bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning Patterns of the Ageing Brain in MRI using Deep Convolutional Networks
Authors: Dinsdale Nicola K. , Bluemke Emma , Smith Stephen M , Arya Zobair , Vidaurre Diego , Jenkinson Mark , Namburete Ana I. L.
Published: August 2020

Both normal ageing and neurodegenerative diseases cause morphological changes to the brain. Age-related brain changes are subtle, nonlinear, and spatially and temporally heterogenous, both within a subject and across a population. Machine learning models are particularly suited to capture these patterns and can produce a model that is sensitive to changes of interest, despite the large variety in healthy brain appearance. In this paper, the power of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and the rich UK Biobank dataset, the largest database currently available, are harnessed to address the problem of predicting brain age. We developed a 3D CNN architecture to predict chronological age, using a training dataset of 12, 802 T1-weighted MRI images and a further 6, 885 images for testing. The proposed method shows competitive performance on age prediction, but, most importantly, the CNN prediction errors ΔBrainAge=AgePredicted−AgeTruecorrelated significantly with many clinical measurements from the UK Biobank in the female and male groups. In addition, having used images from only one imaging modality in this experiment, we examined the relationship between ΔBrainAgeand the image-derived phenotypes (IDPs) from all other imaging modalities in the UK Biobank, showing correlations consistent with known patterns of ageing. Furthermore, we show that the use of nonlinearly registered images to train CNNs can lead to the network being driven by artefacts of the registration process and missing subtle indicators of ageing, limiting the clinical relevance. Due to the longitudinal aspect of the UK Biobank study, in the future it will be possible to explore whether the ΔBrainAgefrom models such as this network were predictive of any health outcomes.

Highlights

Brain age is estimated using a 3D CNN from 12,802 full T1-weighted images.

Regions used to drive predictions are different for linearly and nonlinearly registered data.

Linear registrations utilise a greater diversity of biologically meaningful areas.

Correlations with IDPs and non-imaging variables are consistent with other publications.

Excluding subjects with various health conditions had minimal impact on main correlations.
Post-weaning shifts in microbiome composition and metabolism revealed by over 25,000 pig gut metagenome assembled genomes
Authors: Gaio Daniela , DeMaere Matthew Z. , Anantanawat Kay , Chapman Toni A. , Djordjevic Steven P. , Darling Aaron E.
Published: August 2020

Using a previously described metagenomics dataset of 27 billion reads, we reconstructed over 50,000 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of organisms resident in the porcine gut, 46.5% of which were classified as >70% complete with a <10% contamination rate, and 24.4% were nearly complete genomes. Here we describe the generation and analysis of those MAGs using time-series samples. The gut microbial communities of piglets appear to follow a highly structured developmental program in the weeks following weaning, and this development is robust to treatments including an intramuscular antibiotic treatment and two probiotic treatments. The high resolution we obtained allowed us to identify specific taxonomic “signatures” that characterize the microbiome development immediately after weaning. Additionally, we characterized the carbohydrate repertoire of the organisms resident in the porcine gut, identifying 294 carbohydrate active enzymes. We tracked the shifts in abundance of these enzymes across time, and identified the species and higher-level taxonomic groups carrying each of these enzymes in their MAGs, raising the possibility of modifying the piglet microbiome through the tailored provision of carbohydrate substrates.
ApoE isoform-specific differences in behavior and cognition associated with subchronic MPTP exposure
Authors: Torres Eileen Ruth S. , Weber Boutros Sydney , Meshul Charles K. , Raber Jacob
Published: August 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized clinically by progressive motor dysfunction; overt parkinsonism is often preceded by prodromal symptoms including disturbances in the sleep–wake cycle. Up to 80% of patients with PD also develop dementia. In humans, there are three major apolipoprotein E isoforms: E2, E3, and E4. Increased rate of dementia in PD may be associated with E4 isoform. To better understand prodromal changes associated with E4, we exposed young (3–5 mo) male and female mice expressing E3 or E4 via targeted replacement to a subchronic dosage of the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). We hypothesized that E4 mice would be more susceptible to MPTP-related behavioral and cognitive changes. MPTP-treated E4 mice explored novel objects longer than genotype-matched saline-treated mice. In contrast, saline-treated E3 mice preferentially explored the novel object whereas MPTP-treated E3 mice did not and showed impaired object recognition. MPTP treatment altered swim speed of E4, but not E3, mice in the water maze compared to controls. Thus, E4 carriage may influence the preclinical symptoms associated with PD. Increased efforts are warranted to study early time points in this disease model.
Room-temperature performance of 3 mm-thick cadmium–zinc–telluride pixel detectors with sub-millimetre pixelization
Authors: Buttacavoli Antonino , Principato Fabio , Gerardi Gaetano , Bettelli Manuele , Sarzi Amadè Nicola , Zappettini Andrea , Seller Paul , Veale Matthew C. , Fox Oliver , Sawhney Kawal , Abbene Leonardo
Published: August 2020

