bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental virus evolution in cancer cell monolayers, spheroids, and tissue explants
Authors: Al-Zaher Ahmed , Domingo-Calap Pilar , Sanjuán Rafael
Published: May 2021

Viral laboratory evolution has been used for different applications, such as modeling viral emergence, drug-resistance prediction, and therapeutic virus optimization. However, these studies have been mainly performed in cell monolayers, a highly simplified environment, raising concerns about their applicability and relevance. To address this, we compared the evolution of a model virus in monolayers, spheroids, and tissue explants. We performed this analysis in the context of cancer virotherapy by performing serial transfers of an oncolytic vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV-Δ51) in 4T1 mouse mammary tumor cells. We found that VSV-Δ51 gained fitness in each of these three culture systems, and that adaptation to the more complex environments (spheroids or explants) correlated with increased fitness in monolayers. Most evolved lines improved their ability to suppress β-interferon secretion compared to the VSV-Δ51 founder, suggesting that the selective pressure exerted by antiviral innate immunity was important in the three systems. However, system-specific patterns were also found. First, viruses evolved in monolayers remained more oncoselective that those evolved in spheroids, since the latter showed concomitant adaptation to non-tumoral mouse cells. Second, deep sequencing indicated that viral populations evolved in monolayers or explants tended to be more genetically diverse than those evolved in spheroids. Finally, we found highly variable outcomes among independent evolutionary lines propagated in explants. We conclude that experimental evolution in monolayers tends to be more reproducible than in spheroids or explants, and better preserves oncoselectivity. Our results also suggest that monolayers capture at least some relevant selective pressures present in more complex systems.
Perception and First Defense Responses Against Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola in Phaseolus vulgaris: Identification of Wall-Associated Kinase Receptors
Authors: De la Rubia Alfonso Gonzalo , Centeno María Luz , Moreno-González Victor , De Castro María , García-Angulo Penélope
Published: May 2021

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is attacked by several pathogens such as the biotrophic gamma-proteobacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola. To study the P. syringae pv. phaseolicola–bean interaction during the first stages of infection, leaf discs of a susceptible bean cultivar Riñón were infected with pathogenic P. syringae pv. phaseolicola. Using this experimental system, we tested six new putative wall-associated kinase (WAK) receptors, previously identified in silico. These six P. vulgaris WAKs (PvWAKs) showed high protein sequence homology to the well-described Arabidopsis thaliana WAK1 (AtWAK1) receptor and, by phylogenetic analysis, clustered together with AtWAKs. The expression of PvWAK1 increased at very early stages after the P. syringae pv. phaseolicola infection. Time course experiments were performed to evaluate the accumulation of apoplastic H2O2, Ca2+ influx, total H2O2, antioxidant enzymatic activities, lipid peroxidation, and the concentrations of abscisic acid and salicylic acid (SA), as well as the expression of six defense-related genes: MEKK-1, MAPKK, WRKY33, RIN4, PR1, and NPR1. The results showed that overexpression of PR1 occurred 2 h after P. syringae pv. phaseolicola infection without a concomitant increase in SA levels. Although apoplastic H2O2 increased after infection, the oxidative burst was neither intense nor rapid, and an efficient antioxidant response did not occur, suggesting that the observed cellular damage was caused by the initial increase in total H2O2 early after infection. In conclusion, Riñón can perceive the presence of P. syringae pv. phaseolicola, but this recognition results in only a modest and slow activation of host defenses, leading to high susceptibility to P. syringae pv. phaseolicola.
The Role of Alcohol Biomarkers in Detecting a Physician's COVID-19-Related Acute Stress Response: A Case Report
Authors: Polles Alexis G. , Jacobs William S. , Brazle Chad , Merlo Lisa J.
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

Alcohol biomarkers are used to detect alcohol exposure in clinical and forensic settings. This includes professional health program (PHP) monitoring of healthcare workers in recovery from substance use disorders. Here we present the case of a physician whose positive alcohol biomarker test result was complicated by a traumatic stress response to frontline work during COVID-19.

Methods:

An anesthesiologist under PHP monitoring for substance use disorder and depression was interviewed extensively, urine and blood biomarkers were obtained, and longitudinal structured and semi-structured interviews related to anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and cravings were used to monitor responses to the unanticipated death of a patient who succumbed to COVID-19.

Results:

After an initial positive ethylglucuronide (EtG) and ethylsulfate (EtS) toxicology test result, all subsequent testing was negative. The physician described compulsive sanitizing hands/arms and mask with highly concentrated ethanol-based products. Standardized assessments and clinical interviews provided documentation of a COVID-19-related post-traumatic stress response. He was connected to additional therapeutic support services and monitoring continued.

