bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 Encodes a PPxY Late Domain Motif Known to Enhance Budding and Spread in Enveloped RNA Viruses
Authors: Maaroufi Halim
Published: April 2020

The current COVID-19 (CoronavirusDisease-2019) pandemic is affecting the health and/or socioeconomic welfare of almost everyone in the world. Finding vaccines and therapeutics is therefore urgent, but elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that allow some viruses to cross host species boundaries, becoming a threat to human health, must also be given close attention. Here, analysis of all proteins of SARS-CoV-2 revealed a unique PPxY Late (L) domain motif,25PPAY28, in a spike (S) protein inside a predicted hot disordered loop subject to phosphorylation and binding. PPxY motifs in enveloped RNA viruses are known to recruit Nedd4 E3 ubiquitin ligases and ultimately the ESCRT complex to enhance virus budding and release, resulting in higher viral loads, hence facilitating new infections. Interestingly, proteins of SARS-CoV-1 do not feature PPxY motifs, which could explain why SARS-CoV-2 is more contagious than SARS-CoV-1. Should an experimental assessment of this hypothesis show that the PPxY motif plays the same role in SARS-CoV-2 as it does in other enveloped RNA viruses, this motif will become a promising target for the development of novel host-oriented antiviral therapeutics for preventing S proteins from recruiting Nedd4 E3 ubiquitin ligase partners.
Rapid and quantitative detection of COVID-19 markers in micro-liter sized samples
Authors: Tan Xiaotian , Lin Cory , Zhang Jie , Khaing Oo Maung Kyaw , Fan Xudong
Published: April 2020

COVID-19 pandemic has caused tens of thousands of deaths and is now a severe threat to global health. Clinical practice has demonstrated that the SARS-CoV-2 S1 specific antibodies and viral antigens can be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers of COVID-19. However, the popular point-of-care biomarker detection technologies, such as the lateral-flow test strips, provide only yes/no information and have very limited sensitivities. Thus, it has a high false negative rate and cannot be used for the quantitative evaluation of patient’s immune response. Conventional ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), on the other hand, can provide quantitative, accurate, and sensitive results, but it involves complicated and expensive instruments and long assay time. In addition, samples need to be sent to centralized labs, which significantly increases the turn-around time. Here, we present a microfluidic ELISA technology for rapid (15-20 minutes), quantitative, sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 biomarkers using SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG and viral antigen – S protein in serum. We also characterized various humanized monoclonal IgG, and identified a candidate with a high binding affinity towards SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein that can serve as the calibration standard of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 IgG in serological analyses. Furthermore, we demonstrated that our microfluidic ELISA platform can be used for rapid affinity evaluation of monoclonal anti-S1 antibodies. The microfluidic ELISA device is highly portable and requires less than 10 μL of samples for each channel. Therefore, our technology will greatly facilitate rapid and quantitative analysis of COVID-19 patients and vaccine recipients at point-of-care.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Augments the Effects of Gamified, Mobile Attention Bias Modification
Authors: Myruski Sarah , Cho Hyein , Bikson Marom , Dennis-Tiwary Tracy A.
Published: April 2020

Anxiety-related attentional bias (AB) is the preferential processing of threat observed in clinical and sub-clinical anxiety. Attention bias modification training (ABMT) is a computerized cognitive training technique designed to systematically direct attention away from threat and ameliorate AB, but mixed and null findings have highlighted gaps in our understanding of mechanisms underlying ABMT and how to design the most effective delivery systems. One neuromodulation technique, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) across the prefrontal cortex (PFC) may augment the effects of ABMT by strengthening top-down cognitive control processes, but the evidence base is limited and has not been generalized to current approaches in digital therapeutics, such as mobile applications. The present study tested whether tDCS across the PFC, versus sham stimulation, effectively augments the beneficial effects of a gamified ABMT mobile app. Thirty-eight adults (Mage = 23.92, SD = 4.75; 18 females) evidencing low-to-moderate anxiety symptoms were randomly assigned to active or sham tDCS for 30-minutes while receiving ABMT via a mobile app. Participants reported on potential moderators of ABMT, including life stress and trait anxiety. ECG was recorded during a subsequent stressor to generate respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) suppression as a metric of stress resilience. The app overall reduced subjective anxiety, whereas adding tDCS (compared to sham) reduced AB and boosted stress resilience measured via RSA suppression, particularly for those reporting low life stress. Our results integrating tDCS with ABMT provide insight into the mechanisms of AB modulation and support ongoing evaluations of enhanced ABMT reliability and effectiveness via tDCS.
In vivo high-content screening in zebrafish for developmental nephrotoxicity of approved drugs
Authors: Westhoff JH , Steenbergen PJ , Thomas LSV , Heigwer J , Bruckner T , Cooper L , Tönshoff B , Hoffmann GF , Gehrig J
Published: April 2020

