bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SCReadCounts: Estimation of cell-level SNVs from scRNA-seq data
Authors: Prashant NM , Alomran Nawaf , Chen Yu , Liu Hongyu , Bousounis Pavlos , Movassagh Mercedeh , Edwards Nathan , Horvath Anelia
Published: November 2020

Recent studies have demonstrated the utility of scRNA-seq SNVs to distinguish tumor from normal cells, characterize intra-tumoral heterogeneity, and define mutation-associated expression signatures. In addition to cancer studies, SNVs from single cells have been useful in studies of transcriptional burst kinetics, allelic expression, chromosome X inactivation, ploidy estimations, and haplotype inference. To aid these types of studies, we have developed a tool, SCReadCounts, for cell-level tabulation of the sequencing read counts bearing SNV reference and variant alleles from barcoded scRNA-seq alignments. Provided genomic loci and expected alleles, SCReadCounts generates cell-SNV matrices with the absolute variant- and reference-harboring read counts, as well as cell-SNV matrices of expressed Variant Allele Fraction (VAFRNA) suitable for a variety of downstream applications. We demonstrate three different SCReadCounts applications on 59,884 cells from seven neuroblastoma samples: (1) estimation of cell-level expression of known somatic mutations and RNA-editing sites, (2) estimation of celllevel allele expression of germline heterozygous SNVs, and (3) a discovery mode assessment of the reference and each of the three alternative nucleotides at genomic positions of interest that does not require prior SNV information. For the later, we applied SCReadCounts on the coding regions ofKRAS, where it identified known and novel recurrent somatic mutations in a low-to-moderate proportion of cells. The SCReadCounts read counts module is benchmarked against the analogous modules of GATK and Samtools. SCReadCounts is freely available (https://github.com/HorvathLab/NGS) as 64-bit self-contained binary distributions for Linux and MacOS, in addition to Python source.
STREME: Accurate and versatile sequence motif discovery
Authors: Bailey Timothy L.
Published: November 2020

Sequence motif discovery algorithms can identify novel sequence patterns that perform biological functions in DNA, RNA and protein sequences—for example, the binding site motifs of DNA- and RNA-binding proteins. The STREME algorithm presented here advances the state-of-the-art inab initiomotif discovery in terms of both accuracy and versatility. Usingin vivoDNA (ChIP-seq) and RNA (CLIP-seq) data, and validating motifs with reference motifs derived fromin vitrodata, we show that STREME is more accurate, sensitive, thorough and rapid than several widely used algorithms (DREME, HOMER, MEME, Peak-motifs and Weeder). STREME’s capabilities include the ability to find motifs in datasets with hundreds of thousands of sequences, to find both short and long motifs (from 3 to 30 positions), to perform differential motif discovery in pairs of sequence datasets, and to find motifs in sequences over virtually any alphabet (DNA, RNA, protein and user-defined alphabets). Unlike most motif discovery algorithms, STREME accurately estimates and reports the statistical significance of each motif that it discovers. STREME is easy to use via its web server athttp://meme-suite.org, and is fully integrated with the widely-used MEME Suite of sequence analysis tools, which can be freely downloaded at the same web site for non-commercial use.
Universal constraints on protein evolution in the long-term evolution experiment withEscherichia coli
Authors: Maddamsetti Rohan
Published: November 2020

Although it is well known that abundant proteins evolve slowly across the tree of life, there is little consensus for why this is true. Here, I report that abundant proteins evolve slowly in the hypermutator populations of Lenski’s long-term evolution experiment withEscherichia coli(LTEE). Specifically, the density of all observed mutations per gene, as measured in metagenomic time series covering 60,000 generations of the LTEE, significantly anti-correlates with mRNA abundance, protein abundance, and degree of protein-protein interaction. The same pattern holds for nonsynonymous mutation density. However, synonymous mutation density, measured across the LTEE hypermutator populations, positively correlates with protein abundance. These results show that universal constraints on protein evolution are visible in data spanning three decades of experimental evolution. Therefore, it should be possible to design experiments to answer why abundant proteins evolve slowly.

