bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peter Chadwick. 23 March 1931—12 August 2018
Authors: Ogden R. W.
Published: June 2020

Peter Chadwick studied mathematics as an undergraduate at the University of Manchester, graduating with first-class honours in 1952, from where he moved to Cambridge and completed a PhD on the thermal history of the Earth in the Department of Geodesy and Geophysics under the supervision of Dr Robert Stoneley. His research then developed to focus primarily on the propagation of waves, and he made a major contribution to the mathematical theory of elastic wave propagation and became a world-leading authority in this area. He also made fundamental advances in the modelling of the thermo-elastic properties of rubberlike materials. At the University of East Anglia, where he was a professor for 26 years, he was the driving force behind the development of a research group in theoretical mechanics in the School of Mathematics and Physics, leading by example and supporting and encouraging fellow faculty members, especially the younger staff, academic visitors and students. He gave considerable service to the University of East Anglia in a number of capacities, including a period as Dean of the School, and to the scientific community, through substantial journal editorial activities and as a member of several national and international committees.
ALU non-B-DNA conformations, flipons, binary codes and evolution
Authors: Herbert Alan
Published: June 2020

ALUs contribute to genetic diversity by altering DNA's linear sequence through retrotransposition, recombination and repair. ALUs also have the potential to form alternative non-B-DNA conformations such as Z-DNA, triplexes and quadruplexes that alter the read-out of information from the genome. I suggest here these structures enable the rapid reprogramming of cellular pathways to offset DNA damage and regulate inflammation. The experimental data supporting this form of genetic encoding is presented. ALU sequence motifs that form non-B-DNA conformations under physiological conditions are called flipons. Flipons are binary switches. They are dissipative structures that trade energy for information. By efficiently targeting cellular machines to active genes, flipons expand the repertoire of RNAs compiled from a gene. Their action greatly increases the informational capacity of linearly encoded genomes. Flipons are programmable by epigenetic modification, synchronizing cellular events by altering both chromatin state and nucleosome phasing. Different classes of flipon exist. Z-flipons are based on Z-DNA and modify the transcripts compiled from a gene. T-flipons are based on triplexes and localize non-coding RNAs that direct the assembly of cellular machines. G-flipons are based on G-quadruplexes and sense DNA damage, then trigger the appropriate protective responses. Flipon conformation is dynamic, changing with context. When frozen in one state, flipons often cause disease. The propagation of flipons throughout the genome by ALU elements represents a novel evolutionary innovation that allows for rapid change. Each ALU insertion creates variability by extracting a different set of information from the neighbourhood in which it lands. By elaborating on already successful adaptations, the newly compiled transcripts work with the old to enhance survival. Systems that optimize flipon settings through learning can adapt faster than with other forms of evolution. They avoid the risk of relying on random and irreversible codon rewrites.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Stay-At-Home Orders: Does Timing Matter?
Authors: Medline Alexandra , Hayes Lamar , Valdez Katia , Hayashi Ami , Vahedi Farnoosh , Capell Will , Sonnenberg Jake , Glick Zoe , Klausner Jeffrey D.
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The many economic, psychological, and social consequences of pandemics and social distancing measures create an urgent need to determine the efficacy of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), and especially those considered most stringent, such as stay-at-home and self-isolation mandates. This study focuses specifically on the efficacy of stay-at-home orders, both nationally and internationally, in the control of COVID-19.

METHODS

We conducted an observational analysis from April to May 2020 and included countries and US states with known stay-at-home orders. Our primary exposure was the time between the date of the first reported case of COVID-19 to an implemented stay-at-home mandate for each region. Our primary outcomes were the time from the first reported case to the highest number of daily cases and daily deaths. We conducted simple linear regression analyses, controlling for the case rate of the outbreak.

RESULTS

For US states and countries, a larger number of days between the first reported case and stay-at-home mandates was associated with a longer time to reach the peak daily case and death counts. The largest effect was among regions classified as the latest 10% to implement a mandate, which in the US, predicted an extra 35.3 days to the peak number of cases (95 % CI: 18.2, 52.5), and 38.3 days to the peak number of deaths (95 % CI: 23.6, 53.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study supports the potential beneficial effect of earlier stay-at-home mandates, by shortening the time to peak case and death counts for US states and countries. Regions in which mandates were implemented late experienced a prolonged duration to reaching both peak daily case and death counts.
Forecasting the peak of novel coronavirus disease in Egypt using current confirmed cases and deaths
Authors: Anwar Wagida A. , Mokhtar Amany
Published: June 2020