Despite widespread drug exposure, for example during gestation or in prematurely born children, organ-specific developmental toxicity of most drugs is poorly understood. Developmental and functional abnormalities are a major cause of kidney diseases during childhood; however, the potential causal relationship to exposure with nephrotoxic drugs during nephrogenesis is widely unknown. To identify developmental nephrotoxic drugs in a large scale, we established and performed an automated high-content screen to score for phenotypic renal alterations in theTg(wt1b:EGFP)zebrafish line. During early nephrogenesis, embryos were exposed to a compound library of approved drugs. After treatment, embryos were aligned within microtiter plates using 3D-printed orientation tools enabling the robust acquisition of consistent dorsal views of pronephric kidneys by automated microscopy. To qualitatively and quantitatively score and visualize phenotypes, we developed software tools for the semi-automated analysis, processing and visualization of this large image-based dataset. Using this scoring scheme, we were able to categorize compounds based on their potential developmental nephrotoxic effects. About 10% of tested drugs induced pronephric phenotypes including glomerular and tubular malformations, or overall changes in kidney morphology. Major chemical compound groups identified to cause glomerular and tubular alterations included dihydropyridine derivatives, HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, fibrates, imidazole, benzimidazole and triazole derivatives, corticosteroids, glucocorticoids, acetic acid derivatives and propionic acid derivatives. In conclusion, the presented study demonstrates the large-scale screening of kidney-specific toxicity of approved drugs in a live vertebrate embryo. The associated technology and tool-sets can be easily adapted for other organ systems providing a unique platform forin vivolarge-scale assessment of organ-specific developmental toxicity or other biomedical applications. Ultimately, the presented data and associated visualization and browsing tools provide a resource for potentially nephrotoxic drugs and for further investigations.
Synchronization of human retinal pigment ephitilial-1 (RPE-1) cells in mitosis
Authors: Scott Stacey J. , Suvarna Kethan , D’Avino Pier Paolo
Published: April 2020

Human retinal pigment ephitilial-1 (RPE-1) cells are increasingly being used as a model to study mitosis because they represent a non-transformed alternative to cancer cell lines, such as HeLa cervical adenocarcinoma cells. However, the lack of an efficient method to synchronize RPE-1 cells in mitosis precludes their application for large-scale biochemical and proteomics assays. Here we report a protocol to synchronize RPE-1 cells based on sequential treatments with the Cdk4/6 inhibitor PD 0332991 (palbociclib) and the microtubule depolymerizing drug nocodazole. With this method, the vast majority (80-90%) of RPE-1 cells arrested at prometaphase and exited mitosis synchronously after release from nocodazole. Furthermore, we show that this protocol could be successfully employed for the characterization of the protein-protein interaction network of the kinetochore protein Ndc80 by immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry. This synchronization method significantly expands the versatility and applicability of RPE-1 cells to the study of cell division and might be applied to other cell lines that do not respond to treatments with DNA synthesis inhibitors.
Identification ofTrypanosoma brucei gambienseandT. b. rhodesiensein vectors using multiplexed high-resolution melt analysis
Authors: Garrod Gala , Adams Emily R. , Lingley Jessica K. , Saldanha Isabel , Torr Stephen J. , Cunningham Lucas J.
Published: April 2020

Background

Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a potentially fatal parasitic infection caused by the trypanosome sub-speciesTrypanosoma brucei gambienseandT. b. rhodesiensetransmitted by tsetse flies. Currently, global HAT case numbers are reaching less than 1 case per 10,000 people in many disease foci. As such, there is a need for simple screening tools and strategies to replace active screening of the human population which can be maintained post-elimination for Gambian HAT and long-term Rhodesian HAT. Here we describe the development of a novel high-resolution melt assay for the xenomonitoring ofTrypanosoma brucei gambienseandT. b. rhodesiensein tsetse.

Methods

Primers forT. b. rhodesienseandT. b. gambiensewere designed to target species-specific single copy genes. An additional primer set was included in the multiplex to determine if samples have sufficient genomic material for detecting low copy number targets. The assay was evaluated on 96 wild-caught tsetse previously identified to be positive forT. brucei s. l.of which two were infected withT. b. rhodesiense.

Results

The assay was found to be highly specific with no cross-reactivity with non-target trypanosome species and the assay limit of detection was 104tryps/mL. HRM successfully identified threeT. b. rhodesiensepositive flies and was in agreement with the reference sub-species-specific PCRs. This assay provides an alternative to running multiple PCRs when screening for pathogenic sub-species ofT. bruceis. l and produces results in ~2 hours, avoiding gel electrophoresis.