Significance Statement

A universal evolutionary pattern is that highly abundant and highly interacting proteins evolve slowly. This pattern was discovered in analyses that cover millions of years’ worth of sequence variation, so it is not clear how long it takes (decades, centuries, millennia) for such patterns to emerge. Here, I report that this universal evolutionary pattern emerges in metagenomic data that cover just 30 years of experimental evolution.
Gene edited fluorescent cerebral organoids to study human brain function and disease
Authors: Bachmann Lisa , Villarejo Lucia Gallego , Heinen Natalie , Marks David , Müller Thorsten
Published: November 2020

Cerebral organoids are a promising model to study human brain function and disease, though the high inter-organoid variability of the mini-brains is still challenging. To overcome this limitation, we introduce the method of labeled mixed organoids generated from two different hiPSC lines, which enables the identification of cells from different origin within a single organoid. The method combines a gene editing workflow and subsequent organoid differentiation and offers a unique tool to study gene function in a complex human 3D tissue-like model. Using a CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing approach, different fluorescent proteins were fused to β-actin or lamin B1 in hiPSCs and subsequently used as a marker to identify each cell line. Mixtures of differently edited cells were seeded to induce embryoid body formation and cerebral organoid differentiation. As a consequence, the development of the 3D tissue was detectable by live confocal fluorescence microscopy and immunofluorescence staining in fixed samples. Analysis of mixed organoids allowed the identification and examination of specifically labeled cells in the organoid that belong to each of the two hiPSC donor lines. We demonstrate that a direct comparison of the individual cells is possible by having the edited and the control (or the two differentially labeled) cells within the same organoid, and thus the mixed organoids overcome the inter-organoid inhomogeneity limitations. The approach aims to pave the way for the reliable analysis of human genetic disorders by the use of organoids and to fundamentally understand the molecular mechanisms underlying pathological conditions.
Core self-evaluations and psychological well-being: the mediating role of work-to-family enrichment
Authors: Sahin Saiyada Ghzalah , Pal Suchitra , Hughes Brian M.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

How or whether dimensions of work-to-family enrichment (WFE) mediate the relationship between an individual's core self-evaluations (CSEs) and their psychological well-being (PWB) is yet to be explained. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of three WFE dimensions in mediating between CSEs and PWB in Indian bank employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study collected data from 222 full-time bank employees working in Indian nationalized banks. The authors tested the study hypotheses using parallel mediation analysis.

Findings

The result showed positive associations among CSEs, all WFE dimensions (development, affect and capital-based) and PWB. Parallel mediation analysis suggested that two WFE dimensions (affect and capital-based) mediated the relationship between CSEs and PWB.

Research limitations/implications

The use of a single source of data (Indian nationalized banks) limits the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

Senior management at these banks may build a happier and more satisfied workforce by implementing appropriate training and personality development programs. Empowering and rewarding employees for the desired performances may help them appreciate their self-worth, enrich their quality of life (by gaining positive resources from work-family interactions) and ultimately improve their PWB.

Originality/value

The research literature has been relatively silent on the mediating role of individual dimensions of WFE. The present study adds to the existing body of knowledge by exploring the role of individual dimension-based WFE in the relationship between CSEs and PWB.
Assessing and allocating the financial viability risk factors in public-private partnership wastewater treatment plant projects
Authors: El-Kholy Amr Metwally , Akal Ahmed Yousry
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This research investigates the financial viability risk factors that threaten the private investor's economic scheme in the public private partnership (PPP) wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) projects in Egypt. The aims of this study are to: (1) illustrate and cluster the financial viability risk factors in accordance with the PPP WWTP projects' nature, (2) assess the risk factors' criticality degrees according to their severity and frequency levels of the financial viability, and (3) pinpoint the suited allocation of the financial viability risk factors between the public and private parties.

Design/methodology/approach

Relying on the previous analysts' endeavors, the questionnaire method, the fuzzy synthetic evaluation approach and the hypothetical normal distribution curve model; the severity, frequency, criticality and allocation preference of 32 financial viability risk factors were assessed from 12 Egyptian PPP experts.

Findings

The data analysis yielded that foreign exchange risk, currency risk/inflation, license risk, construction cost-overrun and late site handover are the key factors in arising the financial viability risk issue in the PPP WWTP projects. Considering the discussion of these key risks, the study summarized that the financial viability's key risk factors are notably be affected by the economic, political and administrative circumstances of the host county. Additionally, the inflation lesion was found to be the core reason of most of the key risk factors.