Conclusions:

Inhalation of ethanol vapors was initially accepted as a possible explanation for the positive EtG/EtS results, though the physician later acknowledged that limited alcohol beverage consumption occurred 6 days prior to the positive test, further complicating its interpretation. Detection of aberrant behavior through ongoing monitoring helps to protect both healthcare workers and the patients they serve.
Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography of the Detoured Facial Artery: Variations and Implications for Nasojugal Groove Correction
Authors: Cong Li-Yao , Kong Xiang-Xue , Luo Cheng-En , Luo Sheng-Kang
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

When performing filler injection procedures to the nasojugal groove, there is the risk of iatrogenic damage to the detoured facial artery.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the 3-dimensional location of the detoured facial artery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The branches of the facial arteries from 118 cadaveric hemifaces were scanned using computed tomography and reconstructed using the Mimics software program.

RESULTS

Detoured facial arteries were found in 47 of the 118 hemifaces (39.8%). Two main arterial patterns were identified: in Type I (29 of 47 cases), there were both detoured and nasolabial trunks where the facial artery originated, whereas in Type II (18 of 47 cases), there was only a detoured trunk. The detoured trunk originated 32.0 ± 5.3 mm from the midsagittal line, 5.0 ± 2.8 mm from the occlusion plane, and 5.9 ± 3.5 mm below the skin layer; the inflection of the detoured trunk was located 30.0 ± 5.6 mm laterally, 26.2 ± 4.4 mm superiorly, and 5.7 ± 2.6 mm deep. The meeting point with the inferior orbital rim plane was located 17.1 ± 3.4 mm laterally, 43.4 ± 3.1 mm superiorly, and 2.8 ± 1.7 mm deep.

CONCLUSION

The 3-dimensional location of the detoured facial artery as reported here will help clinicians to avoid iatrogenic damage when they are performing filler injection procedures.
Acral Gangrene: Ugly Cousin of “COVID Toes” in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Associated with SARS-CoV-2?
Authors: Chaudhary Himanshi , Mohan Mithun , Jain Abhinay , Kumar Vijay , Takia Lalit , Sudhakar Murugan , Angurana Suresh Kumar , Jindal Ankur Kumar
Published: May 2021

A spectrum of dermatologic manifestations has been reported in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We report 2 patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and severe cardiovascular dysfunction who developed acral gangrene. Both responded well to therapy and recovered in the follow-up.
Long-term performance of a diffractive–refractive trifocal IOL with centralized diffractive rings: 5-year prospective clinical trial
Authors: Győry József F. , Srinivasan Sathish , Madár Edina , Balla Lilly
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

To report the 5-year visual, refractive, and patient-reported outcomes following implantation of a trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) during cataract surgery.

Setting:

Csolnoky Ferenc University Hospital, Veszprém, Hungary.

Design:

Prospective, longitudinal, single-center, interventional study.

Methods:

100 eyes of 50 patients underwent bilateral implantation of a trifocal IOL during cataract surgery. Preoperative corrected distance (CDVA) and postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), CDVA, uncorrected (UIVA) and corrected (CIVA) intermediate and uncorrected (UNVA) and corrected (CNVA) near visual acuity were collected. All subjects were seen at day 1, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months, and at year 5. Contrast sensitivity, slitlamp photography, and quality of vision questionnaire were performed at months 3, 6, 12, and 24 and at year 5. Of these 50 patients, 41 completed their 5-year follow-up.

Results:

At year 5, 74 eyes of 37 patients were analyzed. The mean postoperative UDVA was 0.02 ± 0.10 (logMAR). The mean CDVA was −0.04 ± 0.07. The mean UIVA was 0.04 ± 0.09. The mean CIVA was 0.00 ± 0.08. The mean UNVA was 0.09 ± 0.09. The mean CNVA was 0.05 ± 0.07. Mesopic and photopic contrast sensitivity values were in the upper third range of the age-matched normal values.

Conclusions:

5-year prospective study data showed that bilateral implantation of a diffractive–refractive trifocal IOL with centralized diffractive rings provided good functional vision at all distances. There was high level of spectacle independence and patient satisfaction with minimal levels of dysphotopsia.
When experience is not enough: learning-based cognitive pain modulation with or without instructions
Authors: Zaman Jonas , Vlaeyen Johan W.S. , Wiech Katja
Published: May 2021

