bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neck Circumference and Cerebral Gray Matter Volume
Authors: Shin Chol , Kim Regina E.Y. , Thomas Robert J. , Yun Chang-Ho , Lee Seung Ku , Abbott Robert D.
Published: June 2020

Background:

While obesity is linked with brain atrophy and dementia incidence, associations with regional adiposity are uncertain. Our goal was to determine whether cerebral gray matter volume is related to neck circumference (NC), a measure of regional adiposity having unique relationships with metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease.

Methods:

Magnetic resonance imaging and NC were cross-sectionally assessed from 2011 to 2014 in a population-based sample of 2916 men and women in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study.

Results:

For men, NC was inversely associated with total and regional gray matter in the frontal, temporal, and occipital lobes after adjusting for age and intracranial brain volume. Associations were especially strong in the presence of diabetes. With further adjustment for indices of body composition and other characteristics, total and frontal gray matter in diabetic men were lowered by 6.1 mL (95% confidence interval: 2.5-9.7, P=0.004) and 2.9 mL (95% confidence interval: 1.0-4.9, P=0.017), respectively, per SD increase in NC (2.3 cm). For men without diabetes, and in all women, associations were less apparent.

Conclusions:

In men with diabetes, NC was inversely associated with cerebral gray matter volume. The link between neck anthropometry and brain aging in diabetic men warrants further consideration.
Emerging tick-borne pathogens of public health importance: a mini-review
Authors: Rochlin Ilia , Toledo Alvaro
Published: June 2020

Ticks are the most important vectors of human pathogens, leading to increased public health burdens worldwide. Tick-borne pathogens include viruses (e.g. tick-borne encephalitis and Powassan); bacteria, such as the causative agents of Lyme disease, spotted fever rickettsiosis and human anaplasmosis; and malaria-like protozoan parasites causing babesiosis. Tick-borne diseases are emerging due to the geographical expansion of their tick vectors, especially in the northern hemisphere. Two examples of this phenomenon areIxodes scapularisandAmblyomma americanum, which have expanded their ranges in the USA in recent decades and are responsible for the continuous emergence of Lyme disease and human ehrlichiosis, respectively. This phenomenon is also occurring worldwide and is reflected by the increasing number of tick-borne encephalitis and haemorrhagic fever cases in Europe and Asia. In this review, we provide a concise synopsis of the most medically important tick-borne pathogen worldwide, with a particular emphasis on emerging public health threats.
Optimizing a real-time PCR assay for rapid detection of Candida auris in nasal and axillary/groin samples
Authors: Malczynski Michael , Dowllow Noor , Rezaeian Saba , Rios Javier , Dirnberger Laura , Zembower Jacob A. , Zhu Alex , Qi Chao
Published: June 2020

Introduction. Candida auris is an emerging fungal pathogen. The organism can cause invasive infections associated with high mortality, has been implicated in outbreaks in healthcare settings and is frequently resistant to multiple antifungal agents, making it a significant challenge to infection prevention and patient treatment.

Aim. To implement a real-time PCR assay for detection of C. auris in patient surveillance samples collected with the Copan Liquid Amies elution swab (ESwab) collection and transport system.

Methodology. We optimized a real-time PCR testing procedure based on the sample collection device used in our institution.

Results

.
ESwab transport medium was strongly inhibitory to the real-time PCR. Removing the medium with centrifugation, followed by suspending the pellet in PBS-BSA buffer (concentration 1 %), sufficiently eliminated the inhibition. The manual sample preparation method, freeze–thaw followed by mechanical disruption, allowed the detection of C. auris at the lowest cell concentration.

Conclusion

.
The optimized procedure was used to test 1414 patient surveillance samples. The real-time PCR detected all culture-positive samples with 100 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity.
Evaluation of COVID 19 infection in 279 cancer patients treated during a 90-day period in 2020 pandemic
Authors: Aznab Mozaffar
Published: June 2020

Background: The aim of this study was investigation of COVID-19 disease and its outcome in cancer patients who needed treatment, in a 90-day period. Methods: Cancer patient who required treatment, were evaluated for potential COVID-19 infection in a 90-day period, starting from beginning of this epidemic in Iran, January, to April 19, 2020. For treatment of solid tumor patients, if they did not have symptoms related to COVID-19, just chest X-ray was requested. If they showed COVID-19 related symptoms, High Resolution CT scan of lungs was requested. For hematology cancer patients, PCR test for COVID-19 infection was requested as well. Protection measures were considered for personnel of oncology wards. Results: In this study, 279 patients were followed up in this 90-day period. No COVID-19 infection was observed in 92 cases of breast cancer, 72 cases of colon cancer, 14 cases of gastric cancer and 12 cases of pancreaticobiliary cancer .However, in 11 cases of lung cancer, 5 cases brain tumors and 12 cases ovarian cancer; 3 case of COVID-19 were observed. In the hematology cancers group, which included 14 cases of Hodgkin Lymphoma, 23 cases of lymphoproliferative disorder, 12 cases of acute leukemia and 12 cases of multiple myeloma; three of COVID-19 were observed. Conclusion: Patients with cancer who need treatment can be treated by taking some measures. These measures include observing individual and collective protection principles in patients and health-care personnel, increasing patients awareness particularly about self-care behavior, performing a COVID-19 test, and taking a chest X ray, before the treatment starts
Vision reconstructs the cellular composition of binocular circuitry during the critical period
Authors: Tan Liming , Tring Elaine , Ringach Dario L. , Zipursky S. Lawrence , Trachtenberg Joshua T.
Published: June 2020