Conclusions

This method could provide a component of a simple and efficient method of screening large numbers of tsetse flies in known HAT foci or in areas at risk of recrudescence or threatened by the changing distribution of both forms of HAT.
Minimising severity of dengue serotype 1 infection by transmissible interfering particles
Authors: Shausan A. , Aaskov J. , Drovandi C. , Mengersen K.
Published: April 2020

Transmissible interfering dengue particles (DENV–TIPs) are engineered dengue virus mutants which are defective and can replicate only with the help of dengue wild–type virus (DENV).In vitrostudies have found that when DENV–TIPs and DENV coinfect a cell, they compete for viral genomes and cell proteins for replication and packaging, and DENV–TIPs outperform DENV in this process. Thus, it is hypothesised that DENV–TIPs may be used as a novel therapeutic agent. However, the effectiveness of DENV–TIPs as an antiviral agent is yet to be explored at an epidemiological scale. We present a mathematical model for the replication of DENV and DENV–TIPs as they interact with human host cells, accounting for the effectiveness of DENV–TIPs in blocking DENV from coinfected cells. We fit the model to sequentially measured plasma viral titre data from primary and secondary dengue serotype 1 infected patients in Vietnam. We show that variation in initial DENV load is sufficient to recreate the observed variation between patients. Parameter estimates, differing in primary and secondary infections, do not confirm a significant difference between these two types of infection. We use our model to investigate the potential impact of DENV–TIPs as an antiviral agent. We conclude that, when the effectiveness of DENV–TIPs in inhibiting DENV from coinfected cells is at least 80%, a dose as high as 1012copies per millilitre of blood is required to reduce duration of infection and peak DENV serotype 1 infection level at any time point of infection. This work provides a quantitative understanding of the relationship between DENV–TIPs levels and their efficiency in clearing dengue viral infection. It will guide future development of mechanistic models of how DENV–TIPs might contribute as an antiviral agent in limiting natural dengue infection.

Author summary

Inhibition of dengue wild–type virus (DENV) by transmissible interfering dengue particles (DENV–TIPs) is seen in somein vitrostudies, and it is hypothesised that DENV–TIPs may be used as a therapeutic agent. However, the efficiency of DENV–TIPs in limiting DENV infection in patients is yet to be explored at an epidemiological scale. Using data collected from dengue serotype 1 infected patients, we model how DENV replicates in an infected patient and how effective DENV–TIPs are in controlling that replication. Our results are of use in the evaluation of DENV–TIPs as a potential antiviral agent.
β-adrenergic receptor signaling evokes the PKA-ASK axis in mature brown adipocytes
Authors: Hattori Kazuki , Wakatsuki Hiroaki , Sakauchi Chihiro , Furutani Shotaro , Hatta Tomohisa , Natsume Tohru , Ichijo Hidenori
Published: April 2020

Boosting energy expenditure by harnessing the activity of brown adipocytes is a promising strategy for combatting the global epidemic of obesity. Many studies have revealed that the β3-adrenergic receptor agonist is a potent activator of brown adipocytes, even in humans, and PKA and p38 MAPK have been demonstrated for regulating the transcription of a wide range of critical genes such as Ucp1. We previously revealed that the PKA-ASK1-p38 axis is activated in immature brown adipocytes and contributes to functional maturation. However, the downstream mechanisms of PKA that initiate the p38 MAPK cascade are still mostly unknown in mature brown adipocytes. Here, we identified the ASK family as a crucial signaling molecule bridging PKA and MAPK in mature brown adipocytes. Mechanistically, the phosphorylation of ASK1 at threonine 99 and serine 993 is critical in PKA-dependent ASK1 activation. Additionally, PKA also activates ASK2, which contributes to MAPK regulation. These lines of evidence provide new details for tailoring a βAR-dependent brown adipocyte activation strategy.
The influence of phosphatidylserine localisation and lipid phase on membrane remodelling by the ESCRT-II/ESCRT-III complex
Authors: Booth Andrew , Marklew Christopher J. , Ciani Barbara , Beales Paul A.
Published: April 2020

The endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) organises in supramolecular structures on the surface of lipid bilayers to drive membrane invagination and scission of intraluminal vesicles (ILVs), a process also controlled by membrane mechanics. However, ESCRT association with the membrane is also mediated by electrostatic interactions with anionic phospholipids. Phospholipid distribution within natural biomembranes is inhomogeneous due to, for example, the formation of lipid rafts and curvature-driven lipid sorting. Here, we have used phase-separated giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) to investigate the link between phosphatidylserine (PS)-rich lipid domains and ESCRT activity. We employ GUVs composed of phase separating lipid mixtures, where unsaturated DOPS and saturated DPPS lipids are incorporated individually or simultaneously to enhance PS localisation in liquid disordered (Ld) and/or liquid ordered (Lo) domains, respectively. PS partitioning between the coexisting phases is confirmed by a fluorescent Annexin V probe. Ultimately, we find that ILV generation promoted by ESCRTs is significantly enhanced when PS lipids localise within Lddomains. However, the ILVs that form are rich in Lolipids. We interpret this surprising observation as preferential recruitment of the Lophase beneath the ESCRT complex due to its increased rigidity, where the Ldphase is favoured in the neck of the resultant buds to facilitate the high membrane curvature in these regions of the membrane during the ILV formation process. Lddomains offer lower resistance to membrane bending, demonstrating a mechanism by which the composition and mechanics of membranes can be coupled to regulate the location and efficiency of ESCRT activity.
De novo duplication on Chromosome 19 observed in nuclear family displaying neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Sjaarda Calvin P. , Kaiser Beatrice , McNaughton Amy J.M. , Hudson Melissa L. , Harris-Lowe Liam , Lou Kyle , Guerin Andrea , Ayub Muhammad , Liu Xudong
Published: April 2020

Pleiotropy and variable expressivity have been cited to explain the seemingly distinct neurodevelopmental disorders due to a common genetic etiology within the same family. Here we present a family with a de novo 1-Mb duplication involving 18 genes on Chromosome 19. Within the family there are multiple cases of neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability, and psychiatric disease in individuals carrying this copy-number variant (CNV). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the CNV was de novo in the mother and inherited by both sons. Whole-exome sequencing did not uncover further genetic risk factors segregating within the family. Transcriptome analysis of peripheral blood demonstrated a ∼1.5-fold increase in RNA transcript abundance in 12 of the 15 detected genes within the CNV region for individuals carrying the CNV compared with their noncarrier relatives. Examination of transcript abundance across the rest of the transcriptome identified 407 differentially expressed genes (P-value < 0.05; adjusted P-value < 0.1) mapping to immune response, response to endoplasmic reticulum stress, and regulation of epithelial cell proliferation pathways. 16S microbiome profiling demonstrated compositional difference in the gut bacteria between the half-brothers. These results raise the possibility that the observed CNV may contribute to the varied phenotypic characteristics in family members through alterations in gene expression and/or dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. More broadly, there is growing evidence that different neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders can share the same genetic variant, which lays a framework for later neurodevelopmental and psychiatric manifestations.
Recognition of partial discharge of cable accessories based on convolutional neural network with small data set
Authors: Zhang Anan , He Jiahui , Lin Yu , Li Qian , Yang Wei , Qu Guanglong
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Considering the problem that the high recognition rate of deep learning requires the support of mass data, this study aims to propose an insulating fault identification method based on small data set convolutional neural network (CNN).

Design/methodology/approach

Because of the chaotic characteristics of partial discharge (PD) signals, the equivalent transformation of the PD signal of unit power frequency period is carried out by phase space reconstruction to derive the chaotic features. At the same time, geometric, fractal, entropy and time domain features are extracted to increase the volume of feature data. Finally, the combined features are constructed and imported into CNN to complete PD recognition.

Findings

The results of the case study show that the proposed method can realize the PD recognition of small data set and make up for the shortcomings of the methods based on CNN. Also, the 1-CNN built in this paper has better recognition performance for four typical insulation faults of cable accessories. The recognition performance is improved by 4.37% and 1.25%, respectively, compared with similar methods based on support vector machine and BPNN.

Originality/value

In this paper, a method of insulation fault recognition based on CNN with small data set is proposed, which can solve the difficulty to realize insulation fault recognition of cable accessories and deep data mining because of insufficient measure data.
Creative destruction and knowledge creation as the mediation between innovation speed and competitiveness of food small and medium-sized enterprises in Malang, Indonesia
Authors: Taneo Stefanus Yufra M. , Hadiwidjojo Djumilah , Sunaryo Sunaryo , Sudjatno Sudjatno
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of creative destruction and knowledge creation which is a mediation between the speed of innovation and the competitiveness of food small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Creative destruction and the creation of competency-based and market-based knowledge are usually carried out by companies in power to create barriers to entry and expand distance with similar businesses, so the role of creative destruction and knowledge creation as mediation to strengthen competitiveness is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The data in this study were collected from 161 UKM which are the population of food UKM in Malang, covering three regions, namely, Malang City, Malang Regency and Batu City. Warp Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (WarpPLS-SEM) has greater statistical requirements than other covariance-based methods, which are more likely to give results that are in accordance with the conditions of the population (significant if it is actually significant in the population) so that it is very efficient.

Findings

It is very important for the pace of innovation development to improve the competitiveness of food SMEs. Innovation ideas are quickly realized and products that enter the market faster have greater opportunities to increase competitiveness through profits and productivity. The pace of innovation development increases the competitiveness of food SMEs. This study proves that competitiveness can be increased once the pace of innovation development is followed by creative destruction and knowledge creation. In this case, creative destruction is done through increased competence and maintain the innovations that have been achieved by food SMEs. Increasing business competence can be done through cost efficiency, improving product quality and improving worker skills. This is done while maintaining innovation achieved to strengthen market networks, customer service and innovation in product packaging. The basis of organizational learning is knowledge creation; this point is missing in organizational learning theories. The focus here is on the creation of knowledge as a process, a missing factor in theories about learning organizations.

