bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scalable Surrogate Deconvolution for Identification of Partially-Observable Systems and Brain Modeling
Authors: Singh Matthew F. , Wang Anxu , Braver Todd S. , Ching ShiNung
Published: March 2020

For many biophysical systems, direct measurement of all state-variables,in – vivois not-feasible. Thus, a key challenge in biological modeling and signal processing is to reconstruct the activity and structure of interesting biological systems from indirect measurements. These measurements are often generated by approximately linear time-invariant (LTI) dynamical interactions with the hidden system and may therefore be described as a convolution of hidden state-variables with an unknown kernel. In the current work, we present an approach termed surrogate deconvolution, to directly identify such coupled systems (i.e. parameterize models). Surrogate deconvolution reframes certain nonlinear partially-observable identification problems, which are common in neuroscience/biology, as analytical objectives that are compatible with almost any user-chosen optimization procedure. We show that the proposed technique is highly scalable, low in computational complexity, and performs competitively with the current gold-standard in partially-observable system estimation: the joint Kalman Filters (Unscented and Extended). We show the benefits of surrogate deconvolution for model identification when applied to simulations of the Local Field Potential and blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal. Lastly, we demonstrate the empirical stability of Hemodynamic Response Function (HRF) kernel estimates for Mesoscale Individualized NeuroDynamic (MINDy) models of individual human brains. The recovered HRF parameters demonstrate reliable individual variation as well as a stereotyped spatial distribution, on average. These results demonstrate that surrogate deconvolution promises to enhance brain-modeling approaches by simultaneously and rapidly fitting large-scale models of brain networks and the physiological processes which generate neuroscientific measurements (e.g. hemodynamics for BOLD fMRI).
Estimating the reproduction number of COVID-19 in Iran using epidemic modeling
Authors: Sahafizadeh Ebrahim , Sartoli Samaneh
Published: March 2020

Background

As reported by Iranian governments, the first cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) infections confirmed in Qom, Iran on February 19, 2020 (30 Bahman 1398). The number of identified cases afterward increased rapidly and the novel coronavirus spread to all provinces of the country. This study aimed to fit an epidemic model to the reported cases data to estimate the basic reproduction number (R0) of COVID-19 in Iran.

Methods

We used data from February 21, 2020, to April 21, 2020, on the number of cases reported by Iranian governments and we employed the SIR (Susceptible-Infectious-Removed) epidemic spreading model to fit the transmission model to the reported cases data by tuning the parameters in order to estimate the basic reproduction number of COVID-19 in Iran.

Results

The value of reproduction number was estimated 4.86 in the first week and 4.5 in the second week. it decreased from 4.29 to 2.37 in the next four weeks. At the seventh week of the outbreak the reproduction number was reduced below one.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the basic reproduction number of COVID-19 was significantly larger than one in the early stages of the outbreak. However, implementing social distancing and preventing travelling on Nowruz (Persian New Year) effectively reduced the reproduction number. Although the results indicate that reproduction number is below one, it is necessary to continue social distancing and control travelling to prevent causing a second wave of outbreak.
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of public health measures to control COVID-19: a modelling study
Authors: Wang Qiang , Shi Naiyang , Huang Jinxin , Cui Tingting , Yang Liuqing , Ai Jing , Ji Hong , Xu Ke , Ahmad Tauseef , Bao Changjun , Jin Hui
Published: March 2020

Background

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in China, which caused a respiratory disease known as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since its discovery, the virus has spread to over 160 countries and claimed more than 9800 deaths. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of various response public health measures.

Methods

The stochastic agent-based model was used to simulate the process of COVID-19 outbreak in scenario I (imported one case) and II (imported four cases) with a series of public health measures, involving the personal protection, isolation-and-quarantine, gathering restriction, and community containment. The virtual community was constructed following the susceptible-latent-infectious-recovered framework. The epidemiological and economic parameters derived from the previous literature and field investigation. The main outcomes included avoided infectors, cost-effectiveness ratios (CERs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). The sensitivity analyses were undertaken to assess uncertainty.

Results

In scenario I and II, the isolation-and-quarantine averted 1696 and 1990 humans infected respectively at the cost of US$12 428 and US$58 555, both with negative value of ICERs. The joint strategy of personal protection and isolation-and-quarantine could avert one more case than single isolation-and-quarantine with additional cost of US$166 871 and US$180 140 respectively. The effectiveness of isolation-and-quarantine decreased as lowering quarantine probability and increasing delay-time. Especially in scenario II, when the quarantine probability was less than 25%, the number of infections raised sharply; when the quarantine delay-time reached six days, more than a quarter of individuals would be infected in the community. The strategy including community containment could protect more lives and was cost-effective, when the number of imported cases was no less than 65, or the delay-time of quarantine was more than five days, or the quarantine probability was below 25%, based on current assumptions.