The first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Egypt was reported on 14 February 2020 and the number of reported cases has increased daily. The purpose of this study is to describe the current situation of Covid-19 in Egypt and to predict the expected timing of the peak of this epidemic using current confirmed cases and deaths. We used one of the online tools; the Epidemic Calculator that utilizes, the well-known SEIR compartmental model. We utilized the daily reports published by the Egyptian Ministry of Health & Population from 14 February to 11 May 2020. Given the highest calculated case fatality rate (7.7%), the number of hospitalized individuals is expected to peak in the middle of June with a peak of hospitalized cases of 20,126 individuals and total expected deaths 12,303. We recommend strengthening of the Egyptian preventive and control measures so as to decrease the CFR and the number of cases to the least possible as we approach the epidemic peak. It is most important that appropriate quarantine measures are retained., the quarantine measures should not be relaxed before the end of June, 2020.
Evaluation of serological tests for SARS-CoV-2: Implications for serology testing in a low-prevalence setting
Authors: Bond Katherine , Nicholson Suellen , Ming Lim Seok , Karapanagiotidis Theo , Williams Eloise , Johnson Douglas , Hoang Tuyet , Sia Cheryll , Purcell Damian , R Lewin Sharon , Catton Mike , P Howden Benjamin , A Williamson Deborah
Published: June 2020

Background

Robust serological assays are essential for long-term control of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many recently released point-of-care (PoCT) serological assays have been distributed with little pre-market validation.

Methods

Performance characteristics for five PoCT lateral flow devices approved for use in Australia were compared to a commercial enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) and a recently described novel surrogate virus neutralisation test (sVNT).

Results

Sensitivities for PoCT ranged from 51.8% (95% CI 43.1 to 60.4%) to 67.9% (95% CI 59.4–75.6%), and specificities from 95.6% (95% CI 89.2–98.8%) to 100.0% (95% CI 96.1–100.0%). Overall ELISA sensitivity for either IgA or IgG detection was 67.9% (95% CI 59.4–75.6), increasing to 93.8% (95% CI 85.0–98.3%) for samples > 14 days post symptom onset. Overall, sVNT sensitivity was 60.9% (95% CI 53.2–68.4%), rising to 91.2%% (95% CI 81.8–96.7%) for samples collected > 14 days post-symptom onset, with a specificity 94.4% (95% CI 89.2–97.5%),

Conclusion

Performance characteristics for COVID-19 serological assays were generally lower than those reported by manufacturers. Timing of specimen collection relative to onset of illness or infection is crucial in the reporting of performance characteristics for COVID-19 serological assays. The optimal algorithm for implementing serological testing for COVID-19 remains to be determined, particularly in low-prevalence settings.
Cytokine biomarkers of COVID-19
Authors: Deng Hai-Jun , Long Quan-Xin , Liu Bei-Zhong , Ren Ji-Hua , Liao Pu , Qiu Jing-Fu , Tang Xiao-Jun , Zhang Yong , Tang Ni , Xu Yin-Yin , Mo Zhan , Chen Juan , Hu Jie-Li , Huang Ai-Long
Published: June 2020

We used a new strategy to screen cytokines associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cytokines that can classify populations in different states of SARS-CoV-2 infection were first screened in cross-sectional serum samples from 184 subjects by 2 statistical analyses. The resultant cytokines were then analyzed for their interrelationships and fluctuating features in sequential samples from 38 COVID-19 patients. Three cytokines, M-CSF, IL-8 and SCF, which were clustered into 3 different correlation groups and had relatively small fluctuations during SARS-CoV-2 infection, were selected for the construction of a multiclass classification model. This model discriminated healthy individuals and asymptomatic and nonsevere patients with accuracy of 77.4% but was not successful in classifying severe patients. Further searching led to a single cytokine, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which classified severe from nonsevere COVID-19 patients with a sensitivity of 84.6% and a specificity of 97.9% under a cutoff value of 1128 pg/ml. The level of this cytokine did not increase in nonsevere patients but was significantly elevated in severe patients. Considering its potent antiinflammatory function, we suggest that HGF might be a new candidate therapy for critical COVID-19. In addition, our new strategy provides not only a rational and effective way to focus on certain cytokine biomarkers for infectious diseases but also a new opportunity to probe the modulation of cytokines in the immune response.
Dynamics and Development of the COVID-19 Epidemics in the US – a Compartmental Model with Deep Learning Enhancement
Authors: Deng Qi
Published: June 2020

Background

Compartmental models dominate epidemic modeling. Estimations of transmission parameters between compartments are typically done through stochastic parameterization processes that depend upon detailed statistics on transmission characteristics, which are economically and resource-wide expensive to collect. We apply deep learning techniques as a lower data dependency alternative to estimate transmission parameters of a customized compartmental model, for the purposes of simulating the dynamics of the US COVID-19 epidemics and projecting its further development.

