bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studying the progress of COVID-19 outbreak in India using SIRD model
Authors: Chatterjee Saptarshi , Sarkar Apurba , Chatterjee Swarnajit , Karmakar Mintu , Paul Raja
Published: May 2020

We explore a standard epidemiological model, known as the SIRD model, to study the COVID-19 infection in India, and a few other countries around the world. We use (a) the stable cumulative infection of various countries and (b) the number of infection versus the tests carried out to evaluate the model. The time-dependent infection rate is set in the model to obtain the best fit with the available data. The model is simulated aiming to project the probable features of the infection in India, various Indian states, and other countries. India imposed an early lockdown to contain the infection that can be treated by its healthcare system. We find that with the current infection rate and containment measures, the total active infection in India would be maximum at the end of June or beginning of July 2020. With proper containment measures in the infected zones and social distancing, the infection is expected to fall considerably from August. If the containment measures are relaxed before the arrival of the peak infection, more people from the susceptible population will fall sick as the infection is expected to see a three-fold rise at the peak. If the relaxation is given a month after the peak infection, a second peak with a moderate infection will follow. However, a gradual relaxation applied well ahead of peak infection, leads to a two-fold increase in the peak infection. The projection of the model is highly sensitive to the choice of the parameters and the available data. Our model provides a semi-quantitative overview of the progression of COVID-19 in India, with model projections reasonably replicating the current progress. However, since the pandemic is an ongoing dynamic phenomenon, the reported results are subjected to regular updates in consonance with the acquired real data.
SIRT1 activity orchestrates ECM expression during hESC-chondrogenic differentiation
Authors: Smith Christopher A , Humphreys Paul A , Bates Nicola , Naven Mark A , Cain Stuart A , Dvir-Ginzberg Mona , Kimber Susan J
Published: May 2020

Epigenetic modification is a key driver of differentiation and the deacetylase Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) is an established regulator of cell function, ageing and articular cartilage homeostasis. Here we investigate the role of SIRT1 during development of chondrocytes by using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). HESC-chondroprogenitors were treated with SIRT1 activator; SRT1720, or inhibitor; EX527, at different development stages. Activation of SIRT1 during 3D-pellet culture led to significant increases in expression of ECM genes for type-II collagen (COL2A1) and aggrecan (ACAN), and chondrogenic transcription factorsSOX5andARID5B, with SOX5 ChIP analysis demonstrating enrichment on the ACAN –10 enhancer. Unexpectedly, while ACAN was enhanced, GAG retention in the matrix was reduced when SIRT1 was activated. Significantly,ARID5BandCOL2A1were positively correlated, with Co-IP indicating association of ARID5B with SIRT1 suggesting that COL2A1 expression is promoted by an ARID5B and SIRT1 interaction. In conclusion, SIRT1 activation positively impacts on the expression of the main ECM proteins, whilst altering ECM composition and suppressing GAG content during cartilage development. These results suggest that SIRT1 activity can be beneficial to cartilage development and matrix protein synthesis but tailored by addition of other positive GAG mediators.
Comparative analysis of antiviral efficacy of FDA-approved drugs against SARS-CoV-2 in human lung cells: Nafamostat is the most potent antiviral drug candidate
Authors: Ko Meehyun , Jeon Sangeun , Ryu Wang-Shick , Kim Seungtaek
Published: May 2020

Drug repositioning represents an effective way to control the current COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, we identified 24 FDA-approved drugs which exhibited substantial antiviral effect against SARS-CoV-2 in Vero cells. Since antiviral efficacy could be altered in different cell lines, we developed an antiviral screening assay with human lung cells, which is more appropriate than Vero cell. Comparative analysis of antiviral activities revealed that nafamostat is the most potent drug in human lung cells (IC50= 0.0022µM).
Expanding theCaenorhabditis elegansauxin-inducible degron system toolkit with internal expression and degradation controls and improved modular constructs for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing
Authors: Ashley Guinevere , Duong Tam , Levenson Max T. , Martinez Michael A. Q. , Hibshman Jonathan D. , Saeger Hannah N. , Doonan Ryan , Palmisano Nicholas J. , Martinez-Mendez Raquel , Davidson Brittany , Zhang Wan , Ragle James Matthew , Medwig-Kinney Taylor N. , Sirota Sydney S. , Goldstein Bob , Matus David Q. , Dickinson Daniel J. , Reiner David J. , Ward Jordan D.
Published: May 2020

