bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating weekly excess mortality at sub-national level in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Blangiardo Marta , Cameletti Michela , Pirani Monica , Corsetti Gianni , Battaglini Marco , Baio Gianluca
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To provide a sub-national analysis of excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy.

Design

Population-based on all-cause mortality official data, available as counts by age and sex.

Setting

The 7,904 municipalities in Italy.

Participants

All residents in Italy in the years 2016 to 2020.

Main outcome measures

All-cause mortality weekly rates for each municipality, based on the first four months of 2016 – 2019. Predicted all-cause weekly deaths and mortality rates at municipality level for 2020, based on the modelled spatio-temporal trends.

Results

There was strong evidence of excess mortality for Northern Italy; Lombardia showed higher mortality rates than expected from the end of February, with 23,946 (23,013 to 24,786) total excess deaths. North-West and North-East regions showed higher mortality from the beginning of March, with 6,942 (6,142 to 7,667) and 8,033 (7,061 to 9,044) total excess deaths respectively. After discounting for the number of COVID-19-confirmed deaths, Lombardia still registered 10,197 (9,264 to 11,037) excess deaths, while regions in the North-West and North-East had 2,572 (1,772 to 3,297) and 2,047 (1,075 to 3,058) extra deaths, respectively. We observed marked geographical differences at municipality level. The city of Bergamo (Lombardia) showed the largest percent excess 88.9% (81.9% to 95.2%) at the peak of the pandemic. An excess of 84.2% (73.8% to 93.4%) was also estimated at the same time for the city of Pesaro (Central Italy), in stark contrast with the rest of the region, which does not show evidence of excess deaths.

Conclusions

Our study gives a comprehensive picture of the evolution of all-cause mortality in Italy from 2016 to 2020 and describes the spatio-temporal differences in excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our model shows heterogeneous impact of COVID-19, and it can be used to help policy- makers target measures to limit the burden on the health-care system as well as reducing social and economic consequences. Our probabilistic methodology is useful for real-time mortality surveillance, continuously monitoring local temporal trends and flagging where and when mortality rates deviate from the expected range, which might suggest a second wave of the pandemic.
Effects of Tocilizumab on Mortality in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Martínez-Sanz Javier , Muriel Alfonso , Ron Raquel , Herrera Sabina , Pérez-Molina José A. , Moreno Santiago , Serrano-Villar Sergio
Published: June 2020

Background

While there are no treatments with proven efficacy for patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), tocilizumab has been proposed as a candidate therapy, especially among patients with higher systemic inflammation.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Spain. The primary outcome was time to death and the secondary outcome time to intensive care unit admission (ICU) or death. We used inverse-probability weighting to fit marginal structural models adjusted for time-varying covariates to determine the causal relationship between tocilizumab use and the outcomes.

Results

A total of 1,229 and 10,673 person/days were analyzed. In the adjusted marginal structural models, a significant interaction between tocilizumab use and high C- reactive protein (CRP) levels was detected. Tocilizumab was associated with decreased risk of death (aHR 0.34, 95% CI 0.16–0.72, p=0.005) and ICU admission or death (aHR 0.38, 95% CI 0.19–0.81, p=0.011) among patients with baseline CRP >150 mg/L, but not among those with CRP ≤150 mg/L. Exploratory subgroup analyses yielded point estimates that were consistent with these findings.

Conclusions

In this large observational study, tocilizumab was associated with a lower risk of death or ICU or death in patients with higher CRP levels. While the results of ongoing clinical trials of tocilizumab in patients with COVID-19 will be important to establish its safety and efficacy, our findings have implications for the design of future clinical trials and support the use of tocilizumab among subjects with higher CRP levels.
Examine the impact of weather and ambient air pollutant parameters on daily case of COVID-19 in India
Authors: Das Kousik , Chatterjee Nilanjana Das
Published: June 2020

The present study presents a view on exploring the relationship pattern between COVID 19 daily cases with weather parameters and air pollutants in mainland India. We consider mean temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, rainfall, wind speed, PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2and CO as independent variable and daily COVID 19 cases as dependent variable for 18 states during 18thmarch to 30thApril, 2020.After dividing the dataset for 0 to 10 day, 10 to 25 days and 0 to 44 days, the current study applied Akaike s Information Criteria (AIC) and Generalized Additive Model (GAM) to examine the kind of relationship between independent variables with COVID 19 cases. Initially GAM model result shows variables like temperature and solar radiation has positive relation (p<0.05) in 0 to 10 days study with daily cases. In 25 days dataset it significantly shows that temperature has positive relation above 23 degree centigrade, SO2has a negative relationship and relative humidity has negative (between 30% to 45% and > 60%) and a positive relationship (45% to 60%) with COVID 19 cases (p=0.05). 44 days dataset has six parameters includes temperature as positive, relative humidity as negative (between 0 to 45%) and then positive (after >45%), NO2as Positive (0 to 35 microgram/m3) followed by negative trend (after > 40 microgram/m3), SO2and rainfall as negative relation. After sensitive analysis, it is found that weather variables like relative humidity, solar radiation and rainfall are more sensitive than temperature and wind speed. Whereas pollutants like NO2, PM2.5, PM10and CO are more sensitive variables than SO2in this study. In summary this study finds temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, wind speed, SO2, PM2.5, and CO may be important factors associated with COVID 19 pandemic.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