Methods

We construct a compartmental model. We develop a multistep deep learning methodology to estimate the model’s transmission parameters. We then feed the estimated transmission parameters to the model to predict the development of the US COVID-19 epidemics for 35 and 42 days. Epidemics are considered suppressed when the basic reproduction number (R0) becomes less than one.

Results

The deep learning-enhanced compartmental model predicts that R0 will become less than one around June 19 to July 3, 2020, at which point the epidemics will effectively start to die out, and that the US “Infected” population will peak round June 18 to July 2, 2020 between 1·34 million and 1·41 million individual cases. The models also predict that the number of accumulative confirmed cases will cross the 2 million mark around June 10 to 11, 2020.

Conclusions

Current compartmental models require stochastic parameterization to estimate the transmission parameters. These models’ effectiveness depends upon detailed statistics on transmission characteristics. As an alternative, deep learning techniques are effective in estimating these stochastic parameters with greatly reduced dependency on data particularity.
Detection of Chemotherapy-Resistant Pancreatic Cancer Using a Glycan Biomarker
Authors: Gao ChongFeng , Wisniewski Luke , Liu Ying , Staal Ben , Beddows Ian , Plenker Dennis , Aldakkak Mohammed , Hall Johnathan , Barnett Daniel , Gouda Mirna Kheir , Allen Peter , Drake Richard , Zureikat Amer , Huang Ying , Evans Douglas , Singhi Aatur , Brand Randall E. , Tuveson David A. , Tsai Susan , Haab Brian B.
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims

A subset of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) is highly resistant to systemic chemotherapy, but no markers are available in clinical settings to identify this subset. We hypothesized that chemotherapy-resistant PDACs express a glycan biomarker called sTRA.Methods. We tested this marker to identify treatment-resistant PDAC in multiple systems: sets of cell lines, organoids, and isogenic cell lines; primary tumors; and blood plasma from cohorts of human subjects.Results. Among a panel of 27 cell lines, high levels of cell-surface sTRA identified higher resistance to seven chemotherapeutics used against PDAC. Using primary tumors from two different cohorts, patients who were positive for a gene-expression classifier for sTRA received no statistically significant benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy, in contrast to those negative for the signature. In another cohort, using direct measurements of sTRA in tissue microarrays by quantitative immunofluorescence, patients who were high in sTRA again had no statistically significant benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. Further, a blood-plasma test for the sTRA glycan identified the PDACs that showed rapid relapse following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This blood test performed with 96% specificity and 56% sensitivity in a blinded cohort using samples collected before the start of treatment.Conclusion. These findings establish that tissue or plasma sTRA can identify PDACs that are resistant to neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy. This capability could help apply systemic treatments more precisely and facilitate biomarker-guided trials targeting resistant PDAC.
Testing for tracing or testing just for treating? A comparative analysis of strategies to face COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Knudsen Ricardo
Published: June 2020

There is some consensus in Europe and Asia about high testing rates being crucial to controlling COVID-19 pandemics. There are though misconceptions on what means an effective high testing rate. This paper demonstrates that the rate of tests per detected case (Tests/Case) is the critical variable, correlating negatively with the number of deaths. The higher the Tests/Case rate, the lower the death rate, as this predictor is causally related to contact tracing and isolation of the vectors of the disease. Doubling Tests/Case typically divides by about three the number of deaths. On the other hand, the per capita testing rate is a poor predictor for the performance of policies to fight the pandemics. The number of tests per 1,000 inhabitants (Tests/1,000) tends to correlate positively with the number of deaths. In some cases, high levels of Tests/1,000 just mean an epidemic that ran out of control, with an explosion of cases that demands high testing rates just to confirm the diagnosis of the seriously sick. This study also demonstrates that an early tracing strategy, with a high level of Tests/Case, reduces combined costs of testing and hospitalization dramatically. Therefore, the common claim that tracing strategies are unaffordable by poorer countries is incorrect. On the contrary, it is the most adequate, both from the economic and humanitarian points of view.
Prevalence and mortality of Lung Comorbidities Among Patients with COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alkhathami Mohammed G , Advani Shailesh M , Abalkhail Adil A , Alkhathami Fahad M , Alshehri Mohammed K , Albeashy Ebtisam , Alsalamah Jihad A
Published: June 2020

Background

COVID-19 infections are seen across all age groups but they have shown to have a predisposition for the elderly and those with underlying comorbidities. Patients with severe COVID-19 infections and comorbidities are more prone to respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), mechanical ventilator use and ultimately succumb to these complications. Little evidence exists of the prevalence of underlying lung comorbidities among COVID-19 patients and associated mortality.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of the literature including PubMed (Medline), Embase (Ovid), Google Scholar and Cochrane Library. The last date for our search was 29th April 2020. We included all original research articles on COVID-19 and calculated prevalence of chronic lung disease patients among COVID-19 patients using random effects model. Further we assessed for mortality rates among COVID-19 patients associated with these lung comorbidities.