Cadmium–zinc–telluride (CZT) pixel detectors represent a consolidated choice for the development of room-temperature spectroscopic X-ray imagers, finding important applications in medical imaging, often as detection modules of a variety of new SPECT and CT systems. Detectors with 3–5 mm thicknesses are able to efficiently detect X-rays up to 140 keV giving reasonable room-temperature energy resolution. In this work, the room-temperature performance of 3 mm-thick CZT pixel detectors, recently developed at IMEM/CNR of Parma (Italy), is presented. Sub-millimetre detector arrays with pixel pitch less than 500 µm were fabricated. The detectors are characterized by good room-temperature performance even at high bias voltage operation (6000 V cm−1), with energy resolutions (FWHM) of 3% (1.8 keV) and 1.6% (2 keV) at 59.5 keV and 122.1 keV, respectively. Charge-sharing investigations were performed with both uncollimated and collimated synchrotron X-ray beams with particular attention to recovering the charge losses at the inter-pixel gap region. High rate measurements demonstrated the absence of high-flux radiation-induced polarization phenomena up to 25 × 106 photons mm−2 s−1.
Focus characterization of an X-ray free-electron laser by intensity correlation measurement of X-ray fluorescence
Authors: Nakamura Nami , Matsuyama Satoshi , Inoue Takato , Inoue Ichiro , Yamada Jumpei , Osaka Taito , Yabashi Makina , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Yamauchi Kazuto
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes and demonstrates a simple method using the intensity correlation of X-ray fluorescence to evaluate the focused beam size of an X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL). This method was applied to the sub-micrometre focused XFEL beam at the SPring-8 Angstrom Compact Free Electron Laser, and the beam size evaluated using the proposed method was consistent with that measured using the knife-edge scan method. The proposed method is readily applicable to extremely small X-ray spots and can be applied for the precise diagnostics of sub-10 nm focused X-ray beams which have recently emerged.
Structural alphabets for conformational analysis of nucleic acids available at dnatco.datmos.org
Authors: Černý Jiří , Božíková Paulína , Malý Michal , Tykač Michal , Biedermannová Lada , Schneider Bohdan
Published: August 2020

A detailed description of the dnatco.datmos.org web server implementing the universal structural alphabet of nucleic acids is presented. It is capable of processing any mmCIF- or PDB-formatted files containing DNA or RNA molecules; these can either be uploaded by the user or supplied as the wwPDB or PDB-REDO structural database access code. The web server performs an assignment of the nucleic acid conformations and presents the results for the intuitive annotation, validation, modeling and refinement of nucleic acids.
Recognition of an α-helical hairpin in P22 large terminase by a synthetic antibody fragment
Authors: Lokareddy Ravi K. , Ko Ying-Hui , Hong Nathaniel , Doll Steven G. , Paduch Marcin , Niederweis Michael , Kossiakoff Anthony A. , Cingolani Gino
Published: August 2020

The genome-packaging motor of tailed bacteriophages and herpesviruses is a multisubunit protein complex formed by several copies of a large (TerL) and a small (TerS) terminase subunit. The motor assembles transiently at the portal protein vertex of an empty precursor capsid to power the energy-dependent packaging of viral DNA. Both the ATPase and nuclease activities associated with genome packaging reside in TerL. Structural studies of TerL from bacteriophage P22 have been hindered by the conformational flexibility of this enzyme and its susceptibility to proteolysis. Here, an unbiased, synthetic phage-display Fab library was screened and a panel of high-affinity Fabs against P22 TerL were identified. This led to the discovery of a recombinant antibody fragment, Fab4, that binds a 33-amino-acid α-helical hairpin at the N-terminus of TerL with an equilibrium dissociation constant K
d of 71.5 nM. A 1.51 Å resolution crystal structure of Fab4 bound to the TerL epitope (TLE) together with a 1.15 Å resolution crystal structure of the unliganded Fab4, which is the highest resolution ever achieved for a Fab, elucidate the principles governing the recognition of this novel helical epitope. TLE adopts two different conformations in the asymmetric unit and buries as much as 1250 Å2 of solvent-accessible surface in Fab4. TLE recognition is primarily mediated by conformational changes in the third complementarity-determining region of the Fab4 heavy chain (CDR H3) that take place upon epitope binding. It is demonstrated that TLE can be introduced genetically at the N-terminus of a target protein, where it retains high-affinity binding to Fab4.
Crystal structures of human ENPP1 in apo and bound forms
Authors: Dennis Matthew L. , Newman Janet , Dolezal Olan , Hattarki Meghan , Surjadi Regina N. , Nuttall Stewart D. , Pham Tam , Nebl Tom , Camerino Michelle , Khoo Poh Sim , Monahan Brendon J. , Peat Thomas S.
Published: August 2020

