bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide association, Mendelian Randomization and polygenic risk score studies converge on a role of β−amyloid and APOE locus in Parkinson disease
Authors: Ibanez Laura , Bahena Jorge A. , Yang Chengran , Dube Umber , Farias Fabiana G. , Budde John P. , Bergmann Kristy , Brenner-Webster Carol , Morris John C. , Perrin Richard J. , Cairns Nigel , O’Donnell John , Álvarez Ignacio , Diez-Fairen Monica , Aguilar Miquel , Miller Rebecca , Davis Albert A. , Pastor Pau , Kotzbauer Paul , Campbell Meghan C. , Perlmutter Joel S. , Rhinn Herve , Harari Oscar , Cruchaga Carlos , Benitez Bruno A.
Published: July 2020

Alpha-Synuclein (α-Syn) is the main protein component of Lewy bodies (LB), the pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of α-Syn are not currently used as a clinical biomarker but may be a proxy for pathological α-Syn accumulation in the brain. Therefore, identifying genetic modifiers of CSF α-Syn levels could provide insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms leading to PD. However, genetic modifiers of CSF α-Syn levels remain unknown. CSF levels of amyloid beta1-42 (Aβ42), total tau (t-tau), and phosphorylated tau181 (p-tau181) are standard biomarkers for the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD); its use as quantitative traits in genetic studies have provided novel insights into AD pathophysiology. A systematic study of the genomic architecture of CSF biomarkers in PD has not been conducted. Here, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed using CSF biomarker levels as quantitative traits in four PD cases and control cohorts (combined N=1,960). CSF biomarker (α-Syn, Aβ42, t-tau, and p-tau181) levels were significantly lower in PD cases compared with controls. An SNP, proxy for APOE ε4, was associated with CSF Aβ42 levels (effect=-0.5, p=9.2×10−19). Several genome-wide suggestive loci associated with CSF α-Syn, t-tau, or p-tau181 were found. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) were constructed using the latest PD risk meta-analysis (49,731 PD cases and 784,343 controls) and the largest CSF biomarkers GWAS (N=3,146). PRS calculated using META-PD were associated with PD status in the four cohorts included in the present study (p= 2.2×10−16). A highly significant correlation (Nagelkerke pseudo-R2 =2.29%; p=2.5×10−11) of the genomic architecture between CSF Aβ42 and PD risk was also found. Higher PRS scores were associated with lower CSF Aβ42 levels (p=7.3×10−04). Two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) approach revealed that CSF Aβ42 plays a role in PD risk (p=1.4×10−05) and age at onset (p=7.6×10−06), an effect mainly mediated by variants in the APOE locus. Subsequently, the APOE ε4 allele was associated with significantly lower levels of CSF Aβ42 (p=3.8×10−06), higher mean cortical binding potentials (cortical binding of Pittsburgh compound B PET) (p=5.8×10−08) and higher Braak Aβ score (p=4.4×10−04) in PD participants. Together these results from high-throughput and hypothesis-free approaches (GWAS, PRS and MR) converge on a genetic link between PD with CSF Aβ42 and APOE.
Impact of the first COVID-19 shelter-in-place order in the United States on emergency department utilization, Marin County, California
Authors: Bayles Brett R. , George Michaela F. , Hannah Haylea , Culross Patti , Ereman Rochelle R. , Ballard Dustin W. , Willis Matthew
Published: July 2020

Background

The first shelter-in-place (SIP) order in the United States was issued across six counties in the San Francisco Bay Area to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on critical care resources. We sought to assess the impact of this large-scale intervention on emergency departments (ED) in Marin County, California.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective descriptive and trend analysis of all ED visits in Marin County, California from January 1, 2018 to May 4, 2020 to quantify the temporal dynamics of ED utilization before and after the March 17, 2020 SIP order.

Results

The average number of ED visits per day decreased by 52.3% following the SIP order compared to corresponding time periods in 2018 and 2019. Both respiratory and non-respiratory visits declined, but this negative trend was most pronounced for non-respiratory admissions.

Conclusions

The first SIP order to be issued in the United States in response to COVID-19 was associated with a significant reduction in ED utilization in Marin County.
ARG1 could be expressed by human, but not represent for repair
Authors: Chu Chenyu , Hu Chen , Rung Shengan , Wang Yufei , Qu Yili , Man Yi
Published: July 2020