➢

There was a significant relationship between daily positive COVID-19 case with weather and pollution factors

➢

We found PM2.5and CO positively associated with transmission of positive cases where as NO2and SO2have a negative relation after sensitive analysis.

➢

We have found temperature and wind speed have positive relation whereas, relative humidity and solar radiation have negative relation after sensitive analysis.

➢

Weather variables like relative humidity and solar radiation and rainfall are more sensitive than temperature and wind speed. Pollutants like NO2, PM2.5, PM10and CO are more sensitive variables than SO2in this study.
Return of Results in a Global Sample of Psychiatric Genetics Researchers: Practices, Attitudes, and Knowledge
Authors: Lázaro-Muñoz Gabriel , Torgerson Laura , Pereira Stacey
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Patient-participants in psychiatric genetics research may be at an increased risk for negative psychosocial impacts related to the return of genetic research results. Examining psychiatric genetics researchers’ return of results practices and perspectives can aid the development of empirically-informed and ethically-sound guidelines.

Methods

A survey of 407 psychiatric genetics researchers from 39 countries was conducted to examine current return of results practices, attitudes, and knowledge.

Results

Most respondents (61%) reported that their studies generated medically relevant genomic findings. Although 24% have returned results to individual participants, 52% of those involved in decisions about return of results plan to return or continue to return results. Respondents supported offering medically actionable results related to psychiatric disorders (82%), and the majority agreed non-medically actionable risks for Huntington’s (71%) and Alzheimer’s disease (64%) should be offered. About half (49%) of respondents supported offering reliable polygenic risk scores for psychiatric conditions. Despite plans to return, only 14% of researchers agreed there are adequate guidelines for returning results, and 59% rated their knowledge about how to manage the process for returning results as poor.

Conclusion

Psychiatric genetics researchers support returning a wide range of results to patient-participants, but they lack adequate knowledge and guidelines.
SARS-CoV-2 triggered neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) mediate COVID-19 pathology
Authors: Veras Flavio , Pontelli Marjorie , Silva Camila , Toller-Kawahisa Juliana , Lima Mikhael de , Nascimento Daniele , Schneider Ayda , Caetité Diego , Rosales Roberta , Colón David , Martins Ronaldo , Castro Italo , Almeida Glaucia , Lopes Maria Isabel , Benatti Maíra , Bonjorno Letícia , Giannini Marcela , Luppino-Assad Rodrigo , de Almeida Sérgio , Vilar Fernando , Santana Rodrigo , Bollela Valdes , Martins Maria , Miranda Carlos , Borges Marcos , Pazin-Filho Antônio , Cunha Larissa , Zamboni Dario , Dal-Pizzol Felipe , Leiria Luiz , Siyuan Li , Batah Sabrina , Fabro Alexandre , Mauad Thais , Dolhnikoff Marisa , Duarte-Neto Amaro. , Saldiva Paulo , Cunha Thiago , Alves-Filho José , Arruda Eurico , Louzada-Junior Paulo , de Oliveira Renê , Cunha Fernando
Published: June 2020

Severe COVID-19 patients develop acute respiratory distress syndrome that may progress to respiratory failure. These patients also develop cytokine storm syndrome, and organ dysfunctions, which is a clinical picture that resembles sepsis. Considering that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been described as an important factors of tissue damage in sepsis, we investigated whether NETs would be produced in COVID-19 patients and participate in the lung tissue damage. A cohort of 32 hospitalized patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and respective healthy controls were enrolled. NETs concentration was assessed by MPO-DNA PicoGreen assay or by confocal immunofluorescence. The cytotoxic effect of SARS-CoV-2-induced NETs was analyzed in human epithelial lung cells (A549 cells). The concentration of NETs was augmented in plasma and tracheal aspirate from COVID-19 patients and their neutrophils spontaneously released higher levels of NETs. NETs were also found in the lung tissue specimens from autopsies of COVID-19 patients. Notably, viable SARS-CoV-2 can directly induce in vitro release of NETs by healthy neutrophils in a PAD-4-dependent manner. Finally, NETs released by SARS-CoV-2-activated neutrophils promote lung epithelial cell death in vitro. These results unravel a possible detrimental role of NETs in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. Therefore, the inhibition of NETs represent a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19.
Sequence analysis of travel-related SARS-CoV-2 cases in the Greater Geelong region, Australia
Authors: Bhatta Tarka Raj , Chamings Anthony , Liew Kwee-Chin , Langham Freya , Gasser Rudi , Harris Owen , Gador-Whyte Andrew , Stenos John , Athan Eugene , Alexandersen Soren
Published: June 2020