The auxin-inducible degron (AID) system has emerged as a powerful tool to conditionally deplete proteins in a range of organisms and cell-types. Here, we describe a toolkit to augment the use of the AID system inCaenorhabditis elegans. We have generated a set of single-copy, tissue-specific (germline, intestine, neuron, muscle, hypodermis, seam cell, anchor cell) and pan-somaticTIR1-expressing strains carrying an equimolar co-expressed blue fluorescent reporter to enable use of both red and green channels in experiments. We have also constructed a set of plasmids to generate fluorescent protein::AID fusions through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing. These templates can be produced through frequently used cloning systems (Gibson assembly or SapTrap) or through ribonucleoprotein complex-mediated insertion of PCR-derived, linear repair templates. We have generated a set of sgRNA plasmids carrying modifications shown to boost editing efficiency, targeting standardized transgene insertion sites on chromosomes I and II. Together these reagents should complement existingTIR1strains and facilitate rapid and high-throughput fluorescent protein::AID* tagging of factors of interest. This battery of new TIR1-expressing strains and modular, efficient cloning vectors serves as a platform for facile assembly of CRISPR/Cas9 repair templates for conditional protein depletion.
Relationship between the composition of the digestive microbiota and the concentrations of opportunistic pathogens in intensive care patients
Authors: Fontaine Candice , Armand-Lefèvre Laurence , Maignan Mélanie , Nazimoudine Anissa , Timsit Jean-François , Ruppé Etienne
Published: May 2020

Objective

Infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB) are a major issue in intensive care. The intestinal and oropharyngeal microbiota being the reservoir of MDR-GNB. Our main objective was to assess the link between the composition of the intestinal and tracheal microbiota and colonization by MDR-GNB.

Methods

We performed a 2-month prospective, monocentric cohort study in the medical intensive care unit of our hospital. Patients ventilated >3 days and spontaneously passing faeces were included. A faecal sample and an endotracheal aspiration (EA) were collected twice a week. MDR-GNB but alsoEnterococcus faeciumand yeasts (as potential dysbiosis surrogate markers) were detected by culture methods. The composition of the intestinal and tracheal microbiota was assessed by 16S profiling.

Results

We collected 62 couples of faeces and EA from 31 patients, including 18 faeces and 9 EA positive for MDR-GNB. We did not observe a link between the diversity and the richness of the intestinal microbiota and the MDR-GNB intestinal relative abundance (RA). Conversely, we observed a negative link between the intestinal diversity and richness and the RA ofEnterococcusspp. (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The intestinal MDR-GNB RA was not associated to the diversity nor the richness of the intestinal microbiota, but that ofEnterococcusspp. was.
Skeletal muscle-derived Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells: influence of different culture conditions on proliferative and myogenic capabilities
Authors: Testa Stefano , Riera Carles Sanchez , Fornetti Ersilia , Riccio Federica , Fuoco Claudia , Bernardini Sergio , Baldi Jacopo , Costantini Marco , Foddai Maria Laura , Cannata Stefano , Gargioli Cesare
Published: May 2020

Skeletal muscle tissue is characterized by restrained self-regenerative capabilities, being ineffective in relation to trauma extension both in time span (e.g. chronic diseases) and in size (e.g. large trauma). For these reasons, tissue engineering and/or cellular therapies represent a valuable solution in the cases where the physiological healing process failed. Satellite cells, the putative skeletal muscle stem cells, have been the first solution explored to remedy the insufficient self-regeneration capacity. Nevertheless, some limitation related to donor age, muscle condition, expansion hitch and myogenic potentiality maintenance have limited their use as therapeutic tool. To overcome this hindrance, different stem cells population with myogenic capabilities have been investigated to evaluate their real potentiality for therapeutic approaches, but, as of today, the perfect cell candidate has not been identified yet.

In this work, we analyze the characteristics of skeletal muscle-derived human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs), showing the maintenance/increment of myogenic activity upon differential culture conditions. In particular, we investigate the influence of a commercial enriched growth medium (Cyto-Grow), and of a medium enriched with either human-derived serum (H.S.) or Platelet-rich Plasma (PrP), in order to set up a culture protocol useful for employing this cell population in clinical therapeutic strategies. The presented results reveal the remarkable effects of H.S. in the enhancement of hMSC proliferation and myogenic differentiation.
Interplay of septin amphipathic helices in sensing membrane-curvature and filament bundling
Authors: Woods Benjamin L. , Cannon Kevin S. , Gladfelter Amy S.
Published: May 2020