Results

The authors identified 29 articles that reported prevalence of chronic lung conditions among COVID-19 patients. Among those, 26 were from China and 3 from the United States. The pooled prevalence of lung comorbidities including Asthma, COPD, and lung cancer was 3% (95% CI=0-14%), 2.2% (95% CI=0.02-0.03%) and 2.1% (95% CI=0.00-0.21%) respectively. Mortality rates associated with these comorbidities was 30% (41/137) for COPD and 19% (7/37) for lung cancer respectively. No mortality rates were reported for patients with asthma.

Conclusion

This study offers latest evidence of prevalence of chronic lung conditions among patients with COVID-19. Asthma, followed by COPD and lung cancer, was the most common lung comorbidity associated with COVID-19, while the higher mortality rate was found in COPD. Future studies are needed to assess other lung comorbidities and associated mortality among patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
Risk Factors for Large Cell Transformation in Patients with Sezary Syndrome
Authors: Jairath Neil K. , Jairath Ruple , Bardhi Redina , Runge John S. , Bledea Ramona , Wang Yang , Hristov Alexandra , Wilcox Ryan A. , Tsoi Lam C. , Patrick Matthew , Tejasvi Trilokraj
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Large cell transformation (LCT) of Sezary Syndrome (SS) is associated with an aggressive clinical course. To date, there are no rigorous studies identifying risk factors for the development of this phenomenon. We aim to characterize the clinicopathologic risk factors that may predispose patients with SS to develop LCT in the largest such study to date that the authors have identified.

Materials/Methods

We retrospectively evaluated all SS patient records available in the Michigan Medicine Cancer Registry from 2010–2019. The Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test were used to compare age, sex, race, time to diagnosis, stage, total body surface area (TBSA) involvement, pathologic features, complete blood counts, flow cytometry data, and T cell receptor rearrangements. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to assess overall survival (OS). Univariate analyses were conducted for endpoints of LCT and OS and visualized with Forest plots using the “survival” and “forestplot” packages in R.

Results

Of the 28 SS patients included in the analysis, eight patients with LCT were identified, and 20 without nonlarge cell transformation (NLCT). Mean peak LDH before LCT (p = 0.0012), mean maximum TBSA involvement before diagnosis of LCT (p = 0.0114), absolute CD8+ cell count on flow cytometry or on biopsy at diagnosis of SS (p = 0.0455), presence of Langerhans cell hyperplasia (p = 0.0171), and presence of ulceration on biopsy (p = 0.0034) were clinicopathologic variables identified as differing significantly between the two groups. On univariate analysis, increased TBSA involvement (HR 1.043 per unit increase, 95% CI 1.001 – 1.081, p = 0.018) and increased peak LDH prior to LCT diagnosis (HR 1.002 per unit increase, 95% CI 1.001 – 1.003, p = 0.002) were identified as poorly prognostic, while unit increase in CD8+ absolute cell count at diagnosis of SS (HR 0.988, 95% CI 0.976 – 0.999, p = 0.041) was identified as protective for development of LCT. There was no survival difference identified between patients with “High” vs. “Low” CD8+ cell counts, or between LCT and NLCT groups.

Conclusions

Maximum TBSA involvement, peak LDH, presence of ulceration, Langerhans cell hyperplasia, and decreased levels of CD8+cells in the peripheral blood may predict the development of LCT in patients with SS.
Quantification of the necessary labelling input in protein stable isotope probing
Authors: Starke Robert
Published: June 2020

Even though protein stable isotope probing is at least 100-times more sensitive than nucleic acid approaches, it is still unknown how much labelling input is necessary to not lose incorporation. Here, I used the average peptide model together with primary incorporation rates from previous experiments to determine the minimally necessary labelling input to detect incorporation of atoms present in proteins. Carbon-13 showed the highest efficiency for incorporation with detection misses only below 20.24 atom% labelling input. Despite the highest abundance in proteins, deuterium incorporation is not lost with at least 32.22 atom% labelling input due to instable acidic protons that undergo HD-exchange. All incorporation of oxygen-18 is detected with at least 28.15 atom% labelling input due to the +2 mass shift between its isotopes making up for its low abundance in proteins. Nitrogen-15 is less abundant in proteins and therefore harbors the most inefficient incorporation, resulting in a minimally necessary labelling input of 73.10 atom% labelling input. Altogether, these results can be used to properly design stable isotope probing experiments with the aim to maximize incorporation that can be extrapolated to other nucleic acid approaches due to similar incorporation routes.
Effects of Alzheimer’s disease and formalin fixation on the different mineralised-iron forms in the human brain
Authors: van der Weerd Louise , Lefering Anton , Webb Andrew , Egli Ramon , Bossoni Lucia
Published: June 2020

