bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The structural efficiency of the sea sponge
Euplectella aspergillum
skeleton: bio-inspiration for 3D printed architectures
Authors: Robson Brown K. , Bacheva D. , Trask R. S.
Published: May 2019

In Nature, despite the diversity of materials, patterns and structural designs, the majority of biomineralized systems share a common feature: the incorporation of multiple sets of discrete elements across different length scales. This paper is the first to assess whether the design features observed in the hexactinellid sea sponge
Euplectella aspergillum
can be transferred and implemented for the development of new structurally efficient engineering architectures manufactured by three-dimensional (3D) additive manufacturing (AM). We present an investigation into the design and survival strategies found in the biological system and evaluate their translation into a scaled engineering analogue assessed experimentally and through finite-element (FE) simulations. Discrete sections of the skeletal lattice were evaluated and tested in an
in situ
compression fixture using micro-computed tomography (μCT). This methodology permitted the characterization of the hierarchical organization of the siliceous skeleton; a multi-layered arrangement with a fusion between struts to improve the local energy-absorbing capabilities. It was observed that the irregular overlapping architecture of spicule–nodal point sub-structure offers unique improvements in the global strength and stiffness of the structure. The 3D data arising from the μCT of the skeleton were used to create accurate FE models and replication through 3D AM. The printed struts in the engineering analogue were homogeneous, comprising bonded ceramic granular particles (10–100 µm) with an outer epoxy infused shell. In these specimens, the compressive response of the sample was expected to be dynamic and catastrophic, but while the specimens showed a similar initiation and propagation failure pattern to
E. aspergillum
, the macroscopic deformation behaviour was altered from the expected predominantly brittle behaviour to a more damage tolerant quasi-brittle failure mode. In addition, the FE simulation of the printed construct predicted the same global failure response (initiation location and propagation directionality) as observed in
E. aspergillum
. The ability to mimic directly the complex material construction and design features in
E. aspergillum
is currently beyond the latest advances in AM. However, while acknowledging the material-dominated limitations, the results presented here highlight the considerable potential of direct mimicry of biomineralized lattice architectures as future light-weight damage tolerant composite structures.
Time-resolved compound repositioning predictions on a text-mined knowledge network
Authors: Mayers Michael , Shu Li Tong , Queralt-Rosinach Núria , Su Andrew I
Published: May 2019

Background

Computational compound repositioning has the potential for identifying new uses for existing drugs, and new algorithms and data source aggregation strategies provide ever-improving results via in silico metrics. However, even with these advances, the number of compounds successfully repositioned via computational screening remains low. New strategies for algorithm evaluation that more accurately reflect the repositioning potential of a compound could provide a better target for future optimizations.

Results

Using a text-mined database, we applied a previously described network-based computational repositioning algorithm, yielding strong results via cross-validation, averaging 0.95 AUROC on test-set indications. The text-mined data was then used to build networks corresponding to different time-points in biomedical knowledge. Training the algorithm on contemporary indications and testing on future showed a marked reduction in performance, peaking in performance metrics with the 1985 network at an AUROC of .797. Examining performance reductions due to removal of specific types of relationships highlighted the importance of drug-drug and disease-disease similarity metrics. Using data from future timepoints, we demonstrate that further acquisition of these kinds of data may help improve computational results.

Conclusions

Evaluating a repositioning algorithm using indications unknown to input network better tunes its ability to find emerging drug indications, rather than finding those which have been withheld. Focusing efforts on improving algorithmic performance in a time-resolved paradigm may further improve computational repositioning predictions.
From single nuclei to whole genome assemblies
Authors: Montoliu-Nerin Merce , Sánchez-García Marisol , Bergin Claudia , Grabherr Manfred , Ellis Barbara , Kutschera Verena Esther , Kierczak Marcin , Johannesson Hanna , Rosling Anna
Published: May 2019

A large proportion of Earth's biodiversity constitutes organisms that cannot be cultured, have cryptic life-cycles and/or live submerged within their substrates1–4. Genomic data are key to unravel both their identity and function5. The development of metagenomic methods6,7 and the advent of single cell sequencing8–10 have revolutionized the study of life and function of cryptic organisms by upending the need for large and pure biological material, and allowing generation of genomic data from complex or limited environmental samples. Genome assemblies from metagenomic data have so far been restricted to organisms with small genomes, such as bacteria11, archaea12 and certain eukaryotes13. On the other hand, single cell technologies have allowed the targeting of unicellular organisms, attaining a better resolution than metagenomics8,9,14–16, moreover, it has allowed the genomic study of cells from complex organisms one cell at a time17,18. However, single cell genomics are not easily applied to multicellular organisms formed by consortia of diverse taxa, and the generation of specific workflows for sequencing and data analysis is needed to expand genomic research to the entire tree of life, including sponges19, lichens3,20, intracellular parasites21,22, and plant endophytes23,24. Among the most important plant endophytes are the obligate mutualistic symbionts, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, that pose an additional challenge with their multinucleate coenocytic mycelia25. Here, the development of a novel single nuclei sequencing and assembly workflow is reported. This workflow allows, for the first time, the generation of reference genome assemblies from large scale, unbiased sorted, and sequenced AM fungal nuclei circumventing tedious, and often impossible, culturing efforts. This method opens infinite possibilities for studies of evolution and adaptation in these important plant symbionts and demonstrates that reference genomes can be generated from complex non-model organisms by isolating only a handful of their nuclei.
Pseudomonas syringaeIncreases Water Availability in Leaf Microenvironments via Production of Hygroscopic Syringafactin
Authors: Hernandez Monica N. , Lindow Steven E.
Published: May 2019