This study reports the sequence analysis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) from infected individuals within the Greater Geelong region, Victoria, Australia. All but one individual had recently returned from travelling abroad, and all had clinical signs consistent with SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 belonging to three lineages were detected and represent separate introductions of the virus into the region. Sequence data were consistent with the recent travel history of each case. Full virus genome sequencing can play an important role in supporting local epidemiological tracing and monitoring for community transmission. Quality of the SARS-CoV-2 sequences obtained was highly dependent on appropriate sample collection and handling.
Longitudinal Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 RNA Among Asymptomatic Staff in Five Colorado Skilled Nursing Facilities: Epidemiologic, Virologic and Sequence Analysis
Authors: Quicke Kendra , Gallichotte Emily , Sexton Nicole , Young Michael , Janich Ashley , Gahm Gregory , Carlton Elizabeth J. , Ehrhart Nicole , Ebel Gregory D.
Published: June 2020

SARS-CoV-2 emerged in 2019 and has become a major global pathogen in an astonishingly short period of time. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 also has been notable due to its impacts on individuals residing within skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) such as rehabilitation centers and nursing homes. SNF residents tend to possess several risk factors for the most severe outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection, including advanced age and the presence of multiple comorbidities. Indeed, residents of long-term care facilities represent approximately 40 percent of US SARS-CoV-2 deaths. To assess the prevalence and incidence of SARS-CoV-2 among SNF workers, determine the extent of asymptomatic infection by SARS-CoV-2, and provide information on the genomic epidemiology of the virus within these unique care settings, we sampled workers weekly at five SNFs in Colorado using nasopharyngeal swabs, determined the presence of viral RNA and infectious virus among these workers, and sequenced 48 nearly complete genomes. This manuscript reports results from the first five to six weeks of observation. Our data reveal a strikingly high degree of asymptomatic infection, a strong correlation between RNA detection and the presence of infectious virus in NP swabs, persistent RNA in a subset of individuals, and declining incidence over time. Our data suggests that asymptomatic individuals infected by SARS-CoV-2 may contribute to virus transmission within the workplace.
COVID-19 related mortality and spread of disease in long-term care: a living systematic review of emerging evidence
Authors: Salcher-Konrad Maximilian , Jhass Arnoupe , Naci Huseyin , Tan Marselia , El-Tawil Yousef , Comas-Herrera Adelina
Published: June 2020

Background

Policy responses to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on long-term care (LTC) require robust and timely evidence on mortality and spread of the disease in these settings. The aim of this living systematic review is to synthesise early international evidence on mortality rates and incidence of COVID-19 among people who use and provide LTC.

Methods

We report findings of a living systematic review (CRD42020183557), including studies identified through database searches up to 26 June 2020. We searched seven databases (MEDLINE; Embase; CINAHL Plus; Web of Science; Global Health; WHO COVID-19 Research Database; medRxiv) to identify all studies reporting primary data on COVID-19 related mortality and incidence of disease among LTC users and staff. We excluded studies not focusing on LTC. Included studies were critically appraised and results on number of deaths and COVID-19 related mortality rates, case fatality rates, and excess deaths (co-primary outcomes), as well as incidence of disease, hospitalisations, and ICU admissions were synthesised narratively.

Findings

A total of 54 study reports for 49 unique primary studies or outbreak reports were included. Outbreak investigations in LTC facilities found COVID-19 incidence rates of between 0.0% and 71.7% among residents and between 0.4% and 64.0% among staff at affected facilities. Mortality rates varied from 0.0% to 17.1% of all residents at outbreak facilities, with case fatality rates between 0.0% and 33.7%. In included studies of outbreaks, no LTC staff members had died.

Studies of wider LTC populations found that between 0.4% and 40.8% of users, and between 4.0% and 23.8% of staff were infected, although the generalisability of these studies is limited.

There was limited information on the impact of COVID-19 on LTC in the community.

Interpretation

Long-term care users have been particularly vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we found wide variation in spread of disease and mortality rates between outbreaks at individual LTC facilities. Further research into the factors determining successful prevention and containment of COVID-19 outbreaks is needed to protect long-term care users and staff.