Originality/value

This research originality stems from its contribution to address the gab in the PPP risk assessment literature of the concessionaire's financial viability in the WWTP projects in a country of developing economy as Egypt. This, first, enriches the scholarly based knowledge of the PPP projects' risk analysts of the developing countries. Accordingly, it moves the current PPP risk assessment research further to deeply apprehend these markets' risks. Second, it equips the policymakers in the public and private sectors of such projects with a map that clarifies their assigned risk factors and the responsibilities that each party should bear to generate a mutual stable investment environment for achieving their aims successfully. This, indeed, paves the way for more private investments to be involved in the developing markets' PPP projects with a profitable satisfactory level for the private concessionaire. In the same vein, more WWTP projects, which are highly needed for the public sector and its people, are executed.
Institutionalised patriarchy and work-life balance (WLB) challenges for female medical doctors: the case of Nigeria
Authors: Nwagbara Uzoechi
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how institutionalised patriarchy triggers work-life-balance (WLB) challenges for Nigerian female medical doctors. It is focused on Nigeria to understand how its unique institutional context poses WLB challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Relying on exploratory qualitative approach based on 41 semi-structured interviews with female medical doctors in Nigeria and informed by institutional theory (IT), this study explores how patriarchal institutions create, maintain and transmit male dominance, exploitation and inequality in the family, workplace and larger society.

Findings

The findings of this study show that patriarchy exists not only in family but also in all structures and institutions that allow for control of women by men and further inequality and exploitation of women. It was also found that in contrast to research in the west, WLB challenges stemming from Nigeria's patriarchal institutions are significantly different because of the peculiar institutional frameworks framing them. Also, WLB challenges for female physicians while common to female doctors in western countries are more intense in developing countries, given their unique sociocultural and institutional realities.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of this study are that WLB challenges of female doctors are not fundamentally driven by individual choices but by broader contextual issues, which create and sustain such challenges. Further studies can be undertaken in private hospitals including quantitative approaches.

Originality/value

This research thus contributes to both institutional theory and WLB discourse from the perspective of developing countries.
The adoption of e-learning beyond MOOCs for higher education
Authors: Liu Chunhui
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore factors influencing university students’ intent to take formal lectures completely through e-learning with cloud meetings.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has surveyed Chinese students who have experienced e-learning with cloud meetings as well as traditional massive open online courses (MOOC) without live dialogues. The data are analysed based on structural equation modelling to assess factors influencing students’ intent to choose e-learning with cloud meetings.

Findings

The findings show that as per the technology acceptance model, e-learning students who find learning to be easier with cloud meetings than MOOCs believe cloud meeting courses to be more beneficial and thus are more willing to take e-learning with cloud meetings.

Originality/value

This study compares e-learning with cloud meetings with MOOCs without live dialogues for the first time to highlight the value of open dialogues in real time for effective e-learning.
Is TripAdvisor still relevant? The influence of review credibility, review usefulness, and ease of use on consumers’ continuance intention
Authors: Filieri Raffaele , Acikgoz Fulya , Ndou Valentina , Dwivedi Yogesh
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Recent figures show that users are discontinuing their usage of TripAdvisor, the leading user-generated content (UGC) platform in the tourism sector. Hence, it is relevant to study the factors that influence travelers’ continued use of TripAdvisor.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have integrated constructs from the technology acceptance model, information systems (IS) continuance model and electronic word of mouth literature. They used PLS-SEM (smartPLS V.3.2.8) to test the hypotheses using data from 297 users of TripAdvisor recruited through Prolific.

Findings

Findings reveal that perceived ease of use, online consumer review (OCR) credibility and OCR usefulness have a positive impact on customer satisfaction, which ultimately leads to continuance intention of UGC platforms. Customer satisfaction mediates the effect of the independent variables on continuance intention.

Practical implications

Managers of UGC platforms (i.e. TripAdvisor) can benefit from the findings of this study. Specifically, they should improve the ease of use of their platforms by facilitating travelers’ information searches. Moreover, they should use signals to make credible and helpful content stand out from the crowd of reviews.

Originality/value

This is the first study that adopts the IS continuance model in the travel and tourism literature to research the factors influencing consumers’ continued use of travel-based UGC platforms. Moreover, the authors have extended this model by including new constructs that are particularly relevant to UGC platforms, such as performance heuristics and OCR credibility.
From boycott to product judgment in the coronavirus era: Chinese products cases
Authors: LTIFI Moez
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explain the boycott of Chinese product during the COVID-19 crisis. Specifically, this paper attempt to empirically test the influence of boycott on the image brand and foreign product judgment, as well as to testing the influence of brand image on the judgment of these products.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from a stratified random sample (N= 300) of students and was analyzed by using the structural equation modeling method.

Findings

The results show that the boycott negatively influenced the brand image and valuation of foreign products. Also, empirical results confirm that the brand image of foreign products positively influenced consumer judgment.

