebra system. The input of the proposed algorithm consists of symbolic matrices describing the kinematic and dynamic parameters of the robot. The output is the inverse dynamics solution written in portable and optimized code (C-code/Matlab-code). An exemplary, numerical simulation for inverse dynamics of the Kuka LWR4 robot with seven flexible joints is conducted using matlab, in which the computational time per cycle of inverse dynamics is about 0.02 ms. The numerical example provides very good matching results versus existing methods, while requiring much less computation time and complexity.
Balance Recovery Based on Whole-Body Control Using Joint Torque Feedback for Quadrupedal Robots
Authors: Lee Young Hun , Lee Hyunyong , Kang Hansol , Lee Jun Hyuk , Park Ji Man , Kang Chunghyuk , Lee Yoon Haeng , Kim Yong Bum , Choi Hyouk Ryeol
Published: June 2021

In legged locomotion, the contact force between a robot and the ground plays a crucial role in balancing the robot. However, in quadrupedal robots, general whole-body controllers generate feed-forward force commands without considering the actual torque or force feedback. This paper presents a whole-body controller using the actual joint torque measured from a torque sensor, which enables the quadrupedal robot to demonstrate both dynamic locomotion and reaction to external disturbances. We compute external joint torque using the measured joint torque and the robot’s dynamics, and then we transform this to the moment of the center of mass (CoM). Using the computed CoM moment, the moment-based impedance controller distributes a feed-forward force corresponding to the desired moment of the CoM to stabilize the robot’s balance. Furthermore, to recover balance, the CoM motion is generated using capture point-based stepping control and zero moment point trajectory. The proposed whole-body controller was tested on a quadrupedal robot, named AiDIN-VI. Locomotive abilities on uneven terrains and slopes and in the presence of external disturbances are verified through experiments.
Plasticity and Enzymatic Degradation Coupled With Volumetric Growth in Pulmonary Hypertension Progression
Authors: Lee Eun-Ho , Baek Seungik
Published: June 2021

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is one of the least understood and highly elusive cardiovascular conditions associated with elevated pulmonary arterial pressure. Although the disease mechanisms are not completely understood, evidence has accumulated from human and animal studies that irreversible processes of pulmonary arterial wall damage, compensated by stress-mediated growth, play critical roles in eliciting the mechanisms of disease progression. The aim of this study is to develop a thermodynamic modeling structure of the pulmonary artery to consider coupled plastic-degradation-growth irreversible processes to investigate the mechanical roles of the dissipative phenomena in the disease progression. The proposed model performs a model parameter study of plastic deformation and degradation processes coupled with dissipative growth subjected to elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and computationally generates in silico simulations of PH progression using the clinical features of PH, found in human morphological and mechanical data. The results show that considering plastic deformation can provide a much better fitting of the ex vivo inflation tests than a widely used pure hyperelastic model in higher pressure conditions. In addition, the parameter sensitivity study illustrates that arterial damage and growth cause the increased stiffness, and the full simulation (combining elastic-plastic-degradation-growth models) reveals a key postpathological recovery process of compensating vessel damage by vascular adaptation by reducing the rate of vessel dilation and mediating vascular wall stress. Finally, the simulation results of luminal enlargement, arterial thickening, and arterial stiffness for an anisotropic growth are found to be close to the values from the literature.
Noninvasive acoustic measurements in high explosives using neural networks
Authors: Greenhall John , Pantea Cristian
Published: June 2021

Acoustic measurements serve as a noninvasive means of measuring the temperature or mechanical state of high explosive material without disturbing the material. These measurements work by measuring the time-of-flight of an acoustic burst generated by a transmitter on one side of the material and measured by multiple receivers distributed around the material. In many applications, it is a straightforward process to identify the acoustic burst arrival and use that information to derive information about the material state. For HE materials in metallic containers, however, this process is complicated by interference between the bulk waves propagating through the HE material and guided waves propagating around the circumference of the container walls. We demonstrate the use of neural networks to overcome this limitation. In addition to measurements in HE materials, the neural network technique can provide a means of performing acoustic evaluation in a wide range of materials and in conditions with multi-path acoustic propagation and interference. As a result, the work provides a technique to interpret complex acoustic data and extract useful information about the material state.
Computational analysis of acoustic metamaterials: An outsider’s perspective
Authors: Bonomo Anthony L.
Published: June 2021

Numerical simulation has become an increasingly important tool in the study and design of acoustic metamaterials. However, most of the work to date seems limited to the classical Galerkin finite element method as implemented in commercial off-the-shelf software. In this talk, the limitations of this conventional approach are outlined and alternative computational techniques that can and should be brought to bear for the advanced analysis of acoustic metamaterials are discussed.
Spectral variational multiscale enrichment method—A new computational approach to transient dynamics of phononic crystals and acoustic metamaterials
Authors: Oskay Caglar , Hu Ruize
Published: June 2021

Phononic crystals and acoustic metamaterials hold tremendous potential in controlling mechanical and acoustic waves, thereby enabling remarkable and novel engineering applications such as seismic wave mitigation, impact wave mitigation, elastic cloaking, and acoustic superlens. Given the potential complexity associated with the microstructure of these materials, direct numerical simulation of irregularly shaped and/or large engineering components could be computationally very costly and in many cases prohibitive. Multiscale computational modeling, coupled with model order reduction methodologies present a feasible strategy to simulate the dynamic response of phononic crystals and acoustic metamaterials. In this study, we present the spectral variational multiscale enrichment approach that allows the analysis of a broad range of material microstructures for phononic crystals and acoustic metamaterials. The spectral coarse-scale representation is proposed to capture the salient transient wave phenomena, such as wave dispersion and band gaps that occur in the short wavelength regime. A material phase based model order reduction strategy is devised at the fine-scale. By using the reduced basis for the fine-scale problem, significant numerical efficiency is achieved. Transient elastic wave propagation in two-dimensional phononic crystals and acoustic metamaterials are investigated and the proposed multiscale approach is verified against direct numerical simulations.
Course structure and projects for undergraduate CSD Acoustic Phonetics courses
Authors: Levi Susannah V.
Published: June 2021

Virtually all undergraduate communication sciences and disorders programs require a course in acoustic phonetics (sometimes titled speech science). In our undergraduate program, students have a separate phonetics (transcription) course prior to taking the acoustic phonetics course. My acoustic phonetics course splits the content into two halves: In the first half of the course we focus on the source, including basic acoustics (SHM, harmonics), vocal fold vibration, modes of phonation, and intonation. In the second half of the course, we focus on the filter, including resonance and tube models, vowel formants, and consonant acoustics. In this way, more abstract and basic acoustic properties are interwoven with specific examples of speech-related acoustics. Students complete one project using Praat that focuses on intrinsic F0. The project is divided into four components across the semester. The talk will focus on changes in course structure and the project.
Robust speech separation in underdetermined conditions by estimating Green's functions
Authors: Keith McElveen J.
Published: June 2021

Research results from near and far field speech separation in cocktail party environments using compact arrays of four or more microphones to robustly estimate Green's Functions of real rooms with reverberation, co-speech, and ambient noise.