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in humans, and recent work has focused on the area of immuno-oncology, in which the immune system is used to specifically target cancerous cells. Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) is an emerging therapeutic target in human cancers owing to its role in degrading cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), an agonist of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING). The available structures of ENPP1 are of the mouse enzyme, and no structures are available with anything other than native nucleotides. Here, the first X-ray crystal structures of the human ENPP1 enzyme in an apo form, with bound nucleotides and with two known inhibitors are presented. The availability of these structures and a robust crystallization system will allow the development of structure-based drug-design campaigns against this attractive cancer therapeutic target.
Participatory design for ontologies: a case study of an open science ontology for qualitative coding schemas
Authors: Hocker Julian , Schindler Christoph , Rittberger Marc
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The open science movement calls for transparent and retraceable research processes. While infrastructures to support these practices in qualitative research are lacking, the design needs to consider different approaches and workflows. The paper bases on the definition of ontologies as shared conceptualizations of knowledge (Borst, 1999). The authors argue that participatory design is a good way to create these shared conceptualizations by giving domain experts and future users a voice in the design process via interviews, workshops and observations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a novel approach for creating ontologies in the field of open science using participatory design. As a case study the creation of an ontology for qualitative coding schemas is presented. Coding schemas are an important result of qualitative research, and reuse can yield great potential for open science making qualitative research more transparent, enhance sharing of coding schemas and teaching of qualitative methods. The participatory design process consisted of three parts: a requirement analysis using interviews and an observation, a design phase accompanied by interviews and an evaluation phase based on user tests as well as interviews.

Findings

The research showed several positive outcomes due to participatory design: higher commitment of users, mutual learning, high quality feedback and better quality of the ontology. However, there are two obstacles in this approach: First, contradictive answers by the interviewees, which needs to be balanced; second, this approach takes more time due to interview planning and analysis.

Practical implications

The implication of the paper is in the long run to decentralize the design of open science infrastructures and to involve parties affected on several levels.

Originality/value

In ontology design, several methods exist by using user-centered design or participatory design doing workshops. In this paper, the authors outline the potentials for participatory design using mainly interviews in creating an ontology for open science. The authors focus on close contact to researchers in order to build the ontology upon the expert's knowledge.
An assessment of risk impact on road projects in Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Leo-Olagbaye Feyisetan , Odeyinka Henry A.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Road projects have been characterized by risk factors impacting project objectives. Thus, this paper focused on evaluating the effect of risk on cost and time performance of some selected road projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the theory of two-dimensional nature of risk, a questionnaire was used to collect data from 146 stakeholders involved in road projects in Osun State, Nigeria. Secondary data regarding cost and time performance of 40 selected road projects were also collected. The data collected were used to determine significant risk factors and also to develop multi-linear regression models for evaluating risk impact on cost and time performance of road projects.

Findings

Results showed that scope creep and design issues are major risk factors occurring on road projects and those political and economic factors provide higher order of impact. It further demonstrated the possibility of modelling risk impact on cost and time performance of road projects using significant risk factors.

Practical implications

The knowledge of the identified significant risk factors provides invaluable information to stakeholders regarding what risk variables to focus attention on in road construction. The developed models are also potential practical tools for decision-making.

Originality/value

The study provides a veritable tool for risk assessment that potentially helps with predicting risk impact on cost and time performance of road projects.
General grey number decision-making model and its application based on intuitionistic grey number set
Authors: Jiang Shi Quan , Liu SiFeng , Liu ZhongXia
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the grey decision model and distance measuring method of general grey number.

Design/methodology/approach

First, intuitionistic grey number (IGN) set and an IGN are defined by grey number probability function. Second, each interval grey number in general grey number is represented by an IGN and converts the general grey number into an IGN set. Final, the operation of two general grey numbers is defined as the operation between IGN sets, and the distance measure of the general grey number is given.

Findings

Up to now, the method of measuring the distance and the grey decision model of general grey number is established. Thus, the difficult problem for set up decision mode of general grey number has been solved to a certain degree.

Research limitations/implications

The method exposed in this paper can be used to integrate information form a different source. The method that a general grey number converted to a set of IGNs could be extended to the case of grey incidence analysis models, grey prediction models and grey clustering evaluation models, which includes general grey numbers, etc.