High acuity binocularity is established in primary visual cortex during an early postnatal critical period. In contrast to current models for the developmental of binocular neurons, we find that the binocular network present at the onset of the critical period is dismantled and remade. Using longitudinal imaging of receptive field tuning (e.g. orientation selectivity) of thousands of layer 2/3 neurons through development, we show most binocular neurons present at critical-period onset are poorly tuned and rendered monocular. These are replenished by newly formed binocular neurons that are established by a vision-dependent recruitment of well-tuned ipsilateral inputs to contralateral monocular neurons with matched tuning properties. The binocular network in layer 4 is equally unstable but does not improve. Thus, vision instructs a new and more sharply tuned binocular network in layer 2/3 by exchanging one population of neurons for another and not by refining an extant network.

One Sentence Summary

Unstable binocular circuitry is transformed by vision into a network of highly tuned complex feature detectors in the cortex.
Sensei: How many samples to tell evolution in single-cell studies?
Authors: Liang Shaoheng , Willis Jason , Dou Jinzhuang , Mohanty Vakul , Huang Yuefan , Vilar Eduardo , Chen Ken
Published: June 2020

1

Abstract

Cellular heterogeneity underlies cancer evolution and metastasis. Advances in single-cell technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing and mass cytometry have enabled interrogation of cell type-specific expression profiles and abundance across heterogeneous cancer samples obtained from clinical trials and preclinical studies. However, challenges remain in determining sample sizes needed for ascertaining changes in cell type abundances in a controlled study. To address this statistical challenge, we have developed a new approach, named Sensei, to determine the number of samples and the number of cells that are required to ascertain such changes between two groups of samples in single-cell studies. Sensei expands the t-test and models the cell abundances using a beta-binomial distribution. We evaluate the mathematical accuracy of Sensei and provide practical guidelines on over 20 cell types in over 30 cancer types based on knowledge acquired from the cancer cell atlas (TCGA) and prior single-cell studies. We provide a web application to enable user-friendly study design via https://kchen-lab.github.io/sensei/table_beta.html.
Central opioid receptors mediate morphine-induced itch and chronic itch
Authors: Wang Zilong , Jiang Changyu , Yao Hongyu , Chen Ouyang , Rahman Sreya , Gu Yun , Huh Yul , Ji Ru-Rong
Published: June 2020

Opioids, such as morphine are mainstay treatments for clinical pain conditions. Itch is a common side effect of opioids, particularly as a result of epidural or intrathecal (i.t.) administration. Recent progress has advanced our understanding of itch circuits in the spinal cord. However, the mechanisms underlying opioid-induced itch are not fully understood, although an interaction between µ-opioid receptor (MOR) and gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) in spinal GRPR-expressing neurons has been implicated. In this study we investigated the cellular mechanisms of intrathecal (i.t.) opioid-induced itch by conditional deletion of MOR-encodingOprm1in distinct populations of interneurons and sensory neurons. We found that i.t. injection of the MOR agonists morphine or DAMGO elicited dose-dependent scratching, but this pruritus was totally abolished in mice with a specificOprm1deletion in Vgat+neurons (Oprm1-Vgat). Loss of MOR in somatostatin+interneurons and TRPV1+sensory neurons did not affect morphine-induced itch but impaired morphine-induced antinociception.In situhybridization revealedOprm1expression in 30% of inhibitory and 20% of excitatory interneurons in the spinal dorsal horn. Whole-cell recordings from spinal cord slices showed that DAMGO induced outward currents in 9 out of 19 Vgat+interneurons examined. Morphine also inhibited action potentials in Vgat+interneurons and suppressed evoked IPSCs in postsynaptic Vgat-excitatory neurons, suggesting a mechanism of disinhibition by MOR agonists. Notably, morphine-elicited itch was suppressed by i.t. administration of NPY and abolished by spinal ablation of GRPR+neurons, whereas i.t. GRP-induced itch response remained intact in mice lackingOprm1-Vgat. Additionally, chronic itch from DNFB-induced allergic contact dermatitis was decreased byOprm1-Vgatdeletion. Finally, naloxone, but not peripherally restricted naloxone methiodide, inhibited chronic itch in the DNFB model and the cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) model, indicating a contribution of central MOR signaling to chronic itch. Our findings demonstrate that i.t. morphine elicits itch via acting on MOR on spinal inhibitory interneurons, leading to disinhibition of the spinal itch circuit. Our data also suggest that chronic itch could be effectively treated with CNS-targeted naloxone.
Cascade Diversification Directs the Generation of Neuronal Diversity in Hypothalamus
Authors: Zhang Yu-Hong , Xu Mingrui , Li Si , Wu Haoda , Shi Xiang , Guo Xize , Mu Wenhui , Gong Ling , Yao Mingze , He Miao , Wu Qing-Feng
Published: June 2020