Arginase 1 (ARG1), typically expressed under stress or stimulation rather than in the healthy condition in humans. However, more and more studies claim ARG1 could be expressed by human and represents healing process. Including THP-1 monocyte shift to M2 macrophages rendered a higher expression of ARG1 than that with bone-graft has an ideal effect on anti-inflammation, resulting in tissue healing. With the higher expression of ARG1 seemingly induced by the constructed material and represented by the anti-inflammatory situation. For these reasons, this study focuses on whether traditional markers of macrophages could be express by human or not during clinical healing process. Through harvesting bone tissue samples during bone healing process and confirm the expression of markers at transcriptome and protein levels. The results showed the expression of ARG1 relatively low by bulk-RNA sequencing, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immunofluorescence (IF) and flow cytometry or could not be detected during process of healing of healthy donor. Taken together, results indicate that the ARG1 is not chosen for a regenerative marker in human bone tissue.
To group or not to group: Effect of prolonged exposure to predation and resource availability on the shoaling behaviour of zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Majeed Nawaf Abdul , Cyriac Vivek Philip , Kodandaramaiah Ullasa
Published: July 2020

Individuals of many species live in groups to obtain anti-predatory advantages, foraging benefits and for social reasons. Living in large groups can reduce predation, but as group size increases, competition for resources also increases. The trade-off between the advantages of group living for an individual and competition caused by it can determine group dynamics, and this trade-off can vary with environmental conditions. Shoaling behaviour, the tendency of fish to form groups, is shown to be affected by factors such as resource availability, presence of predators and conspecifics. Although studies indicate that both predation and starvation pressure in an environment can determine whether fish choose to shoal or not, whether prolonged exposure to such conditions influences shoaling behaviour remains little explored. Here, we test how predation pressure and resource availability may interactively shape the shoaling behaviour of zebrafish (Danio rerio) when exposed to combinations of these pressures over a two-week period. We find that shoal size increases with predation and decreases with starvation, and that greater predation pressure increases shoaling tendencies even under reduced food availability. Overall, we show that prolonged exposure to varying predation pressure and resource availability can together influence shoaling tendencies of fish even when such pressures are relaxed.

Significant statement

In group living species, group structure and dynamics depend on various intrinsic factors and environmental stressors. Shoaling behaviour in fish, where individuals aggregate to form groups, is shown to be altered with environmental factors such as predation and resource availability. Although studies have examined the effects of these cues on shoaling behaviour, the ecological circumstances experienced by fish could also influence shoaling tendencies. We here show that shoaling behaviour is also shaped by previous experience of fish to predation and food resource availability. We check how shoaling behaviour varies with differences in predation pressure and resource availability after prolonged exposure to these conditions by measuring the shoal size and shoal cohesion in zebrafish. This study illuminates how shoaling tendencies of individuals shaped by the environmental conditions persist even when these environmental pressures are removed.
Structural insights into the Ca2+-dependent gating of the human mitochondrial calcium uniporter
Authors: Wang Yan , Han Yan , She Ji , Nguyen Nam X. , Mootha Vamsi K. , Bai Xiao-chen , Jiang Youxing
Published: July 2020

Mitochondrial Ca2+uptake plays an important role in cellular physiology such as modulating ATP production, regulating cytoplasmic Ca2+dynamics, and triggering cell death, and is mediated by the mitochondrial calcium uniporter, a highly selective calcium channel localized to the inner mitochondrial membrane. In humans, the uniporter functions as a holocomplex consisting of MCU, EMRE, MICU1 and MICU2, among which MCU and EMRE form a subcomplex and function as the conductive channel while MICU1 and MICU2 are EF-hand proteins that regulate the channel activity in a Ca2+dependent manner. Here we present the EM structures of the human mitochondrial calcium uniporter holocomplex (uniplex) in the presence and absence of Ca2+, revealing distinct Ca2+dependent assembly of the uniplex. In the presence of Ca2+, MICU1 and MICU2 form a heterotetramer of MICU1-(MICU2)2-MICU1 and bridge the dimeric form of the MCU-EMRE subcomplex through electrostatic interactions between MICU1 and EMRE, leaving the MCU channel pore unblocked. In the absence of Ca2+, multiple uniplex assemblies are observed but is predominantly occupied by the MICU1 subunit from a MICU1-MICU2 heterodimer blocking the MCU channel pore. Our structural observations suggest that Ca2+changes the dimerization interaction between MICU1 and MICU2, which in turn determines how the MICU1-MICU2 subcomplex interacts with the MCU-EMRE channel and, consequently, changes the distribution of the uniplex assemblies between the blocked and unblocked states.
Modeling of Nano-carriers for Vascular-targeted Delivery for Blood Clots Treatment
Authors: Yahya Ibtihag , Eltayeb Megdi
Published: July 2020