Funding

This work was partially conducted as part of the “Strengthening responses to dementia in developing countries” (STRiDE) project, supported by the UK Research and Innovation’s Global Challenges Research Fund (ES/P010938/1). The funders had no role in the design and execution of this study, interpretation of its results, and decision to submit this work to be published.
Whole genome sequencing of human enteroviruses from clinical samples by nanopore direct RNA sequencing
Authors: Grädel C. , Miani M.A. Terrazos , Baumann C. , Barbani MT , Neuenschwander S. , Leib S.L. , Suter-Riniker F. , Ramette A.
Published: June 2020

Enteroviruses are small RNA viruses that affect millions of people each year by causing an important burden of disease with a broad spectrum of symptoms. In routine diagnostic laboratories, those viruses are identified by PCR based methods, often combined with partial sequencing for genotyping. In this proof-of-principle study, we assessed direct RNA sequencing (DRS) using nanopore sequencing technology for fast whole-genome sequencing of viruses directly from clinical samples. Results of the approach were complemented with those obtained by sequencing the corresponding viral cDNA via Illumina MiSeq sequencing. DRS of total RNA extracted from three different enterovirus-positive stool samples produced long RNA fragments, covering between 59% to 99.6 % of the best reference genomes. The identification of the enterovirus sequences in the sample was confirmed by the short-read cDNA sequencing. Sequence identity between DRS and Illumina MiSeq enterovirus consensus sequences ranged between 94-97%. Here we show that nanopore DRS can be used to correctly identify the genotypes of enteroviruses from patient stool samples with high viral load.
Saturation and self-absorption effects in the angle-dependent 2p3d resonant inelastic X-ray scattering spectra of Co3+
Authors: Wang Ru-Pan , Elnaggar Hebatalla , Titus Charles J. , Tomiyasu Keisuke , Geessinck Jaap , Koster Gertjan , Frati Federica , Okamoto Jun , Huang Di-Jing , de Groot Frank M. F.
Published: June 2020

Angle-dependent 2p3d resonant inelastic X-ray scattering spectra of a LaCoO3 single crystal and a 55 nm LaCoO3 film on a SrTiO3 substrate are presented. Theoretical calculation shows that, with ∼20 meV resolved Co 2p3d resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS), the excited states of the isotropic 1A1g
(O
h
) ground state are split by 3d spin–orbit coupling, which can be distinguished via their angular dependence. However, strong self-absorption and saturation effects distort the spectra of the LaCoO3 single crystal and limit the observation of small angular dependence. In contrast, the RIXS on 55 nm LaCoO3 shows less self-absorption effects and preserves the angular dependence of the excited states.
Nanoscale element behavior in a continuum
Authors: Ahn Sungsook , Lee Sang Joon
Published: June 2020

Patterns in materials are not just decoration but also important for function. In view of this, the dynamics of patterning procedures in materials has been investigated as an important developmental procedure. In this study, nanoscale components in a continuum are traced in terms of natural patterning procedures. Externally applied compressive or extensive forces to an elastic thin sheet commonly induce an orientated lateral line pattern. From a nanoscale element point of view, the dynamics of natural arrangements, forming anisotropic patterns in preference to isotropy, still remains unclear. In this study, new developmental procedures for line patterns are suggested by stimuli-responsive viscoelastic nanocomposite network model systems. Forces originating from an internal source without directional orientation generate lines in preference to isotropic patterns. With repeated, non-oriented (or isotropic) and self-modulated strain variations, stress is accumulated to drive anisotropic orientations and further lines. The anisotropic elemental arrangement is justified by the equilibrium between the short-range attraction and long-range repulsion from a bottom-up viewpoint. This study suggests a new material design methodology that is useful for electrical devices, biomedical devices and other patterned soft condensed matter in conjunction with line patterns typically generated in a broad range of viscoelastic materials.
Paired refinement under the control ofPAIREF
Authors: Malý Martin , Diederichs Kay , Dohnálek Jan , Kolenko Petr
Published: June 2020

Crystallographic resolution is a key characteristic of diffraction data and represents one of the first decisions an experimenter has to make in data evaluation. Conservative approaches to the high-resolution cutoff determination are based on a number of criteria applied to the processed X-ray diffraction data only. However, high-resolution data that are weaker than arbitrary cutoffs can still result in the improvement of electron-density maps and refined structure models. Therefore, the impact of reflections from resolution shells higher than those previously used in conservative structure refinement should be analysed by the paired refinement protocol. For this purpose, a tool calledPAIREFwas developed to provide automation of this protocol. As a new feature, a complete cross-validation procedure has also been implemented. Here, the design, usage and control of the program are described, and its application is demonstrated on six data sets. The results prove that the inclusion of high-resolution data beyond the conventional criteria can lead to more accurate structure models.
Institutional work in the birth of a carbon accounting profession
Authors: Gibassier Delphine , El Omari Sami , Naccache Philippe
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Within the emergent professional field of carbon accounting, we analyse the institutional work that gives birth to a nascent profession in a multi-actor arena. We therefore contribute to enhancing our understanding of the birth of professions – in their very first steps and infancy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a qualitative approach. We collected data from 1999 to 2015 and conducted 15 semi-structured interviews. One of the researchers was active in the field for two years and participated in carbon accounting events in France as a “participant observer”.