The hypothalamus contains an astounding heterogeneity of neurons to achieve its role in regulating endocrine, autonomic and behavioral functions. Despite previous progress in deciphering the gene regulatory programs linked to hypothalamus development, its molecular developmental trajectory and origin of neuronal diversity remain largely unknown. Here we combine transcriptomic profiling of 43,261 cells derived from Rax+hypothalamic neuroepithelium with lineage tracing to map a developmental landscape of mouse hypothalamus and delineate the developmental trajectory of radial glial cells (RGCs), intermediate progenitor cells (IPCs), nascent neurons and peptidergic neurons in the lineage hierarchy. We show that RGCs adopt a conserved strategy for multipotential differentiation but generate both Ascl1+and Neurog2+IPCs, which display regionally differential origins in telencephalon. As transit-amplifying cells, Ascl1+IPCs differ from their telencephalic counterpart by displaying fate bifurcation to produce both glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons. After classifying the developing neurons into 29 subtypes coded by diverse transcription factors, neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, we identified their molecular determinants via regulon analysis and further found that postmitotic neurons at nascent state possess the potential to resolve into more diverse subtypes of peptidergic neurons. Together, our study offers a single-cell framework for hypothalamus development and reveals that multiple cell types along the order of lineage hierarchy contribute to the fate diversification of hypothalamic neurons in a stepwise fashion, suggesting that a cascade diversifying model can deconstruct the origin of neuronal diversity.
Multiple Wnts act synergistically to induce Chk1/Grapes expression and mediate G2 arrest in Drosophila tracheoblasts
Authors: Kizhedathu Amrutha , Kunnappallil Rose Sebastian , Bagul Archit V , Verma Puja , Guha Arjun
Published: June 2020

Larval tracheae of Drosophila harbor progenitors of the adult tracheal system (tracheoblasts). Thoracic tracheoblasts are arrested in the G2 phase of the cell cycle in an ATR (mei-41)-Checkpoint Kinase1 (grapes, Chk1) dependent manner prior to mitotic re-entry. Here we investigate developmental regulation of Chk1 activation. We report that Wnt signaling is high in tracheoblasts and is necessary for high levels of activated (phosphorylated) Chk1. We find that canonical Wnt signaling facilitates this by transcriptional upregulation of Chk1 expression in cells that have ATR kinase activity. Wnt signalling is dependent on four Wnts (Wg, Wnt5, 6,10) that are expressed at high levels in arrested tracheoblasts and downregulated at mitotic re-entry. Interestingly, none of the Wnts are dispensable and act synergistically to induce Chk1. Finally, we show that downregulation of Wnt signalling and Chk1 expression leads to mitotic re-entry and the concomitant upregulation of Dpp signalling, driving tracheoblast proliferation.
Modelling testing frequencies required for early detection of a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak on a university campus
Authors: Martin Natasha K , Schooley Robert T , De Gruttola Victor
Published: June 2020

Background

Early detection and risk mitigation efforts are essential for averting large outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2. Active surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 can aid in early detection of outbreaks, but the testing frequency required to identify an outbreak at its earliest stage is unknown. We assess what testing frequency is required to detect an outbreak before there are 10 detectable infections.

Methods

A dynamic compartmental transmission model of SARS-CoV-2 was developed to simulate spread among a university community. After introducing a single infection into a fully susceptible population, we calculate the probability of detecting at least one case on each succeeding day with various NAT testing frequencies (daily testing achieving 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the population tested per month) assuming an 85% test sensitivity. A proportion of infected individuals (varied from 1–60%) are assumed to present to health services (HS) for symptomatic testing. We ascertain the expected number of detectable infections in the community when there is a > 90% probability of detecting at least 1 case. Sensitivity analyses examine impact of transmission rates (Rt = 0 = 2, 2.5,3), presentation to HS (1%/5%/30%/60%), and pre-existing immunity (0%/10%)

Results

Assuming an 85% test sensitivity, identifying an outbreak with 90% probability when the expected number of detectable infections is 9 or fewer requires NAT testing of 100% of the population per month; this result holds for all transmission rates and all levels of presentation at health services we considered. If 1% of infected people present at HS and Rt=0=3, testing 75%/50%/25% per month could identify an outbreak when the expected numbers of detectable infections are 12/17/30 respectively; these numbers decline to 9/11/12 if 30% of infected people present at HS. As proportion of infected individuals present at health services increases, the marginal impact of active surveillance is reduced. Higher transmission rates result in shorter time to detection but also rapidly escalating cases without intervention. Little differences were observed with 10% pre-existing immunity.