Iron accumulation in the brain is a phenomenon common to many neurodegenerative diseases, perhaps most notably Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

We present here magnetic analyses of post-mortem brain tissue of patients who had severe Alzheimer’s disease, and compare the results with those from healthy controls. Isothermal remanent magnetization experiments were performed to assess the extent to which different magnetic carriers are affected by AD pathology and formalin fixation.

While Alzheimer’s brain material did not show higher levels of magnetite/maghemite nanoparticles than corresponding controls, the ferrihydrite mineral, known to be found within the core of ferritin proteins and hemosiderin aggregates, almost doubled in concentration in patients with Alzheimer’s pathology, strengthening the conclusions of our previous studies. As part of this study, we also investigated the effects of sample preparation, by performing experiments on frozen tissue as well as tissue which had been fixed in formalin for a period of five months. Our results showed that the two different preparations did not critically affect the concentration of magnetic carriers in brain tissue, as observable by SQUID magnetometry.
CRW 13 – the new generation radio altimeter: the concept, design, and tests
Authors: Szpakowska-Peas Ewelina
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline a novel concept of radio altimeter CRW-13 that has been designed and developed in the Lukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation as a result of the need to update the outdated structure of RWL-750M.

Design/methodology/approach

The new design of the device consists of integral antennas and signal processor for smart digital signal filtering.

Findings

As a result of a number of laboratory tests and flight tests of the device installed on MP-02 “Czajka” ultralight aircraft promising results were achieved. They allow to move on to the next stage of implementation and preparation for the device certification.

Practical implications

The CRW-13 meets with great interest of civilian and military potential customers. It is an ideal solution for airplanes, helicopters, unmanned and guided missiles. The universal design enables installation on many different platforms where exact height measurement is needed and crucial.

Originality/value

At the origin of the new concept was the need to replace the separate transmitting and receiving antennas with one unit comprising two planar microstrip antennas placed directly next to each other on a common plate block in the transceiver. This solution eliminates thick antenna cables and coaxial connectors, which are the most unreliable and problematic elements of radio altimeters. The new concept of integral antennas and the use of signal processors for smart digital signal filtration made it possible to take the technology to the next level.
Deconstructing the Belt and Road Initiative in Latin America
Authors: Serrano Moreno Juan Enrique , Telias Diego , Urdinez Francisco
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The objective of this study is to address the diplomatic and economic implications of the participation of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines official documents related to the BRI and LAC's signing of the Memorandum of Understanding within the framework of the BRI (MoUs) in order to look into what it means to join the BRI. Additionally, it also introduces the findings of articles in Asian Education and Development Studies' current issue published in 2020.

Findings

In LAC, the BRI does not represent a new policy, but rather the updating and rebranding of a pre-existing one. The BRI primarily consists of an official discursive framework which aims to build a coherent narrative for a wide range of different projects and policies geared toward the improvement of connectivity with China through the development of trade and investments. However, most of these projects were implemented prior to the BRI. Pragmatism lies at the core of this framework which neither has a regulated accession process nor any binding effects. As a result, the signing the MoU represents, foremost, a diplomatic mise-en-scène. The study operates under the belief that BRI membership is not dichotomous; rather, it must be observed in terms of the countries' level of participation. In line with this, the implementation of a generalized BRI policy in LAC countries would not be advisable. Moreover, it must be noted that the BRI's reach to Latin America can be rather problematic due to the fact that the latter was not initially a participant.

Originality/value

The study aims to explore the significance of the BRI beyond the official discourse and discuss the involvement of LAC countries in it. Scholars studying the BRI in other regions have noted that there is not enough information on this policy in the context of LAC.
Benchmarking upper midwest dairy farm profitability
Authors: Wolf Christopher A. , Black J. Roy , Stephenson Mark W.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to understand US Upper Midwest dairy farm profitability performance over time and across herd size. Profitability is broken down into asset efficiency and operating profit margin. The primary objective is to determine how much information is required to accurately benchmark farm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Financial ratios to measure profitability (rate of return on assets), profit margin (operating profit margin ratio), and asset efficiency (asset turnover) were collected from Michigan State University and the University of Wisconsin business analysis programs for dairy farms from 2000 through 2016. Financial ratio patterns were examined both across time and herd size. Annual distributions were divided into quartiles and the use of one to five-year averages were used to determine accuracy of quartile rank compared to true long-run farm profitability performance.