Originality/value

The concepts of IGN and IGN set are proposed for the first time in this paper; The operation of two general grey numbers can be defined as the operation between IGN sets. On this basis, the algorithm of IGN, the integration operator of IGN and the distance measure between IGN sets are given.
Explaining differences in retirement timing preferences between the solo self-employed and employees
Authors: Zwier Dieuwke , Damman Marleen , Van den Heuvel Swenne G.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Previous research has shown that self-employed workers are more likely than employees to retire late or to be uncertain about retirement timing. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. This study aims to fill this gap, by focusing on the explanatory role of various job characteristics – flexibility, autonomy, skills-job match and job security – for explaining differences in retirement preferences between the solo self-employed and employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were used of 8,325 employees and 663 solo self-employed respondents (age 45–64) in the Netherlands, who participated in 2016 in the Study on Transitions in Employment, Ability, and Motivation (STREAM). The outcome variable distinguished between early, on-time, late and uncertain retirement preferences. Multinomial logistic regression models were estimated, and mediation was tested using the Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) method.

Findings

The solo self-employed are more likely than employees to prefer late retirement (vs “on-time”) and to be uncertain about their preferred retirement age. Job characteristics mediate 21% of the relationship between solo self-employment and late retirement preferences: the self-employed experience more possibilities than employees to work from home and to choose their own working times, which partly explains why they prefer to retire late.

Originality/value

In discussions about retirement, often reference is made to differences in retirement savings and retirement regulations between the solo self-employed and employees. The current study shows that differences in job characteristics also partly explain the relatively late preferred retirement timing of solo self-employed workers.
Linking humble leadership and project success: the moderating role of top management support with mediation of team-building
Authors: Ali Mudassar , Li Zhang , Khan Salim , Shah Syed Jamal , Ullah Rizwan
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of humble leadership on project success. The authors propose that such an effect is mediated by team-building, and top management support moderates the direct relationship (humble leadership and project success) as well as an indirect relationship through team-building.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 337 individuals employed in the information technology sector of Pakistan. A two-step approach consisting confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling was used for analysis. To examine conditional direct and indirect effects, the authors utilized model 8 in PROCESS.

Findings

The results showed that humble leadership is positively related to project success. Furthermore, team-building partially mediates the relationship between humble leadership and project success. Moreover, top management support was anticipated to have a moderating effect on the direct and indirect link (via team-building) between humble leadership and project success.

Originality/value

Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, this study found that how humble leadership is vital for project success, and thus, extends the utility of the concept of humble leadership to the project literature.
Organizational culture for training transfer: the mediating role of motivation
Authors: Gautam Dhruba Kumar , Basnet Dinesh
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating effect of motivation to transfer training in between five dimensions of organizational culture and training transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper followed a positivist epistemology to understand the factors associated with training transfer. The descriptive and causal research design was used for data analysis. A proportionate stratified random sample of 150 faculties responded to a self-administered questionnaire. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed to examine the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that motivation to transfer training partially mediates the relationship between the four dimensions of organizational culture (i.e. job challenge, communication, innovation and social cohesion) and training transfer. Further, the results also show the relation between trust and training transfer is fully mediated by the motivation to transfer training.

Practical implications

For better training transfer higher education sector ought to consider organizational related factors such as organizational culture, rather than only focusing on individual-related factors. The education sector would have strengthened each dimension of organizational culture to motivate the faculties for training transfer.

Originality/value

Organizational culture dimensions (job challenge, communication, trust, innovation and social cohesion) are the essential dimensions for training transfer which are less prioritized despite their importance.
The effect of Islamic work ethic on person-organization fit and workplace deviance in hotels
Authors: Düşmezkalender Ebru , Secilmis Cihan , Yilmaz Veysel
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationships between Islamic work ethic, deviant organizational behaviours and person-organization fit within the context of the hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted with the participation of 243 employees working at five-star hotels operating in Marmaris, which is one of the popular destinations that attracts the most tourists in Turkey. The data obtained from the research is tested by implementing confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results revealed that Islamic work ethic was negatively related to deviant organizational behaviour but positively related to person organization fit. On the other hand, no significant relationship was found between deviant organizational behaviour and person-organization fit.

Originality/value

This study presents to hotels practical and theoretical applications about employee behaviours and management practices.
Consumers' human nature and their shopping channel choices in the emerging artificial intelligence era: based on Xunzi's humanity hypothesis
Authors: Deng Guangkuan , Zhang Jianyu , Ye Naiyi , Chi Rui
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Drawing from the ancient Chinese philosopher Xunzi's insights on humanity, this study aims to address human nature's critical role in influencing and shaping consumers' shopping channel choices in the emerging artificial intelligence (AI) era and the implications for non-East Asian countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the theory of planned behaviour and accessibility–diagnosticity theory, our approach created a holistic model conceptualising human nature, shopping orientations, channel choice intentions, subjective norms and perceived AI usefulness. A questionnaire survey method served to test the framework.