The epiphytic bacteriumPseudomonas syringaestrain B728a produces the biosurfactant syringafactin which is hygroscopic. The water absorbing potential of syringafactin is high. At high relative humidities, syringafactin attracts 250% of its weight in water but is less hygroscopic at lower relative humidities. This suggests that syringafactin’s benefit to the producing cells is strongly context-dependent. The contribution of syringafactin to the water availability around cells on different matrices was assessed by examining water availability biosensor strains that expressgfpvia the water-stress activatedproUpromoter. Wild-type cells exhibited significantly less GFP fluorescence than a syringafactin-deficient strain, on humid but dry filters as well as on leaf surfaces indicating higher water availability. When infiltrated into the leaf apoplast, wild-type cells also subsequently exhibited less GFP fluorescence than a syringafactin-deficient strain. These results suggest that the apoplast is a dry, but humid environment and that, just as on dry but humid leaf surfaces, syringafactin increases liquid water availability and reduces the water stress experienced byP. syringae.

IMPORTANCE

Many microorganisms, including the plant pathogenPseudomonas syringae, produce amphiphilic compounds known as biosurfactants. While biosurfactants are known to disperse hydrophobic compounds and reduce water tension, they have other properties that can benefit the cells that produce them. Leaf colonizing bacteria experience frequent water stress since liquid water is only transiently present on or in leaf sites that they colonize. The demonstration that syringafactin, a biosurfactant produced byP. syringae, is sufficiently hygroscopic to increase water availability to cells, thus relieving water stress, reveals thatP. syringaecan modify its local habitat both on leaf surfaces and in the leaf apoplast. Such habitat modification may be a common role for biosurfactants produced by other bacterial species that colonize habitats that are not always water saturated such as soil.
A Novel Chromatin-Opening Element for Stable Long-term Transgene Expression
Authors: Rudina Shireen S. , Smolke Christina D.
Published: May 2019

Long-term stable expression of transgenes in mammalian cells is a challenge in gene therapy, recombinant protein production, and mammalian synthetic biology due to epigenetic silencing and position effect variegation. While multiple classes of regulatory elements have been discovered and proposed to help stabilize expression, the most efficacious has been the Ubiquitous Chromatin Opening Element (UCOE), and in particular, the prototypical A2UCOE from the HNRPA2B1-CBX3 locus. We developed a feature-driven bioinformatics algorithm to discover other putative UCOEs from the human genome, and identified a novel UCOE (SRF-UCOE) that can resist transgene silencing in the methylation-prone P19 cell line. We demonstrate that a 767 bp core sequence of SRF-UCOE is modular to four common mammalian promoters. Notably, SRF-UCOE stabilizes gene expression in transduced P19 cells up to 2.4-fold better over 26 days than the existing A2UCOE by resisting constructs’ susceptibility to DNA methylation and histone deacetylation. Unlike existing UCOEs, SRF-UCOE lacks inherent transcriptional initiation activity, which can bolster its safe and predictable use in gene therapy constructs. We expect that expanding the set of UCOEs available will expand their utility to novel applications in gene therapy, synthetic biology, and biomanufacturing, as well as contribute to understanding their molecular mechanism.
Energy landscapes reveal agonist control of GPCR activation via microswitches
Authors: Fleetwood Oliver , Matricon Pierre , Carlsson Jens , Delemotte Lucie
Published: May 2019

Agonist binding to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) leads to conformational changes in the transmembrane region that activate cytosolic signaling pathways. Al-though high resolution structures of different receptor states are available, atomistic details of the allosteric signalling across the membrane remain elusive. We calculated free energy landscapes of theβ2adrenergic receptors activation using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations in an optimized string of swarms framework, which sheds new light on how microswitches govern the equilibrium between conformational states. Contraction of the extracellular binding site in the presence of the agonist BI-167107 is obligatorily coupled to conformational changes in a connector motif located in the core of the transmembrane region. The connector is probabilistically coupled to the conformation of the intracellular region. An active connector promotes desolvation of a buried cavity, a twist of the conserved NPxxY motif, and an interaction between two conserved tyrosines in transmembrane helices 5 and 7 (Y-Y motif), which leads to a larger population of active-like states at the G protein binding site. This coupling is augmented by protonation of the strongly conserved Asp792.50. The agonist binding site hence communicates with the intracellular region via a cascade of locally connected microswitches. Characterization of these can be used to understand how ligands stabilize distinct receptor states and contribute to development drugs with specific signaling properties. The developed simulation protocol is likely transferable to other class A GPCRs.