Findings

Our research contributes to an understanding of the dynamic professionalization process in which the different actors mobilize both creative work and sabotage work. We further theorize how nascent professions structure their project around knowledge, identity and boundary work. At the same time, we develop the notion of sabotage work, which is comprised of two sub-categories of institutional work: counter-work and the absence of work.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, this is one of the first attempts to analyse the birth of an environmental accounting profession. We emphasize both creative work and sabotage work in the professionalization project. We conclude on further research that could be performed on environmental accounting professions.
Contractual completeness as a cornerstone to stakeholder management in public private partnership projects in Uganda
Authors: Mwesigwa Rogers , Nabwami Ruth , Mayengo Joseph , Basulira Gonzaga
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether contractual completeness is a cornerstone to stakeholder management in Public–Private Partnership (PPP) projects in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a cross-sectional and quantitative approach. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire survey from a sample of 103 PPP projects in Uganda. Partial Least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The study found that contractual completeness dimensions (contractual obligatoriness, contingency adaptability, issue inclusiveness, term specificity) are all significantly and positively associated with stakeholder management in PPP projects in Uganda.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the few studies on stakeholder management in PPP projects from a developing country’s perspective, thus contributing to scanty literature on how to manage stakeholders in PPP projects.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to the relationship between contract completeness dimensions and stakeholder management in PPP projects in Uganda. Future studies should be conducted on other factors that affect stakeholder management in PPP projects in Uganda.

Practical implications

Our results imply that when all the relevant issues are included in the contract, contract terms are explicitly stipulated, all the unanticipated changes are described and when all the parties involved are restrained by a binding force of a contract, conflicts and opportunism reduces and stakeholders concerns are addressed.
Distrust in corporate communications: does it matter?
Authors: Tyquin Ellen , Mehta Amisha , Bradley Lisa
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study provides much needed empirical data to conceptualise organisational distrust in communications' scholarship. A limited understanding of distrust has implications for corporate communication scholars and practitioners as, ultimately, efforts to rebuild trust and reduce distrust in organisations and corporations may be hindered if we do not truly understand the complexity and nature of the concepts we are trying to repair.

Design/methodology/approach

A repeated single-criterion card-sort method was utilised in this study to allow the sample of 40 respondents to identify the terms they associate with organisational trust and distrust.

Findings

From the current study's findings, it is proposed that there is support for organisational distrust to be considered and studied as a separate and distinct concept to organisational trust within the corporate communications and public relations literature. The current study's findings do not neatly reflect all the items included in existing scales for organisational distrust, and accordingly this suggests that further research into distrust as a concept is warranted.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by presenting a proposed conceptualisation of organisational distrust and providing further evidence for organisational distrust and organisational trust to be studied as related but separate concepts. Developing a more comprehensive conceptualisation of organisational trust and distrust is important for both communication scholars and practitioners as it allows for a more accurate understanding of relationship quality between stakeholders and organisations.
Corporate governance mechanisms and R&D intensity in OECD courtiers
Authors: AlHares Aws
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of ownership structure and board structure on risk-taking as measured by research and development (R&D) Intensity in OECD countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A panel data of 300 companies from Anglo American and European countries between 2010 and 2016 were used. The ordinary least square multiple regression analysis procedure is used to examine the relationships. The findings are robust to alternative measures and endogeneities.

Findings

The results show that institutional ownership, board size, independent directors and board diversity are negatively related to risk-taking, with greater significance among Anglo American countries than among Continental European countries. In contrast, the results show that director ownership is statistically insignificant.

Originality/value

This study extends and contributes to the extant corporate governance (CG) literature, by offering new evidence on the effect of ownership and board structure on risk-taking between two different traditions. The findings will help regulators and policy-makers in the OECD countries in evaluating the adequacy of the current CG reforms to prevent management misconduct and scandals. These findings are relevant for companies aiming to adopt the most suitable governance mechanisms to pursue their R&D objectives and for policymakers interested in promoting R&D investment.
Chinese SME development and industrial upgrading
Authors: Lin Fenfang , Ansell Jake , Siu Wai-sum
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Drawing from industrial upgrading theories, this study aims to explore the issues of industrial upgrading and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) development in an emerging market – China.

Design/methodology/approach

A contextual stepwise approach is undertaken by applying netnography and interviews to investigate manufacturing SMEs' perceptions on upgrading.

Findings

The study outlines three economic actors – government, industry and manufacturer; two upgrading factors – internal and external; a vicious circle that consists of thin profit, quality and imitation issues; and a benign circle that incorporates a list of upgrading capabilities – research and development (R&D), creativity, design and branding – in the context of upgrading to the value-added supply chain.

Research limitations/implications

By integrating the findings with relevant literature, the authors propose a framework to best illustrate manufacturing SME upgrading. The findings reveal that Chinese manufacturing SMEs acquire upgrading capabilities through organizational learning during the upgrading process, which is affected by both external and internal factors in the constraints imposed by the interplay of relevant actors.