The effects of expectations on pain perception are often studied using large differences in pain probabilities between experimental conditions, although they may be far more subtle in clinical contexts and, therefore, more difficult to detect. The current study aimed to investigate at which point subtle differences in pain probabilities can be detected and lead to differentiable expectations and perceptions. Furthermore, we investigated whether instructions can aid learning from experience and enhance subsequent pain modulatory effects. During a predictive learning task, participants were presented with 5 different cues, followed by either a high and low noxious stimulus. They learned about the different cue-stimulus contingencies either solely through experience (LEARN, N = 40) or a combination of experience and explicit information about the cue-stimulus contingencies (INSTRUCT, N = 40). We found that without explicit information, picking up the different pain probabilities was challenging, while explicit instruction significantly improved their detection. As revealed by drift diffusion modeling, learning from experience was insufficient for the development of a bias towards low pain even when it was highly likely. By contrast, when explicit information was provided, perception became more nuanced with the direction and extent of bias, capturing the subtle differences in pain probabilities. These findings highlight that the use of instructions to foster the detection of subtle pain improvements during pain treatment to enhance their cognitive pain modulatory effects warrant further investigation.
Assessing Physician Assistant Student Electronic Health Record Competency Using an Objective Structured Clinical Examination
Authors: Jacobsen Emily , Drummond Sarah , Biagioli Frances Emily , Cantone Rebecca E.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Evaluate didactic year physician assistant (PA) student competency in electronic health record (EHR) communication and data management.

Methods

This study used an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) to measure PA students' EHR patient communication and data skills.

Results

Most students demonstrated good EHR communication skills overall, while few students moved the computer to better facilitate the visit or verified the patient's identity. Additionally, few students demonstrated EHR data skills by reviewing patient history and medications.

Conclusions

Utilizing an OSCE to assess EHR competence can highlight areas for curricular improvement in order to improve EHR skills.
Assessment of Compassion in Physician Assistant Students
Authors: Reichman Jill , Palfreyman Lori , Babcock O'Connell Claire
Published: May 2021

Purpose

It has been shown that empathy erodes in the later phases of education of both medical students and physician assistant (PA) students. This brief study assessed compassion in PA students at different levels of training to explore if a similar phenomenon occurs.

Methods

Students at entry, midway, and at the end of PA training were surveyed using Pommier's Compassion Scale.

Results

Although overall compassion scores were lower when comparing students further along in training, differences were not significant. Females scored significantly higher on the kindness subscale overall. Scores for the common humanity subscale declined for both males and females.

Conclusions

Unlike scales measuring empathy have shown, scores using a compassion rating scale did not decline with progression through PA school. Further research is needed to elucidate differences in subscales of compassion.
Recurrence Patterns After Surgical Resection of Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Chan Hilary , Zhang Li , Choti Michael A. , Kulke Matthew , Yao James C. , Nakakura Eric K. , Bloomston Mark , Benson Al B. , Shah Manisha H. , Strosberg Jonathan R. , Bergsland Emily K. , Van Loon Katherine
Published: May 2021

Objective

Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEPNETs) recommend complete (R0) surgical resection of the primary tumor and metastases, if feasible. However, large multicenter studies of recurrence patterns of GEPNETs after resection have not been performed.

Methods

Patients 18 years or older who presented to 7 participating National Comprehensive Cancer Network institutions between 2004 and 2008 with a new diagnosis of a small bowel, pancreas, or colon/rectum neuroendocrine tumor (NET) and underwent R0 resection of the primary tumor, and synchronous metastases, if present, were included in this analysis. Descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to calculate recurrence rates and time-associated end points, respectively.

Results

Of 294 patients with GEPNETs, 50% were male, 88% were White, and 99% had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 to 1. The median age was 55 years (range, 20–90). The median follow-up time from R0 resection was 62.1 months. Recurrence rates were 18% in small bowel NETs (n = 110), 26% in pancreatic NETs (n = 141), and 10% in colon/rectum NETs (n = 50). The frequency of surveillance imaging was highly variable.

Conclusions

R0 resection was associated with variable risk of recurrence across subtypes. Further research to inform refinement of guidelines for the appropriate duration of surveillance after R0 resection is needed.
The North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society Consensus Guidelines for Surveillance and Management of Metastatic and/or Unresectable Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
Authors: Fishbein Lauren , Del Rivero Jaydira , Else Tobias , Howe James R. , Asa Sylvia L. , Cohen Debbie L. , Dahia Patricia L.M. , Fraker Douglas L. , Goodman Karyn A. , Hope Thomas A. , Kunz Pamela L. , Perez Kimberly , Perrier Nancy D. , Pryma Daniel A. , Ryder Mabel , Sasson Aaron R. , Soulen Michael C. , Jimenez Camilo
Published: May 2021