Findings

Financial performance across large herds was more uniform than across smaller herds. Small and large herd profitability performance converged in poor years but diverged in good years. Using three or more years performance greatly improved accuracy of benchmarking profitability.

Originality/value

The data utilized are very rich in the sense of the amount of variation across years and herd size. The results have important implications for farm financial management and benchmarking farm financial performance. Farm firms should benchmark multiple years of profitability before making major management changes to alleviate deficiencies.
The integration of the Basque machine tool cluster into GVCs
Authors: Zubiaurre Arantza , Sisti Eduardo , Retegi Jabier
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze how integration into global value chains has impacted the evolution of the Basque machine tool cluster from the 1990s to the present day.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was carried out in three steps. First, a comparative analysis was made of the renewal process of the 1990s and the current situation. Next, a quantitative analysis was undertaken to test whether the cluster has entered a new maturity period, and finally, qualitative data was gathered about the past and present challenges facing the companies in the cluster.

Findings

The empirical evidence of the present study shows that integration into global value chains has led to a hierarchization of the strategic trajectories and performances of the companies in the cluster. Additionally, evidence of a sustained period of new maturity and decline has been observed. The period of maturity and foreseeable challenges of the coming years were mentioned repeatedly during the interviews.

Research limitations/implications

Although the participants in the interviews were relevant individuals with a broad view of the cluster’s situation, their limited number and the lack of representation of companies that closed down during the renewal process, despite the efforts made by the authors, could be considered a limitation.

Practical implications

This paper sheds some light on the renewal/transformation period facing the cluster. Several of the main challenges and two extreme, hypothetical scenarios are discussed. The companies in the cluster will have to establish a position somewhere between those two scenarios.

Social implications

This paper presents two possible cluster transformation scenarios. The authors offer suggestions as to how to go about transforming the cluster with a view to secure a better position for dealing with future challenges.

Originality/value

Using quantitative and qualitative data, the paper reflects on the hierarchization and decline of the Basque machine tool cluster and provides new insight into the transformation and renewal needs of the cluster in a globally competitive environment.
Solution of direct and inverse conduction heat transfer problems using the method of fundamental solutions and differential evolution
Authors: Basílio Adam , Lobato Fran Sérgio , Arouca Fábio de Oliveira
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The study of heat transfer mechanisms is an area of great interest because of various applications that can be developed. Mathematically, these phenomena are usually represented by partial differential equations associated with initial and boundary conditions. In general, the resolution of these problems requires using numerical techniques through discretization of boundary and internal points of the domain considered, implying a high computational cost. As an alternative to reducing computational costs, various approaches based on meshless (or meshfree) methods have been evaluated in the literature. In this contribution, the purpose of this paper is to formulate and solve direct and inverse problems applied to Laplace’s equation (steady state and bi-dimensional) considering different geometries and regularization techniques. For this purpose, the method of fundamental solutions is associated to Tikhonov regularization or the singular value decomposition method for solving the direct problem and the differential Evolution algorithm is considered as an optimization tool for solving the inverse problem. From the obtained results, it was observed that using a regularization technique is very important for obtaining a reliable solution. Concerning the inverse problem, it was concluded that the results obtained by the proposed methodology were considered satisfactory, as even with different levels of noise, good estimates for design variables in proposed inverse problems were obtained.

Design/methodology/approach

In this contribution, the method of fundamental solution is used to solve inverse problems considering the Laplace equation.

Findings

In general, the proposed methodology was able to solve inverse problems considering different geometries.

Originality/value

The association between the differential evolution algorithm and the method of fundamental solutions is the major contribution.
Authentic and transformational leadership and innovative work behaviour: the moderating role of psychological empowerment
Authors: Grošelj Matej , Černe Matej , Penger Sandra , Grah Barbara
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the moderating role of psychological empowerment on the relationships between authentic leadership and innovative work behaviour, as well as transformational leadership and innovative work behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

We have applied the mixed-method research on the selected case study. The quantitative field study was conducted on a sample of 126 employees in a multinational technological company. A series of paired samplet-tests were followed by a hierarchical regression analysis to test the hypotheses. The qualitative study consists of a content analysis of in-depth semi-structured interviews with four leaders.

Findings

The research provides further confirmation of the positive relationship between leadership and innovative work behaviour. Specifically, the results showed that psychological empowerment moderates the relationship between leadership (authentic as well as transformational leadership) and innovative work behaviour.