Research limitations/implications

This study has limitations that this study analyzes processed foods and innovations in general. Future research should investigate one type of processed food based on an innovation typology so that it can provide more effective and efficient recommendations.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first known analysis of innovation speed and creative destruction for SMEs of food sector.
How social entrepreneurs’ attention allocation and ambidextrous behavior enable hybrid organization
Authors: Zheng Wenzhi , Bronson James , Lin Chunpei
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the social entrepreneurs’ attention allocation and their resource action that lead to hybrid organization using the paradox theory. Paradox theory deepens understandings of the varied nature, dynamics and outcomes of entrepreneurial tensions. This study explores the systematic effects of internal and external attention on both economic and social performance.

Design/methodology/approach

First, theoretically, hypotheses linking different attention allocations to ambidextrous behavior and entrepreneurial performance were formulated. Subsequently, the empirical studies based on Chinese social entrepreneurship were conducted to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The study provides support to the hypotheses showing that external attention is linked to resource acquisition and social performance, while internal attention is linked to resource acquisition and strategic human resource management and thus these ambidextrous behaviors promote both social and economic performance. Furthermore, normal pressure moderates the relations between internal attention and strategic human resource management only.

Research limitations/implications

The research measures entrepreneurs’ attention with questionnaire rather than psych test. Also, static data rather than longitudinal research is designed to test the hypotheses.

Practical implications

Deeper understanding of the attention of social entrepreneurs and resource action can help entrepreneurial outcomes and can potentially contribute to paradox and tension management by entrepreneurial practitioners in China.

Originality/value

Social entrepreneurs’ different attention allocation and related entrepreneurial ambidextrous behavior processes are linked to paradoxical thinking for the first time. The findings of this research can potentially enhance social entrepreneurship paradoxical thinking aimed at preventing mission drift.
Impassioned leadership effectiveness: an assessment of leadership styles of top leaders in Caribbean healthcare systems
Authors: Pounder Paul , Greaves Damian Eisenghower
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore effective leadership based on information collected from leaders in the healthcare delivery system within the Caribbean. It assesses leadership challenges and the ability to perform based on balancing limited resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used grounded theories as the basis for data gathering and formulating a strategy for thematic analysis. The researchers analyzed the data through identifying, synthesizing and evaluating codes. The sample comprised 20 senior officials from 7 ministries of health, 7 permanent secretaries and 6 chief medical officers across the 12 island states in the Caribbean region.

Findings

The findings are broken down into two main areas: first of these is the competency areas and the second part is the personal characteristics. The first part highlighted the Leader's ability to lead others or projects. The second part assessed the leaders' personality traits and distinguishing qualities that are embodied in the individual leaders.

Research limitations/implications

The study is exploratory; given that this is the first time that such research has been done within the healthcare sector of the Caribbean region. Because of the chosen research approach, interviewees' comments within the paper may be biased based on their specific situation and exposure.

Practical implications

The study highlights that there is a need for more training in leadership and other management competencies to assist in the decision-making process within the healthcare section of the public sector.

Social implications

The study highlights that there is a need for better understanding of the inter-connectivity of the public service culture, global health governance and healthcare delivery. This paper provides a basis to help academics and practitioners think through leadership styles and strategies; plus, identify suitable best practices to lead more effectively in a social care field.

Originality/value

The study assesses the effectiveness of the leadership styles in the healthcare sector within the context of the Caribbean and it contributes by adapting and extending the literature on leadership in the study. Further, the paper contributes to the discourse on the demands on leadership for developing countries.
“No piracy talk”: how online brand communities work to denormalize controversial gaming practices
Authors: Scaraboto Daiane , Almeida Stefânia Ordovás de , dos Santos Fleck João Pedro
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explain how online brand communities work to support the denormalization of controversial (i.e. illegal yet normalized) gaming practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study was characterized by long-term immersion in an online brand community for Brazilian Xbox gamers. The dataset includes online and offline interactions with community members, interviews, and online archival data.

Findings

This study shows how online brand community members promoted legal gaming in a market where piracy was prevalent. It demonstrates how community members worked to establish coherence; engaged in cognitive participation; developed collective action that extended beyond the community; and reflected on their own work.

Research limitations/implications

This study identifies online brand communities as a potential ally in combating controversial practices in online gaming; complements individual and behavioral approaches in explaining why consumers adopt controversial practices in online environments; and adds a normalization framework to the toolkit of Internet researchers.