The curvature of the membrane defines cell shape. Septins are GTP-binding proteins that assemble into heteromeric complexes and polymerize into filaments at areas of micron-scale membrane curvature. An amphipathic helix (AH) domain within the septin complex is necessary and sufficient for septins to preferentially assemble onto micron-scale curvature. Here we report that the non-essential fungal septin, Shs1, also has an AH domain capable of recognizing membrane curvature. In mutants lacking a fully functional Cdc12 AH domain, the Shs1 AH domain becomes essential. Moreover, we find that the Cdc12 AH domain is also important for septin bundling, suggesting multiple functions for septin AH domains.
Androgen Regulates SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Levels and Is Associated with Severe COVID-19 Symptoms in Men
Authors: Ghazizadeh Zaniar , Majd Homa , Richter Mikayla , Samuel Ryan , Zekavat Seyedeh Maryam , Asgharian Hosseinali , Farahvashi Sina , Kalantari Ali , Ramirez Jonathan , Zhao Hongyu , Natarajan Pradeep , Goodarzi Hani , Fattahi Faranak
Published: May 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has led to a global health crisis, and yet our understanding of the disease pathophysiology and potential treatment options remains limited. SARS-CoV-2 infection occurs through binding and internalization of the viral spike protein to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on the host cell membrane. Lethal complications are caused by damage and failure of vital organs that express high levels of ACE2, including the lungs, the heart and the kidneys. Here, we established a high-throughput drug screening strategy to identify therapeutic candidates that reduce ACE2 levels in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) derived cardiac cells. Drug target analysis of validated hit compounds, including 5 alpha reductase inhibitors, revealed androgen signaling as a key modulator of ACE2 levels. Treatment with the 5 alpha reductase inhibitor dutasteride reduced ACE2 levels and internalization of recombinant spike receptor binding domain (Spike-RBD) in hESC-derived cardiac cells and human alveolar epithelial cells. Finally, clinical data on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients demonstrated that abnormal androgen states are significantly associated with severe disease complications and cardiac injury as measured by blood troponin T levels. These findings provide important insights on the mechanism of increased disease susceptibility in male COVID-19 patients and identify androgen receptor inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy.
Meta-analysis of transcriptomes of SARS-Cov2 infected human lung epithelial cells identifies transmembrane serine proteases co-expressed with ACE2 and biological processes related to viral entry, immunity, inflammation and cellular stress
Authors: Wruck Wasco , Adjaye James
Published: May 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic resulting from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which emerged in December 2019 in the Chinese city of Wuhan in the province Hubei has placed immense burden on national economies and global health. At present neither vaccination nor therapies are available although several antiviral agents such as remdesivir, originally an Ebola drug, nelfinavir, an HIV-1 protease inhibitor and other drugs such as lopinavir have been evaluated. Here, we performed a meta-analysis of RNA-sequencing data from three studies employing human lung epithelial cells. Of these one focused on lung epithelial cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. We aimed at identifying genes co-expressed with angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) the human cell entry receptor of SARS-CoV-2, and unveiled several genes correlated or inversely correlated with high significance, among the most significant of these was the transmembrane serine protease 4 (TMPRSS4). Serine proteases are known to be involved in the infection process by priming the virus spike protein. Pathway analysis revealed papilloma virus infection amongst the most significantly correlated pathways. Gene Ontologies revealed regulation of viral life cycle, immune responses, pro-inflammatory responses-several interleukins such as IL6, IL1, IL20 and IL33, IFI16 regulating the interferon response to a virus, chemo-attraction of macrophages, last and not least cellular stress resulting from activated Reactive Oxygen Species. We believe that this dataset will aid in a better understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) underlying COVID-19.
Arp2/3 complex-mediated actin assembly drives microtubule-independent motility and phagocytosis in the evolutionarily divergent amoebaNaegleria
Authors: Velle Katrina B. , Fritz-Laylin Lillian K.
Published: May 2020

Much of our current understanding of actin-driven phenotypes in eukaryotes has come from the “yeast to human” opisthokont lineage, as well as the related amoebozoa. Outside of these groups lies the genusNaegleria, which shared a common ancestor with humans over a billion years ago, and includes the deadly “brain-eating amoeba.” Unlike nearly every other known eukaryotic cell type,Naegleriaamoebae are thought to lack cytoplasmic microtubules. The absence of microtubules suggests that these amoebae rapidly crawl and phagocytose bacteria using actin alone. Although this makesNaegleriaa powerful system to probe actin-driven functions in the absence of microtubules, surprisingly little is known aboutNaegleria’s actin cytoskeleton. Here, we use microscopy and genomic analysis to show thatNaegleriaamoebae have an extensive actin cytoskeletal repertoire, complete with nucleators and nucleation promoting factors.Naegleriause this cytoskeletal machinery to generate Arp2/3-dependent lamellar protrusions, which correlate with the capacity to migrate and phagocytose bacteria. Because human cells also use Arp2/3-dependent lamellar protrusions for motility and phagocytosis, this work supports an evolutionarily ancient origin for these actin-driven processes and establishesNaegleriaas a natural model system for studying microtubule-independent cytoskeletal phenotypes.
Mammalian ATG9s drive the autophagosome formation by binding to LC3
Authors: Zhang Ting , Guo Lixia , Yang Yanan
Published: May 2020