Graphical TOC Entry
Association between uncontrolled eating and caudate responses to reward cues
Authors: Bado Patrícia , Moll Jorge , Nazar Bruno P. , de Oliveira-Souza Ricardo , da Costa Raquel , Tripp Gail , Mattos Paulo , Furukawa Emi
Published: May 2019

Reward sensitivity has been hypothesized to play a significant role in a range of eating behaviors, including overeating. Previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) findings in overweight individuals indicate heightened responses to food, but also to other reward types, suggesting generalized overactivity of the reward system. The current fMRI study investigated the relationship between general reward sensitivity and eating behavior in normal-weight individuals, while controlling for trait impulsivity. Participants were young adults, some demonstrating ADHD symptoms, allowing for a range of impulsivity profiles. A classical conditioning task was used to measure striatal responses to monetary reward stimuli. Uncontrolled eating scores from the Three Eating Factor Questionnaire were positively correlated with caudate responses to reward predicting cues. This association was not explained by self-reported impulsivity. The current findings provide support for heightened reward anticipation as a neural phenotype contributing to overeating.
No association of mitochondrial DNA levels in trophectodermal cells with the developmental competence of the blastocyst and pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Ritu G , Veerasigamani Geetha , Ashraf Mohammed C. , Singh Sankalp , Laheri Saniya , Modi Deepak
Published: May 2019

Study question

Can mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels in trophectodermal cells of the blastocyst predict the blastocyst quality, ploidy status, implantation rate and clinical outcomes?

Summary answer

mtDNA levels in trophectodermal cells of the blastocyst do not associate with the blastocyst quality, ploidy status, implantation potential and clinical outcomes, but can differentiate between aneuploid and euploid blastocysts.

What we already know

mtDNA levels in the trophectodermal cells have been suggested to be associated with blastocyst morphology, ploidy and implantation rates, and has been proposed as biomarker to access blastocyst quality and predict clinical outcomes. However, discrepancies exist if mtDNA levels could serve as a marker for the same.

Study design and duration

Retrospective analysis of mtDNA levels in trophectodermal cells obtained from blastocysts undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) at Craft Hospital & Research Center, Kerala from January 2016-July 2017.

Participants/materials and methods

Study included data from 287 blastocyst from (61) couples who underwent PGT-A using next generation sequencing (NGS). Levels of mtDNA in trophectodermal cells of the blastocyst were estimated by the NGS. Comparison of mtDNA levels with maternal age, blastocyst morphology, ploidy status, implantation rates, miscarriage rates and live birth rate was done.

Main results

The levels of mtDNA in the trophectoderm of the blastocyst did not correlate with maternal age. There was no significant difference in the mtDNA levels between grade 1 and grade 2 blastocyst. Euploid blastocyst had significantly lower amounts of mtDNA levels in trophectodermal cells of the blastocyst were compared to aneuploid blastocyst. No significant differences were seen between mtDNA levels and implanting and non-implanting blastocysts or those resulted into miscarriage or live birth.

Limitations

The study is limited by a small sample size and hence type II error cannot be ruled out.

Wider Implications

The study does not support the potential use of mtDNA levels in the trophectodermal cells as biomarker for blastocyst quality and predicting clinical outcomes needs.

Study funding/competing interest(s)

There is no external funding for the study. There is no conflict of interest.
Auxin-Induced Actin Cytoskeleton Rearrangements Require AUX1
Authors: Arieti Ruthie S. , Staiger Christopher J.
Published: May 2019

The actin cytoskeleton is required for cell expansion and is implicated in cellular responses to the plant growth hormone auxin. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms that coordinate auxin signaling, cytoskeletal remodeling, and cell expansion are poorly understood. Previous studies have examined actin cytoskeleton responses to long-term auxin treatment, but plants respond to auxin over short timeframes, and growth changes within minutes of exposure to the hormone. To correlate actin arrays with degree of cell expansion, we used quantitative imaging tools to establish a baseline of actin organization, as well as of individual filament behaviors in root epidermal cells under control conditions and after treatment with a known inhibitor of root growth, the auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). We found that cell length was highly predictive of actin array in control roots, and that short-term IAA treatment stimulated denser, more longitudinal, and more parallel arrays by inducing filament unbundling within minutes. By demonstrating that actin filaments were more “organized” after a treatment that stopped elongation, we show there is no direct relationship between actin organization and cell expansion and refute the hypothesis that “more organized” actin universally correlates with more rapidly growing root cells. The plasma membrane-bound auxin transporter AUXIN RESISTANT 1 (AUX1) has previously been shown necessary for archetypal short-term root growth inhibition in the presence of IAA. Although AUX1 was not previously suspected of being upstream of cytoskeletal responses to IAA, we usedaux1mutants to demonstrate that AUX1 is necessary for the full complement of actin rearrangements in response to auxin, and that cytoplasmic auxin in the form of NAA is sufficient to stimulate a partial actin response. Together, these results are the first to quantitate actin cytoskeleton response to short-term auxin treatments and demonstrate that AUX1 is necessary for short-term actin remodeling.