Originality/value

Through the innovative methodological approach, this study affords great insights into industrial upgrading from the perspective of manufacturing SMEs in an emerging economy – China.
Artificial intelligence ethics guidelines for developers and users: clarifying their content and normative implications
Authors: Ryan Mark , Stahl Bernd Carsten
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is clearly illustrate this convergence and the prescriptive recommendations that such documents entail. There is a significant amount of research into the ethical consequences of artificial intelligence (AI). This is reflected by many outputs across academia, policy and the media. Many of these outputs aim to provide guidance to particular stakeholder groups. It has recently been shown that there is a large degree of convergence in terms of the principles upon which these guidance documents are based. Despite this convergence, it is not always clear how these principles are to be translated into practice.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors move beyond the high-level ethical principles that are common across the AI ethics guidance literature and provide a description of the normative content that is covered by these principles. The outcome is a comprehensive compilation of normative requirements arising from existing guidance documents. This is not only required for a deeper theoretical understanding of AI ethics discussions but also for the creation of practical and implementable guidance for developers and users of AI.

Findings

In this paper, the authors therefore provide a detailed explanation of the normative implications of existing AI ethics guidelines but directed towards developers and organisational users of AI. The authors believe that the paper provides the most comprehensive account of ethical requirements in AI currently available, which is of interest not only to the research and policy communities engaged in the topic but also to the user communities that require guidance when developing or deploying AI systems.

Originality/value

The authors believe that they have managed to compile the most comprehensive document collecting existing guidance which can guide practical action but will hopefully also support the consolidation of the guidelines landscape. The authors’ findings should also be of academic interest and inspire philosophical research on the consistency and justification of the various normative statements that can be found in the literature.
A multiple discriminant analysis of the auditor’s going concern opinion: the case of audit opinions in Italy
Authors: Maffei Marco , Fiondella Clelia , Zagaria Claudia , Zampella Annamaria
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model for assessing the audit evidence of the going-concern (GC) assumptions underlying the preparation of financial statements.

Design/methodology/approach

This research analyses 678 audit opinions of Italian listed firms from 2007 to 2016 and uses a multiple linear discriminant analysis to create a GC score, which includes variables suggested by the international standards on auditing (ISA) 570 and by literature on GC.

Findings

The model provides three cut-off scores which can orient auditors towards issuing the most appropriate GC audit opinions (unmodified opinion, unmodified opinion, which includes emphases of matter, qualified opinion or disclaimer of opinion).

Research limitations/implications

The development of the model is mainly based on public data and does not assess confidential information that is not disclosed in audit opinions.

Practical implications

This model can enable auditors to identify the most appropriate GC opinion and align auditor’s opinions in similar circumstances, thereby reducing their reliance on discretion and increasing the reliability of their judgement with a higher degree of accuracy. Moreover, this research lists additional events or conditions that may individually or collectively cast significant doubt on GC assumptions.

Originality/value

This study goes beyond the traditional decision-making process, apparently binary in nature, between “continuity” and “failure” or between “unmodified” and “modified” opinions. It is conceived to detect the different degrees of uncertainty that affect GC evaluations to orient auditors’ professional judgements.
Public evaluation of the ethics of tobacco marketing in Indonesia: symbiotic ethical approach
Authors: Tjandra Nathalia Christiani , Aroean Lukman , Prabandari Yayi Suryo
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This article aims to explore the public evaluation of the ethics of marketing tobacco in Indonesia through the theoretical lens of normative ethics.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study adopted a symbiotic ethical approach which combined normative and positive ethical approaches. The data was collected in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from six focus groups and thirty photo elicitation interviews with a total of 71 participants.

Findings

The thematic analysis has identified six main themes, economic contribution of the tobacco industry, harmful nature of tobacco products, tobacco marketing targeting vulnerable groups, covering the danger of smoking, intention and integrity of tobacco marketers and infringement of law and social norms. Adopting the theoretical lens of utilitarianism, deontology, contractarianism and virtue ethics, the analysis illustrates that most participants believed that tobacco marketing practices in Indonesia are unethical.

Policy implications

The findings of the study were disseminated in a public engagement event to stakeholders in Yogyakarta. The findings influenced the development of No Smoking Area monitoring instrument and the introduction of “Free from Tobacco Advertisement in No Smoking Area” policy in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta.