Nanoparticles have become one of the emerging and promising technologies that revolutionized the medical field’s future on which has received much attention from the scientific community and researchers. Nanotechnology-based targeted drug delivery has a high capacity for loading large amounts of anticoagulants drug to dissolve clots in a safe manner without affecting healthy blood vessels. This paper seeks to provide a better understanding of both the anticoagulant drug release process and the coagulation eliminating process by simulating each process using chemical reaction engineering, moving mesh, and convection-diffusion equation modules. This study adds to a growing corpus of research showing that nanotechnology empowers in treating blood clots within 2-4 hours. In addition, these results cast a new light on a better understanding of the anticoagulation drug diffusion from both spheres and multiply-twinned nanoparticles besides the reduction of clots growth and how it dissolved over time.
Landscape and climatic features drive genetic differentiation processes in a South American coastal plant
Authors: Silva-Arias Gustavo A. , Caballero-Villalobos Lina , Giudicelli Giovanna C. , Freitas Loreta B.
Published: July 2020

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Background

Historical and ecological processes shape patterns of genetic diversity in plant species. Colonization to new environments and geographical landscape features determine, amongst other factors, genetic diversity within- and differentiation between-populations. We analyse the genetic diversity and population structure ofCalibrachoa heterophyllato infer the influence of abiotic landscape features on the level of gene flow in this coastal species of the South Atlantic Coastal Plain.

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Results

TheC. heterophyllapopulations located on early-deposited coastal plain regions show higher genetic diversity than those closer to the sea. The genetic differentiation follows a pattern of isolation-by-distance. Landscape features, such as water bodies and wind corridors, and geographical distances equally explain the observed genetic differentiation, whereas the precipitation seasonality exhibits a strong signal for isolation-by-environment in marginal populations. The estimated levels of gene flow suggest that marginal populations had restricted immigration rates enhancing differentiation.

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Conclusions

Topographical features related to coastal plain deposition history influence population differentiation inC. heterophylla. Gene flow is mainly restricted to nearby populations and facilitated by wind fields, albeit without any apparent influence of large water bodies. Furthermore, differential rainfall regimes in marginal populations seem to promote genetic differentiation.
Association between angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers use and the risk of infection and clinical outcome of COVID-19: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Qu Guangbo , Shu Liqin , Song Evelyn J. , Verghese Dhiran , Uy John Patrick , Cheng Ce , Zhou Qin , Yang Hongru , Guo Zhichun , Chen Mengshi , Sun Chenyu
Published: July 2020

Background

The effect of using Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and Angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) on the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a topic of recent debate. Although studies have examined the potential association between them, the results remain controversial. This study aims to determine the true effect of ACEI/ARBs use on the risk of infection and clinical outcome of COVID-19.

Methods

Five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of science, Cochrane library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, medRxiv preprint server) were retrieved to find eligible studies. Meta-analysis was performed to examine the association between ACEI/ARBs use and the risk of infection and clinical outcome of COVID-19.

Results

22 articles containing 157,328 patients were included. Use of ACEI/ARBs was not associated with increased risk of infection (Adjusted OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.91-1.01, I2=5.8%) or increased severity (Adjusted OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.77-1.05, I2=27.6%) of COVID-19. The use of ACEI/ARBs was associated with lower risk of death from COVID-19 (Adjusted OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.44-0.99, I2=57.9%). Similar results of reduced risk of death were also found for ACEI/ARB use in COVID-19 patients with hypertension (Adjusted OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.17-0.77, I2=0).

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that ACEI/ARBs use for COVID-19 patients does not lead to harmful outcomes and may even provide a beneficial role and decrease mortality from COVID-19. Clinicians should not discontinue ACEI/ARBs for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 if they are already on these agents.
Associations between social support and verbal memory: 14-year follow-up of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing cohort
Authors: Scholes Shaun , Liao Jing
Published: July 2020

Objective

Examine the longitudinal associations between social support and verbal memory among community-dwelling adults.

Participants

In the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, 10,837 participants aged 50-89 years were assessed at wave 1 (baseline: 2002-03) and followed-up over 14-years to wave 8 (2016-17).

Methods

Verbal memory was assessed at each wave by tests of immediate and delayed word-recall. Positive and negative social support were measured across four types of relationship (spouse/partner, children, friends, extended family). Linear mixed effects modelling examined the between-person (PM) and within-person (PM) associations between social support and verbal memory. Interaction terms were fitted to estimate differences in the rate of change in verbal memory by social support.

Results

When we summed scores across all relationships (global social support), higher-than-average (PM) positive social support was associated with higher baseline verbal memory (βPM = 0.015; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.008, 0.025; p < 0.001) and with slower decline (βPM-by-time = 0.003; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.005; p = 0.003). Longitudinal associations were gender- and source-specific. Among men, slower decline in verbal memory was associated with higher positive social support from children (βPM-by-time = 0.009; 95% CI: 0.002, 0.016; p = 0.011) and with lower negative social support from spouse/partner (βPM-by- time = −0.016; 95% CI: −0.031, 0.000; p = 0.045) and from friends (βPM-by-time = −0.021; 95% CI: −0.039, −0.004; p = 0.018). Among women, higher positive social support from extended family was associated with slower decline in verbal memory (βPM-by-time = 0.008; 95% CI: 0.000, 0.015; p = 0.049).