Conclusions

Widespread testing of 100% of the campus population every month is required to detect an outbreak when there are fewer than 9 detectable infections for the scenarios examined, but high presentation of symptomatic people at HS can compensate in part for lower levels of testing. Early detection is necessary, but not sufficient, to curtail disease outbreaks; the proposed testing rates would need to be accompanied by case isolation, contact tracing, quarantine, and other risk mitigation and social distancing interventions.
Blocking of Immunoblots and Incubation with Antibodies: Procedure for Immunoblots Prepared with Immunoprecipitated Protein Antigens
Authors: Litovchick Larisa
Published: June 2020

Detection of the protein antigens in immunoblots prepared with immunoprecipitated protein antigens can be affected by the presence of high amounts of the immunoprecipitating antibodies. When it is not possible to use the immunoprecipitating antibodies and the primary antibodies raised in different species, this protocol provides a convenient and inexpensive alternative to achieve optimal detection of immunoprecipitated protein antigens. In this protocol, a nitrocellulose or polyvinylidene fluoride membrane containing immunoprecipitated protein samples is rinsed with ultrapure H2O after the transfer of proteins and detection of the total proteins using Ponceau S dye (optional). Blocking solution is applied to the membrane, and the membrane is incubated and then rinsed off (optional) before addition of the primary antibody labeled with biotin. After washing, the membrane is incubated with enzyme- or fluorochrome-labeled avidin for detection.
Multicriteria decision-making in flight route selection
Authors: Rolka Leszek , Mieszkowicz-Rolka Alicja , Drupka Grzegorz
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present a hybrid logical-arithmetic approach for selecting optimal flight routes. It can be used in the framework of free route airspace (FRA), which is aimed at achieving higher efficiency of air traffic management.

Design/methodology/approach

At the first stage, an initial subset of flight routes is selected that are promising alternatives with respect to single numerical criteria. At the second stage, a hybrid multicriteria decision model is constructed, consisting of numerical criteria and additional linguistic criteria. At the third stage, the numerical and linguistic criteria are integrated into a crisp decision matrix for determining the final ranking using the technique for order preferences by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) method.

Findings

The considered decision-making problem involves different kinds of criteria. Numerical (objective) criteria are given as real numbers. Linguistic (subjective) criteria are expressed with the help of fuzzy linguistic values. In consequence, a (logical) reasoning process prior to performing an (arithmetic) optimization procedure is necessary. Furthermore, a uniform optimization procedure requires a way of combining numerical and linguistic attributes.

Practical implications

The proposed approach can be applied to solving various multicriteria decision-making problems, where both objective and subjective criteria are taken into account.

Originality/value

First, a fuzzy information system that includes linguistic condition attributes is constructed. Second, a fuzzy inference system that is necessary for determining the resulting fuzzy criterion “turbulence conditions” for all flight routes is introduced. Finally, a way of combining numerical and linguistic criteria is proposed. This is done by converting values of fuzzy attributes into crisp ones, basing on the preferences of a decision-maker.
Times are changing: the role of heritage identity on employee identification in a Danish family-owned company
Authors: Andersen Mona Agerholm
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The aim of this article is to explore how the employees of a Danish family-owned company identify with the heritage identity of their company. More specifically, the purpose is to study how the employees interpret certain historical events and values in their efforts to make sense of which heritage identity traits have remained meaningful for them over the passage of time and what these historical events and traits mean to their identification with the company.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation is based on 19 in-depth interviews with employees. A critical discourse analysis approach is adopted to uncover the discursive dynamics appearing across the employees' interpretations of historical events and values.

Findings

The study indicates that heritage identity represent a complex and dynamic resource for employees' organizational identification. Therefore, this article argues that it could be a challenge for management to maintain a stable and enduring heritage identity, because the employees' interpretations and consequently their organizational identification is subject to continual revision and under influence by a dynamic and constantly changing social context.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study is limited to the specific context of one company. Further research could investigate the same topics when interviewing employees across the national borders of a global family company in times of change.

Practical implications

Management need to identify whether different generations of employees develop a strong or weak identification with certain heritage identity traits and whether there are competing or compatible targets of heritage identification among these generations.