The autophagosome is a membranous organelle that executes macroautophagy (call autophagy hereafter for the sake of brevity). Although the biogenesis of autophagosome depends on continuous acquirement of necessary membrane components to support its growth, the underlying mechanism has remained uncertain. Herein, we report that the mammalian ATG9 family members (maATG9s) play master roles in this process. We show that maATG9s directly localize to the growing autophagosomal membrane through their Ubiquitin-interacting motives (UIMs), which interact with the UIM docking site (UDS) on LC3, a component of the autophagosomal membrane. Interrupting the UIM-UDS interaction abrogates the maATG9s-LC3 binding, the localization of maATG9s to the growing autophagosome, and the autophagosome formation. Collectively, our findings show the first evidence that maATG9s act as primary autophagosomal membrane components to drive the autophagosome formation. As autophagy has been implicated in many human diseases, the identified maATG9s-LC3 interaction may serve as a target for manipulating pathological autophagosome formation.
Naturally acquired blocking human monoclonal antibodies toPlasmodium vivaxreticulocyte binding protein 2b
Authors: Chan Li-Jin , Gandhirajan Anugraha , Carias Lenore L. , Dietrich Melanie H. , Vadas Oscar , Visentin Remy , França Camila T. , Menant Sebastien , Soldati-Favre Dominique , Mueller Ivo , King Christopher L. , Tham Wai-Hong
Published: May 2020

Plasmodium vivaxpreferentially invades reticulocytes and recognition of these cells is mediated byP. vivaxReticulocyte Binding Protein 2b (PvRBP2b) binding to human Transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) and Transferrin (Tf). Longitudinal cohort studies in Papua New Guinea, Thailand and Brazil show that PvRBP2b antibodies are correlated with protection againstP. vivaxinfection and disease. Here, we isolated and characterized anti-PvRBP2b human monoclonal antibodies from two individuals in Cambodia with naturalP. vivaxinfection. These antibodies bind with high affinities and map to different regions of PvRBP2b. Several human antibodies blocked PvRBP2b binding to reticulocytes and inhibited complex formation with human TfR1-Tf. We describe different structural mechanisms for functional inhibition, including either steric hindrance with TfR1-Tf or the reticulocyte membrane. These results show that naturally acquired human antibodies against PvRBP2b can inhibit its function which is important forP. vivaxinvasion.
Tethering Piezo channels to the actin cytoskeleton for mechanogating via the E-cadherin-β-catenin mechanotransduction complex
Authors: Wang Jing , Jiang Jinghui , Yang Xuzhong , Wang Li , Xiao Bailong
Published: May 2020

The mechanically activated Piezo channel plays a versatile role in conferring mechanosensitivity to various cell types. However, how it incorporates its intrinsic mechanosensitivity and cellular components to effectively sense long-range mechanical perturbation across a cell remains elusive. Here we show that Piezo1 is biochemically and functionally tethered to the actin cytoskeleton via the E-cadherin-β-catenin mechanotransduction complex, whose perturbation significantly impairs Piezo1-mediated responses. Mechanistically, the adhesive extracellular domain of E-cadherin interacts with the cap domain of Piezo1 that controls the transmembrane gate, while its cytosolic tail might interact with the cytosolic domains of Piezo1 that are in close proximity to its intracellular gates, allowing a direct focus of adhesion-cytoskeleton-transmitted force for gating. Specific disruption of the intermolecular interactions prevents cytoskeleton-dependent gating of Piezo1. Thus, we propose a force-from-filament model to complement the previously suggested force-from-lipids model for mechanogating of Piezo channels, enabling them to serve as versatile and tunable mechanotransducers.

Highlights

Revealed biochemical and functional interactions between Piezo1 and the E-cadherin-β-catenin-F-actin mechanotransduction complex.

Identified critical mechanogating domains of Piezo1 as E-cadherin binding domains.

Specific disruption of the intermolecular interactions between Piezo1 and E-cadherin prevents cytoskeleton-dependent gating of Piezo1.