Conclusions

The isolation-and-quarantine was the most cost-effective intervention. However, personal protection and isolation-and-quarantine was the optimal strategy averting more infectors than single isolation-and-quarantine. Certain restrictions should be considered, such as more initial imported cases, longer quarantine delay-time and lower quarantine probability.
Modelling the Potential Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on a Hypothetical European Country
Authors: Wilson Nick , Barnard Lucy Telfar , Kvalsvig Amanda , Verrall Ayesha , Baker Michael , Schwehm Markus
Published: March 2020

A SEIR simulation model for the COVID-19 pandemic was developed (http://covidsim.eu) and applied to a hypothetical European country of 10 million population. Our results show which interventions potentially push the epidemic peak into the subsequent year (when vaccinations may be available) or which fail. Different levels of control (via contact reduction) resulted in 22% to 63% of the population sick, 0.2% to 0.6% hospitalised, and 0.07% to 0.28% dead (n=6,450 to 28,228).
Potential Factors for Prediction of Disease Severity of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Zhang Huizheng , Wang Xiaoying , Fu Zongqiang , Luo Ming , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Ke , He Ying , Wan Dongyong , Zhang Liwen , Wang Jing , Yan Xiaofeng , Han Mei , Chen Yaokai
Published: March 2020

Objective

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an escalating global epidemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, with a high mortality in critical patients. Effective indicators for predicting disease severity in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients are urgently needed.

Methods

In this study, 43 COVID-19 patients admitted in Chongqing Public Health Medical Center were involved. Demographic data, clinical features, and laboratory examinations were obtained through electronic medical records. Peripheral blood specimens were collected from COVID-19 patients and examined for lymphocyte subsets and cytokine profiles by flow cytometry. Potential contributing factors for prediction of disease severity were further analyzed.

Results

A total of 43 COVID-19 patients were included in this study, including 29 mild patients and 14 sever patients. Severe patients were significantly older (61.9±9.4 vs 44.4±15.9) and had higher incidence in co-infection with bacteria compared to mild group (85.7%vs27.6%). Significantly more severe patients had the clinical symptoms of anhelation (78.6%) and asthma (71.4%). For laboratory examination, 57.1% severe cases showed significant reduction in lymphocyte count. The levels of Interluekin-6 (IL6), IL10, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and D-Dimer (D-D) were significantly higher in severe patients than mild patients, while the level of albumin (ALB) was remarkably lower in severe patients. Further analysis demonstrated that ESR, D-D, age, ALB and IL6 were the major contributing factors for distinguishing severe patients from mild patients. Moreover, ESR was identified as the most powerful factor to predict disease progression of COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion

Age and the levels of ESR, D-D, ALB and IL6 are closely related to the disease severity of COVID-19 patients. ESR can be used as a valuable indicator for distinguishing severe COVID-19 patients in early stage, so as to increase the survival of severe patients.
COVID-19 outbreak in Algeria: A mathematical Model to predict cumulative cases
Authors: Hamidouche Mohamed
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Since December 29, 2019 a pandemic of new novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia named COVID-19 has started from Wuhan, China, has led to 254 996 confirmed cases until midday March 20, 2020. Sporadic cases have been imported worldwide, in Algeria, the first case reported on February 25, 2020 was imported from Italy, and then the epidemic has spread to other parts of the country very quickly with 139 confirmed cases until March 21, 2020.

Methods

It is crucial to estimate the cases number growth in the early stages of the outbreak, to this end, we have implemented the Alg-COVID-19 Model which allows to predict the incidence and the reproduction number R0 in the coming months in order to help decision makers.

The Alg-COVIS-19 Model initial equation 1, estimates the cumulative cases at t prediction time using two parameters: the reproduction number R0 and the serial interval SI.

Results

We found R0=2.55 based on actual incidence at the first 25 days, using the serial interval SI= 4,4 and the prediction time t=26. The herd immunity HI estimated is HI=61%. Also, The Covid-19 incidence predicted with the Alg-COVID-19 Model fits closely the actual incidence during the first 26 days of the epidemic in Algeria Fig. 1.A. which allows us to use it.

According to Alg-COVID-19 Model, the number of cases will exceed 5000 on the 42th day (April 7th) and it will double to 10000 on 46th day of the epidemic (April 11th), thus, exponential phase will begin (Table 1; Fig.1.B) and increases continuously until reaching à herd immunity of 61% unless serious preventive measures are considered.