This manuscript is the result of the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society consensus conference on the medical management and surveillance of metastatic and unresectable pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma held on October 2 and 3, 2019. The panelists consisted of endocrinologists, medical oncologists, surgeons, radiologists/nuclear medicine physicians, nephrologists, pathologists, and radiation oncologists. The panelists performed a literature review on a series of questions regarding the medical management of metastatic and unresectable pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma as well as questions regarding surveillance after resection. The panelists voted on controversial topics, and final recommendations were sent to all panel members for final approval.
Vagotomy and Splenectomy Reduce Insulin Secretion and Interleukin-1β
Authors: Siqueira Bruna Schumaker , Ceglarek Vanessa Marieli , Gomes Ellen Carolina Zawoski , Vettorazzi Jean Franciesco , Rentz Thiago , Nenevê Juliane Zanon , Volinski Karoline Zanella , Moraes Sandra Schmidt , Malta Ananda , de Freitas Mathias Paulo Cezar , de Oliveira Emilio Henriette Rosa , Balbo Sandra Lucinei , Grassiolli Sabrina
Published: May 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vagotomy, when associated with splenectomy, on adiposity and glucose homeostasis in Wistar rats.

Methods

Rats were divided into 4 groups: vagotomized (VAG), splenectomized (SPL), VAG + SPL, and SHAM. Glucose tolerance tests were performed, and physical and biochemical parameters evaluated. Glucose-induced insulin secretion and protein expression (Glut2/glucokinase) were measured in isolated pancreatic islets. Pancreases were submitted to histological and immunohistochemical analyses, and vagus nerve neural activity was recorded.

Results

The vagotomized group presented with reduced body weight, growth, and adiposity; high food intake; reduced plasma glucose and triglyceride levels; and insulin resistance. The association of SPL with the VAG surgery attenuated, or abolished, the effects of VAG and reduced glucose-induced insulin secretion and interleukin-1β area in β cells, in addition to lowering vagal activity.

Conclusions

The absence of the spleen attenuated or blocked the effects of VAG on adiposity, triglycerides and glucose homeostasis, suggesting a synergistic effect of both on metabolism. The vagus nerve and spleen modulate the presence of interleukin-1β in β cells, possibly because of the reduction of glucose-induced insulin secretion, indicating a bidirectional flow between autonomous neural firing and the spleen, with repercussions for the endocrine pancreas.
Optimal Timing of Endoscopic Intervention After Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Lithotripsy in the Treatment of Chronic Calcified Pancreatitis
Authors: Guo Ji-Yao , Qian Yang-Yang , Sun Hui , Chen Hui , Zou Wen-Bin , Hu Liang-Hao , Li Zhao-Shen , Xin Lei , Liao Zhuan
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The interval between extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may cause differences in cannulation and stone removal. This study was to investigate the optimal timing of ERCP after ESWL.

Methods

Patients with chronic calcified pancreatitis, who underwent ESWL and subsequent ERCP in Changhai Hospital from February 2012 to February 2015, were retrospectively analyzed. The interval between ESWL and ERCP was used to divide patients into groups A (<12 hours), B (12–36 hours), and C (>36 hours). Cannulation success, stone clearance, and post-ESWL/ERCP complications were compared.

Results

A total of 507 patients were enrolled. There were no significant differences regarding the successful cannulation and stone removal rates between the 3 groups. In patients without prior ERCP, the successful cannulation rates were 71.4%, 81.9%, and 90.9% (P = 0.004), and the successful clearance rates were 76.2%, 85.1%, and 90.9% (P = 0.031) for these 3 groups, respectively, showing significant differences. There were no differences in the successful cannulation and stone extraction rates for patients with prior ERCP.

Conclusions

The interval between ESWL and ERCP in chronic calcified pancreatitis patients with prior ERCP is not relevant, while delaying endoscopic intervention is recommended in those with native papilla.
Population structure and transmission of Mycobacterium bovis in Ethiopia
Authors: Almaw Gizat , Mekonnen Getnet Abie , Mihret Adane , Aseffa Abraham , Taye Hawult , Conlan Andrew J. K. , Gumi Balako , Zewude Aboma , Aliy Abde , Tamiru Mekdes , Olani Abebe , Lakew Matios , Sombo Melaku , Gebre Solomon , Diguimbaye Colette , Hilty Markus , Fané Adama , Müller Borna , Hewinson R. Glyn , Ellis Richard J. , Nunez-Garcia Javier , Palkopoulou Eleftheria , Abebe Tamrat , Ameni Gobena , Parkhill Julian , Wood James L. N. ,   the ETHICOBOTS consortium, Berg Stefan , van Tonder Andries J.
Published: May 2021

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is endemic in cattle in Ethiopia, a country that hosts the largest national cattle herd in Africa. The intensive dairy sector, most of which is peri-urban, has the highest prevalence of disease. Previous studies in Ethiopia have demonstrated that the main cause is