Findings

The results validated human nature's role in shaping and influencing consumers' channel choices through shopping orientation. Subjective norms weaken the positive relationship between human nature and shopping orientation, while the positive relationship between shopping orientation and online purchase intention is stronger when consumers perceived AI as highly useful.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to humanity hypotheses literature in management by introducing Xunzi's theory that views human nature as evil. Additionally, it enriches channel choice literature by introducing perceived AI usefulness.
The relation between manager type and high-performance achievement
Authors: de Waal André , van Nierop Erjen , Sloot Laurens M.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

One of the most important factors for the success of an organization is the quality of its managers. However, this is a rather general statement, because there are many different types of managers with different work styles. This begs the question: are all types of managers, regardless of their work styles, important to organizational success or only managers with specific work styles? This study aims to investigate the answer to this question by examining the relationship between two specific elements of managers' work styles – the role a manager plays in the work team and the preferred manner of change management a manager applies – and their effect on the level of performance of their organization, as measured by the high-performance organization (HPO) framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was part of a larger study into the drivers of success of franchise supermarkets in The Netherlands. A questionnaire was constructed, in which, among others, the following were explored: the level of performance (according to the HPO Framework), the preferred team role of the franchiser (using the Belbin team role model) and the change management approach of the franchiser (using De Caluwe and Vermaak's color theory). The questionnaire was sent to 400 Dutch supermarket franchisers, and the data received were subject to statistical analysis.

Findings

The study results clearly indicated that certain types of managers are important to organizational success in the supermarket sector. There are specific types of managers – in the sense that these managers have specific roles they play and specific change styles they apply – that seem to be more effective in creating and maintaining an HPO. These roles, as described by Belbin, are chairman and plant; the change style is De Caluwe and Vermaak's color red.

Research limitations/implications

The study results add to the literature on high performance and HPOs, because team roles and color change styles have not been related to the factors for high performance to date.

Originality/value

Although the fact that certain types of managers, in certain contexts, are more effective than others is not a new finding, this is the first time specific team roles and a specific change style have been found that would enable managers to create and maintain an HPO.
Resistance to change in the financial management of small family-owned firms: a grounded theory of family firms in Laos
Authors: Daovisan Hanvedes , Chamaratana Thanapauge
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to apply a grounded theory (GT) approach to develop a theory of resistance to change in the financial management of Laotian family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a GT approach, using a theoretical sampling procedure. Interviews were conducted with 36 Laotian family firms between April 2017 and May 2019. The in-depth interview transcriptions were analyed using open coding, axial coding and selective coding.

Findings

The interviewees identified that strategic planning, budgeting and management processes are factors influencing resistance to change. Research results show that accounting portfolios, investment decisions and return on assets are aspects of financial management that are particularly prone to change. The authors, therefore, suggest that Laotian family firms’ reduction in confidence and loss aversion may activate resistance to the adoption of more efficient financial management practices.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research to attempt to use grounded data to emerge a theory of resistance to change in financial management in Laos.
Tax evasion through fraudulent financial reporting amongst SMEs in Malaysia
Authors: Ngah Zainal Abidin , Ismail Norashikin , Abd Hamid Nadiah
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to tackle one of the issues in tax evasion, that is from the perspective of fraudulent financial reporting amongst small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. This study is intended to examine the relationships between certain company attributes, namely, company ownership structure, the size of company and the frequency of tax audits and how they relate to tax evasion practices amongst SMEs in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examined 397 companies which have been audited by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM) during the years 2016 and 2017. A research model was developed and the authors use ordinary least square regression analysis to examine the effect of three prominent independent variables, which are company ownership structure, the size of company and the frequency of tax audits on SMEs’ tax evasion practices in Malaysia.

Findings

The authors find that family ownership firms and company size have statistically significant positive relationship with tax evasion practices detected during tax audits. The results also show that the frequency of tax audits conducted positively affect the increase of tax evasion activities amongst SMEs in Malaysia.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study could be the first in Malaysia that uses the actual audited data examining the fraudulent financial reporting cases amongst SMEs, and this could provide important insights to the IRBM to enable this tax authority to improve its policy-making decisions in relation to selecting the right companies for audits in the future and subsequently may assist its collection department in generating additional income for the nation.
Socially responsible investment sukuk (Islamic bond) development in Malaysia
Authors: Rahman Mahfuzur , Isa Che Ruhana , Dewandaru Ginanjar , Hanifa Mohamed Hisham , Chowdhury Nazreen T. , Sarker Moniruzzaman
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the underlying issues related to the development of socially responsible investment (SRI) sukuk in Malaysia. It identifies factors attracting investors and issuers, as well as challenges for the development of SRI sukuk (Islamic bond) in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted semi-structured interviews to collect data from the institutional investors, SRI sukuk issuers and arrangers, as well as researchers. A total of 19 experts were approached in which 10 participated in the interview. The thematic analysis technique is used to report the findings.