Proposed a tether model for mechanogating of Piezo channels.
Ten Years of the Maize Nested Association Mapping Population: Impact, Limitations, and Future Directions
Authors: Gage Joseph L. , Monier Brandon , Giri Anju , Buckler Edward S.
Published: May 2020

It has been just over a decade since the release of the maize (Zea mays) Nested Association Mapping (NAM) population. The NAM population has been and continues to be an invaluable resource for the maize genetics community and has yielded insights into the genetic architecture of complex traits. The parental lines have become some of the most well-characterized maize germplasm, and their de novo assemblies were recently made publicly available. As we enter an exciting new stage in maize genomics, this retrospective will summarize the design and intentions behind the NAM population; its application, the discoveries it has enabled, and its influence in other systems; and use the past decade of hindsight to consider whether and how it will remain useful in a new age of genomics.
Measurement of single-crystal piezo modulus by the method of diffraction of synchrotron radiation at angles near π
Authors: Gureva P. V. , Marchenkov N. V. , Artemev A. N. , Artemiev N. A. , Belyaev A. D. , Demkiv A. A. , Shishkov V. A.
Published: May 2020

This article presents measurements of the piezoelectric modulusd11of a single crystal of lanthanum gallium silicate (LGS, La3Ga5SiO14). The piezoelectric modulus was measured by X-ray diffraction at angles close to backscattering. Experiments in such schemes are very sensitive to relative changes in the lattice constant in crystals caused by external influences (constant or alternating electric field, mechanical load, temperature changeetc.). The development opportunity of the technique is shown, its applicability is evaluated and results of measurement of the LGS single-crystal piezo modulus by the method of diffraction of synchrotron radiation at angles near π are discussed.
Identification, classification and shortlisting of performance indicators for hospital facilities management
Authors: Lai Joseph , Yuen P.L.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to report on a study that aims to establish a list of systematically classified key performance indicators (KPIs) that are useful for hospital facilities management (FM).

Design/methodology/approach

A review of literature was conducted to identify indicators that are applicable to hospital FM. Each indicator was classified using a phase–hierarchy (P-H) model, which is a two-dimensional matrix comprising three phases (input, process and output) of facilities services delivery and three hierarchical FM levels (operational, tactical and strategic). The classified indicators were further shortlisted via a focus group study.

Findings

From the literature review, 61 indicators were identified as applicable to hospital FM. Most of the indicators, according to the P-H model, are for evaluating the FM input or output phase, at the strategic or tactical level. Further refinement and shortlisting of the indicators by the focus group experts resulted in 18 KPIs, which fall into 4 aspects: “physical”, “safety”, “environmental” and “financial”.

Research limitations/implications

The study illustrates that the P-H model is useful for classifying the performance indicators systematically along the two fundamental FM dimensions – phase and hierarchy. Further research may use this model to classify performance indicators in other contexts.

Practical implications

The method of this study can be adapted for use in identifying, classifying and shortlisting FM performance indicators for other types of buildings. The shortlisted KPIs can be used for assessing the FM performance of hospitals.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind that used the P-H model to classify hospital FM performance indicators.
Inclusive education for inclusive economic participation: the financial access channel
Authors: Asongu Simplice , Nnanna Joseph , Acha-Anyi Paul
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess how inclusive education affects inclusive economic participation through the financial access channel.

Design/methodology/approach

The focus is on 42 sub-Saharan African countries with data for the period 2004-2014. The empirical evidence is based on the generalised method of moments.

Findings

The following findings are established. First, inclusive secondary education moderates financial access to exert a positive net effect on female labour force participation. Second, inclusive “primary and secondary school education” and inclusive tertiary education modulate financial access for a negative net effect on female unemployment. Third, inclusive secondary education and inclusive tertiary education both moderate financial access for an overall positive net effect on female employment. To provide more gender macroeconomic management policy options, inclusive education thresholds for complementary policies are provided and discussed.

Originality/value

Policy implications are discussed in the light of challenges of economic development in the sub-region and sustainable development goals.
The emergence of China, Inc.: behind and beyond the trade war
Authors: Li Shaomin , Farrell Matthew
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Answering the call to study important issues in the real world (Buckley et al., 2017; Delios, 2017; Phan, 2019), and motivated by the trade war between the US and China, the authors look beyond it to examine the more fundamental issues behind it. From a political economy perspective, the authors examine the interplay of government, society and firms in China to identify new phenomena that may impact business with, and research on, China.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-case qualitative method is used to present and analyze evidence and develop our arguments. Specifically, we use scholarly sources, anecdotal evidence, reports, statistics and government documents and policies to support our arguments.

Findings

After four decades of economic reform, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) controls every aspect of the society. Living, working and doing business are not a right but a privilege granted by the party. To a great degree, state-owned firms are business units/subsidiaries, and private/foreign firms are franchisees of the party, with the party leader being the CEO of China, Inc. The interplay between China and other countries is essentially a competition between a huge corporation and other states.

Practical implications

At the firm level, our study suggests that for MNCs dealing with Chinese firms, they need to know that Chinese firms are units of China, Inc. Practitioners should take into account the long-term strategic goals of the CCP as well as business considerations when dealing with Chinese partners or competitors.