Discussion

This model is valid only when the majority of the population is vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, however, it can be updated to fit the new parameters values.
High throughput screening to identify inhibitors of the type I interferon – major histocompatibility complex class I pathway in skeletal muscle
Authors: Kinder Travis B. , Dranchak Patricia , Inglese James
Published: March 2020

Immunosuppressants used to treat autoimmunity are often not curative and have many side effects. Our purpose was to identify therapeutics for autoimmunity of the skeletal muscle termed idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (myositis). Recent evidence shows the pro-inflammatory type I interferons (IFN) and a down-stream product major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I are pathogenic in myositis. We conducted quantitative high throughput screening on >4,500 compound titrations through a series of cell-based assays to identify those that inhibit the type I IFN-MHC class I pathway in muscle precursor cells (myoblasts). The primary screen utilized CRISPR/Cas9 genome-engineered human myoblast containing a pro-luminescent reporter HiBit fused to the C-terminus of endogenous MHC class I. Active compounds were counter-screened for cytotoxicity and validated by MHC class I immunofluorescence, Western blot, and RT-qPCR. Actives included Janus kinase inhibitors and epigenetic/transcriptional modulators. Testing in animal models and clinical trials is warranted to translate these therapies to myositis patients.
Optimization of Microbiological Laboratory Detection Strategy for Patients in A Designated Hospital Treating Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia in Anhui Province
Authors: Chang Wenjiao , Shi Yuru , Qi Yingjie , Liu Jiaxing , Liu Ting , Chen Zhaowu , Zhang Wenjing , Wang Mengmeng , Liu Dongfeng , Yin Ming , Xu Jing , Yang Yun , Zhu Xiaowu , Ge Jing , Zhu Shu , Gao Yong , Ma Xiaoling
Published: March 2020

Novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) is an emerging, highly contagious community acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Highly efficient and accurate microbiological laboratory assay is essential to confirm the SARS-CoV-2 infection, rule out other pathogens that can cause CAP, and monitor secondary infections. Here, we enrolled and provide microbiological analysis for 129 suspected and 52 transferred confirmed NCP patients hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) from Jan 21 to Feb 29, 2020. By analyzing the dual swab samples (sputum and pharyngeal) from 129 suspected patients with realtime RT-PCR, we confirmed 33 SARS-CoV-2 infections, with two co-infection cases with adenovirus or rhinovirus. We also used multiplex PCR to detect 13 common respiratory tract pathogens in 96 non-NCP patients, and found that 30 patients (31.25%) were infected with at least one respiratory tract pathogen that may cause CAP. Further, we performed bacterial and fungal cultures as well as fungal serologic tests and found that there is no secondary bacterial/fungal infections in confirmed NCP patients. Our studies suggest that, during the epidemic of NCP in Anhui province, there was a certain proportion of infection and co-infection of other common pathogens of CAP, and the secondary bacterial and fungal infection is not detectable in NCP patients. In comparison with SARS-CoV-2 detection alone, this optimized strategy combining multiple pathogen detection for identification of NCP and other CAP patients as well as cultures and serologic tests for confirmed patients increases the diagnosis efficiency and facilitates the personalized medication.
LPS induces GFAT2 expression to promote O-GlcNAcylation and attenuate inflammation in macrophages
Authors: Al-Mukh Hasanain , Baudoin Léa , Bouaboud Abdelouahab , Sanchez-Salgado José-Luis , Maraqa Nabih , Khair Mostafa , Pagesy Patrick , Bismuth Georges , Niedergang Florence , Issad Tarik
Published: March 2020