Findings

This study uncovers that social contribution through business activities (i.e. investment in the education sector) is the key motivational drivers for the investors and issuers. Besides, investment risks, lack of performance measurement standards, high transaction costs, risks of return, shortage of enough Islamic bonds, investors’ confidence and lack of awareness are the major challenges for the development of SRI sukuk instruments.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the challenges in finding experts on this subject matter, this study was able to manage only 10 interviews from the participants, which is a small sample size. However, the findings of this study cannot be ignored. Future research should carry out with a large sample size (i.e. at least 30 interviews) to validate the current findings.

Originality/value

This study is among the pioneer in Malaysia, which explores the influencing factors of selecting Islamic bonds as an investment option. This paper provides some valuable implications for investors through discovering the challenges for the growth of SRI sukuk in Malaysia, which can also be applicable in a global setting.
Mentoring relationships between doctoral students and postdocs in the lab sciences
Authors: Blaney Jennifer M. , Kang Jina , Wofford Annie M. , Feldon David F.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics doctoral students interact with postdocs within the research laboratory, identifying the nature and potential impacts of student–postdoc mentoring relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 53 doctoral students in the biological sciences, this study uses a sequential mixed-methods design. More specifically, a phenomenological approach enabled the authors to identify how doctoral students make meaning of their interactions with postdocs and other research staff. Descriptive statistics are used to examine how emergent themes might differ as a product of gender and race/ethnicity and the extent to which emergent themes may relate to key doctoral student socialization outcomes.

Findings

This study reveals six emergent themes, which primarily focus on how doctoral students receive instrumental and psychosocial support from postdocs in their labs. The most frequent emergent theme captures the unique ways in which postdocs provide ongoing, hands-on support and troubleshooting at the lab bench. When examining how this theme plays a role in socialization outcomes, the results suggest that doctoral students who described this type of support from postdocs had more positive mental health outcomes than those who did not describe this type of hands-on support.

Originality/value

Literature on graduate student mentorship has focused primarily on the impact of advisors, despite recent empirical evidence of a “cascading mentorship” model, in which senior students and staff also play a key mentoring role. This study provides new insights into the unique mentoring role of postdocs, focusing on the nature and potential impacts of student–postdoc interactions.
Windowless Q‐factor tomography by the instantaneous frequency
Authors: Vesnaver A. , Böhm G. , Cance P. , Dal Cin M. , Gei D.
Published: August 2020

The estimation of the Q factor of rocks by seismic surveys is a powerful tool for reservoir characterization, as it helps detecting possible fractures and saturating fluids. Seismic tomography allows building 3D macro‐models for the Q factor, using methods as the spectral ratio and the frequency shift. Both these algorithms require windowing the seismic signal accurately in the time domain; however, this process can hardly follow the continuous variations of the wavelet length as a function of offset and propagation effects, and it is biased by the interpreter choice. In this paper, we highlight some drawback of signal windowing in the frequency‐shift method, and introduce a tomographic approach to estimate the Q factor using the complex attributes of the seismic trace. We show that such approach is particularly needed when the dispersion is broadening the waveforms of signals with a long wave‐path. Our method still requires an interpretative event picking, but no other parameters as the time window length and its possible smoothing options. We validate the new method with synthetic and real data examples, involving the joint tomographic inversion of direct and reflected signals. We show that a calibration of the frequency‐shift method is needed to improve the estimation of the absolute Q factor, otherwise only relative contrasts are obtained.
Life‐history genomic regions explain differences in Atlantic salmon marine diet specialization
Authors: Aykanat Tutku , Rasmussen Martin , Ozerov Mikhail , Niemelä Eero , Paulin Lars , Vähä Juha‐Pekka , Hindar Kjetil , Wennevik Vidar , Pedersen Torstein , Svenning Martin‐A. , Primmer Craig R.
Published: August 2020

Animals employ various foraging strategies along their ontogeny to acquire energy, and with varying degree of efficiencies, to support growth, maturation and subsequent reproduction events. Individuals that can efficiently acquire energy early are more likely to mature at an earlier age, as a result of faster energy gain which can fuel maturation and reproduction.

We aimed to test the hypothesis that heritable resource acquisition variation that covaries with efficiency along the ontogeny would influence maturation timing of individuals.