Mycobacterium bovis

, which has been investigated using conventional molecular tools including deletion typing, spoligotyping and Mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR). Here we use whole-genome sequencing to examine the population structure of

M. bovis

in Ethiopia. A total of 134

M

.

bovis

isolates were sequenced including 128 genomes from 85 mainly dairy cattle and six genomes isolated from humans, originating from 12 study sites across Ethiopia. These genomes provided a good representation of the previously described population structure of

M. bovis

, based on spoligotyping and demonstrated that the population is dominated by the clonal complexes African 2 (Af2) and European 3 (Eu3). A range of within-host diversity was observed amongst the isolates and evidence was found for both short- and long-distance transmission. Detailed analysis of available genomes from the Eu3 clonal complex combined with previously published genomes revealed two distinct introductions of this clonal complex into Ethiopia between 1950 and 1987, likely from Europe. This work is important to help better understand bTB transmission in cattle in Ethiopia and can potentially inform national strategies for bTB control in Ethiopia and beyond.
Experimental infection of specific-pathogen-free domestic lambs withMycoplasma ovipneumoniaecauses asymptomatic colonization of the upper airways that is resistant to antibiotic treatment
Authors: Johnson Thea , Jones Kerri , Tegner Jacobson B. , Schearer Julia , Mosdal Cassie , Jones Steven , Jutila Mark , Rynda-Apple Agnieszka , Besser Thomas , Bimczok Diane
Published: May 2021

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae(M. ovipneumoniae) is a respiratory pathogen associated with the development of mild to moderate respiratory disease in domestic lambs and severe pneumonia outbreaks in wild ruminants such as bighorn sheep. However, whetherM. ovipneumoniaeby itself causes clinical respiratory disease in domestic sheep in the absence of secondary bacterial pathogens is still a matter of debate. The goal of our study was to better understand the role ofM. ovipneumoniaeas a respiratory pathogen in domestic sheep and to explore potential antibiotic treatment approaches. Therefore, we inoculated four-month-old, specific-pathogen-free lambs with field isolates ofM. ovipneumoniaeand monitored the lambs for eight weeks for colonization with the bacteria,M. ovipneumoniae-specific antibodies, clinical symptoms, and cellular and molecular correlates of lung inflammation. After eight weeks, lambs were treated with the macrolide antibiotic gamithromycin and observed for an additional four weeks. Stable colonization of the upper respiratory tract withM. ovipneumoniaewas established in all fourM. ovipneumoniae-inoculated, but in none of the four mock-infected lambs. AllM. ovipneumoniae-infected lambs developed a robust antibody response toM. ovipneumoniaewithin 2 weeks. However, we did not observe significant clinical symptoms or evidence of lung damage or inflammation in any of the infected lambs. Interestingly, treatment with gamithromycin failed to reduceM. ovipneumoniaecolonization. These observations indicate that, in the absence of co-factors,M. ovipneumoniaecauses asymptomatic colonization of the upper respiratory tract of that is resistant to clearance by the host immune response as well as by gamithromycin treatment in domestic lambs.
Evaluating Sample Augmentation in Microarray Datasets with Generative Models: A Comparative Pipeline and Insights in Tuberculosis
Authors: Gupta Ayushi , Ahmad Saad , Sune Atharva , Gupta Chandan , Kaur Harleen , Kutum Rintu , Sethi Tavpritesh
Published: May 2021

High throughput screening technologies have created a fundamental challenge for statistical and machine learning analyses, i.e., the curse of dimensionality. Gene expression data are a quintessential example, high dimensional in variables (Large P) and comparatively much smaller in samples (Small N). However, the large number of variables are not independent. This understanding is reflected in Systems Biology approaches to the transcriptome as a network of coordinated biological functioning or through principal Axes of variation underlying the gene expression. Recent advances in generative deep learning offers a new paradigm to tackle the curse of dimensionality by generating new data from the underlying latent space captured as a deep representation of the observed data. These have led to widespread applications of approaches such as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), especially in domains where millions of data points exist, such as in computer vision and single cell data. Very few studies have focused on generative modeling of bulk transcriptomic data and microarrays, despite being one of the largest types of publicly available biomedical data. Here we review the potential of Generative models in recapitulating and extending biomedical knowledge from microarray data, which may thus limit the potential to yield hundreds of novel biomarkers. Here we review the potential of generative models and conduct a comparative analysis of VAE, GAN and gaussian mixture model (GMM) in a dataset focused on Tuberculosis. We further review whether previously known axes genes can be used as an effective strategy to employ domain knowledge while designing generative models as a means to further reduce biological noise and enhance signals that can be validated by standard enrichment approaches or functional experiments.
Collaborative processing and data optimization of environmental perception technologies for autonomous vehicles
Authors: Song Haina , Zhou Shengpei , Chang Zhenting , Su Yuejiang , Liu Xiaosong , Yang Jingfeng
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Autonomous driving depends on the collection, processing and analysis of environmental information and vehicle information. Environmental perception and processing are important prerequisite for the safety of self-driving of vehicles; it involves road boundary detection, vehicle detection, pedestrian detection using sensors such as laser rangefinder, video camera, vehicle borne radar, etc.