Originality/value

This study illuminates the potential challenges related to the maintenance and preservation of heritage identity in a company with roots to a strong founding family, which operates in a constantly changing environment.
Structure optimization of plough blades in a ploughshare mixer using the DEM simulations
Authors: Fang Ziqiang , Peng Songlin , Yi Jiangang , Du Jun
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to optimize the structure of plough blades in a ploughshare mixer using the discrete element method (DEM) simulations.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the validated DEM model, three numerical tests are conducted to determine how the mixing performance evolves as structural parameters of blades change. Results from the analysis provide basis for structure optimization of blades. The structural parameters include sweep angle of blade γ, regular axial pitch p and regular circumferential angular offset α. The parameters to evaluate mixing performance include mass flow rate and Lacey index.

Findings

The DEM results show that the mixing performance at γ of 35° is better than 15°, 25° and 45°. The mixer which has a p of less than or equal to 1.11 · b is more efficient than the mixer which has a p greater than 1.11 · b, where b is tail width of blade. The circumferential symmetric distribution of blades (α = 180°) is more beneficial to improve the mixing performance in comparison with the circumferential asymmetric distribution (α < 180°). Based on the results, an optimized mixer with a γ of 35°, a p of 0.61 · b and an α of 180° is proposed, which has a better mixing performance compared to all mixers listed.

Originality/value

The structural parameters of blades, including γ, p and α, are found to be critical for good mixing. From the view angle of structure optimization of plough blades, a new ploughshare mixer with a γ of 35°, a p of 0.61 · b and an α of 180° is investigated and recommended for improving mixing efficiency.
Employee adaptive and proactive service recovery: a configurational perspective
Authors: Silva Graca Miranda , Coelho Filipe , Lages Cristiana R. , Reis Marta
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the configurations that drive employee service recovery. Rather than analyzing the net effects of individual antecedents of service recovery, which is the common approach in the literature, this study uses a configurational approach to investigate how five antecedents (customer service orientation, rewards, teamwork, empowerment and customer service training) combine to yield employee adaptive and proactive service recovery behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collects responses from 90 frontline employees through an online survey. Building on configurational theory, the authors developed and empirically validated four research propositions by using a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis.

Findings

Three equifinal configurations of managerial practices result in either employee proactive or adaptive service recovery behaviors. Two of these three configurations result in both adaptive and proactive behaviors. In addition, the findings show that two out of the three configurations that lead to proactive behavior in service recovery also lead to the simultaneous existence of proactive and adaptive behaviors in service recovery. None of the sufficient configurations require the presence of all managerial practices. These results underscore that managers do not have to act on every single managerial intervention area to promote service recovery.

Research limitations/implications

The study advances the knowledge on the antecedents of employee behavior in service recovery by investigating how these antecedents combine to yield different recipes for developing either employee adaptive or proactive behavior in service recovery.

Practical implications

The findings provide insights for managers into the different combinations of practices that can be used to develop employee proactive or adaptive behavior in service recovery.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that relies on a configurational approach to understand the combinations of managerial practices that result in employee proactive and adaptive behaviors in service recovery.
Knowledge management practices in Nepalese Judiciary: a case of supreme court of Nepal
Authors: Paudel Krishna Prasad
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the practices of knowledge management (KM) by the Justices and bench officers of Judiciary of Nepal. The aim of this study is to explore the KM practices by the Justices and bench officers of the Supreme Court of Nepal during the process of the decision-making process and Judgmental preparing process.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative design and case study method was applied to this research. The information were collected from the Justices and bench officers of the Supreme Court of Nepal by using an interview of the participants.

Findings

It was essential to establish the KM in judiciary in the process of case hearing, decision-making and execution process. The KM tool and techniques help to make the employee of judiciary including justices to make a decision faster. It also establishes the values of the KM in judiciary from Judicial and administrative perspectives.

Research limitations/implications

The study anticipated the participants’ perceptions and practices of KM during the process of case hearing, decision-making and decision execution process of the case. This research was not viewed from the perspectives of judicial administration. The research participants of this study were Justices and bench officers of the Supreme Court of Nepal. So, it reflects the scenario of practices of Supreme court of Nepal.

Practical implications

This paper provides support for the importance of KM practices and awareness in judiciary to enhance the decision-making process during the case hearing process by the Justices in court.

Originality/value

This paper tries to establish practical implication along with its importance in Judiciary of Nepal.
Service environment research opportunities
Authors: Baker Julie , Bentley Kara , Lamb, Jr Charles
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the evolution of the service environment literature and speculates about future research in this area. This paper focuses on studies regarding how the interior and exterior environments of physical service settings (including retail stores) influence consumer response. Web atmospherics are not covered in this paper. In addition, while a number of studies have been conducted on retail and service atmospherics elements in other disciplines, such as environmental psychology and leisure and hospitality, the focus is on research published in marketing and consumer-related journals.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports the results of empirical studies; however, as there are few empirical studies on the effects of exterior environmental characteristics (e.g. storefronts) in marketing, two conceptual papers on this topic will be reviewed to set the stage for future research on exterior design.