Practical implications

This study identifies ways in which the potential of online brand communities can be leveraged to reduce consumer adherence to controversial gaming practices through denormalizing these and normalizing alternative practices that may be more desirable to companies and other stakeholders.

Originality/value

This long-term, qualitative study inspired by normalization process theory offers an innovative perspective on the online practices of consumers who engage with a brand in ways that create value for themselves and for the brand.
Origins of school conflicts in Angolan context
Authors: André Ernesto Barros , Moriña Anabel
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the origins of conflicts, as perceived by the larger school community, in a public school in the context of Angolan community.

Design/methodology/approach

To gather data for the research, a qualitative methodology was used, with semi-structured group interviews. A selection of 167 individuals, including teachers, students and family members, was made for the purpose of data collection through interviews. The data were analyzed through a content analysis method using Maxqda 12.

Findings

The research revealed that the most relevant conflicts in the school context were related to a lack of compliance by the teachers to professional standards and the code of conduct required by the educational institution for teachers and the teachers’ lack of respect for the institutions’ ethical-deontological standards. The research also showed that the undisciplined behavior of the students, the poor quality of family life and a lack of parental supervision and guidance (involvement) play a huge part in the ongoing conflicts in the larger context of the school community.

Originality/value

Much research on school conflicts is based on school violence and student bullying. Labor disputes between teachers or between teachers and the school board are still analyzed. In this research, the particularity is a matter of seeing the conflicts of the school community involving parents and guardians.
The impact of RFID, IIoT, and Blockchain technologies on supply chain transparency
Authors: Zelbst Pamela J. , Green Kenneth W. , Sower Victor E. , Bond Philip L.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the combined impact of radio frequency identification (RFID), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Blockchain technologies on supply chain transparency (SCT).

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 211 US manufacturing managers is analyzed using a covariance-based structural equation modeling methodology.

Findings

The structural model fits the data relatively well. RFID technology directly and positively impact both IIoT and Blockchain technologies which, in turn, directly and positively impact SCT. RFID technology indirectly affects SCT through both IIoT technology and Blockchain technology.

Research limitations/implications

This study is the first to empirically assess the impact of RFID, IIoT and Blockchain technologies on SCT. First-wave empirical studies must be replicated to support generalization of the findings.

Practical implications

This study provides empirical evidence to support the implementation of a combination of RFID, IIoT and Blockchain technologies as infrastructure necessary to achieve end-to-end SCT.

Originality/value

New measurement scales for IIoT technology utilization and Blockchain technology utilization are developed and assessed for validity and reliability. This is the first study to assess the combined impact of RFID, IIoT and Blockchain technologies on SCT.
Why should I share knowledge with others? A review-based framework on events leading to knowledge hiding
Authors: Anand Amitabh , Centobelli Piera , Cerchione Roberto
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The significance of managing and sharing employee knowledge for successful organizational change, innovation, and for sustainable advantage has indeed been suggested by research since the last few decades. Despite numerous attempts to foster the sharing of knowledge in organizations, employees may not always be willing to share knowledge attributed due to personal beliefs or situational constraints leading to hiding of knowledge. This article provides a theoretical basis by identifying and illustrating the present and the possible myriad of knowledge hiding (KH) events by employees within organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing literature from numerous sources, this paper adopts synthesis and provides a review of the literature and proposes framework.

Findings

This paper identifies six broad drivers which may lead to KH, including: driven by situation explain the reason for unintentional hiding as a result of performance and competition leads to individual to have a motive to hide knowledge, driven by psychological ownership leads to controlled hiding, driven by hostility and abuse by employees or managers leads to victimized hiding and lastly driven by identity and norms leads to favoured hiding. Furthermore, this study uncovers three potential future events, which need managerial attention: negative reciprocity, influenced disengagement and perceived disengagement.

Originality/value

This paper also offers new insights to managers to understand the present events and foresee the possible reasons about the KH behaviour and how they can strategize to reduce these events and undergo organizational change.
Preparation of multifunctional AgNPs/PAN nanofiber membrane for air filtration by one-step process
Authors: Yang Wenxiu , Li Lin , Wang Shuo , Liu Jinshu
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to fabricate a high-performance filtration electrospun nanofiber membrane with antibacterial function. The Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) gotten by reducing AgNO3 act as antimicrobial agent. Then the AgNPs/Polyacrylonitrile (AgNPs/PAN) composite nanofiber membrane was prepared by electrospinning.

Design/methodology/approach

The electrospun Ag/PAN composite membrane was prepared by one step, in which the Ag particles were acting as antibacterial agent and PAN nanofiber as the upholder of the composite mat. AgNPs were obtained by reducing AgNO3 in N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) solution at high temperature. Meanwhile, the PAN particles were added to DMF solution and dissolved. Then the Ag/PAN nanofiber was obtained by electrospinning.