Design/methodology/approach

Subjected to various environmental factors, the data clock information is often out of sync because of different data acquisition frequency, which leads to the difficulty in data fusion. In this study, according to practical requirements, a multi-sensor environmental perception collaborative method was first proposed; then, based on the principle of target priority, large-scale priority, moving target priority and difference priority, a multi-sensor data fusion optimization algorithm based on convolutional neural network was proposed.

Findings

The average unload scheduling delay of the algorithm for test data before and after optimization under different network transmission rates. It can be seen that with the improvement of network transmission rate and processing capacity, the unload scheduling delay decreased after optimization and the performance of the test results is the closest to the optimal solution indicating the excellent performance of the optimization algorithm and its adaptivity to different environments.

Originality/value

In this paper, the results showed that the proposed method significantly improved the redundancy and fault tolerance of the system thus ensuring fast and correct decision-making during driving.
Evolved auxiliary controller with applications to aerospace
Authors: Chen Tim , Kapronand N. , Hsieh C.Y. , Cy Chen J.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To guarantee the asymptotic stability of discrete-time nonlinear systems, this paper aims to propose an evolved bat algorithm fuzzy neural network (NN) controller algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

In evolved fuzzy NN modeling, the NN model and linear differential inclusion representation are established for the arbitrary nonlinear dynamics. The control problems of the Fisher equation and a temperature cooling fin for high-speed aerospace vehicles will be described and demonstrated. The signal auxiliary controlled system is represented for the nonlinear parabolic partial differential equation (PDE) systems and the criterion of stability is derived via the Lyapunov function in terms of linear matrix inequalities.

Findings

This representation is constructed by sector nonlinearity, which converts the nonlinear model to a multiple rule base for the linear model and a new sufficient condition to guarantee the asymptotic stability.

Originality/value

This study also injects high frequency as an auxiliary and the control performance to stabilize the nonlinear high-speed aerospace vehicle system.
An ecocentric approach to defining a public park system
Authors: Aly Dalia , Dimitrijevic Branka
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This research aims at examining public parks as a complex, interrelated system in which a public park’s natural system and its man-made system can work together within an ecocentric approach. It will create a framework that can support the design and management of public parks.

Design/methodology/approach

The article first introduces previous research and justifies the need for a new approach. It then uses conceptual analysis to examine the concepts that construct a park’s system through previous theoretical research. Finally, the public park system is constructed by synthesising its components and showing the interrelations between them. These components are defined based on previous theoretical and empirical research.

Findings

A public park system is defined as consisting of a natural system and a man-made system with multiple components that interact to offer the overall experience in a park. The defined system can be a useful tool for decision-makers, managers and designers in the analysis and evaluation of existing and potential projects to achieve multifunctional parks that are better utilised and have a wider influence.

Originality/value

The research offers an alternative approach for framing public parks that do not deal with their components in isolation from each other. This view of public parks brings together perspectives from different literature into one coherent framework that emphasises mutual dependencies and interactions in one integrated whole.
Understanding the evolution of the slack–performance relationship from a bibliometric perspective
Authors: Agustí María A. , Galán José L. , Acedo Francisco J.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse and classify the literature that links slack resources with performance, determining the diversity and coherence within the field, as well as possible future research trends.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Web of Science information, a dynamic co-citation and co-word analysis was developed, enabling identification of the theoretical foundations that have accompanied the study of the slack–performance relationship and the research trends associated with these types of resources and their temporal evolution.

Findings

Document co-citation and co-word analysis and its evaluation present a growing diversity of literature but which maintains links to the core works, giving coherence to this research field. The key theoretical approaches remain stable over time but with fragmentation of the topics analysed. Results allowed identification of a number of emerging research trends, achieving a level of consolidation within the field, with research fronts linked to those trends.