Findings

Over the past 40 years, there has been a proliferation of articles on how service environments influence consumer responses. The review covers illustrative examples of articles in several categories of environmental topics. The areas for future research based on the review are suggested.

Originality/value

An up-to-date review of service environment research that is broad in scope is provided. The authors also propose 41 different research questions based on the review that services scholars can use to take this area of inquiry forward.
The reliability of citizen science in plan formulation: evidence from Askar, the Kingdom of Bahrain
Authors: El-Kholei Ahmed O.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the following questions: To what extent is residents’ perception of the state of their environment consistent with findings based on samples from the field? Are the locals aware of the drivers and pressures that led to the present state of the environment? Are they aware of the impacts? If so, are they able to recommend responses?

Design/methodology/approach

To examine the extent to depend on citizens’ opinion in decision-making, the researcher juxtaposed results from data gathered and analysed from the field assessing the quality of the marine environment, coastal zone and levels of both noise and air pollution. The researcher collected datum from focus group meetings, questionnaire and review of newspapers and magazines. The researcher used Qualitative Data Analysis QDA software to analyse qualitative data.

Findings

The results of the survey and the focus group meetings indicated that the citizens’ perceptions are, to some extent, in line with the results that the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) team concluded from the field survey. Citizens do not feel the urgency of conserving water because the government has been meeting growing demand by increasing the supply of water. The participants identified drivers and pressures that led to the present state of the environment. They were not able to differentiate between the state of the environment and the impacts of environmental degradation.

Originality/value

Citizens’ opinion is a valuable tool as an input at the various stages of plan formulation. Citizens’ views can bring an issue to experts’ attention and shed light on the qualitative aspect, such as meaning or value, that the quantitative data fail to reveal. However, the planning process must not depend entirely on citizen’s views. Experts must combine citizens’ opinions with scientific facts that result from in situ monitoring and laboratory analysis.
Effect of finishing chemicals on tearing strength of plain-woven cotton fabric
Authors: Gupta Priyanka , Datta Roy Manas , Ghosh Subrata
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the relationships amongst the tearing strength of fabrics after each chemical processing stage and after finishing of plain-woven cotton fabric. An effort has been made to study the effect of different finishing chemicals (tear improver) and their different concentrations on the high-density fabric tear strength and its sub-component with respect to the co-efficient of friction value of yarns for all the fabric samples. It also aims to establish a statistical model for prediction of tear strength with identified parameters as yarn–yarn friction co-efficient, yarn pullout force and single yarn strength.

Design/methodology/approach

In case of woven fabrics, it cannot be assumed that only yarn friction plays the role in deciding fabric-tearing strength. Whether the static or kinetic frictions need to be considered or the linear or capstan frictions have to be analyzed, to incorporate the results of friction analysis in the tearing behavior, need to be assessed. In the present work through a fabrication of yarn–yarn friction measurement, under a synchronized slow speed as that of actual fabric tearing (50 mm/min), has been carried out. After each wet processing stage, surface characteristics of yarns have been changed. Surface of yarns becomes smoother after finishing and rough after dyeing, which affects the co-efficient of friction of yarns, accordingly.

Findings

After each wet processing stage, the surface characteristics of yarns are changed. Surface structure of yarns becomes smooth after finishing and rough after dyeing, which affects the co-efficient of friction of yarns. For all the fabrics, the weft-way tearing strength is always higher than warp-way tearing strength. It is also observed that yarn pullout force is not the only responsible factor for tearing strength of such fabric. It is because of the combined action of yarn–yarn friction, yarn pullout force and single yarn strength for a given structure.

Research limitations/implications

A more extensive investigation with respect to concentration as well as further variety of chemicals requires to be identified for the optimum concentration level for each chemical. A mathematical model based on the three parameters as yarn–yarn co-efficient of friction, yarn pullout force and yarn strength for all woven fabric structure to achieve optimum strength level has been established which could be further extended for each fabric structures.

Practical implications

The problem has been identified from the day-to-day exercise of the commercial textile industry. The whole of the sample preparations have been done in the industry by using commercial machines under standard industrial conditions. The findings have been discussed and suitably introduced in the industry.

Originality/value

The whole of this paper has been unique in idea origination, sample preparation and execution of tests. The findings are very important for the researchers as well as for textile industry.
Sport brand ambassadors' experiences in sponsored user-generated branding programs
Authors: Geurin Andrea N.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop an initial understanding of sport brand ambassador participants' experiences in sponsored user generated branding (UGB) programs to assist sport organizations in developing the most mutually beneficial brand ambassador programs possible.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were held with six individuals who serve as brand ambassadors for various sport brands. Data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis.