O-GlcNAc glycosylation is a reversible post-translational modification that regulates the activity of intracellular proteins according to glucose availability and its metabolism through the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP). This modification has been involved in the regulation of various immune cell types, including macrophages. However, little is known concerning the mechanisms that regulate protein O-GlcNAcylation level in these cells. In the present work, we demonstrate that LPS treatment induces a marked increase in protein O-GlcNAcylation in RAW264.7 cells, bone-marrow-derived and peritoneal mouse macrophages, as well as human monocyte-derived macrophages. Targeted deletion of OGT in macrophages resulted in an increased effect of LPS on NOS2 expression and cytokine production, suggesting that O-GlcNAcylation may restrain inflammatory processes induced by TLR4 activation. The effect of LPS on protein O-GlcNAcylation in macrophages was associated with an increased expression and activity of glutamine fructose 6-phosphate amido-transferase (GFAT), the enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step of the HBP. More specifically, we observed that LPS rapidly and potently stimulated GFAT2 isoform mRNA and protein expression. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of FoxO1 impaired LPS effect on GFAT2 expression, suggesting a FoxO1-dependent mechanism. We conclude thatGFAT2should be considered as a new TLR4-inducible gene involved in regulation of protein O-GlcNAcylation, that permits to limit exacerbated inflammation upon macrophage activation.
A SARS-CoV-2-Human Protein-Protein Interaction Map Reveals Drug Targets and Potential Drug-Repurposing
Authors: Gordon David E. , Jang Gwendolyn M. , Bouhaddou Mehdi , Xu Jiewei , Obernier Kirsten , O’Meara Matthew J. , Guo Jeffrey Z. , Swaney Danielle L. , Tummino Tia A. , Huettenhain Ruth , Kaake Robyn M. , Richards Alicia L. , Tutuncuoglu Beril , Foussard Helene , Batra Jyoti , Haas Kelsey , Modak Maya , Kim Minkyu , Haas Paige , Polacco Benjamin J. , Braberg Hannes , Fabius Jacqueline M. , Eckhardt Manon , Soucheray Margaret , Bennett Melanie J. , Cakir Merve , McGregor Michael J. , Li Qiongyu , Naing Zun Zar Chi , Zhou Yuan , Peng Shiming , Kirby Ilsa T. , Melnyk James E. , Chorba John S. , Lou Kevin , Dai Shizhong A. , Shen Wenqi , Shi Ying , Zhang Ziyang , Barrio-Hernandez Inigo , Memon Danish , Hernandez-Armenta Claudia , Mathy Christopher J.P. , Perica Tina , Pilla Kala B. , Ganesan Sai J. , Saltzberg Daniel J. , Ramachandran Rakesh , Liu Xi , Rosenthal Sara B. , Calviello Lorenzo , Venkataramanan Srivats , Liboy-Lugo Jose , Lin Yizhu , Wankowicz Stephanie A. , Bohn Markus , Sharp Phillip P. , Trenker Raphael , Young Janet M. , Cavero Devin A. , Hiatt Joseph , Roth Theodore L. , Rathore Ujjwal , Subramanian Advait , Noack Julia , Hubert Mathieu , Roesch Ferdinand , Vallet Thomas , Meyer Björn , White Kris M. , Miorin Lisa , Rosenberg Oren S. , Verba Kliment A , Agard David , Ott Melanie , Emerman Michael , Ruggero Davide , García-Sastre Adolfo , Jura Natalia , von Zastrow Mark , Taunton Jack , Ashworth Alan , Schwartz Olivier , Vignuzzi Marco , d’Enfert Christophe , Mukherjee Shaeri , Jacobson Matt , Malik Harmit S. , Fujimori Danica G. , Ideker Trey , Craik Charles S. , Floor Stephen , Fraser James S. , Gross John , Sali Andrej , Kortemme Tanja , Beltrao Pedro , Shokat Kevan , Shoichet Brian K. , Krogan Nevan J.
Published: March 2020

An outbreak of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19 respiratory disease, has infected over 290,000 people since the end of 2019, killed over 12,000, and caused worldwide social and economic disruption1,2. There are currently no antiviral drugs with proven efficacy nor are there vaccines for its prevention. Unfortunately, the scientific community has little knowledge of the molecular details of SARS-CoV-2 infection. To illuminate this, we cloned, tagged and expressed 26 of the 29 viral proteins in human cells and identified the human proteins physically associated with each using affinity-purification mass spectrometry (AP-MS), which identified 332 high confidence SARS-CoV-2-human protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Among these, we identify 67 druggable human proteins or host factors targeted by 69 existing FDA-approved drugs, drugs in clinical trials and/or preclinical compounds, that we are currently evaluating for efficacy in live SARS-CoV-2 infection assays. The identification of host dependency factors mediating virus infection may provide key insights into effective molecular targets for developing broadly acting antiviral therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 and other deadly coronavirus strains.
Structural recognition of spectinomycin by resistance enzyme ANT(9) fromEnterococcus faecalis
Authors: Sandesh Kanchugal P , Selmer Maria
Published: March 2020

Spectinomycin is a ribosome-binding antibiotic that blocks the translocation step of translation. A prevalent resistance mechanism is the modification of the drug by aminoglycoside nucleotidyl transferase (ANT) enzymes of the spectinomycin-specific ANT(9) family or by the dual-specificity ANT(3”)(9) family that also acts on streptomycin. We previously reported the structural mechanism of streptomycin modification by the ANT(3”)(9) AadA fromSalmonella enterica. ANT(9) fromEnterococcus faecalisadenylates the 9-hydroxyl of spectinomycin. We here present the first structures of spectinomycin bound to an ANT enzyme. Structures were solved for ANT(9) in apo form, in complex with ATP, spectinomycin and magnesium or in complex with only spectinomycin. ANT(9) shows similar overall structure as AadA with an N-terminal nucleotidyltransferase domain and a C-terminal α-helical domain. Spectinomycin binds close to the entrance of the interdomain cleft, while ATP is buried at the bottom. Upon drug binding, the C-terminal domain rotates by 14 degrees to close the cleft, allowing contacts of both domains with the drug. Comparison with AadA shows that spectinomycin specificity is explained by a straight α5helix and a shorter α5-α6loop that would clash with the larger streptomycin substrate. In the active site, we observe two magnesium ions, one of them in a previously un-observed position that may activate the 9-hydroxyl for deprotonation by the catalytic base Glu-86. The observed binding mode for spectinomycin suggests that also spectinamides and aminomethyl spectinomycins, recent spectinomycin analogues with expansions in position 4 of the C ring, will be subjected to modification by ANT(9) and ANT(3”)(9) enzymes.
The Maize Hairy Sheath Frayed1 (Hsf1) Mutation Alters Leaf Patterning through Increased Cytokinin Signaling
Authors: Muszynski Michael G. , Moss-Taylor Lindsay , Chudalayandi Sivanandan , Cahill James , Del Valle-Echevarria Angel R. , Alvarez-Castro Ignacio , Petefish Abby , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Krivosheev Dmitry M. , Lomin Sergey N. , Romanov Georgy A. , Thamotharan Subbiah , Dam Thao , Li Bailin , Brugière Norbert
Published: March 2020