One sentence summary

The Arabidopsis AUX1 auxin transport protein is necessary for actin cytoskeleton reorganization in response to phytohormone treatment.
Assembly error propagation modeling and coordination error chain construction for aircraft
Authors: Guo Feiyan , Zou Fang , Liu Jian Hua , Xiao Qingdong , Wang Zhongqi
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Manufacturing errors, which will propagate along the assembly process, are inevitable and difficult to analyze for complex products, such as aircraft. To realize the goal of precise assembly for an aircraft, with revealing the nonlinear transfer mechanism of assembly error, a set of analytical methods with response to the assembly error propagation process are developed. The purpose of this study is to solve the error problems by modeling and constructing the coordination dimension chain to control the consistency of accumulated assembly errors for different assemblies.

Design/methodology/approach

First, with the modeling of basic error sources, mutual interaction relationship of matting error and deformation error is analyzed, and influence matrix is formed. Second, by defining coordination datum transformation process, practical establishing error of assembly coordinate system is studied, and the position of assembly features is modified with actual relocation error considering datum changing. Third, considering the progressive assembly process, error propagation for a single assembly station and multi assembly stations is precisely modeled to gain coordination error chain for different assemblies, and the final coordination error is optimized by controlling the direction and value of accumulated error range.

Findings

Based on the proposed methodology, coordination error chain, which has a direct influence on the property of stealthy and reliability for modern aircrafts, is successfully constructed for the assembly work of the jointing between leading edge flap component and wing component at different assembly stations.

Originality/value

Precise assembly work at different assembly stations is completed to verify methodology’s feasibility. With analyzing the main comprised error items and some optimized solutions, benefit results for the practical engineering application showing that the maximum value of the practical flush of the profiles between the two components is only 0.681 mm, the minimum value is only 0.021 mm, and the average flush of the entire wing component is 0.358 mm, which are in accordance with theoretical calculation results and can successfully fit the assembly requirement. The potential user can be the engineers for manufacturing the complex products.
Modeling of assembly systems with complex structures for throughput analysis during transients
Authors: Hou Yukan , Li Yuan , Ge Yuntian , Zhang Jie , Jiang Shoushan
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an analytical method for throughput analysis of assembly systems with complex structures during transients.

Design/methodology/approach

Among the existing studies on the performance evaluation of assembly systems, most focus on the system performance in steady state. Inspired by the transient analysis of serial production lines, the state transition matrix is derived considering the characteristics of merging structure in assembly systems. The system behavior during transients is described by an ergodic Markov chain, with the states being the occupancy of all buffers. The dynamic model for the throughput analysis is solved using the fixed-point theory.

Findings

This method can be used to predict and evaluate the throughput performance of assembly systems in both transient and steady state. By comparing the model calculation results with the simulation results, this method is proved to be accurate.

Originality/value

This proposed modeling method can depict the throughput performance of assembly systems in both transient and steady state, whereas most exiting methods can be used for only steady-state analysis. In addition, this method shows the potential for the analysis of complex structured assembly systems owing to the low computational complexity.
Evidence based practice among healthcare providers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kalavani Khalil , Mohebbifar Rafat , Rafiei Sima
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Nowadays health systems in most of the countries are trying to build their healthcare provision system based on scientific knowledge based evidence. Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a crucial factor for quality improvement focusing on compliance with clinical standards. The purpose of this paper is to assess evidence-based knowledge and skills among healthcare providers in Qazvin hospitals in 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a descriptive study conducted among 300 health professionals working in hospitals affiliated by Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2016. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data on health providers’ attitude, knowledge and skill regarding EBP. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions were used to analyze data using SPSS 16 software.

Findings

A total of 254 participants (84.6 percent) completed the questionnaire in which their attitude, knowledge and skill toward EBP were assessed at a low level. Study results indicated that among different occupational groups, physicians and those with greater awareness toward EBP terminology had a more positive attitude compared with others. Furthermore, a higher level of knowledge and skill toward EBP was associated with being a physician and having a positive attitude toward the issue.

Practical implications

Given the importance of EBP and due to insufficient knowledge of healthcare providers about the issue, it is necessary to hold appropriate educational courses to empower health workforce in implementing EBP principles.