Originality/value

Slack resources have a large trajectory within the management field. However, it is believed only basic bibliometric analyses of the literature have been made and none has developed an analysis of the evolution. This work is useful not only for incipient researchers to better understand the theoretical bases upon which the current work is based but also for the identification of possible gaps and unanswered research questions. The results complement previous research, with qualitative or meta-analytic perspectives, fundamental in understanding the structure and evolution of this research field.
A Markov logic network method for reconstructing association rule-mining tasks in library book recommendation
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Xu Jiahui , Feng Youli , Peng Meiling , Ma Kaijie
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to overcome the problem of traditional association rules relying almost entirely on expert experience to set relevant interest indexes in mining. Second, this project can effectively solve the problem of four types of rules being present in the database at the same time. The traditional association algorithm can only mine one or two types of rules and cannot fully explore the database knowledge in the decision-making process for library recommendation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors proposed a Markov logic network method to reconstruct association rule-mining tasks for library recommendation and compared the method proposed in this paper to traditional Apriori, FP-Growth, Inverse, Sporadic and UserBasedCF algorithms on two history library data sets and the Chess and Accident data sets.

Findings

The method used in this project had two major advantages. First, the authors were able to mine four types of rules in an integrated manner without having to set interest measures. In addition, because it represents the relevance of mining in the network, decision-makers can use network visualization tools to fully understand the results of mining in library recommendation and data sets from other fields.

Research limitations/implications

The time cost of the project is still high for large data sets. The authors will solve this problem by mapping books, items, or attributes to higher granularity to reduce the computational complexity in the future.

Originality/value

The authors believed that knowledge of complex real-world problems can be well captured from a network perspective. This study can help researchers to avoid setting interest metrics and to comprehensively extract frequent, rare, positive, and negative rules in an integrated manner.
The voice of patients in Israel's general hospitals
Authors: Semyonov-Tal Keren
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to capture the variety of issues that concern patients and to examine the extent to which personal characteristics of patients, such as education, ethnicity, age, gender and conditions of hospitalisation, influence the tendency to “express (negative) voice” and raise “critical views”.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data obtained from the 2014 Survey of Health Satisfaction in Israel, the study focuses on patients' responses to an open-ended question regarding the medical care experience in hospitals.

Findings

The analysis reveals that “the voice of patients” spreads across a wide variety of issues, including the physical condition of the hospital and caregiver behaviour. Multivariate regression models show that subgroups with greater access to social and economic resources (i.e. in Israel, individuals who are Jewish), academics, women and younger patients are more likely to express critical voice regarding the hospitalisation experience. Likewise, inferior hospitalisation conditions are likely to increase expression of negative “voice” and criticism.

Originality/value

The findings underscore the importance and value of open-ended questions in evaluating healthcare satisfaction, suggesting that the likelihood of expressing critical voice is higher among patients of high socio-economic status – perhaps because they are more likely to expect, demand and feel entitled to high-quality care. Likewise, inferior hospitalisation conditions increase the critical voice.
Housing policy research in India: a scoping review and thematic analysis
Authors: Khaire Manav , Muniappa Nagaraj
Published: May 2021

Purpose

In India – the largest democracy and second most populated country globally – the housing research domain is relatively under-researched and under-theorized. To support and advance research in this domain, this study aims to form and organize the repository of extant academic knowledge in the subject matter of housing research in India.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a scoping review methodology and a thematic analysis method. All the articles analyzed in this study were systematically searched by following the scoping review approach proposed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005). An initial search found 365 articles and finally, 108 articles that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed using the thematic analysis method.

Findings

The data extracted from these 108 articles were analyzed using thematic analysis to arrive at four thematic areas, namely, housing policy, slum housing, housing finance and affordable housing. These thematic areas and 11 sub-themes present under them were used to present a thematic map of housing policy research in India.

Practical implications

This paper contributes to presenting an up-to-date literature review of the housing policy research in India.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this scoping review focused on housing research in India is the first of its kind. We hope that this study provides a repository of extant research on housing research in India to help current and future researchers.
Shariah-compliant equities and Shariah screening: need for convergence of ethical screening of stocks with Shariah screening
Authors: Tanin Tauhidul Islam , Ahmad Abu Umar Faruq , Muneeza Aishath
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study explores the practical application of the Shariah screening process and how it could be enhanced by converging the same with the ethical screening of stocks.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a qualitative research methodology by combining the qualitative descriptive approach and content analysis.

Findings

The findings of this research suggest that there is scope to converge ethical screening of stocks with Shariah Screening as the lex loci applicable to Shariah screening is derived from Shariah, which considers ethics as part of determining its rules.

Practical implications

The data from this study reveal several practical applications, the ultimate goal of which is to help the policymakers and stakeholders understand the relevance of the Shariah screening of stocks and get a streamlined screening process, paving the way to enhance the same using ethical screening criteria to develop its function to become much more relevant irrespective of the denomination of faiths.