Leaf morphogenesis requires growth polarized along three axes—proximal-distal (P-D) axis, medial-lateral axis, and abaxial-adaxial axis. Grass leaves display a prominent P-D polarity consisting of a proximal sheath separated from the distal blade by the auricle and ligule. Although proper specification of the four segments is essential for normal morphology, our knowledge is incomplete regarding the mechanisms that influence P-D specification in monocots such as maize (Zea mays). Here, we report the identification of the gene underlying the semidominant, leaf patterning maize mutant Hairy Sheath Frayed1 (Hsf1). Hsf1 plants produce leaves with outgrowths consisting of proximal segments—sheath, auricle, and ligule—emanating from the distal blade margin. Analysis of three independent Hsf1 alleles revealed gain-of-function missense mutations in the ligand binding domain of the maize cytokinin (CK) receptor Z. mays Histidine Kinase1 (ZmHK1) gene. Biochemical analysis and structural modeling suggest the mutated residues near the CK binding pocket affect CK binding affinity. Treatment of the wild-type seedlings with exogenous CK phenocopied the Hsf1 leaf phenotypes. Results from expression and epistatic analyses indicated the Hsf1 mutant receptor appears to be hypersignaling. Our results demonstrate that hypersignaling of CK in incipient leaf primordia can reprogram developmental patterns in maize.
Retirement funding adequacy in black South African townships
Authors: Zeka Bomikazi
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study investigates the retirement funding adequacy of black South Africans and how it can be influenced by family structure, health status, financial literacy and the role of the financial planner.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed sampling approach was applied to collect data from 441 black South Africans. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was undertaken and Cronbach's alphas were calculated to confirm the validity and reliability of the measuring instrument. Structural equation modeling was the main statistical procedure applied to test the hypothesised relationships in the research.

Findings

Most of the respondents reside in informal urban areas or townships. The findings show a significant positive relationship between financial literacy and the retirement funding adequacy of black individuals. The study found that individuals who are concerned about the wellness of their family, health and finances are more likely to maintain their standard of living at retirement. However, the role of the financial planner, among black South Africans, does not influence their retirement funding adequacy.

Practical implications

Black South Africans are attentive to the wellness of their family, health and finances despite the necessity to support nuclear and extended family members. Financial institutions need to consider this aspect when providing financial advice to individuals who have many financial dependents.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the limited understanding on the factors that influence the retirement funding adequacy of black South Africans and it provides recommendations on improving retirement funding adequacy.
Knowledge management in improving business process: an interpretative framework for successful implementation of AI–CRM–KM system in organizations
Authors: Chatterjee Sheshadri , Ghosh Soumya Kanti , Chaudhuri Ranjan
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) for AI-integrated CRM system for better knowledge management (KM) in organizations to improve business process.

Design/methodology/approach

The factors critical for adoption of AI-integrated CRM system for efficient knowledge management are innumerable. The salient factors may be identified by several means. Methods like brainstorming and Delphi have been applied here. Sixteen CSFs have been identified. Then the interrelationship among these 16 factors, levels of their importance and the principal driving factors have been established by interpretative structural modelling (ISM) methodology.

Findings

The results show that out of 16 CSFs, leadership support, adequate fund and support of functional area leads are the most important CSFs for AI–CRM–KM integration.

Practical implications

The results show that support of top management is essential for successful adoption of AI-integrated CRM system for better knowledge management to improve the business process.

Originality/value

This paper has taken a novel attempt to identify CSFs for AI-integrated CRM adoption for efficient knowledge management system in organizations for improvement of business process and to establish interrelationship among those CSFs with the help of ISM methodology.
Design of a power-efficient Kogge–Stone adder by exploring new OR gate in 45nm CMOS process
Authors: John Vimukth , Sam Shylu , Radha S. , Paul P. Sam , Samuel Joel
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to reduce the power consumption of KSA and to improve the PDP for data path applications. In digital Very Large – Scale Integration systems, the addition of two numbers is one of the essential functions. This arithmetic function is used in the modern digital signal processors and microprocessors. The operating speed of these processors depends on the computation of the arithmetic function. The speed computation block for most of the datapath elements was adders. In this paper, the Kogge–Stone adder (KSA) is designed using XOR, AND and proposed OR gates. The proposed OR gate has less power consumption due to the less number of transistors. In arithmetic logic circuit power, delay and power delay products (PDP) are considered as the important parameters. The delays reported for the proposed OR gate are less when compared with the conventional Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) OR gate and pre-existing logic styles. The proposed circuits are optimized in terms of power, delay and PDP. To analyze the performance of KSA, extensive Cadence Virtuoso simulations are used. From the simulation results based on 45 nm CMOS process, it was observed that the proposed design has obtained 688.3 nW of power consumption, 0.81 ns of delay and 0.55 fJ of PDP at 1.1 V.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a new circuit for OR gate is proposed. The KSA is designed using XOR, AND and proposed OR gates.