To test this hypothesis, we utilized Atlantic salmon as a model which exhibits a simple, hence trackable, genetic control of maturation age. We then monitored the variation in diet acquisition (quantified as stomach fullness and composition) of individuals with different ages, and linked it with genomic regions (haploblocks) that were previously identified to be associated with age‐at‐maturity.

Consistent with the hypothesis, we demonstrated that one of the life‐history genomic regions tested (six6) was indeed associated with age‐dependent differences in stomach fullness. Prey composition was marginally linked tosix6, and suggestively (but non‐significantly) tovgll3genomic regions. We further showed Atlantic salmon switched to the so‐called ‘feast and famine’ strategy along the ontogeny, where older age groups exhibited heavier stomach content, but that came at the expense of running on empty more often.

These results suggest genetic variation underlying resource utilization may explain the genetic basis of age structure in Atlantic salmon. Given that ontogenetic diet has a genetic component and the strong spatial diversity associated with these genomic regions, we predict populations with diverse maturation age will have diverse evolutionary responses to future changes in marine food web structures.
Serial ultrasonographic monitoring of diaphragmatic and mid‐upper arm muscle thickness in mechanically ventilated respiratory patients: A single‐center observational study
Authors: Thabet Duaa B. , Makhlouf Hoda A. , Hasan Ali A. , Mekkawy Ahmed I. , Ghanem Maha K.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Muscle monitoring during mechanical ventilation (MV) is gaining great interest nowadays; however, a proper monitoring tool is not well‐established yet.

Objectives

To assess the role of ultrasound in muscle monitoring during MV in respiratory patients.

Methods

Eligible 68 mechanically ventilated patients were consecutively enrolled. Serial ultrasound measurements of diaphragmatic thickness at the end of inspiration (Tdi) and mid‐upper arm (MUA) muscle thickness were recorded every other day till weaning. Before discharge, functional status score (FSS) was assessed.

Results

Tdi decreased in 72.1%, did not change in 13.2% and increased in 14.7% of the patients. MUA muscle thickness decreased in 47.17% and did not change in others. Significant correlation between Tdi and MUA muscle thickness change was found (r = 0.404, P = 0.001); however, MUA muscle thickness change could not predict Tdi change (B = 0.067, P = 0.059).

Diaphragmatic and MUA thickness change showed significant negative correlation with ICU stay (r = −0.260, −0.647, P = 0.032, <0.001) and MV duration (r = −0.335, −0.596, P = 0.005, <0.001), respectively. Weaning failure was significantly higher among patients with decreased Tdi (64.28%) and FSS was significantly lower in those with decreased MUA muscle thickness.

US measurements of Tdi and MUA muscle thickness showed excellent intra‐observer (ICC = 0.996, 0.999, P < 0.001) and inter‐observer agreement (ICC = 0.992, 0.998, P < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

Sonographic muscle monitoring during MV is promising. Changes in the diaphragmatic thickness during MV are common and weakly related to those of peripheral muscles. Early decreased muscle thickness heralds poor weaning and functional outcome.
Comparison of oral versus intravenous etoposide in the management of small‐cell lung cancer; A real‐world, population‐based study
Authors: Karachiwala Hatim , Tilley Derek , Abdel‐Rahman Omar , Morris Don
Published: August 2020

Background

We looked at the utility of PO versus IV etoposide for first‐line treatment in combination with a platinum agent (cisplatin/carboplatin) for Small‐Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC).

Methods

Patients with SCLC in Alberta from 2008 to 2015 were identified through the registry. Patients were separated on the basis of stage; limited disease (LD) and extensive disease (ED). Chemotherapy naïve patients receiving one cycle of combination chemotherapy, route of etoposide administration, dose reductions and vital status was noted. Survival was assessed using log‐rank method and Kaplan‐Meyer model

Results

About 2066 patients were identified with SCLC. N = 762 were diagnosed with LD and n = 1264 with ED. Patient characteristics were well balanced between age and sex among the two treatment groups.

LS‐SCLC: No statistically significant difference in overall survival (OS) between IV versus PO Etoposide (17.5 months vs 17.9 months). More dose reductions were seen in the PO group as compared to the IV group (32.5% vs 21.9% P = 0.095).

ES‐SCLC: There was a nonsignificant numerical difference in OS in IV versus PO Etoposide (8.7 months vs 9.7 months P = 0.124). More dose reductions were noted in the PO group as compared to the IV group (35.3% vs 21.1%).

Conclusion

The two dosing schemes (PO and IV) yield similar OS in ES and LS SCLC, however, patients in the PO arm did require more dose modifications.