Originality/value

This paper contributed to leadership and innovation literature and provided insights in studying the boundary conditions on the relationship between authentic leadership, as well as transformational leadership, in stimulating innovative work behaviour through the moderating role of psychological empowerment. The added value is expanded by introducing the comparison of the two leadership theories.
Creativity and knowledge creation: the moderated mediating effect of perceived organizational support on psychological ownership
Authors: Yoon Sun Kyung , Kim Jae Hyun , Park Jung Eun , Kim Chan Ju , Song Ji Hoon
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the influences of creativity, psychological ownership (PO) and perceived organizational support (POS) on knowledge creation, using the integrative systems model of creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was used to collect data from 188 workers in Korean public service organizations. Analyses, including bootstrapping and hierarchical regression analysis, were performed to determine the mediating effect of PO and also the moderating and the moderated mediating effects of POS.

Findings

The results showed that PO mediates partially between creativity and knowledge creation and that POS moderates the relationship between PO and knowledge creation. Notably, the moderated mediating effect of POS was only significant when employees had a high level of POS.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that creativity dissemination requires employees’ social consciousness, collaborative interactions and organizational support. The results imply that human resource development (HRD) practitioners need to cultivate the creativity capacity in the organization.

Originality/value

This study discusses the effects of PO and POS on creative performance, which HRD professionals and organizational leaders draw attention to for organizational development. Implications for organizational composition and interventions to enhance creative performance are provided.
Criminology placements: work-based learning and organisational “buy in”
Authors: Bramford Kate , Eason Anne L.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the views of criminal justice and allied sector organisations and agencies, of why they provide placements for the Applied Criminology programme at the University of Worcester, UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The study took a qualitative approach to tease out the underlying contributory factors that featured in the decision to offer placements. It used semi-structured interviews of key personnel, and thematic analysis was subsequently undertaken on the data collected.

Findings

Several themes emerged, in particular reciprocal learning, dynamism, employability and social investment. These appeared to be the most impactful on the organisation in relation to the future recruitment of staff as well as the enhancement of current staff practice.

Research limitations/implications

Based upon the scale of the research, the findings may have limited transferability.

Practical implications

There is a hidden benefit to organisations, which could be capitalised upon as a reciprocal learning process, which enhances practice and therefore outcomes.

Social implications

Stereotypes are challenged, resulting in students overcoming preconceived ideas about particular service user groups.

Originality/value

Whilst research into work-based learning and the benefits of placements for students is not new, research enquiring as to why organisations are prepared to offer placements remains in its infancy.
Initializing phase of lesson study: communication a special didactic tool in mathematics
Authors: Sjunnesson Helena
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study examined participating teachers' expressions about teaching and learning when implementing lesson study (LS) about communication as a special didactic tool in mathematics; it also investigated their experience with LS. The initializing phase was characterized by letting the teachers become familiar with LS as a model for their professional development (PD). It also provided an opportunity for the participants to acquire common understanding of their starting point.

Design/methodology/approach

An adapted version of LS was used as a model for teachers' PD. The methods for data collection were a semi-structured interview and discussions with the teachers. From a teaching team in school year 1, two class teachers participated. The data obtained were qualitative and subjected to a thematic analysis. The teachers participated together in the different discussions during the study. All the discussions were audio-recorded.

Findings

During the discussions, the teachers raised some critical points: how to gain students' attention during lesson reviews; how to make follow-ups of the students' understanding of lesson content; how to plan and factors that could have been changed in education that could assist in all students' progress.

Originality/value

Both the initializing phase and the concept of special didactics have not received full attention in research. This study highlights the importance of capturing the teachers' attained competence toward understanding what is needed for future competence concerning communication as a special didactic tool in mathematics.
Barriers to university-industry collaboration in an academic university department in London, United Kingdom
Authors: Mirza Hassan , Al Sinawi Hamed , Al-Balushi Naser , Al-Alawi Mohammed , Panchatcharam Sathiya Murthi
Published: June 2020

Purpose

University-industry collaboration yields numerous advantages resulting in potential benefits in funding research and innovation. Despite the numerous benefits, there are various perceived disadvantages of such collaboration especially in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry in prominent academic institutes in London, UK. The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions, opinions, beliefs and attitudes of the academics and clinicians in an academic university department towards industry collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

Two methods were applied, quantitative and qualitative. The quantitative method used an online questionnaire of four-point Likert-Scale, the link of which was emailed to 80 members of the department with a response rate of 32%. The qualitative method included a one-to-one interview with eight researchers from the department to garner in-depth information on the attitude of researchers in child and adolescent psychiatry towards industry collaboration.

Findings

The online questionnaire was completed by 26 researchers, the vast majority perceived industry as biased to favour their product and as having a bad or mixed reputation. One-on-one interviews with eight prominent researchers allowed us to share their perception and attitude towards industry collaboration, although the researchers believe that availability of funding was the major advantage of working in collaboration with industry, many did not know how to access such grants and some raised concerns about industry’s record of presenting partial results.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.