Findings

The proposed OR gate has less power consumption due to the less number of transistors. The delays reported for the proposed OR gate are less when compared with the conventional CMOS OR gate and pre-existing logic styles. The proposed circuits are optimized in terms of power, delay and PDP.

Originality/value

In arithmetic logic circuit power, delay and PDP are considered as the important parameters. In this paper, a new circuit for OR gate is proposed. The power consumption of the designed KSA using the proposed OR gate is very less when compared with the conventional KSA. Simulation results show that the performance of the proposed KSA are improved and suitable for high speed applications.
Adaptive parameter inversion analysis method of rockfill dam based on harmony search algorithm and mixed multi-output relevance vector machine
Authors: Ma Chunhui , Yang Jie , Cheng Lin , Ran Li
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To improve the efficiency, accuracy and adaptivity of the parameter inversion analysis method of a rockfill dam, this study aims to establish an adaptive model based on a harmony search algorithm (HS) and a mixed multi-output relevance vector machine (MMRVM).

Design/methodology/approach

By introducing the mixed kernel function, the MMRVM can accurately simulate the nonlinear relationship between the material parameters and dam settlement. Therefore, the finite element method with time consumption can be replaced by the MMRVM. Because of its excellent global search capability, the HS is used to optimize the kernel parameters of the MMRVM and the material parameters of a rockfill dam.

Findings

Because the parameters of the HS and the variation range of the MMRVM parameters are relatively fixed, the HS-MMRVM can imbue the inversion analysis with adaptivity; the number of observation points required and the robustness of the HS-MMRVM are analyzed. An application example involving a concrete-faced rockfill dam shows that the HS-MMRVM exhibits high accuracy and high speed in the parameter inversion analysis of static and creep constitutive models.

Practical implications

The applicability of the HS-MMRVM in hydraulic engineering is proved in this paper, which should further validate in inversion problems of other fields.

Originality/value

An adaptive inversion analysis model is established to avoid the parameters of traditional methods that need to be set by humans, which strongly affect the inversion analysis results. By introducing the mixed kernel function, the MMRVM can accurately simulate the nonlinear relationship between the material parameters and dam settlement. To reduce the data dimensions and verify the model’s robustness, the number of observation points required for inversion analysis and the acceptable degree of noise are determined. The confidence interval is built to monitor dam settlement and provide the foundation for dam monitoring and reservoir operation management.
Understanding continuance usage intention of mHealth in a developing country
Authors: Kaium Md Abdul , Bao Yukun , Alam Mohammad Zahedul , Hoque Md. Rakibul
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to understand the factors affecting the continuance usage intention (CUI) of mHealth among the rural elderly.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated model was proposed with the constructs derived from multiple models such as the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, information system success model and expectation confirmation model. Data were collected from 400 participants who had prior experiences with mHealth services in Bangladesh. The research model was tested using the partial least squares method based upon structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings indicated that system quality, performance expectancy, facilitating conditions and social influence were significant to the degree of confirmation and ultimately affect satisfaction and CUI. Surprisingly, service quality and information quality were insignificant.

Research limitations/implications

This study has added in the field of knowledge by contributing some new thoughts and interpretations of continuance usage modelling for mHealth services. The findings may become beneficial for the government agencies, policymakers, mHealth systems developers and service providers.

Originality/value

As limited research was found on CUI of mHealth in the integrated view of rural elderly’s value, this research contributes to the extant literature by categorizing key factors that might support to proliferate the continuance usage of this service. Moreover, the contextualization of the related variables and integration of the existing model is theoretically original. Furthermore, because of a generic approach, the findings could be easily modified to assist other developing countries in the planning and up-take of mHealth.
Shaping consumer perception: effects of vertical and horizontal packaging alignment
Authors: Bettels Jannick , Haase Janina , Wiedmann Klaus-Peter
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Packaging represents an essential issue for marketers in terms of effectively communicating the product’s benefits, especially in the case of organic food products. Because of logistical advantages, rectangular packaging is frequently used for organic food products. However, the question arises whether packaging alignment may significantly influence consumers’ decision-making at the point of sale. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the effects of rectangular packaging alignment (vertical vs horizontal) on consumer perception in the context of organic food products.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of the empirical results of a pilot study, a between-subjects online experiment with a sample size of 699 participants and two conditions (vertical vs horizontal packaging alignment) was performed. Analyses of covariance and PROCESS mediation analysis were used for data analysis.