Conclusions

Between-person differences in social support were modestly associated with differential decline in verbal memory. Our findings can inform future research studies and intervention strategies designed to maximise the potential role of supportive relationships in promoting healthy cognitive ageing.
SARS-CoV-2 Detection in Sewage in Santiago, Chile - Preliminary results
Authors: Ampuero Manuel , Valenzuela Santiago , Valiente-Echeverría Fernando , Soto-Rifo Ricardo , Barriga Gonzalo P. , Chnaiderman Jonás , Rojas Cecilia , Guajardo-Leiva Sergio , Díez Beatriz , Gaggero Aldo
Published: July 2020

The detection of viruses in sewage is a method of environmental surveillance, which allows evaluating the circulation of different viruses in a community. This study presents the first results of sewage surveillance to detect the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 virus in Santiago, Chile. Using ultracentrifugation associated with RT-qPCR, we detected SARS-CoV-2 in untreated and treated wastewater samples obtained two treatment plants, which together process around 85% of the wastewater from the city. This is the first report of detection of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage in Chile and indicates that wastewater surveillance could be a sensitive tool useful as a predictive marker of the circulation of the virus in a population and therefore, be used as an early warning tool.
Crystal structure of La24Ru11
Authors: Cattaneo P.
Published: July 2020

The compound La24Ru11(tetracosalanthanum undecaruthenium) crystallizes in a Ce24Co11-type structure. The non-centrosymmetric crystal structure (space groupP63mc) contains RuLa6trigonal prisms, La6octahedra and LaRu4tetrahedra and is closely related to that of Ce23Ni7Mg4. This communication highlights the crystal-chemical similarities and points out the differences between the two structures. All of the tested crystals were inversion twins.
Bis(3,5-dinitrobenzoato-κO)bis(ethane-1,2-diamine-κ2
N,N′)cadmium(II)
Authors: Ibragimov Avazbek
Published: July 2020

During systematic investigations of bioavailability and biological action enhancement of well known compounds with low bioactivity, a new mixed-ligand metal complex, [Cd(DNBA)2(en)2)] (DNBA = 3,5-dinitrobenzoate, C7H3N2O6; en = ethylendiamine, C2H8N2), has been synthesized. The complex molecules are located on inversion centers. Two DNBA anions monodentately coordinate the CdII atom through an oxygen atom of the carboxylate group while two en molecules coordinate in a chelate fashion, resulting in a distorted O2N4 coordination set. There is a weak intramolecular hydrogen bond of 3.099 (4) Å between the non-coordinating oxygen atom of the carboxylate group and one of the en amine groups. Three relatively weak intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds associate complex molecules into sheets extending parallel to (0\overline{1}1), which are further stabilized by π–π interactions. A Hirshfeld surface analysis of the crystal structure indicates that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...O/O...H (50.2%) and H...H (21.1%) interactions.
Coffee in capsules consumers’ behaviour: a quantitative study on attributes, consequences and values
Authors: Oliveira Alessandro Silva de , Souki Gustavo Quiroga , Gandia Rodrigo Marçal , Vilas Boas Luiz Henrique de Barros
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Coffee in capsules consumers’ behaviour depends not only on the products’ attributes, but also the consequences perceived by them and the alignment with their values. This paper aims to investigate the impacts of the Attributes of coffees in capsules on the consequences perceived by consumers concerning their consumption and the effects of these Consequences on consumers’ Values.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a scale for assessing the perception of consumers of coffee in capsules about Attributes, Consequences and Values (A-C-V) regarding its consumption. A link to this survey’s electronic questionnaire was posted on the social networks Facebook and Peabirus. This research sample is for convenience and accessibility and has 213 consumers of coffee in capsules. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was the statistical method used for data analysis.

Findings

Attributes have two sub-dimensions (Own attributes and Functional attributes), while Consequences have three sub-dimensions (Handling Benefits, Rational Benefits, Convenience Benefits) and Values have just one dimension. Also, SEM has shown a statistically significant positive relationship between A-C-V perceived by consumers of coffee in capsules. These results confirm the hypotheses developed based on the Means-End Chain Theory (MEC).

Originality/value

As academic contributions, this paper develops a structural model that quantitatively demonstrates the impacts of Attributes perceived by consumers of coffee in capsules on the Consequences of consumption and its effects on their Values. The present survey is the first in the literature that uses structural models contemplating A-C-V. As managerial contributions, this survey provides relevant information to the decision-making of several stakeholders of the chain of coffee in capsules.
Humanistic paradigm in leadership practice – a case study of a Confucian entrepreneur
Authors: Chou Wan-Ju , Cheng Bor-Shiuan
Published: July 2020

Purpose

While current management theory is largely based on economic assumptions, there is evidence to suggest capitalism is at a crossroads. Humanistic management is accordingly proposed as an alternative new paradigm. The present study follows this approach in considering Confucianism as a humanistic practice. The purpose of this study is to explore humanistic leadership displayed by a Confucian leader and how he/she presents humanistic concern in corporate management to pursue the common good.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a structured–pragmatic–situational approach to conduct a case study and collected data from three sources: semi-structured interviews, consultant observations and archival data.