Originality/value

Indonesia, with its lenient regulatory environment, provides a unique setting for investigating public evaluation of the ethics of tobacco marketing. This is one of the first studies that investigates public evaluation of tobacco marketing ethics in Indonesia through the theoretical lens of utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics and contractarianism.
Brand-reseller representative relationship for enablement: a research agenda
Authors: Gupta Suraksha , Wright Len Tiu
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to bring theories of branding and relationship marketing together under the lens of the brand manager and reseller relationship for integrating into a single paradigm. The conceptualization bridges a gap in theory and practice by explaining how a brand can be managed by brand managers building empathetic relationships with resellers and understanding their requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

It draws upon qualitative methodology and data collected from 12 business-to-business resellers for brands and 8 brand managers working for international brands in India.

Findings

Brand personified and represented in research questions investigated showed the enablement aspects of brand representatives in competitive reseller networks.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will be very useful for brand managers aiming to penetrate markets through individuals who could represent their brands to resellers.

Social implications

This study will help brand managers to create a stronger brand-reseller relationship marketing strategy by incorporating the emotional aspect of personification to benefit a socially driven relationship.

Originality/value

This study offers new insights into the temporal aspects of branding for business-to-business markets.
Decreased serum cathepsin S levels in patients with systemic sclerosis‐associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Toyama Satoshi , Yamashita Takashi , Saigusa Ryosuke , Miura Shunsuke , Nakamura Kouki , Hirabayashi Megumi , Miyagawa Takuya , Fukui Yuki , Omatsu Jun , Yoshizaki Ayumi , Sato Shinichi , Asano Yoshihide
Published: June 2020

Cathepsin S (CTSS) is a lysosomal proteolytic enzyme regulating intracellular and extracellular biological activities, including immunity/inflammation and remodeling of vasculature and extracellular matrix, which are the three cardinal pathological events associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc). To elucidate the potential role of CTSS in the development of SSc, we investigated the clinical correlation of serum CTSS levels. Because serum CTSS levels were inversely correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in SSc patients with renal dysfunction (eGFR, <60 min/mL per 1.73 m2), SSc patients with normal renal function (eGFR, ≥60 min/mL per 1.73 m2) were analyzed. Serum CTSS levels were significantly decreased in diffuse cutaneous SSc patients compared with limited cutaneous SSc patients and healthy controls. Among vascular and fibrotic clinical manifestations, Raynaud’s phenomenon and interstitial lung disease (ILD) were relevant to a significant decrease in serum CTSS levels. Importantly, serum CTSS levels negatively correlated with serum levels of Krebs von den Lungen‐6 and surfactant protein D in total SSc patients, while not correlating with modified Rodnan total skin thickness score and the percentage of predicted diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide and showing a positive trend with the percentage of predicted vital capacity. These results suggest a potential contribution of decreased CTSS expression to the development of ILD in patients with SSc.
Sea crossing as a major determinant for the evolution of migratory strategies in soaring birds
Authors: Mellone Ugo
Published: June 2020

In Focus

Santos, C. D., Silva, J. P., Muñoz, A.‐R., Onrubia, A., & Wikelski, M. (2020). The gateway to Africa: What determines sea crossing performance of a migratory soaring bird at the strait of Gibraltar? Journal of Animal Ecology, 89, 1317–1328. Migrating birds undertake long journeys which pose several challenges. Water bodies are the most demanding ecological barriers for soaring birds, due to the increase in energy consumption and mortality risk. Through high‐resolution GPS, Santos et al. (2020), analysed how the flight performance of 73 black kites crossing the Strait of Gibraltar was affected by external (e.g. weather conditions) and internal factors (individual experience). Kites waited for weaker crosswinds to start the crossing to minimize energy consumption, drift and altitude loss. Moreover, adults were quicker and lost less altitude than juveniles. These processes are likely to occur in all soaring species and have consequences also at a much wider spatial scale. In the Mediterranean region, species‐ and population‐specific migration strategies appear to be influenced by interactions between species' morphology and the distribution of the land masses they traverse.
Evolutionary development and co‐phylogeny of primate‐associated bifidobacteria
Authors: Lugli Gabriele Andrea , Alessandri Giulia , Milani Christian , Mancabelli Leonardo , Ruiz Lorena , Fontana Federico , Borragán Santiago , González Andrea , Turroni Francesca , Ossiprandi Maria Cristina , Margolles Abelardo , van Sinderen Douwe , Ventura Marco
Published: June 2020

In recent years, bifidobacterial populations in the gut of various monkey species have been assessed in several ecological surveys, unveiling a diverse, yet unexplored ecosystem harbouring novel species. In the current study, we investigated the species distribution of bifidobacteria present in 23 different species of primates, including human samples, by means of 16S rRNA microbial profiling and internal transcribed spacer bifidobacterial profiling. Based on the observed bifidobacterial‐host co‐phylogeny, we found a statistically significant correlation between the Hominidae family and particular bifidobacterial species isolated from humans, indicating phylosymbiosis between these lineages. Furthermore, phylogenetic and glycobiome analyses, based on 40 bifidobacterial species isolated from primates, revealed that members of the Bifidobacterium tissieri phylogenetic group, which are typical gut inhabitants of members of the Cebidae family, descend from an ancient ancestor with respect to other bifidobacterial taxa isolated from primates.
A Preliminary Report of Psychiatric Diagnoses in a Scottish County Sample of Persons of National Security Concern
Authors: Morris Alistair , Meloy J. Reid
Published: June 2020