Findings

The results of two empirical studies confirm the relevance of differences in consumers’ horizontal and vertical information processing for the research context of organic food and provide evidence for the assumed relevance of packaging alignment by ultimately showing a change in packaging alignment affects consumers’ willingness to pay. Importantly, this effect is mediated by utilitarian value perception.

Originality/value

This paper importantly contributes to research on packaging design of organic food products. Specifically, the relevance of an efficient utilitarian value perception for the consumer’s willingness to pay is highlighted in this context. Potential implications of these results for companies, consumers and public health are discussed.
Information leaks before CEO change: financial gain and ethical cost
Authors: Halff Gregor , Gregory Anne
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether there are information leaks immediately before CEOs change and – if so – whether some investors take financial advantage of such prior knowledge. It thirdly investigates the ethical, practical and professional options for communication managers to deal with such situations.

Design/methodology/approach

Working from sentiment theory of financial markets, the authors studied Internet search patterns for incoming CEO names and stock market movements immediately prior to the public mention or speculation of CEO change.

Findings

The authors find that in nearly a quarter of CEO changes at Fortune 500 companies, the name of the future CEO seems to have been leaked. Additionally, nearly half of those companies also experience extreme, otherwise unexplainable movements in the stock market.

Originality/value

This paper discovers the prevalence of extreme stock market movements for a company when the name of that company's next CEO has likely been leaked. Such leaks are an opportunity for unscrupulous investors, but they create ethical dilemmas for organizations. Communication managers typically respond by organizing tighter governance. However, to keep up with the speed of information and investments traveling through algorithms, organizing radical transparency could become an alternative instead.
Impact of credit rationing on capital allocated to inputs used by rice farmers in the Mekong River Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Van Hon Cao , Khuong Ninh Le
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the impact of credit rationing on the amount of capital allocated to inputs used by rice farmers in the Mekong River Delta (MRD).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature review, the authors propose nine hypotheses on the determinants of access of rice farmers to credit and four hypotheses on the impact of credit rationing on the amount of capital allocated to inputs used by rice farmers in the MRD. Data were collected from 1,168 farmer households randomly selected out of 10 provinces (city) in the MRD.

Findings

Step 1 of propensity score matching (PSM) with probit regression shows that land value, income, education, gender of household head and geographical distance to the nearest credit institution affect the degree of credit rationing facing rice farmers. Step 2 of PSM estimator identifies that the amount of capital allocated to inputs such as fertilizer and hired labour increases when credit rationing decreases while that allocated to seed and pesticide is not influenced by credit rationing because rice farmers use these inputs adamantly regardless of effectiveness.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on the impact of credit rationing on the amount of capital allocated to inputs used by rice farmers, which is largely different from the main focus of the extant literature just on the determinants of credit rationing facing farmers in general and rice farmers in particular.
Passing on the baton
Authors: Buckman Jocelene , Jones Paul , Buame Samuel
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to create a connection between entrepreneurial learning and succession planning in family-owned businesses (FOB), and how they work together to improve a firm’s chances of survival beyond the founder within a Ghanaian context.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a phenomenological study, this work investigates succession planning processes in FOB, with the objective of developing a succession model suitable for the Ghanaian context. Using a constructivist perspective, six family businesses were studied, interviewing the founder, successor, family members, employees and customers therein.

Findings

Existing knowledge has been confirmed that succession is not a one-off event, but a process that takes place over time, requiring the buy-in of not just the founder and successor, but also other stakeholders, including the successor’s siblings and spouse (if any), whose support is imperative to the success of the process. This study reviewed and synthesised relevant research data into a conceptual framework.

Research limitations/implications

This study can potentially inform the basis of a longitudinal study, using the developed framework to confirm its robustness. It can also inform further quantitative research to validate the generalisability of the framework.

Practical implications

The study contributes to FOB practice, the holistic succession model spanning the founder’s entry into the business, to the post-succession period, and incorporating contextual intervening variables such as polygamy, religion and systems of inheritance, while also contributing to theory by proposing a comprehensive succession process theory to enhance understanding of the process.

Originality/value

The study contributes increased understanding of the essential elements in the succession process in an African context, what appropriate measures can be implemented for effective succession outcomes, and how key stakeholders of the business can be effectively managed as part of overseeing the succession process for positive organisational outcomes.
Dirty money as legal fees in Namibia and Zimbabwe: are lawyers laundering proceeds of crime?
Authors: Duri Jorum
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the contentious issue whether lawyers become launderers when they accept dirty money as legal fees. Lawyers represent criminal defendants who may wish to pay for their legal fees with proceeds of their criminal activities. The paper analyses the legal position of Namibia and Zimbabwe on such tainted fees and proceeds to compare with the different position taken by the United States.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a desk research methodology with reliance on various sources such as statutory laws, case laws, books, journal articles and the internet. Its scope is limited to issue and content analysis relating to the use of dirty money as legal fees.