Practical implications

The success of foreign products is because of a combination of adaptation and standardization strategies for foreign companies in a local market to resist ace to unexpected economic conditions. These strategies allowed foreign products to penetrate diverse markets and not to be considered as a “foreign” brand which must be boycotted even in health crisis. The internationalization of companies and the opening of subsidiaries in the targeted countries can be considered as a solution for them so that their products will not be boycotted by consumers and consider them as national products.

Originality/value

Although with the existence of several studies on the boycott of foreign products, little attention has been paid so far to assess its interactions in times of health crisis such as COVID-19 crisis. This study contributes to the existing the literature with a research model based on two theories. This study leads to a better understanding of the role of boycotting foreign products and its impact on the brand image of these products and their judgments by consumers. On the other hand, this study tested the effect of branding on the judgment of boycotted products. Indeed, no study has so far examined the influence of consumer boycotts on the brand image of boycotted products. The authors have already responded to this shortcoming by adding additional tests for verification, robustness and validation of the results obtained.
Measuring the maturity of service supply chain process: a new framework
Authors: Balouei Jamkhaneh Hadi , Safaei Ghadikolaei Abdol Hamid
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study is to develop a framework for measuring of service supply chain (SSC) maturity process.

Design/methodology/approach

The main framework of the SSC maturity was developed by reviewing the concepts and models of SSC, business excellence, maturity and supply chain performance evaluation. Then, the maturity level of each excellence criterion was defined in the proposed model by using the excellence criteria for SSC and the concept of Plan, Do, Check and Act (PDCA) cycle in combination with the process survey tools maturity model. Based on the excellence criteria and their maturity levels, a questionnaire was designed to practically measure the proposed framework.

Findings

The concepts and features of maturity levels defined for each of the excellence criteria were used to implement and operationalize the proposed framework and evaluate the SSC processes.

Practical implications

Through the assessment of the existing status of SSC processes, the findings allow managers to reach a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of such processes. Then, some opportunities are provided for improving each excellence criterion to enhance the performance of each process.

Originality/value

In fact, this study provides guidelines for organizations to measure their progress and performance and improve their management systems. The main advantages of the proposed SSC measurement framework include self-assessment facilitation, calculation of criteria scores and development of uses. The proposed model, like quality and productivity awards, can pave the way for increased competitiveness of the service industry.
Research on optimization of spindle bearing preload based on the efficiency coefficient method
Authors: He Pingping , Gao Feng , Li Yan , Wu Wenwu , Zhang Dongya
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to research on optimization of spindle bearing preload based on efficiency coefficient method and provide theoretical guidance for variable preload of intelligent spindle.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an established thermo-mechanical coupling model of angular contact ball bearing with fix-position preload, temperature rise and axial stiffness of the bearing at different speeds and preload are analyzed, and life of the bearing is estimated by the improved L-P theory. The bearing temperature rise, axial stiffness and life data are standardized, and the preload is optimized by the efficiency coefficient method according to the requirements of operating conditions.

Findings

The optimized preload meets comprehensive requirements of the bearing temperature rise, axial stiffness and life under different operating conditions.

Originality/value

In the past studies, it is rarely reported that temperature rise, stiffness and life of the bearing under thermo-mechanical coupling effect are used as objective functions to optimize preload at different speeds.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-06-2020-0205/
Non-Muslim consumers’ intention to purchase halal food products in Malaysia
Authors: Lim Yong Hion , Lada Suddin , Ullah Rahat , Abdul Adis Azaze-Azizi
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to identify the intention to purchase Halal food products amongst non-Muslim consumers in Malaysia, moderated by the acculturation effect.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured close-ended questionnaire was used to gather data through the random distribution of 397 non-Muslim consumers from the Alumni network of several private higher education institutions in Malaysia.

Findings

The collected data was analyzed through the structural equation modelling technique using partial least squares with SmartPLS 3.0. The result indicated that attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control were positively influenced by the purchase decision of Halal food products amongst non-Muslim consumers in Malaysia. Apart from that, the acculturation effect moderates the relationship between attitude and intention to purchase.

Research limitations/implications

This finding will contribute to academics, Halal food makers and government in understanding the Halal food purchase intention amongst non-Muslim consumers in Malaysia.

Practical implications

The outcome of this study can be used as an input for Halal entrepreneurship in terms of marketing and operation strategy. On the government aspect, this study also provides an implication on national public policy and strategic economic planning in developing overall national Halal policy.