Social implications

At the country level, our study shows that other countries dealing with China must be aware that they are dealing with a huge corporation.

Originality/value

That the CCP runs China as a corporation is a new perspective that will help the international community reexamine global competition.
Reducing medication errors using lean six sigma methodology in a Thai hospital: an action research study
Authors: Trakulsunti Yaifa , Antony Jiju , Dempsey Mary , Brennan Attracta
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the use of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and its associated tools to reduce dispensing errors in an inpatient pharmacy of a teaching hospital in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

The action research methodology was used to illustrate the implementation of Lean Six Sigma through the collaboration between the researcher and participants. The project team followed the Lean Six Sigma Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC) methodology and applied its tools in various phases of the methodology.

Findings

The number of dispensing errors decreased from 6 to 2 incidents per 20,000 inpatient days per month between April 2018 and August 2019 representing a 66.66% reduction. The project has improved the dispensing process performance resulting in dispensing error reduction and improved patient safety. The communication channels between the hospital pharmacy and the pharmacy technicians have also been improved.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted in an inpatient pharmacy of a teaching hospital in Thailand. Therefore, the findings from this study cannot be generalized beyond the specific setting. However, the findings are applicable in the case of similar contexts and/or situations.

Originality/value

This is the first study that employs a continuous improvement methodology for the purpose of improving the dispensing process and the quality of care in a hospital. This study contributes to an understanding of how the application of action research can save patients' lives, improve patient safety and increase work satisfaction in the pharmacy service.
The internationalization of African fintech firms: marketing strategies for successful intra-Africa expansion
Authors: Hammerschlag Zara , Bick Geoff , Luiz John Manuel
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how African fintech firms adapt their marketing strategies for successful market expansion into new African countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study is qualitative in nature and utilizes semi-structured interviews at 14 African fintech firms.

Findings

The study reveals that, during intra-Africa expansion, firms adapt their marketing strategies by working with local people, prioritizing customer education, creating personal relationships with customers, adapting their communication strategies and pricing strategies and using social media. The strategies that have been most effective involve including the community in the marketing process, prioritizing relationships, segmenting customers geographically, educating customers about products, using local distribution partners and having a flexible approach to strategy adaptation.

Practical implications

It has been argued that technological innovation in Africa in areas such as financial services is a critical driver of its future development, because of the opportunity it presents to promote financial inclusion. Through an increase in venture capital investment on the continent, technological innovations in financial services have grown exponentially, and this study contributes to the understanding of the marketing strategies employed to gain market traction.

Originality/value

This study proposes that African fintech firms adopt a bottom-up, value proposition-driven marketing strategy to successfully navigate the environment. The proposed framework provides a lens through which to understand the components of successful strategy adaptation in Africa, against the backdrop of the unique market challenges inherent in this emerging market continent.
Implementation of passive compliance training on a parallel ankle rehabilitation robot to enhance safety
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Fan Wenpei , Dong Mingjie , Rong Xi
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to implement a passive compliance training strategy for our newly designed 2-UPS/RRR parallel ankle rehabilitation robot (PARR) to enhance its rehabilitation training safety.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a kinematic analysis of the PARR is introduced, and the mechanism ensures that the rotation centre of the ankle joint complex (AJC) coincides with robot’s rotation centre. Then, a passive compliance training strategy based on admittance control is described in detail and is implemented on our PARR.

Findings

Experiments involving healthy subjects were conducted, and the performance of trajectory tracking was quantitatively evaluated, with the results showing excellent compliance and trajectory tracking accuracy, which can ensure that a secondary injury to the AJC during passive rehabilitation training is avoided. The influence of different admittance parameters was also simulated and analysed, which can contribute to the development of adaptive parameter adjustment research.

Originality/value

The paper can be used to improve the effectiveness of ankle rehabilitation, to alleviate manual therapy problems in terms of labour intensiveness, precision and subjectivity and to ensure safety and comfort during rehabilitation sessions.
International stock markets Integration and dynamics of volatility spillover between the USA and South Asian markets: evidence from Global financial crisis
Authors: Habiba Umm E. , Peilong Shen , Zhang Wenlong , Hamid Kashif
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the cointegration and volatility spillover dynamics between the USA and South Asian stock markets, namely, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The main objective of this study is to provide the knowledge about integration of financial market and volatility spillovers before, during and after global financial crisis to investors, fund managers and policy-makers.

Design/methodology/approach

The Johansen and Juselius cointegration test, Granger Causality test and bivaraite EGARCH model have been applied in this study to examine integration and volatility spillovers between selected stock markets.