Originality/value

The authors applied a self-administered questionnaire to assess health workforce knowledge and skills toward EBP. The results obtaining from the analysis not only highlights weaknesses related to service providers’ knowledge and capabilities to implement EBP but also reveals facilities required for realization of the subject in hospital settings.
Social norm-based gamification to promote eco-friendly food choice
Authors: Berger Verena
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Digital applications and thus new digital intervention possibilities such as gamification have made their way into our everyday lives. This paper aims to examine to what extent social norm information (SNI) in a game element feedback may increase eco-friendly food choices.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of social norm-based feedback (SNBF), provided by a “GreenMeter”, was investigated experimentally. The SNI was integrated into the feedback by comparing the subject’s GreenMeter rating with either an injunctive, descriptive or combined SNI.

Findings

Injunctive SNBF was found to be effective in encouraging people to make an eco-friendly food purchasing decision. Combining injunctive with descriptive SNBF or simply providing descriptive SNBF was also found to be better than no intervention at all.

Research limitations/implications

To take further advantage of social norms to make gamification more effective, additional studies are needed in which long-term effects on behavior are investigated, as well as other game elements and target groups are taken into account.

Practical implications

Many people want to choose food that is more eco-friendly but often struggle because of deeply ingrained habits or strong social influences. Consequently, their intentions do not translate into changes in their behavior. Alternative motivational, gamification approaches, like SNBF, may be considered when designing Web-based applications.

Originality/value

The study provides insights into the effectiveness of SNI going beyond text-based interventions. Considering SNI in a specific design of gamification (“GreenMeter”) provided insights into how they could be integrated into dynamic, digital, behavioral change techniques to increase eco-friendly food choices.
Factors affecting the Islamic purchasing behavior – a qualitative study
Authors: Karoui Sedki , Khemakhem Romdhane
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aims to better understand the Islamic consumption incentives because the spectacular flourishing of the halal market in different places around the world has grown the interest in understanding and deciphering the mechanisms behind its development.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an exploratory study of some Tunisia-based Islamic groups’ purchasing behavior, this paper investigates factors leading to the purchasing ofhalalgoods (Islamic consumption).

Findings

Findings show that the Islamic consumer is more of an Islamist than simply a Muslim. In addition, findings show thathalalconsumption is not merely related to religious affiliations but also the product of numerous cultural, social and psychological factors.

Originality/value

In addition to Islamism and Islamic activism, this paper puts in evidence the role of some post-structural factors such as identity, nostalgia and hedonism in relation to the buying intention ofhalalproducts and services.
In search of the link between organizational culture and performance
Authors: Tan Boon-Seng
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The organizational culture–performance link is fundamental to organization development and building a high-performance culture is a responsibility of leaders. The claim of a culture–performance link is most visible in the 1980s (e.g.In Search of Excellence) but is replaced by skepticism by the 1990s. Using conclusion validity as the framework, the purpose of this paper is to synthesize cross-disciplinary literature in organization studies and the emerging sub-field of organizational economics to lay a foundation to establish the link rigorously.

Design/methodology/approach

The drivers of conclusion validity – internal validity, external validity and construct validity – guided the literature search and review. The author began with the concepts of organizational culture and performance, examined the organizational economic literature for the causal culture–performance link (internal validity), reviewed the organization studies literature on the debates in the measurement of organizational culture (external and construct validity) and examined the debate if organizational culture can be managed (internal validity).

Findings

Organizational economics (which conceptualizes organizational culture as shared beliefs) shows that cultures that are more homogeneous, encourage teamwork and have a clear mission, enhance organizational performance. In measuring culture, survey instruments using the process-oriented approach can rely on these results to strengthen their construct validity. In the search for the organizational culture–performance link, non-cultural factors affecting performance have to be included as control variables.

Practical implications

The weaknesses of early research on the organizational culture–performance link become clear when examined with the conclusion validity framework. This clearness shows the way toward a rigorous empirical analysis.

Originality/value

This review provides guidance for researchers to evaluate published studies on the organizational culture–performance link. It also helps researchers to design new studies with stronger conclusion validity.
Leader–follower pessimism (in)congruence and job satisfaction
Authors: Bunjak Aldijana , Černe Matej , Wong Sut I
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the (in)congruence of leaders’ and followers’ cognitive characteristics (i.e. pessimism), followers’ identification with a leader and job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 291 working professionals are analyzed, following a series of hierarchical linear modeling and mediated polynomial regression analyses.

Findings

Polynomial regression analysis results indicate that alignment (congruence) between leaders’ pessimism and followers’ pessimism, when both are at high levels, is related to low levels of job satisfaction. Further, leader–follower congruence at lower levels of pessimism leads to high levels of job satisfaction through the mediator of followers’ perceived identification with a leader.