Originality/value

This is original research, which is expected to contribute to understanding the extent to which Shariah screening can be enhanced by integrating the ethical stock screening dimension to it.
Levels and dimensions of diversity in small businesses: contributions for performance
Authors: Curado Carla , Tai Silvio H.T. , Oliveira Mírian , Sarmento Joaquim Miranda
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose and test a model on the impact of diversity over performance using a Portuguese national wide comprehensively matched employee–employer dataset of small businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses structural equation modeling to analyze the relationships between variables. The study addresses the impact of top managers and employees' diversity on firm performance considering two dimensions of diversity: knowledge diversity and social diversity.

Findings

The study provides a clear understanding of how workforce diversity affects performance differently at the two hierarchical levels. Both employees' diversities have stronger relations to performance than the diversity of top managers. Results point out to idiosyncratic aspects of services firms' dynamics that should be further explored.

Research limitations/implications

The study presents some limitations, since it uses data from a single country and the dataset provides limited variables.

Practical implications

The study offers evidence on the effects of diversity in small businesses alerting managers to acknowledge such influence when recruiting, selecting and training. With regard to services firms, managers should pay close attention to negative impacts of diversity over performance.

Originality/value

Never before to the authors' knowledge the managers' level diversity and employees' level diversity (considering two dimensions each) effect on performance have been addressed in a single national wide study.
Is smart the new green? The impact of consumer environmental awareness and data network effect
Authors: Yu Yugang , Zhang Xin , Zhang Xiong , Yue Wei T.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

New information technologies such as IoT and big data analytics have reshaped the development of smart green products. These products exhibit two important features that are not seen in traditional products: environmental friendliness and data network effect. Based on these unique features, the authors investigate a firm's optimal selling strategy of smart green products from both the profitability and environmental perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors establish stylized models to consider the optimality of three selling strategies: (1) traditional strategy – only offering traditional products, (2) green strategy – only offering smart green products, and (3) hybrid strategy – offering both traditional and smart green products.

Findings

The authors’ analysis shows that in the absence of data network effect, there will always be a conflict between profit maximization and environmental protection. However, a strategy that benefits both the firm and the environment exists when data network effect is present. Interestingly, hybrid and traditional strategies can be win-win strategies, but the green strategy cannot. Also surprisingly, the green strategy may harm the environment more as smart products become greener.

Originality/value

This study examines the economic and environmental implications of selling smart green products, and contributes to existing literature on sustainable operations and green product design by incorporating the impact of both consumer environmental awareness and data network effect. The authors’ findings shed light on how to coordinate the profitability and environmental impact of selling smart green products in the era of big data and IoT.
Beyond the first nudge: behavioral science in corporate practice
Authors: Hirsch Peter Buell
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to review the expanding use of different aspects of behavioral science in the corporate environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents an examination of the academic literature and media reporting on behavioral science in the corporate environment, including risk management, recruiting, employee rewards and group decision-making.

Findings

While there are some ethical risks in the application of behavioral science in the corporate environment, many aspects of corporate decision-making and corporate culture would benefit from behavioral science insights.

Originality/value

While there have been numerous pieces written about individual aspects of behavioral science in the corporate environment, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this is one of the first to look at the application of the discipline from a comprehensive perspective.
Effects of self-brand congruity and ad duration on online in-stream video advertising
Authors: Holmes Todd A.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of self-brand congruity and ad duration on the effectiveness of in-stream online video advertisements.

Design/methodology/approach

Two online experiments were administered based on a 2 (self-brand congruity) * 2 (ad duration) between-subjects design. Three brand personality dimensions (excitement, sophistication and ruggedness) were included in the model as replicates, and effectiveness was measured using six dependent measures.

Findings

High self-brand congruity resulted in significantly greater attention, attitude toward the ad, attitude toward the brand and purchase intention when compared to low self-brand congruity. Higher recall of ad information was found for subjects who viewed ads low in congruity with their self-concepts. Attention, recall and recognition were significantly higher for participants who viewed 30-s ads. An interaction effect of self-brand congruity and ad duration was found on purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

This study considered the impact of self-brand congruity and ad duration on the effectiveness of ads for only well-known brands inserted into short-form content. Future research should consider using ads without celebrities present or ads for fictitious brands inserted into long-form video content.

Practical implications

When producing video advertisements, an adequate selection of brand cues should be included that are deemed self-congruent with target audiences. Ad managers aiming to drive favorable consumer attitudes and purchase intention should select 15-s over 30-s ads.

Originality/value

This study examines the impact of self-brand congruity and ad duration on each stage of the hierarchy of effects model, including attention as a precursor to recall and recognition. The interaction effect between self-brand congruity and ad duration is also assessed.