Social implications

The social harmonization amongst the multiple races in Malaysia is partially contributed through the acculturation effect. The acculturation effect has been reflected through the food choice decision amongst Malaysian, despite of different religious belief and home culture background.

Originality/value

Research in studying Halal food purchase intention amongst non-Muslim consumers are scarce. This research is able to reinforce the theory of planned behavior model in dealing with Halal food choice decisions, taking into consideration of acculturation effect.
Lean production myths: an exploratory study
Authors: Saurin Tarcisio Abreu , Luz Tortorella Guilherme , Soliman Marlon , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper presents an exploratory investigation of myths on lean production (LP), by identifying, dispelling and assessing their pervasiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A list of myths was proposed mostly based on seminal LP texts and our rich experience from researching, teaching and consulting in lean journeys. Complexity thinking was adopted as a lens for dispelling the myths, as it challenged generalizations implied in myths. An investigation of the pervasiveness of the myths was also conducted, based on a survey with 120 academics and practitioners.

Findings

Ten myths were identified and dispelled. Survey's results indicated that belief in lean myths was more common among less experienced practitioners (<10 years), while experience was not a relevant factor for academics.

Research limitations/implications

The lean myths partly reflect the experience of the authors. Furthermore, a larger sample size is necessary for a full analysis of pervasiveness.

Practical implications

The lean myths might be underlying barriers to LP implementation (e.g. lack of knowledge of managers and workers), and they might be proactively accounted for in lean training and education programs.

Originality/value

This is the first work to explicitly frame a set of lean myths.
An econophysics approach to forecast bulk shipbuilding orderbook: an application of Newton’s law of gravitation
Authors: Sakalayen Quazi Mohammed Habibus , Duru Okan , Hirata Enna
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Bulk shipping mostly facilitates the smooth flow of raw materials around the globe. Regardless, forecasting a bulk shipbuilding orderbook is a seldom researched domain in the academic arena. This study aims to pioneer an econophysics approach coupled with an autoregressive data analysis technique for bulk shipbuilding order forecasting.

Design/methodology/approach

By offering an innovative forecasting method, this study provides a comprehensive but straightforward econophysics approach to forecast new shipbuilding order of bulk carrier. The model has been evaluated through autoregressive integrated moving average analysis, and the outcome indicates a relatively stable good fit.

Findings

The outcomes of the econophysics model indicate a relatively stable good fit. Although relevant maritime data and its quality need to be improved, the flexibility in refining the predictive variables ensure the robustness of this econophysics-based forecasting model.

Originality/value

By offering an innovative forecasting method, this study provides a comprehensive but straightforward econophysics approach to forecast new shipbuilding order of bulk carrier. The research result helps shipping investors make decision in a capital-intensive and uncertainty-prone environment.
Beware the politically skilled maverick: political skill interacts with maverickism to predict unethical decision-making
Authors: Gardiner Elliroma , Debrulle Jonas
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Across two studies, the current research investigates whether individuals high in maverickism, which incorporates tendencies of creativity, risk-taking, goal-orientation and disruption are likely to make poorer ethical decisions and whether political skill promotes or hinders good ethical judgment.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants completed an online questionnaire and an ethical dilemma.

Findings

Results with UK (Study 1,N = 300) and Australian workers (Study 2,N = 217) revealed that political skill significantly moderated the maverickism-unethical decision-making relationship. Unethical decision-making was highest for those high in maverickism and political skill.

Research limitations/implications

Results highlight that for individuals high in maverickism, political skill facilitates rather than reduces the breaching of ethical norms.

Practical implications

Results show that while political skill has traditionally been seen as adaptive in organizations, being politically skilled can contribute to engaging in unethical behavior.

Originality/value

This research provides a new and interesting view of how being politically skilled can negatively impact ethical behavior and identifies another individual difference variable, maverickism, which predicts unethical behavior.
Analysis of sweating by optical coherence tomography in patients with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis
Authors: Kato Kohei , Al‐Sobaihi Saber , Al‐Busani Hind , Nishizawa Aya , Ohmi Masato , Yokozeki Hiroo , Namiki Takeshi
Published: November 2020