Originality/value

By identifying (in)congruence of leader–follower pessimism as a key antecedent, and taking an explanatory mechanism of identification with a leader into account, the authors contribute to disentangling the conceptual paths that underlie the mode by which implicit leadership theory might explain instances of individual job satisfaction.
Diving into emerging economies bottleneck: Industry 4.0 and implications for circular economy
Authors: Cezarino Luciana Oranges , Liboni Lara Bartocci , Oliveira Stefanelli Nelson , Oliveira Bruno Garcia , Stocco Lucas Conde
Published: May 2019

Purpose

In this paper, the authors aim to explore the relationship between the concepts of Industry 4.0 and circular economy (CE) as a contribution to the management decision on emerging countries. By analyzing the trends of scientific production to ascertain the interface of both constructs, the purpose of this paper is to identify limitations for Industry 4.0 and CE implementation in Brazil, as well to present an original framework and strategic pathways to overcome limitations for emerging countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Supported in the Brazilian case, the authors draw a framework using the structuralism approach to indicate pathways for the strategic positioning of emerging economies that consider their limitation and potential for competitive advantage. By understanding country-related limitations such as social and economic contingencies, the authors conceive a structure of implications for Brazil’s capacity to develop CE in the digital era.

Findings

Results show that Brazil has a reasonable, institutional and stable environment, as well as strong regulatory policies for solid waste that can stimulate CE in the country. However, it requires more communication between actors, especially public and private institutions, performing long-range relationships. Also, the country requires consolidation of industrial policies and investments in the remanufacturing process in the supply chain. Likewise, despite Brazil’s ability to take advantage of CE’s benefits, the country presents a huge lack of qualification to fulfill the competences that the digitization process demands. Economically, Brazil has been fighting against an economic crisis since 2014 that has limited general investments, especially in the industrial sector. Industry presents low performance and decreasing GDP participation, which leads to constant overseas production transfer as a consequence of the workforce’s high costs.

Research limitations/implications

The authors can affirm that Brazil is far behind developed countries in searching for the capacity to provide CE through technological industrial change. The main problems are related to the lack of articulation of public and private spheres to promote new digital business models. Therefore, the structured framework enables managers and public agents to provide solutions and to properly address supply chain bottlenecks in emerging economies.

Originality/value

Exploring the relationship between the concepts of Industry 4.0 and CE through the specific lens of the structuralist method, this work can contribute to the management decision on emerging countries, looking into four important perspectives: political, economic, social and technological.
Leveraging Big Data Analytics to Improve Quality of Care in Healthcare Organizations: A Configurational Perspective
Authors: Wang Yichuan , Kung LeeAnn , Gupta Suraksha , Ozdemir Sena
Published: May 2019

Big data analytics (BDA) is beneficial for organizations, yet implementing BDA to leverage profitability is fundamental challenge confronting practitioners. Although prior research has explored the impact that BDA has on business growth, there is a lack of research that explains the full complexity of BDA implementations. Examination of how and under what conditions BDA achieves organizational performance from a holistic perspective is absent from the existing literature. Extending the theoretical perspective from the traditional views (e.g. resource‐based theory) to configuration theory, the authors have developed a conceptual model of BDA success that aims to investigate how BDA capabilities interact with complementary organizational resources and organizational capabilities in multiple configuration solutions leading to higher quality of care in healthcare organizations. To test this model, the authors use fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis to analyse multi‐source data acquired from a survey and databases maintained by the Centres for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The findings suggest that BDA, when given alone, is not sufficient in achieving the outcome, but is a synergy effect in which BDA capabilities and analytical personnel's skills together with organizational resources and capabilities as supportive role can improve average excess readmission rates and patient satisfaction in healthcare organizations.
Big Data‐Savvy Teams’ Skills, Big Data‐Driven Actions and Business Performance
Authors: Akhtar Pervaiz , Frynas Jędrzej George , Mellahi Kamel , Ullah Subhan
Published: May 2019

Prior studies on big data analytics have emphasized the importance of specific big data skills and capabilities for organizational success; however, they have largely neglected to investigate the use of cross‐functional teams’ skills and links to the role played by relevant data‐driven actions and business performance. Drawing on the resource‐based view (RBV) of the firm and on unique data collected from 240 big data experts working in global agrifood networks, we examine the links between the use of big data‐savvy (BDS) teams’ skills, big data‐driven (BDD) actions and business performance. BDS teams depend on multi‐disciplinary skills (e.g. computing, mathematics, statistics, machine learning and business domain knowledge) that help them turn their traditional business operations into modern data‐driven insights (e.g. knowing real‐time price changes and customer preferences), leading to BDD actions that enhance business performance. Our results, raised from structural equation modelling, indicate that BDS teams’ skills that produce valuable insights are the key determinants for BDD actions, which ultimately contribute to business performance. We further demonstrate that those organizations that emphasize BDD actions perform better compared to those that do not focus on such applications and relevant insights.
Efficacy of Food Safety Training in Commercial Food Service
Authors: McFarland Patricia , Checinska Sielaff Aleksandra , Rasco Barbara , Smith Stephanie
Published: May 2019

Proper food safety training is essential to decrease incidences and overall rates of foodborne illnesses and outbreaks. Though many commercial restaurants should provide proper food safety training to food handler employees, this training is not always offered or effective. Here, we summarize the results of a primary literature study concerning the effectiveness of food safety training in commercial settings. The literature chosen for review contained only studies with experimental food safety training, with before and after training data. Through evaluation of these studies, the best practice for ensuring effective training and follow‐through were the use of food safety training programs, which incorporated both knowledge and behavior‐based training.