Practical implications

This paper will shed light on how prominent researchers perceive collaboration with industry.

Originality/value

Although researchers are very reluctant to collaborate with industry because of its public opinion and sometimes unethical and lack of integrity among the industry, with rigorous ethical guidelines and policies, the pharmaceutical industry can be a potential and significant source of funding of high-quality research and innovation.
Place-based inquiry in a university course abroad: lessons about education for sustainability in the urban outdoors
Authors: Thomas Timothy G.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present the case of a semester-long study-abroad education class in Italy. This course explored place-based methods that classroom teachers (K-12) might use to connect students’ outdoor surroundings to extend the lessons they learn in school about environmental sustainability. The experience of the university instructor and students outlined in this paper highlights the promise of place-based education to provide a potent approach for conveying principles of education for sustainable development (ESD).

Design/methodology/approach

An American university course enacted the approaches of place-based education and learning outdoors (harnessing student curiosity, building community partnerships, etc.) to investigate the natural and civic systems at work in the city of Florence. The participants deepened their understanding about the natural environment, economic health and well-being of inhabitants and compared the findings about local sustainable resource management to international settings. Through a deliberate practice framework, the students designed classroom lessons.

Findings

This discussion of university students’ work in an education course illuminates the possibilities for place-based applications in elementary and secondary schools. The pedagogical principles applied in this course also highlight the multidisciplinary strengths of ESD.

Originality/value

This paper provides an inside look at choices educators must make to provide relevance in classrooms, to connect the curriculum content that is standardized by governments with the systemic dilemmas that challenge communities. The author details the pedestrian topics that the university students examined during the semester. These lessons show that place-based inquiry situated in the outdoors can present clear lessons about sustainable development. An international comparative perspective can enhance learners’ perspectives about local surroundings.
Conditional cash transfers, empowerment and female autonomy: care and paid work in the Bolsa Família programme, Brazil
Authors: Mariano Silvana
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study addresses the importance of paid work for the autonomy of poor women in the Bolsa Família Programme (BFP), Brazil. The aim of this study is to consider the influence that BFP may have on women seeking paid work, by comparing the situation and the perceptions of women who receive Bolsa Família (BF) with those of women who fall within this same profile but are not included in the programme.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim of this study is to consider the influence that BFP may have on women seeking paid work, by comparing the situation and the perceptions of women who receive Bolsa Família (BF) with those of women who fall within this same profile but are not included in the programme. Data were produced from a case study, using a non-probability sample and structured individual interviews in a large city in the south of Brazil.

Findings

CCTs designed in the moulds of the BFP, despite its relevance for alleviating poverty, do not have the potential to empower women or for their autonomy, since they do not contribute towards tackling the barriers resulting from the interaction between paid and unpaid labour, and gender determinants in this interaction.

Research limitations/implications

The methodology adopted, with content analysis, allows the collection of the research group participants’ experiences and perceptions, considering the specific nature of the material and symbolic context investigated. However, it does not allow for broad generalizations on the relation between CCT programmes and these women`s paid labour. Within the limits of the inferences produced by the content analysis, this study does enable the theories of ‘laziness’ as a risk resulting from social assistance to be dispelled.

Originality/value

Given these findings, the paper reiterates the importance of taking a critical view of the family when drafting development policies.
Purchase behavior of millennial female generation on Halal cosmetic products
Authors: Handriana Tanti , Yulianti Praptini , Kurniawati Masmira , Arina Nidya Ayu , Aisyah Ratri Amelia , Ayu Aryani Made Gitanadya , Wandira Raras Kirana
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze millennial generation purchase behavior on halal cosmetic products in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach used is a quantitative approach with the research method in the form of a survey and the sampling technique using purposive sampling. The respondents in this study are 206 Muslim females of the millennial generation. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with AMOS software is used for analyzing the data of this study.

Findings

This study found that of the 11 hypotheses tested, 10 of them were accepted: H1, H2, H3, H4, H6, H7, H8, H9, H10 and H11. The accepted hypotheses are the influence of perceived value on trust, brand image on trust, brand image on attitude, religious belief on attitude, halal certification on halal awareness, trust on attitude and halal awareness on attitude. As for trust, attitude toward product, halal awareness affects the intention to purchase halal cosmetics. Moreover, H5 was not accepted, namely, the influence of religious belief on halal awareness. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of marketing theory, specifically related to consumer behavior of halal cosmetic products, as well as the development of the concept of consumer behavior based on demographics, namely, the millennial generation.

Originality/value

This study is more comprehensive than previous studies, and this study is focused on the millennial generation.