Findings

The findings reveal that a Confucian leader takes all stakeholders' interests into account while engaging in corporate management and displays humanistic behaviors toward the stakeholders that are in line with five Confucian virtues. The leader cultivates the employees as Confucian humanistic agents. These employees accordingly act as bridges to transmit the humanistic spirit to their customers and other industries in the same market. To initiate an industry change to achieve collective welfare, a Confucian leader must first influence his/her primary stakeholders. The primary stakeholders next collectively influence the secondary stakeholders (i.e. the industry). Consequently, the overall goal of the common good is ultimately sustained.

Originality/value

This study identifies valuable practical implications for humanistic practices in corporate management from a Confucian perspective. In addition, this study takes a significant academic step forward by illuminating the humanistic paradigm.
What should be centralized and what should not: that is the question within a school of business context
Authors: Rivas Luz Maria , Correa Stefania
Published: July 2020

Learning outcomes

The case’s learning objectives to work on can vary according to the topic selected by the teacher. This case has been put forward with a particular interest in corporate strategy issues, specifically, on the joint management of businesses (in this case, academic programs). Therefore, students are expected to be able to understand the managerial dilemma on centralization and decentralization; recognize the peculiarities of a shared services center (SSC); and decide on which services to centralize in an SSC.

Case overview/synopsis

Centralizing or not centralizing is a frequent managerial dilemma. This is a challenge faced not only by business managers but also by corporate level areas responsible for jointly managing various businesses. Resources and capabilities allocation is an essential process for strategy execution, specifically in corporate strategy that must answer the question: How to jointly manage businesses? Sharing services is a collaborative strategy which aims to increase efficiency by centralizing some processes related to this joint business management. Mario, Dean of the Escuela de Administración in Medellín, Colombia, intends to optimize the school resource allocation processes so that there is more equitable support between the different academic programs. For this, he has thought of creating an SSC as it is a practice that he has seen in prominent companies in the city. His idea is to start operating the SSC in early 2018; however, the particular character of a management school leads him to ask himself: What to centralize and what not to centralize?

Complexity academic level

This case of decision (Ellet, 2007; Sánchez et al., 2013) can be used to promote student learning of strategy courses both at advanced undergraduate levels and in graduate programs. Likewise, it can be used in workshops with executives and administrative personnel of companies that face the centralize–decentralize dilemma. These types of topics are the subject of study by both corporate strategy theorists who address the question of how to jointly manage business (Menz et al., 2015; Michael Porter, 1987) and consultants (Deloitte, 2012). It is desirable, although not mandatory, that students have some knowledge or experience in strategic issues and challenges associated with the administration of companies made up of various businesses (multi-business firms).

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Teaching as invasion: emotions, boundaries and entanglements
Authors: Stutelberg Erin B.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to engage nine women English teachers in exploring their personal memories centered around the perception of their raced, classed and gendered teacher bodies, and led them to conceptualize teaching as invasion.

Design/methodology/approach

The process of collective memory work (CMW), a qualitative feminist research method, was used to structure collaborative sessions for the nine women English teachers. In these sessions, the group took up the CMW process as the memories were written, read, analyzed and theorized together.

Findings

The analyses of two memories from our group's work builds understanding of how the use of new materialism and a conceptualization of emotions as social, collective and agentic, can expand the understanding of the teacher bodies and disrupt normalizing narratives of teaching and learning. The post-humanist concept of intra-action leads one to better understand the boundaries in the teacher – student relationships that is built/invaded, and to see the ways materials, humans, emotions and discourses are entangled in the teaching encounters.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates how sustained and collective research methodologies like CMW can open space for teachers to more fully explore their identities, encounters and relationships. Further, unpacking everyday classroom moments (through the framework of literacy-as-event) can yield deep and critical understanding of how bodies, emotions and non-human objects all become entangled when teaching becomes an act of invasion.
Accountants' IT responsibilities and competencies from a student perspective
Authors: Junger da Silva Raphael , Tommasetti Roberto , Zaidan Gomes Monica , da Silva Macedo Marcelo Alvaro
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Research question is about the perception of stricto sensu undergraduate and graduate accounting students, from the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) of the accountants' responsibilities and competencies required to them in assisting IT/IS strategy definition and implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a descriptive research, using a qualitative paper-and-pencil approach. Designed based on United Nations Accounting Model Curriculum, a questionnaire was self-applied to 361 accounting students of eight higher education institutions (HEIs) in Rio de Janeiro, whose responses are quantitatively analysed.