Findings

The findings show that long-term integration between the USA market and South Asian emerging stock markets. It is found that USA stock market has causal relationship with emerging stock markets in short-term. The findings of EGARCH model reveal that asymmetric volatility spillover effects significant in all selected stock markets in pre, during and post-crisis periods. Furthermore, significant volatility spillover is found from stock markets of USA to all selected South Asian markets during and post-crisis periods. However, volatility spillovers from USA to India and Sri-Lanka markets are significant, while insignificant in case of Pakistani market in pre-crisis period. Overall, we find that returns and volatility spillover effects are higher in financial crisis period as compared to non-financial crisis period.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper have important implications for investors, portfolio managers and policy-makers. They can take potential benefits from international portfolio diversification by considering all these facts. The understanding and knowledge of across volatility transmission help them to maximize the gains from diversification and minimize the risk. Policy-makers can develop such strategies which protect the markets of these economies from future financial crisis.

Originality/value

Although in finance literature numerous studies have been conducted on integration between different stock markets, most of the studies investigated the integration and volatility spillovers between developed stock markets. However, many studies also analyzed the integration among emerging stock markets in literature review but it is hard to find studies in the context of South Asian stock markets on the effect of global financial crisis on stock markets. The main contribution of this study is to investigate the stock markets integration and volatility transmission between the USA and South Asia by considering the effect of recent 2007 US subprime financial crisis.
Countering network poverty as a precursor to gang membership: bridging and social capital through temporary migration research and practice
Authors: Hesketh Robert Francis , Box Rachael
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to disseminate previous street gang research by Hesketh (2018) and the ongoing practice of Box (2015) in countering network poverty as a precursor to gang membership through bridging/social mixing.

Findings

The findings draw attention to the considerable amount of research, media reports and government policy that has intensified and pathologised the issue of gang membership and its causes in the UK. Moreover, they identify the effects of marginalisation and limited opportunity as the main protagonists and highlight how young disenfranchised people some more resilient than others cope with growing up in areas void of legitimate life choices and positive networks. In particular, the study finds evidence that bridging and the resulting social mixing as a result of temporary migration was highly significant in the decision to conform, desist or abstain from gang membership.

Research limitations/implications

Liverpool study involved males only (need to examine females within the Merseyside area) although London practice addresses both young men and women. The paper highlights the impact of bridging as an intervention in countering network poverty and friendship networks restricted to marginalised environments, leaving many young people vulnerable to gang involvement, knife and youth crime.

Practical implications

Impact of bridging on young people in the development of good social capital is as follows: it highlights actual practice of findings in deterring young people away from gangs and criminality; it highlights the need for more interventions aimed at bridging communities; and it identifies the need for interventions around young disenfranchised people (social intelligence).

Social implications

The evidence suggests that interventions involving bridging both internally and externally can be instrumental in developing policy that aims to deter young people away from street crime.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to provide originality in highlighting a process that has not been fully implemented within current policy involving young disenfranchised people, gangs and violence.
Research on dynamic data monitoring of steel structure building information using BIM
Authors: Xia Ying
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the dynamic monitoring of deformation damage of steel structure buildings in long-term use. Although the steel structure building has the advantage of high structural strength, it will be deformed after being affected by factors such as corrosion and impact during long-term use, and which will affect building safety, especially the public building facilities. The dynamic monitoring of its security is an indispensable means.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper briefly introduced the principle of building information modeling (BIM)-based steel structure building information monitoring and the dynamic information monitoring system based on this principle. Then the monitoring system was used to analyze an operational steel structure suspension bridge in Xinxiang City, Henan Province, China, and compared it with the monitoring system based on back propagation (BP) neural network.

Findings

The results showed that the fitting degree of the dynamic deformation displacement data processed by BIM-based monitoring system was higher than that processed by BP-based monitoring system. Based on the comprehensive comparison of the dynamic data of all monitoring points, the BIM-based monitoring system had higher accuracy of deformation displacement monitoring and reliability of structural safety evaluation.

Originality/value

In summary, the BIM-based steel structure building monitoring system can effectively monitor the dynamic information of steel structure information.
Analyzing antecedents affecting the organizational performance of start-up businesses
Authors: Hasani Tahereh , O'Reilly Norman
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to depict the effects and relative importance of technological, organizational, environmental and managerial factors on the organizational performance of start-up businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

This research’s primary data was collected from 389 start-up companies in Malaysia. Principle component analysis and the orthogonal model with Varimax rotation method are used to perform exploratory factor analysis test. Structural equation modelling is also used in confirmatory factor analysis to explore the relationships between independent and dependent variables.