Findings

Participants were intrinsically motivated to serve in brand ambassador roles. Their experiences were impacted by whether their personal expectations were met, perceived relationship with the brand, perceived value to the brand, and perceived amount of work involved. They reported the best aspects of participation were a sense of community and free products and/or discounts. The most challenging aspects included not wanting to come across as a marketer, self-inflicted pressure to perform a certain way for the brand, pressure to purchase products, and lack of clear communication from the brand.

Research limitations/implications

As this study was qualitative, the findings are unique to the participants and the brands they represent. Therefore, the findings may be used to guide other research and brands but are not generalizable.

Practical implications

Sport brands wishing to employ sponsored UGB strategies such as brand ambassador programs must set clear expectations for ambassadors, communicate regularly, and develop a sense of community with and among ambassadors.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the limited sport management research on sponsored UGB and offers theoretical and practical implications in the areas of sport marketing and branding.
J. Casely Hayford’s Social Imaginary of “Church Universal” in William Waddy Harris the West African Reformer: The Man and His Message (1915)
Authors: Aycock Jennifer L.
Published: June 2020

A close reading of J. Casely Hayford’s tract William Waddy Harris The West African Reformer: The Man and His Message (1915) provides insight into the political considerations accounted for in writing histories of world Christianity during the colonial period. Hayford centres Africa and William Waddé Harris in a social imaginary that critiques Europe as the exclusive centre of religious reform and renewal. I argue that Hayford employs methods of analysis, rhetorical devices, and literary interlocutors that reflect his African positionality within the early colonial period. To this end, I argue that Hayford’s tract reconceives a history of world Christianity that predates the organised study of missions, ecumenics, and world religions. Without dismissing the contributions of these fields to the emergent field of World Christianity, Hayford’s colonial positionality lends him a contrasting and precarious double consciousness with which to the re‐imagine a discourse of universal Christianity through and out of West Africa.
Valorization of pomelo (Citrus grandis Osbeck) peel: A review of current utilization, phytochemistry, bioactivities, and mechanisms of action
Authors: Tocmo Restituto , Pena‐Fronteras Jennifer , Calumba Kriza Faye , Mendoza Melanie , Johnson Jeremy James
Published: June 2020

Citrus grandis Osbeck, commonly known as “pomelo” or “shaddock,” is the largest citrus fruit, the peel of which is a well‐known agricultural residual waste. Pomelo peel offers a wide range of components such as essential oils, polysaccharides, and phytochemicals with potential food applications. Utilization of pomelo peel to recover these components is an important step toward agricultural sustainability. This review covers pomelo peel utilization opportunities beyond conventional composting and animal feed production, and critically examines value‐added uses via the recovery of potentially bioactive components. The peel of pomelo accounts for approximately 30% of the total fruit weight and contains phytochemicals, including aroma‐active volatiles, pectin, flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, coumarins, and polysaccharides. Recovery of these phytochemicals offers an opportunity for value‐added utilization such as the development of enriched or functional foods and nutraceuticals. The health‐promoting and therapeutic potential of pomelo peel extracts and isolated pure compounds have been evaluated through numerous in vitro and in vivo studies that revealed a wide range of bioactivities, including hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Preclinical evidence highlights multifaceted molecular and signaling events that possibly underlie the said bioactive potential. Overall, the pomelo processing industry offers a great opportunity to recover or produce valuable products from the large amounts of residual wastes it generates. It is envisaged that a thorough understanding of the bioactive components of pomelo peel, their functional and nutraceutical applications, and mode of actions will benefit the food industry.
Nanoparticle‐mediated double‐stranded RNA delivery system: A promising approach for sustainable pest management
Authors: Yan Shuo , Ren Bin‐Yuan , Shen Jie
Published: June 2020

RNA interference (RNAi) targeting lethal genes in insects has great potential for sustainable crop protection. Compared with traditional double‐stranded (ds)RNA delivery systems, nanoparticles such as chitosan, liposomes, and cationic dendrimers offer advantages in delivering dsRNA/small interfering (si)RNA to improve RNAi efficiency, thus promoting the development and practice of RNAi‐based pest management strategies. Here, we illustrate the limitations of traditional dsRNA delivery systems, reveal the mechanism of nanoparticle‐mediated RNAi, summarize the recent progress and successful applications of nanoparticle‐mediated RNAi in pest management, and finally address the prospects of nanoparticle‐based RNA pesticides.
African mustard (Brassica tournefortii) as source of nutrients and nutraceuticals properties
Authors: Rahmani Rami , Bouajila Jalloul , Jouaidi Marwa , Debouba Mohamed
Published: June 2020