Findings

Accounting students strongly agree on the need to acquire strategic skills that enable them to assist organizations in IT/IS issues but are quite divided about the related accountants' responsibilities, underestimating their future role in this respect.

Research limitations/implications

Although quantitatively adequate, the sample is non-probabilistic and, thus, results cannot be generalized. The authors expect that this paper can encourage HEIs to engage the path of multidisciplinary education and rethink their silo-based pedagogical models which have to prepare students for their forthcoming professional challenges, by introducing interdisciplinary courses, soft skills disciplines and work-integrated learning activities.

Practical implications

Findings can be useful for teachers and coordinators of the IT/IS area in accounting courses, stimulating brainstorming on the accountant's role in assisting organizations in IT/IS strategies and practices implementation. The study has relevant implications for educators through the identification and analysis of difficulties faced by students.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the research base of accountants' strategic role since the responsibility awareness identified gap can be elaborated for stimulating the discussion about the centrality of the accountant in IT processes within organizations.
Performance attributes relevant to thermal wear comfort of hip protective garment: influence of comprising pad materials, pad thickness, pad area, and pocket fabric structure
Authors: Wardiningsih Wiah , Troynikov Olga
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the performance attributes relevant to thermal wear comfort of the commercially available hip protective pads and materials intended for impact protection that can be used for the hip protective pad.

Design/methodology/approach

The performance attributes relevant to thermal wear comfort (i.e. dry thermal resistance and evaporative resistance) of the pads were tested using MTNW Integrated Sweating Guarded Hotplate (iSGHP).

Findings

It was found that: the pad with more porous structure has more advantages in terms of evaporative resistance; the permeability index will be higher on the pad with an opening such as a segmented pad; the permeability index will be lower on the thicker and larger pad. The pocket fabric with open structure will have lower dry thermal resistance and evaporative resistance.

Originality/value

The study results showed that the properties of the utilised materials influenced thermal comfort performance. These results could be useful for designing and engineering hip protective garments.
Computer-aided diabetic retinopathy diagnostic model using optimal thresholding merged with neural network
Authors: Jadhav Ambaji S. , Patil Pushpa B. , Biradar Sunil
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a central root of blindness all over the world. Though DR is tough to diagnose in starting stages, and the detection procedure might be time-consuming even for qualified experts. Nowadays, intelligent disease detection techniques are extremely acceptable for progress analysis and recognition of various diseases. Therefore, a computer-aided diagnosis scheme based on intelligent learning approaches is intended to propose for diagnosing DR effectively using a benchmark dataset.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed DR diagnostic procedure involves four main steps: (1) image pre-processing, (2) blood vessel segmentation, (3) feature extraction, and (4) classification. Initially, the retinal fundus image is taken for pre-processing with the help of Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) and average filter. In the next step, the blood vessel segmentation is carried out using a segmentation process with optimized gray-level thresholding. Once the blood vessels are extracted, feature extraction is done, using Local Binary Pattern (LBP), Texture Energy Measurement (TEM based on Laws of Texture Energy), and two entropy computations – Shanon's entropy, and Kapur's entropy. These collected features are subjected to a classifier called Neural Network (NN) with an optimized training algorithm. Both the gray-level thresholding and NN is enhanced by the Modified Levy Updated-Dragonfly Algorithm (MLU-DA), which operates to maximize the segmentation accuracy and to reduce the error difference between the predicted and actual outcomes of the NN. Finally, this classification error can correctly prove the efficiency of the proposed DR detection model.

Findings

The overall accuracy of the proposed MLU-DA was 16.6% superior to conventional classifiers, and the precision of the developed MLU-DA was 22% better than LM-NN, 16.6% better than PSO-NN, GWO-NN, and DA-NN. Finally, it is concluded that the implemented MLU-DA outperformed state-of-the-art algorithms in detecting DR.

Originality/value

This paper adopts the latest optimization algorithm called MLU-DA-Neural Network with optimal gray-level thresholding for detecting diabetic retinopathy disease. This is the first work utilizes MLU-DA-based Neural Network for computer-aided Diabetic Retinopathy diagnosis.
Spectator satisfaction model for mass participant sport events: antecedents and consequences
Authors: Duan Yanling , Liu Bing
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose and examine an integrated model of spectator satisfaction in mass participant sport events.

Design/methodology/approach

The Wuhan marathon, held in the middle of China, was selected serve for the study to examine the antecedents and consequences of spectator satisfaction at mass participant sport events. Data were collected from 956 spectators of the event on the day of the race. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the research model proposed by this study.

Findings

Structural equation modeling results indicate the following. First, the event image and perceived social impact of the event are important predictive factors of spectator satisfaction. Second, spectator satisfaction is positively associated with behavioral intentions toward the event and the sponsors' product. Third, spectator satisfaction plays a significant mediating role between the antecedents and consequences; specifically, compared to perceived social impacts of the event, event image has greater indirect effects on both event-related behavioral intentions and event sponsors' products.