Findings

The thinner nanofiber can be produced with PAN concentration of 12 per cent and AgNPs concentration of 10 per cent. Finally, the filtration resistance of the composite membrane with antibacterial property is as high as 99.1 per cent, and the filtration efficiency is only 83 Pa. Therefore, the AgNPs/PAN composite membrane is the ideal choice for air filtration with antibacterial property.

Originality/value

The AgNPs/PAN composite nanofiber membrane has high filtration performance for particulate matter (PM)25 and outstanding antibacterial property to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which can be used with masks, air-conditioning filters (including car air-conditioning filters), window screening and other similar objects.
A CUSUM tool for retrospectively evaluating team performance: the case of the English Premier League
Authors: Beggs Clive , Bond Alexander John
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Despite being a widely used management technique, cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis remains almost unheard of in professional sport. To address this, CUSUM analysis of soccer match data from the English Premier League (EPL) was performed. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate CUSUM as a tool for assessing “on-field” team performance. As a secondary objective, the association between managerial change and team performance was evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

CUSUM was applied retrospectively to goal difference data for six EPL teams (Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham) over 23 consecutive seasons from 1995 to 2018. This was supplemented with change point analysis to identify structural changes in mean goal difference. Succession was evaluated by mapping historical managerial changes onto the CUSUM plots for the respective clubs.

Findings

CUSUM analysis revealed the presence of structural changes in four clubs. Two structural change points were identified for both Chelsea and Everton, one for Manchester United and Tottenham and none for Arsenal and Liverpool. Relatively few managerial changes coincided temporally with structural changes in “on-field” performance, with most appointments having minimal impact on long-term team performance. Other factors (e.g. changes in ownership) appear to have been influential.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited by the fact that only successful teams were investigated.

Practical implications

CUSUM analysis appears to have potential as a tool for executive decision-makers to evaluate performance outcomes in professional soccer.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its kind to use CUSUM analysis to evaluate team performance in professional soccer.
Think with me, or think for me? On the future role of artificial intelligence in marketing strategy formulation
Authors: Eriksson Theresa , Bigi Alessandro , Bonera Michelle
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper explores if and how Artificial Intelligence can contribute to marketing strategy formulation.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research based on exploratory in-depth interviews with industry experts currently working with artificial intelligence tools.

Findings

Key themes include: (1) Importance of AI in strategic marketing decision management; (2) Presence of AI in strategic decision management; (3) Role of AI in strategic decision management; (4) Importance of business culture for the use of AI; (5) Impact of AI on the business’ organizational model. A key consideration is a “creative-possibility perspective,” highlighting the future potential to use AI not only for rational but also for creative thinking purposes.

Research limitations/implications

This work is focused only on strategy creation as a deliberate process. For this, AI can be used as an effective response to the external contingencies of high volumes of data and uncertain environmental conditions, as well as being an effective response to the external contingencies of limited managerial cognition. A key future consideration is a “creative-possibility perspective.”

Practical implications

A practical extension of the Gartner Analytics Ascendancy Model (Maoz, 2013).

Originality/value

This paper aims to contribute knowledge relating to the role of AI in marketing strategy formulation and explores the potential avenues for future use of AI in the strategic marketing process. This is explored through the lens of contingency theory, and additionally, findings are expressed using the Gartner analytics ascendancy model.
Sulfated vizantin inhibits biofilm maturation by Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Oda Masataka , Kurosawa Mie , Yamamoto Hirofumi , Domon Hisanori , Takenaka Shoji , Ohsumi Tatsuya , Maekawa Tomoki , Yamasaki Naoto , Furue Yui , Terao Yutaka
Published: April 2020

Streptococcus mutans is the main pathogen of dental caries and adheres to the tooth surface via soluble and insoluble glucans produced by the bacterial glucosyltransferase enzyme. Thus, the S. mutans glucosyltransferase is an important virulence factor for this cariogenic bacterium. Sulfated vizantin effectively inhibits biofilm formation by S. mutans without affecting its growth. In this study, less S. mutans biofilm formation occurred on hydroxyapatite discs coated with sulfated vizantin than on noncoated discs. Sulfated vizantin showed no cytotoxicity against the human gingival cell line Ca9‐22. Sulfated vizantin dose‐dependently inhibited the extracellular release of cell‐free glucosyltransferase from S. mutans and enhanced the accumulation of cell‐associated glucosyltransferase, compared with that observed with untreated bacteria. Sulfated vizantin disrupted the localization balance between cell‐associated glucosyltransferase and cell‐free glucosyltransferase, resulting in inhibited biofilm maturation. These results indicate that sulfated vizantin can potentially serve as a novel agent for preventing dental caries.
Error Rates, Likelihood Ratios, and Jury Evaluation of Forensic Evidence
Authors: Garrett Brandon L. , Crozier William E. , Grady Rebecca
Published: April 2020