Practical Application

Food safety managers in food service establishments may consider reevaluating their current food safety training program to incorporate behavioral‐based food safety training in addition to knowledge‐based training.
Analysing the impact of trap shape and movement behaviour of ground‐dwelling arthropods on trap efficiency
Authors: Ahmed Danish A. , Petrovskii Sergei V.
Published: May 2019

The most reliable estimates of the population abundance of ground‐dwelling arthropods are obtained almost entirely through trap counts. Trap shape can be easily controlled by the researcher, commonly the same trap design is employed in all sites within a given study. Few researchers really try to compare abundances (numbers of collected individuals) between studies because these are heavily influenced by environmental conditions, e.g. temperature, habitat structure and food sources available, directly affecting insect movement activity.

We propose that useful insights can be obtained from a theoretical‐based approach. We focus on the interplay between trap shape (circle, square, slot), the underlying movement behaviour and the subsequent effect on captures. We simulate trap counts within these different geometries whilst considering movement processes with clear distinct properties, such as Brownian motion (BM), the correlated random walk (CRW) and the Lévy walk (LW).

(a) We find that slot shaped traps are far less efficient than circular or square traps assuming same perimeter length, with differences which can exceed more than two‐fold. Such impacts of trap geometry are only realized if insect mobility is sufficiently large, which is known to significantly vary depending on type of habitat. (b) If the movement pattern incorporates localized forward persistence then trap counts accumulate at a much slower rate, and this rate decreases further with higher persistency. (c) If the movement behaviour is of Lévy type, then fastest catch rates are recorded in the case of circular trap, and the slowest for the slot trap, indicating that trap counts can strongly depend on trap shape. Lévy walks exacerbate the impact of geometry while CRW make these differences more inconsequential.

In this study we reveal trap efficiencies and how movement type can alter capture rates. Such information contributes towards improved trap count interpretations, as required in ecological studies which make use of trapping systems.
A Pilot Study of E‐Cigarette Naïve Cigarette Smokers and the Effects on Craving After Acute Exposure to E‐Cigarettes in the Laboratory
Authors: De La Garza Richard , Shuman Samuel L. , Yammine Luba , Yoon Jin Ho , Salas Ramiro , Holst Manuela
Published: May 2019

Background and Objectives

Recent surveys confirm continued increases in the use of electronic‐cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) in adolescents and adults. Users often state that e‐cigarettes reduce tobacco craving and withdrawal symptoms in addition to their smoking. Data from laboratory studies and clinical trials have confirmed these statements, though there are inconsistencies in the outcomes. In this pilot study, we set out to evaluate the effects of e‐cigarettes, as compared to the participants’ own cigarettes, on baseline craving and smoking severity.

Methods

Using a within‐subjects, placebo‐controlled study design, 15 tobacco‐dependent, e‐cigarette naïve participants sustained abstinence overnight. They completed distinct phases of this protocol during four separate study sessions. Participants were randomized to an e‐cigarette device containing one of three doses of nicotine (0, 18, or 36 mg/ml) or their own cigarette. Each study visit was ~3 hours long and separated by at least 7 days. Visits included assessments of craving and smoking severity.

Results

The data showed that after 10 puffs in both the Own cigarette and e‐cigarette conditions, breath carbon monoxide levels increased significantly in the former but not the latter. Questionnaire of Smoking Urges and Choices to Smoke scores were not statistically different across groups after two distinct bouts of 10 puffs each. Additionally, E‐cigarette Perceptions Questionnaire responses were not significantly different according to dose.

Conclusion and Scientific Significance

This experiment provides data demonstrating that e‐cigarettes did not reduce craving or smoking severity in e‐cigarette naïve users. However, since this was a pilot study, the conclusions that can be drawn are limited. (Am J Addict 2019;28:361–366)
Sperm can act as vectors for HIV‐1 transmission into vaginal and cervical epithelial cells
Authors: Young Charlene D. , Tatieng Suriya , Kongmanas Kessiri , Fongmoon Duriya , Lomenick Brett , Yoon Alexander J. , Kiattiburut Wongsakorn , Compostella Federica , Faull Kym F. , Suree Nuttee , Angel Jonathan B. , Tanphaichitr Nongnuj
Published: May 2019

Problem

Sperm are the major cells in semen. Human sperm possess a number of HIV‐1 gp120 binding ligands including sulfogalactosylglycerolipid (SGG). However, the mechanisms of how sperm capture HIV‐1 onto their surface are unclear. Furthermore, the ability of sperm to deliver HIV‐1 to vaginal/cervical epithelial cells lining the lower female reproductive tract, as a first step in HIV‐1 transmission, needs to be determined.