Originality/value

Until now, there has not been an integrated research study on the sport spectator satisfaction model in the context of mass participant sport events. This paper thus extends the understanding of the spectator satisfaction in the context of mass participant sport events, and the findings provide valuable implications for holding cities and event organizers of mass participant sport events in emerging countries.
“Empathy machine”: how virtual reality affects human rights attitudes
Authors: Bujić Mila , Salminen Mikko , Macey Joseph , Hamari Juho
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how media content consumed through immersive technology may evoke changes in human rights attitudes. It has been proposed that our inability to empathize with others could be overcome by stepping into another's shoes. “Immersive journalism” has been postulated as being able to place us into the shoes of those whose feelings and experiences are distant to us. While virtual reality (VR) and 360-degree news videos have become widely available, it remains unclear how the consumption of content through immersive journalism affects users' attitudes.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing a between-subject laboratory-controlled experiment (N = 87) this study examined participant scores on the Human Rights Questionnaire before and after consuming 360-degree video immersive journalism content via VR (n = 31), 2D (n = 29), and Article (n = 27) formats. Collected data were analysed using statistical inference.

Findings

Results indicate that immersive journalism can elicit a positive attitudinal change in users, unlike an Article, with mobile VR having a more prominent effect than a 2D screen. Furthermore, this change is more strongly affected by users' higher Involvement in the content.

Originality/value

These findings are relevant for grasping the distinct effects novel and recently popularized technologies and media have on attitudinal change, as well as inform the current debate on the value of VR as “empathy machines”.
Research on the virtual reality technology of a pipeline welding robot
Authors: Luo Yu , Fang Zewei , Guo Juzhi , Lu Hao , Li Juan
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to improve the scene sense of a virtual scene, the welding model of a virtual reality system of riser automatic equipment was constructed using Unity3D and UG software, which mainly included a welding car, welding guide rail, welding power supply, virtual camera and other equipment and the model was rendered.

Design/methodology/approach

The human-computer interaction page and simulation test of the system was produced using the user interface GUI system for creating a human-computer interaction scene. The operator could capture the welding status of the physical equipment accurately and in real-time so the virtual reality technology was very suitable for the remote monitoring operation integrated with the welding system.

Findings

Human-computer interaction design and collision detection were realized. In addition, the system simulation experiment was accomplished. With the continuous improvement and development of virtual reality technology real-time virtual simulation and monitoring, technology will become the main development trend.

Research limitations/implications

Based on virtual reality, the monitoring system can capture the operation status of physical welding equipment in real-time and accurately, which is very suitable for remote monitoring operation integrated with the welding system and also conducive to improving the monitoring level of the welding process.

Practical implications

This technology is time-saving and money-saving, for the operators do not have to be in a real welding environment and therefore they can get away from dangerous places. Consequently, it can avoid unnecessary injuries and problems.

Social implications

This technology can replace people to enter the dangerous and extreme environment to carry out welding operation, so it becomes the most effective means of nuclear power plant maintenance, space structure construction and marine engineering construction. In addition, it is time-saving and money-saving.

Originality/value

With the rapid development of virtual reality technology in recent years, it is a new research direction to apply virtual reality technology to the remote welding operation. This technology is different from the traditional way of welding for the operators can stay away from the welding scene especially some dangerous places.
Safeguarding adults reviews and homelessness: making the connections
Authors: Martineau Stephen , Manthorpe Jill
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper presents the results of a thematic analysis of safeguarding adults reviews (SARs) where homelessness was a factor to illuminate and improve safeguarding practice and the support of adults who are homeless in England.

Design/methodology/approach

SARs were identified from a variety of sources and a thematic analysis was undertaken using data extraction tables.

Findings

In addition to identifying shortcomings in inter-agency co-operation, SARs highlighted a failure to recognize care needs and self-neglect among people with experience of homelessness and evidenced difficulties in engagement between professionals and people with experience of homelessness.

Research limitations/implications

The authors may have failed to find some SARs in this category (there is no central registry). SARs vary in quality and in detail; some were not full reports. The approach to people’s experience of homelessness was broad and covered more than the circumstances of people who were rough sleeping or living on the streets.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the current practice debates and policy initiatives in respect of homelessness and safeguarding in England. It may have wider relevance in the rest of the UK and internationally.
Is marketing investment similar cross-industry?
Authors: Sydney-Hilton Erika , Vila-López Natalia
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze if the relevance of marketing strategies is the same across 11 industries.