Forensic examiners regularly testify in criminal cases, informing the jurors whether crime scene evidence likely came from a source. In this study, we examine the impact of providing jurors with testimony further qualified by error rates and likelihood ratios, for expert testimony concerning two forensic disciplines: commonly used fingerprint comparison evidence and a novel technique involving voice comparison. Our method involved surveying mock jurors in Amazon Mechanical Turk (N = 897 laypeople) using written testimony and judicial instructions. Participants were more skeptical of voice analysis and generated fewer “guilty” decisions than for fingerprint analysis (B = 2.00, OR = 7.06, p = <0.000). We found that error rate information most strongly decreased “guilty” votes relative to no qualifying information for participants who heard fingerprint evidence (but not those that heard voice analysis evidence; B = −1.16, OR = 0.32, p = 0.007). We also found that error rates and conclusion types led to a greater decrease on “guilty” votes for fingerprint evidence than voice evidence (B = 1.44, OR = 4.23, p = 0.021). We conclude that these results suggest jurors adjust the weight placed on forensic evidence depending on their prior views about its reliability. Future research should develop testimony and judicial instructions that can better inform jurors of the strengths and limitations of forensic evidence.
jackalope: A swift, versatile phylogenomic and high‐throughput sequencing simulator
Authors: Nell Lucas A.
Published: April 2020

High‐throughput sequencing (HTS) is central to the study of population genomics and has an increasingly important role in constructing phylogenies. Choices in research design for sequencing projects can include a wide range of factors, such as sequencing platform, depth of coverage and bioinformatic tools. Simulating HTS data better informs these decisions, as users can validate software by comparing output to the known simulation parameters. However, current standalone HTS simulators cannot generate variant haplotypes under even somewhat complex evolutionary scenarios, such as recombination or demographic change. This greatly reduces their usefulness for fields such as population genomics and phylogenomics. Here I present theRpackagejackalopethat simply and efficiently simulates (i) sets of variant haplotypes from a reference genome and (ii) reads from both Illumina and Pacific Biosciences platforms. Haplotypes can be simulated using phylogenies, gene trees, coalescent‐simulation output, population‐genomic summary statistics, and Variant Call Format (VCF) files.jackalopecan simulate single, paired‐end or mate‐pair Illumina reads, as well as reads from Pacific Biosciences. These simulations include sequencing errors, mapping qualities, multiplexing and optical/PCR duplicates. It can read reference genomes fromfastafiles and can simulate new ones, and all outputs can be written to standard file formats.jackalopeis available for Mac, Windows and Linux systems.
One Cryptocurrency to Explain Them All? Understanding the Importance of Bitcoin in Cryptocurrency Returns
Authors: Smales Lee Alan
Published: April 2020

We utilise principal component analysis to determine whether a (small) set of factors can explain cryptocurrency returns and whether this varies over time. We find that a substantial proportion of cryptocurrency return variation is explained by a single principal component that is highly correlated with bitcoin returns. The explanatory power of this factor is greatest for larger cryptocurrencies and increases markedly in the most recent part of the sample. Our results have implications for investors determining optimal portfolio decisions and for policy‐makers wary of systemic risk.
The effect of rocuronium on ventilatory leak and sealing pressure using a supraglottic airway device: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Fujimoto Masafumi , Kubota Fumiyo , Yamamoto Tatsuo
Published: April 2020

Background

The transition of ventilatory leak and sealing pressure in supraglottic airway devices after administration of neuromuscular blocking agents is unclear. We hypothesized that ventilatory leak would decrease due to the increase in sealing pressure after administration of 0.15 and 0.30 mg/kg rocuronium iv.

Methods

Forty patients were randomly assigned to a control group or one of two rocuronium groups. After induction of general anaesthesia, an i‐gel® was inserted before rocuronium administration. The ventilatory leak and sealing pressure were measured immediately. Then, 0.15 mg/kg or 0.30 mg/kg rocuronium iv was administered and the ventilatory leak and sealing pressure were measured again. In the control group, measurements were obtained just after insertion of the supraglottic airway device and 5 minutes later, without any additional drug administration.

Results

Similar decrements in ventilatory leak of approximately 3% were registered in all three groups. There were no changes in sealing pressure in any of the groups. However, multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the reduced height of the first twitch response to train‐of‐four stimulation after administration of rocuronium was a determinant of a decrease in sealing pressure (odds ratio: 0.97, 95% confidence interval: 0.95‐0.99, P = .04).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that ventilatory leak with a supraglottic airway device decreases independently of neuromuscular blockade, although the neuromuscular blockade may potentially decrease sealing pressure.

Registration of Clinical trials: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (registration ID: UMIN000027061, URL: https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000031018).