Method of study

Sperm from healthy donors were incubated with dual‐tropic HIV‐1CS204 (clinical isolate), and virus capture was determined by p24 antigen ELISA. The involvement of SGG in HIV‐1 capture was assessed by determining Kd values of HIV‐1 gp120‐SGG binding as well as computational docking of SGG to the gp120 V3 loop. The ability of sperm‐associated HIV‐1 to infect peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and TZM‐bl indicator cells was determined. Lastly, infection of vaginal (Vk2/E6E7), ectocervical (Ect1/E6E7), and endocervical (End1/E6E7) epithelial cells mediated by HIV‐1–associated sperm was evaluated.

Results

Sperm were able to capture HIV‐1 in a dose‐dependent manner, and the capture reached a maximum within 5 minutes. Captured HIV‐1, however, could be removed from sperm by Percoll‐gradient centrifugation. Affinity of gp120 for SGG was substantial, implicating sperm SGG in HIV‐1 capture. Sperm‐associated HIV‐1 could productively infect PBMCs and TZM‐bl cells, and was capable of being transmitted into vaginal/cervical epithelial cells.

Conclusion

Sperm are able to capture HIV‐1, which remains infectious and is able to be transmitted into vaginal/cervical epithelial cells, a result indicating the importance of sperm in HIV transmission.
Short‐ and long‐term outcomes of selective pelvic exenteration surgery in a low‐volume specialized tertiary setting
Authors: Humphries Emily L. , Kroon Hidde M. , Dudi‐Venkata Nagendra N. , Thomas Michelle L. , Moore James W. , Sammour Tarik
Published: May 2019

Background

Most published data on pelvic exenteration comes from high‐volume quaternary units, with limited data available from outside of this setting. This study reports outcomes of selective pelvic exenteration performed in a low‐volume tertiary unit with multidisciplinary support.

Methods

A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent pelvic exenteration surgery for rectal/anal carcinoma, or gynaecological malignancy at Royal Adelaide Hospital between June 2008 and September 2018. Descriptive statistics and Kaplan–Meier analysis of 5‐year disease‐free and overall survival for patients treated with curative intent were performed.

Results

A total of 54 patients who underwent pelvic exenteration were included. Most patients presented with primary rectal adenocarcinoma, and posterior and total pelvic exenterations were the most common operations performed (>90%). Median total operating time was 323 min, median hospital stay was 15 days, and the readmission rate was 14.8%. The overall complication rate (per patient) was 70.4%, and the re‐intervention rate was 20.4%. Thirteen percent of patients required intensive care unit‐admission, and there was one postoperative death (1.9%). R0 resection margins were achieved in 81.5% of patients, with R1 and R2 margins in 13.0 and 5.6% of patients, respectively. Estimated 5‐year disease‐free survival was 38.8%, and 5‐year overall survival was 65.7%.

Conclusion

Short‐ and long‐term outcomes of selective pelvic exenteration surgery are acceptable in a low‐volume specialized tertiary setting with suitable multidisciplinary expertise. If the required expertise is not readily available, then outside referral is recommended.
Experimental investigation of the flow downstream of a dysfunctional bileaflet mechanical aortic valve
Authors: Darwish Ahmed , Di Labbio Giuseppe , Saleh Wael , Smadi Othman , Kadem Lyes
Published: May 2019

Mechanical heart valve replacement is the preferred alternative in younger patients with severe symptomatic aortic valve disease. However, thrombus and pannus formations are common complications associated with bileaflet mechanical heart valves. This leads to risks of valve leaflet dysfunction, a life‐threatening event. In this experimental study, we investigate, using time‐resolved planar particle image velocimetry, the flow characteristics in the ascending aorta in the presence of a dysfunctional bileaflet mechanical heart valve. Several configurations of leaflet dysfunction are investigated and the induced flow disturbances in terms of velocity fields, viscous energy dissipation, wall shear stress, and accumulation of viscous shear stresses are evaluated. We also explore the ability of a new set of parameters, solely based on the analysis of the normalized axial velocity profiles in the ascending aorta, to detect bileaflet mechanical heart valve dysfunction and differentiate between the different configurations tested in this study. Our results show that a bileaflet mechanical heart valve dysfunction leads to a complex spectrum of flow disturbances with each flow characteristic evaluated having its own worst case scenario in terms of dysfunction configuration. We also show that the suggested approach based on the analysis of the normalized axial velocity profiles in the ascending aorta has the potential to clearly discriminate not only between normal and dysfunctional bilealfet heart valves but also between the different leaflet dysfunction configurations. This approach could be easily implemented using phase‐contrast MRI to follow up patients with bileaflet mechanical heart valves.