Suggesting that PO etoposide may be equivalent and lead to similar outcomes as IV, however, more toxic but saving the patients multiple visits to the chemotherapy suite. Further analyses on cost efficacy and quality of life are required.
Using A Culturally Safe Creative Writing Programme to Empower and Heal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Men in Prison
Authors: MARCHETTI ELENA , NICHOLSON BARBARA
Published: August 2020

Interviews with 30 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male prisoners who attended a culturally safe creative writing programme entitled ‘Dreaming Inside: Voices from the Junee Correctional Centre’, are used to explore how (re)connecting to culture can help improve social and emotional well‐being, and how the power of being heard and being able to express feelings and thoughts through poetry and storytelling, can help heal deep‐seated emotional trauma and grief. This article addresses a gap in research and theory regarding what types of prison programmes may be of greatest benefit for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners.
A Digital Esthetic Rehabilitation of a Patient with Dentinogenesis Imperfecta Type II: A Clinical Report
Authors: Shi Shi , Li Ning , Jin Xiaoting , Huang Shengbin , Ma Jianfeng
Published: August 2020

A 19‐year‐old female affected by dentinogenesis imperfecta type II (DI‐II), a genetic disease that affects the structural integrity of the dentin, presented with a chief complaint of discolored teeth. For this patient, digital techniques, including digital smile design (DSD), the ARCUSdigma axiograph and computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), were extensively used in all phases of the rehabilitation process. Compared to traditional analog methods, these digital techniques could reduce the constant confirmation of occlusion, promote communication between clinicians and dental technicians, achieve accurate occlusion with relatively high efficiency, and improve the efficacy of esthetic rehabilitation in the treatment of this patient with DI‐II.
Diagnostic criteria using microfacies for calcareous contourites, turbidites and pelagites in the Eocene–Miocene slope succession, southern Cyprus
Authors: Hüneke Heiko , Hernández‐Molina F. Javier , Rodríguez‐Tovar Francisco J. , Llave Estefanía , Chiarella Domenico , Mena Anxo , Stow Dorrik A. V.
Published: August 2020

Interbedded contourites, turbidites and pelagites are commonplace in many deep‐water slope environments. However, the distinction between these different facies remains a source of controversy. This detailed study of calcareous contourites and associated deep‐marine facies from an Eocene–Miocene sedimentary succession on Cyprus clearly documents the diagnostic value of microfacies in this debate. In particular, the variability of archetypical bi‐gradational contourite sequences and their internal subdivision (bedding, layering and lamination) are explored. Contourites can be distinguished from turbidites, pelagites and hemipelagites by means of carbonate microfacies in combination with bed‐scale characteristics. Particle composition provides valuable information on sediment provenance. Depositional texture, determined by the ratio between carbonate mud and bioclasts, is crucial for identifying bi‐gradational sequences in both muddy and sandy contourites, and normally‐graded sequences in turbidite beds. Equally important are the type and preservation of traction structures, as well as the temporality and impact of bioturbation. Shell fragmentation under conditions of increased hydrodynamic agitation (textural inversion) is recognized as a carbonate‐specific feature of bioclastic sandy contourites.
A Hybrid Wavelet-Arima Model for Standardized Precipitation Index Drought Forecasting
Authors: Mohammed Salisu Alfa , Shabri Ani
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes A Hybrid Wavelet-Auto-Regressive Integrated MovingAverage (W-ARIMA) model to explore the ability of the hybrid model over an ARIMAmodel. It combines two methods, a Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) and ARIMAmodel using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) drought data for forecastingdrought modeling development. SPI data from January 1954 to December 2008 used wasdivided into two - (80%/20% for training/testing respectively). The results were comparedwith the conventional ARIMA model with Mean Square Error (MSE) and Mean AverageError (MAE) as an error measure. The results of the proposed method achieved the bestforecasting performance.
Stock Daily Price Regime Model Detection using Markov Switching Model
Authors: Prihartani Wiwik , Rasyid Dwilaksana Abdullah , Iriawan Nur
Published: August 2020

Changes in stock prices randomly occur due to market forces with reoccurrencepossibilities. This process, also known as the structural break model, is captured throughchanges in the linear model parameters among periods with the Markov Switching Model(MSwM) used for detection. Furthermore, using the smallest Akaike Information Criterion(AIC) value on all feasible MSwM alternatives formed for a daily stock price, the completeMSwM model with its Markov transition is determined. This method has been tested andapplied to daily stock price data in several sectors. The result showed that the number ofregime models coupled with its transition probability helped investors make investmentdecisions.
Marangoni Ducts for Energy Harvesting
Authors: Arias Francisco J. , Las Heras Salvador De
Published: August 2020

The possibility for harnessing energy from thermal or concentration gradients by the use of ducts lined with hydrophobic microcavities is discussed. Utilizing a physical and simplified model an expression for the attainable pumping power was derived.