Findings

The findings suggest positive effects of technological and environmental characteristics on the organizational performance of start-up businesses. The managerial characteristics do not have any positive effect on the organizational performance of start-up businesses. The organizational characteristics split into two parts: the availability of internal financial resources, which positively affects the organizational performance of start-up businesses; and the availability of business incubation, which does not have any important effect. Moreover, start-up companies should choose the one with the highest perceived advantage as it would have the most significant positive effect on their organizational performance. In addition, it was detected that venture capitalists’ (VCs) support has the most positive influence on organizational performance and social customer relationship management adoption even more than governmental supports in the context of Malaysia.

Originality/value

The proposed framework of this research can be used not only as a research tool for examining determinant factors affecting organizational performance of start-up businesses but also by governments, VCs and other investors to detect best-performing start-up businesses.
The relationships between buyers' mediated power and suppliers' psychologically defensive workplace behavior: case of Bangladeshi apparel manufacturing firms
Authors: Rana Md. Rafiqul Islam , Ha-Brookshire Jung E.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between the social power of apparel buyers from developed countries and the psychologically defensive workplace behavior (PDWB) of the suppliers from a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was used to collect 205 responses from the professionals who were working in the apparel exporting companies in Bangladesh. Data were analyzed quantitatively.

Findings

The results showed that the exercise of buyers' reward and coercive power was associated with the suppliers' perfectionistic workplace behavior. The exercise of buyers' coercive power was associated with the suppliers' arrogant-vindictive workplace behavior. The exercise of buyers' reward power was associated with the suppliers' narcissistic workplace behavior, and coercive power was found to be statistically suggestive.

Research limitations/implications

This study purposely used convenient and snowball sampling techniques to collect data from Bangladesh only. Future researchers could focus on random sampling from different countries to improve the generalizability of the research.

Practical implications

This study will help apparel buyers to better negotiate with Bangladeshi suppliers regarding maintaining proper workplace conditions and compliances. It will also help industry professionals to better educate suppliers on how to deal with workplace pressure.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature on social power and PDWB, specifically related to the apparel manufacturing industry, and will help illustrate the impact of workplace behavior in terms of corporate social responsibility beyond the usual measurement of the codes of conduct and compliance issues.
Organizational knowledge retention management using a constructivist multi-criteria model
Authors: Ensslin Leonardo , Carneiro Mussi Clarissa , Rolim Ensslin Sandra , Dutra Ademar , Pereira Bez Fontana Lydia
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to support the management of organizational knowledge retention through a multi-criteria decision aiding–constructivist model.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory and descriptive case study presents a decision support model guided by the constructivist approach and proactive in its operationalization.

Findings

The objectives and concerns of decision-makers regarding the retention of organizational knowledge are identified and organized into six strategic areas of concern, namely, recognition, knowledge dissemination, organizational culture, succession of professionals, management of vulnerability origins and knowledge management; a multi-criteria model is constructed and operationalized by a cluster of cardinal scales, showing and measuring the status quo of the performance profile, both in a local and global way, to support the management of the organization's knowledge retention; activities are classified into three performance levels (compromising, competitive and excellent), supported by graphical and numerical evidence; and the process to generate actions to improve the performance of critical activities and create the conditions to maximize the results of the organization is illustrated.

Practical implications

Based on the model, decision-makers are now aware of the essential aspects to support knowledge retention management, enabling them to monitor the current situation and proactively respond to ensure that the current knowledge potential is maintained and exploited.

Originality/value

Use of a constructivist approach to support the management of knowledge retention, incorporating into the model the specifics of the context and the values of its managers, and thus giving it legitimacy.
How do users evaluate personalized Facebook advertising? An analysis of consumer- and advertiser controlled factors
Authors: Van den Broeck Evert , Poels Karolien , Walrave Michel
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the role of five highly relevant advertiser- (i.e. personalization and ad placement) and consumer-controlled (i.e. privacy concerns, perceived relevance and Facebook motives) factors in the evaluation and perceived outcomes of personalized Facebook advertising as well as how these factors interrelate.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty-eight semi-structured interviews, in which elicitation techniques were used, were carried out among 25- to 55-year-old Facebook users.

Findings

The findings point to a complex tradeoff between the risks and benefits of personalized Facebook advertising, in which perceived relevance and Facebook use motives play a vital role.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on the general Facebook advertising experience, yet the elicitation techniques were applied only on the desktop website. Future research should look further into mobile advertising formats.

Practical implications

Personalization and retargeting algorithms could be improved and ads should be designed with the customers’ interests in mind to improve their effectiveness and reduce privacy concerns.

Originality/value

Social media advertising innovates at a high pace. Yet, the literature shows an urgent need for research into which ad formats and characteristics appeal to users and why (or why not). Qualitative studies into the determinants of advertising outcomes are scarce but highly needed because they can uncover complex interactions between factors and thus provide a deeper understanding.