Increasing anecdotal, empirical, and research evidence indicates mental disorder history is one of the several factors associated with increased risk of involvement in lone‐actor terrorist activities. Currently, few studies have been conducted on the mental disorder histories of individuals assessed as at risk of involvement in terrorist activities (Meloy, J Threat Assess Manag 2019;6:93). This pilot study describes demographic, psychiatric, and criminal characteristics of a sample of Scottish individuals identified by the Prevent element of the U.K. national counterterrorism strategy, and outcome data after follow‐up at 2 years. Twenty‐three individuals were referred to Prevent as posing a national security risk from a county in Scotland. Their records were studied for psychiatric and criminal histories. Nine (39%) had previous psychiatric contact, all were “lone actors”, and none were embedded with organized terrorist groups. The most common diagnoses were substance use disorder, personality disorder, depression, and psychotic disorder. The sample displayed factors associated with increased risk of violence including previous offending, early behavioral difficulties, school problems, substance misuse, cluster B personality disordered traits. After 2 years, 44% of the mentally disordered group had re‐offended. The offense types were generally similar to those prior to the individual being involved with the Prevent counter terrorism program. Only one of the mentally disordered group committed a further national security offense. In this sample, mental disorder history is overrepresented in individuals who come to the attention of the U.K. Prevent counter terrorism strategy. Further empirical studies with additional power are required to develop the empirical evidence base in this under‐researched area.
Streambank Legacy Sediment Contributions to Suspended Sediment‐Bound Nutrient Yields from a Mid‐Atlantic, Piedmont Watershed
Authors: Jiang Grant , Lutgen Alyssa , Mattern Katie , Sienkiewicz Nathan , Kan Jinjun , Inamdar Shreeram
Published: June 2020

While streambank legacy sediment has been increasingly recognized as an important contributor of fine sediment to watersheds, little is known about its contributions to suspended sediment‐bound nutrients. This uncertainty is exacerbated by the ubiquitous presence of legacy sediments in valley‐bottoms of the Mid‐Atlantic region of the United States. Using a sediment fingerprinting model, we quantified suspended sediment and sediment‐bound nutrient sources for a 114 km2 agricultural, Piedmont watershed. Sediment sources included agricultural, developed, and forested soils as well as streambanks legacy sediments. Suspended sediment and sediment‐bound nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations were determined for 10 storms over the study period of August 1, 2017 to July 31, 2018. Streambanks contributed 50% of the annual suspended sediment yield of 1,348 kg/ha followed by agricultural (49%) and forested (1%) soils. Streambanks amounted to 26% and 32% of the suspended sediment‐bound N and P exports, respectively, whereas the corresponding loads from agricultural sources were 73 and 67%, respectively. Bank contributions varied with storm magnitude and seasonality, with the highest exports associated with the largest peak flows. These results highlight that streambank sediments constitute a significant fraction of suspended sediment‐bound nutrient exports and must be considered in watershed models, regulatory assessments, and management practices.
Aggregative games and oligopoly theory: short‐run and long‐run analysis
Authors: Anderson Simon P. , Erkal Nisvan , Piccinin Daniel
Published: June 2020

We compile an IO toolkit for aggregative games with positive and normative comparative statics results for asymmetric oligopoly in the short and long run. We characterize the class of aggregative Bertrand and Cournot oligopoly games, and the subset for which the aggregate is a summary statistic for consumer welfare. We close the model with a monopolistically competitive fringe for long‐run analysis. Remarkably, we show strong neutrality properties in the long run across a wide range of market structures. The results elucidate aggregative games as a unifying principle in the literature on merger analysis, privatization, Stackelberg leadership, and cost shocks.
Regional Integration, Health Policy and Global Health
Authors: Nikogosian Haik
Published: June 2020

Although regional integration processes are mainly shaped around trade, economic and security objectives, health does come into the picture as it has an interface with each of those domains. Yet, reviews of relationships between regional integration and global and public health have so far been confined to specific organizations, geographic areas and thematic issues. This article, in contrast, attempts a comprehensive cross‐cutting analysis of such relationships on a world‐wide basis. The article demonstrates and systematizes mechanisms by which regional integration organizations address various aspects of health services and population health. It also explores how such mechanisms, and regional integration processes in general, contribute to international health cooperation and global health. The article argues that the multidisciplinary landscape of regional integration amplifies opportunities for the multisectoral dimension of – and cross‐sectoral coherence for – public health policy to manifest and function. The author also argues that the health dimension of regional integration processes may serve an important component of the rapidly expanding space of governance for global health.