Brassica tournefortii is an annual herbaceous plant, native to the North Africa and Middle East. It is considered as an excellent medicinal plant due to its richness by antioxidant like isothiocyanates and polyphenols. The present study is the first phytochemical investigation on Brassica tournefortii organs (leaves, stems, and roots) in terms of nutraceutical, chemical composition, and bioactivity. Brassica tournefortii leaves exhibited the highest values of nutraceutical contents. Interestingly, gas chromatograph‐y‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis enabled to identify three new isothiocyanates: iberverin nitrile and iberin detected only in roots, and iberin nitrile detected in all organs. HPLC chromatograms displayed different profiles depending on organic solvent and extracted organ. Icariin and 5,7‐dihydroxy 4‐propylcoumarin showed the highest concentrations with 2.3 and 1.3 mg/g of dr among other molecules identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Some phenolic compounds were identified in more than one organ extracts such as phenoxodiol and 4‐hydroxy‐3‐propylbenzoic acid methyl ester. Brassica tournefortii extracts showed a moderate total phenolic contents and anti‐15‐LOX activity, while they exhibited a good anti‐α‐glucosidase activity ranging from 40% to 60%. Furthermore, leaves‐MeOH and root‐dichloromethane (DCM) extracts induced the highest cytotoxicity against MCF‐7 cell lines, while roots‐cyclohexane (CYHA) extract highlighted the highest inhibition activity against, both, HCT‐116 and OVCAR cell lines.
One major facilitator superfamily transporter is responsible for propionic acid tolerance in Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Ma Chao , Mu Qingxuan , Xue Yubin , Xue Yanfen , Yu Bo , Ma Yanhe
Published: June 2020

Propionic acid (PA) has been widely used as a food preservative and chemical intermediate in the agricultural and pharmaceutical industries. Environmental and friendly biotechnological production of PA from biomass has been considered as an alternative to the traditional petrochemical route. However, because PA is a strong inhibitor of cell growth, the biotechnological host should be not only able to produce the compound but the host should be robust. In this study, we identified key PA tolerance factors in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 strain by comparative transcriptional analysis in the presence or absence of PA stress. The identified major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporter gene cluster of PP_1271, PP_1272 and PP_1273 was experimentally verified to be involved in PA tolerance in P. putida strains. Overexpression of this cluster improved tolerance to PA in a PA producing strain, what is useful to further engineer this robust platform not only for PA synthesis but for the production of other weak acids.
Fibromyalgia in a rheumatology clinic in north‐central Nigeria: An audit of the characteristics of the syndrome and the sensitivities of 4 sets of American College of Rheumatology criteria
Authors: Akintayo Richard O. , Adelowo Olufemi O. , Ahmed Bola A. , Olafimihan Kayode O. , Olatunde‐Olalere Olabanke A.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To describe the characteristics of fibromyalgia among Nigerian patients and assess the sensitivities of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria of 1990, 2010, 2011, and 2016 for making the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

Methods

Consecutive patients diagnosed clinically with fibromyalgia by a rheumatologist were assessed. ACR criteria for fibromyalgia of 1990, 2010, 2011, and 2016 were applied to each patient. Polysymptomatic distress scores (PSD) were calculated from the Widespread Pain Index and Symptom Severity Scores. Sleep was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; fatigue by the Fatigue Severity Scale and the severity of fibromyalgia was determined using the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR).

Results

A total of 660 new patients were seen out of which a diagnosis of fibromyalgia was made in 114 (17.3%). The mean age of the patients was 44.6 ± 15.6 years and females accounted for 84.2%. Twenty‐one (18.4%) patients had changed or quit their jobs due to fibromyalgia. Problematic fatigue was present in 80 (70.2%), and sleep disturbance was reported in 83 (72.8%) patients. The severity of fibromyalgia, poor sleep, severe or very severe PSD, and male gender were associated with problematic fatigue, but only moderate/severe fibromyalgia independently predicted problematic fatigue (P = .004). The number of tender points (P = .001) and FIQR score (P = .038) were associated with changing or quitting jobs. The sensitivities of the ACR1990, ACR2010, ACR2011 and ACR2016 were 38.5%, 68.2%, 76.7% and 76.7%, respectively.

Conclusion

The ACR1990 had low sensitivity when used to diagnose fibromyalgia in this population and the ACR2010 encounters problems while applying the somatic symptom list.
Estimating the benefits and costs of forming business partnerships
Authors: Lee Jungho
Published: June 2020

I estimate a matching model of business‐partnership formation to quantify the relative importance of productivity gains, financing gains, and the coordination failure of effort provision (moral hazard) among partners. Productivity gains account for 61% of the gain from the observed partnerships. For partners in the first quartile of the wealth distribution, however, financing accounts for 93% of the gain. The cost of moral hazard corresponds to 42% of the entire gain from partnerships. A loan policy specifically targeting partnerships is less effective in improving welfare than a conventional loan policy that provides loans to individual entrepreneurs.