Findings

The paper shows that lawyers become launderers when they accept dirty money as legal fees with knowledge or suspicion of its origins. It concludes that the prohibition of dirty money as legal fees is important in the fight against economic crime in Namibia and Zimbabwe. Even though it is decriminalised in the USA, the continuous prosecution of lawyers for tainted fees shows that state authorities are aware of the dangers of tainted legal fees.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the few available literature on dirty money and legal fees. It provides sound reasons why prohibition of tainted attorneys’ fees adds muscle to the fight against economic crime. No prior literature is available on tainted legal fees in Namibia and Zimbabwe specifically.
Do you have a naïve forecasting model of the future?
Authors: Wofford Larry , Wyman David , Starr Christopher W.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper addresses the increasingly rapid and disruptive changes caused by technology innovations impacting commercial real estate (CRE) and how leaders in today's CRE business environment can better anticipate, and even experiment with, disruptive technologies while maintaining current business assets and practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research is based in systems theory, through which the impact of disruptive technology innovation cycles on business models is described for tactical and strategic utility.

Findings

The advent of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) is characterized by a convergence of multiple technological innovations including artificial intelligence, the Internet of things, smart buildings, autonomous agents, and automated decision-making. Industry 4.0 promises a future of discontinuities and disruptive innovation superseding the deployment of digital technologies enabled by Industry 3.0. Ambidextrous leaders need to maintain two concurrent foci: one on the current CRE business environment for incremental improvements and one on new opportunities made possible by the next technology innovation cycle.

Practical implications

By anticipating the inflection points of nonlinear technology adoption cycles, CRE leaders can reduce risks and increase innovative opportunities as participants in the next disruptive cycle rather than falling victim to it.

Originality/value

This work examines CRE market disruptions caused by technology innovation cycles through the lens of systems theory. A connection is made between the nonlinear nature of technology disruption cycles within the CRE business environment and how CRE leadership can better anticipate and prepare for change through ambidextrous thinking.
Barriers to climate change adaption in the Australian property industry
Authors: Warren-Myers Georgia , Hurlimann Anna , Bush Judy
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To identify barriers to climate change adaptation in the Australian property industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews with twenty-four stakeholders from a diverse cross-section of the Australian property industry were undertaken in 2018 and 2019.

Findings

A range of barriers to action on climate change were identified. These barriers centre around (1) information: lack of clear, reliable, and trusted sources of climate change information; (2) cost: competing economic demands, and the perceived threat that investing in climate change action poses to competitiveness; and (3) regulation: the inaction of governments thus failing to provide a regulatory environment to address climate change.

Research limitations/implications

The qualitative research provides perspectives from actors in different sectors of the Australian property industry. While it provides an in-depth understanding of the barriers to addressing climate change adaptation, it is not necessarily a nationally representative sample.

Practical implications

The study identifies barriers to climate change adaptation, and establishes practical ways in which the Australian property industry can address these barriers and the role that government regulation could have in generating industry-wide change.

Social implications

Climate change poses significant challenges to society. Built environments are significant contributors to climate change, and thus the property industry is well-placed to make positive contributions to this global challenge.

Originality/value

Limited research has examined barriers to climate change action in the property industry. This research provides novel insights from the perspective of key actors across a diverse range of property industry sectors. This new knowledge fills an important gap in understanding how to address climate change in Australia and broader contexts.
Moderation of directors' education on board busyness-firm efficiency
Authors: Tan Khar Mang , Kamarudin Fakarudin , Bany-Ariffin Amin Noordin , Abdul Rahim Norhuda
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enhance the understanding of the long-debated impact of board busyness within a new framework of firm efficiency in the selected developed and developing Asia–Pacific countries, by assessing the moderation of directors' education towards the relationship between board busyness and firm efficiency. The extant literature on board busyness demonstrates to a lack of clarification of the relationship between board busyness and firm efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample for this paper comprises a panel data of 800 firms in a cross-country context of the selected developed and developing Asia–Pacific countries during the recent period of 2009–2015. This paper performs a non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis to measure firm efficiency and panel regression analysis to examine the moderation of directors' education.

Findings

This paper provides support for the busyness hypothesis by documenting that the busy boards are likely to reduce firm efficiency. Moreover, this paper renders support to the upper-echelons theory by demonstrating that the impact of board busyness on firm efficiency is likely to turn positive in the presence of directors' education.

Practical implication

This paper highlights practical implication for managers especially in the Asia–Pacific region who seek to enhance firm efficiency, which is essential for firms in attaining the primary goal of profit maximization.

Originality/value

This paper builds on the extant literature by providing a contemporary research path regarding the moderation of directors' education to explain the long-debated impact of board busyness within a new framework of firm efficiency, based on a recent and significant sample of Asia–Pacific countries.