Design/methodology/approach

To reach these objectives, secondary information about 500 companies operating in the USA was analyzed. This information was listed on the US Standard & Poor’s 500-company index (SPX Charts, n.d.), and this information was collected for eight different periods (from 2009 to 2016). In addition, to do a cross-industry analysis, data was collected for 11 different industries. Multiple regression analysis and ANOVA test were applied.

Findings

The results lead us to conclude that marketing strategies vary according to industry.

Originality/value

The added value of this paper is that it elaborates on the marketing-accounting interface to bridge the existing gap. A cross-industry comparison is added while previous research has mainly analyzed specific results for a particular sector. This suggests more accurate valuation techniques for marketers, executives and other stakeholders.
When does coopetition affect price unfairness perception? The roles of market structure and innovation
Authors: Sabri Ouidade , Djedidi Amina , Hani Mouhoub
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the critical role of types of coopetition (upstream/downstream), market structure (concentrated/competitive) and innovation (low vs high degree of innovation) that can affect the way consumers perceive the resulting price (un)fairness of new offerings.

Design/methodology/approach

Three between-subjects experiments involving different participant populations and product categories were conducted to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The valence of the effect of types of coopetition (upstream/downstream) on price fairness is conditional on the market structure and the degree of innovation associated with the new product offering. Downstream (as opposed to upstream) coopetition is much more detrimental to perceptions of price fairness in a concentrated market than in a competitive and fragmented market. However, within a competitive market, downstream coopetition may lead to greater price fairness perception than upstream coopetition when the new product offering is highly innovative.

Research limitations/implications

The current study uses lab experiments with fictitious scenarios and focuses on two moderating variables: market structure and innovation perceptions. Future research may use field experiments and explore additional moderating variables that may annihilate the negative effect of downstream coopetition on price fairness perception, especially in a concentrated market.

Practical implications

In concentrated markets, firms should opt for upstream rather than downstream coopetition to limit the negative effect the announcement of coopetition has on price fairness evaluation. However, within a competitive market, when the new product offering resulting from coopetition is associated with a high perceived degree of innovation, firms should opt for downstream rather than upstream coopetition because of its positive impact on price fairness evaluation.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that new product development from coopetition has important implications for the perception of price fairness, leading to positive or negative effects depending on market structure and the degree of innovation of the new product offering. It then explores the conditions under which types of coopetition (upstream/downstream) might backfire.
To wait or not to wait: pacing international expansion in China for best results
Authors: Jiang Ruihua Joy , Xiong Jie , Ding Yuan , Parameswaran Ravi
Published: July 2020

Purpose

How to enter and expand in a newly emerged foreign market is less understood. Should multinational enterprises move fast or slowly? In this study, the authors take China as the context to investigate what factors will lead to a fast expansion strategy in a foreign market. The purpose of this paper is to understand whether fast expansion benefits firms’ performance in a rapidly emerging market.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on insights from field interviews, the authors developed a theoretical framework. Then, the authors collected data from surveys of managers of multinational enterprises from Western countries to test their hypothesis. This research context is based on the experience of multinational enterprises in China which opened up to foreign direct investment in 1979.

Findings

This study shows that internally, strategic long-term investment goals, top management team commitment and externally switching costs and the growth in the demand market which will push firms to expand fast in the newly emerged China market. Faster pace of expansion benefits the performance of multinational enterprises in a newly emerged market.

Originality/value

Based on the onsite interviews followed by the survey of top managers of multinational enterprises located in China, this study provides a fine-grained analysis of the importance of pace and its key antecedents. Thus, the results provide new insights to decision-makers of multinational enterprises when considering expanding in an emerging market at its early stages of growth.
A trip planning service acceptance model for young mainland Chinese tourists
Authors: Cheng Vincent Ting Pong , Pai Chen-Kuo
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Online travel agencies (OTAs) have been offering tourists trip planning services (TPS) for more than a decade. However, they are less popular than other online travel services such as metasearch with price comparison. This study aims to investigate why TPS on the internet, although important to tourists, are not well accepted by young mainland Chinese tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

A trip planning service acceptance model (TPSAM) was constructed and tested by inviting participants to take part in a trial using the TPS of a China OTA and then participants were asked to complete a questionnaire based on their user experience. Partial least square technique was used to perform a path analysis on the model.

Findings

Social influence and effort expectancy have significant direct influence on reuse intention. Social influence increases the trust level of the tourists on the TPS and effort expectancy’s strong influence on joy suggest that a joyful and effortless experience is critical for tourists to consider reusing the TPS.

Practical implications

The findings could provide some insight to the OTAs on improving their TPS. For instance, OTAs should let tourists feel that the TPS requires little effort and is fun to use and more promotion is needed through social media.

Originality/value

Although trip planning is essential for tourists in achieving a delightful travel experience, few studies have examined the adoption of Web-based TPS. This study contributes to the literature by establishing a TPSAM and extends previous work by showing that a causal relationship exists between social influence and trust in the service acceptance context.