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high‐resolution tomographic imaging technique that uses optical interference. OCT has enabled the non‐invasive three‐dimensional analysis of individual acrosyringia in the stratum corneum in human skin. However, no report on the measurement of sweating by OCT using clinical data from humans has been published to date. Twenty patients with hyperhidrosis and twenty healthy subjects were included in this study. Imaging of acrosyringia in the stratum corneum using OCT and measurement of the sweat rate using the ventilated capsule method were performed simultaneously. The hand grip exercise of the right hand was used as a load to induce sweating, and the left fingertip was measured before and after the exercise load. Five acrosyringia were extracted from each OCT image, and their volumes were calculated. The mean volume of each acrosyringium was divided by the thickness of the stratum corneum to calculate the mean cross‐sectional area of the acrosyringium. Furthermore, the number of sweat droplets on the skin surface was measured. The mean cross‐sectional area of acrosyringia after the load increased both in patients with hyperhidrosis and in healthy subjects (P < 0.001). The mean cross‐sectional area of acrosyringia of patients with hyperhidrosis was larger than that of healthy subjects (P < 0.001). The mean cross‐sectional area of acrosyringia and the sweat rate showed a positive correlation before and after the load (r = 0.88 to 0.91). The number of droplets also increased after the load (P < 0.001), and the number of droplets in patients with hyperhidrosis was higher than in healthy subjects (P < 0.001). Our study has shown that acrosyringia in the stratum corneum increase in proportion to the sweat rate. OCT is a rigorous and valuable method that can measure and quantify sweating in the body without being an invasive procedure.
The impact of pre‐eclampsia definitions on the identification of adverse outcome risk in hypertensive pregnancy – analyses from the CHIPS trial (Control of Hypertension in Pregnancy Study)
Authors: Magee LA , Singer J , Lee T , Rey E , Asztalos E , Hutton E , Helewa M , Logan AG , Ganzevoort W , Welch R , Thornton JG , Woo Kinshella ML , Green M , Tsigas E , von Dadelszen P ,   the CHIPS Study Group
Published: November 2020

Objective

To examine the association between pre‐eclampsia definition and pregnancy outcome.

Design

Secondary analysis of Control of Hypertension in Pregnancy Study (CHIPS) trial data.

Setting

International multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Population

In all, 987 women with non‐severe non‐proteinuric pregnancy hypertension.

Methods

We evaluated the association between pre‐eclampsia definitions and adverse pregnancy outcomes, stratified by hypertension type and blood pressure control.

Main outcome measures

Main CHIPS trial outcomes: primary (perinatal loss or high‐level neonatal care for >48 hours), secondary (serious maternal complications), birthweight <10th centile, severe maternal hypertension, delivery at <34 or <37 weeks, and maternal hospitalisation before birth.

Results

Of 979/987 women with informative data, 280 (28.6%) progressed to pre‐eclampsia defined restrictively by new proteinuria, and 471 (48.1%) to pre‐eclampsia defined broadly as proteinuria or one/more maternal symptoms, signs or abnormal laboratory tests. The broad (versus restrictive) definition had significantly higher sensitivities (range 62–79% versus 36–50%), lower specificities (range 53–65% versus 72–82%), and similar or higher diagnostic odds ratios and ‘true‐positive’ to ‘false‐positive’ ratios. Stratified analyses showed similar results. Addition of available fetoplacental manifestations (stillbirth or birthweight <10th centile) to the broad pre‐eclampsia definition improved sensitivity (74–87%).

Conclusions

A broad (versus restrictive) pre‐eclampsia definition better identifies women who develop adverse pregnancy outcomes. These findings should be replicated in a prospective study within routine healthcare to ensure that the anticipated increase in surveillance and intervention in a larger number of women with pre‐eclampsia is associated with improved outcomes, reasonable costs and congruence with women's values.

Tweetable abstract

A broad (versus restrictive) pre‐eclampsia definition better identifies the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Testing the input‐process‐output model of public participation
Authors: GALAIS CAROL , FERNÁNDEZ‐MARTÍNEZ JOSÉ LUIS , FONT JOAN , SMITH GRAHAM
Published: November 2020

The characteristics of participatory institutions can be articulated in three main dimensions: input, process and output. The common assumption is that a dependency relationship exists, with process serving as a mediator between input and output. This paper puts the model to a rare empirical test drawing on a unique dataset of 70 Spanish advisory councils. Through a combination of exploratory factor and path analyses, we analyse the dimensionality of input, process and output and investigate the direct and indirect impact of inputs on process and outputs. Our analysis provides evidence that input factors have a direct impact on the output factor transparency, but their impact on effects on policy and participant satisfaction is mediated by the process factor deliberation. Further, the capacity of the public administration to steer the advisory council (wardship) mediates negatively the impact of input variables on transparency. The analysis provides a nuanced account of how different input and process design characteristics of participatory institutions have profound direct and indirect effects on their outputs.
What is food‐to‐food fortification? A working definition and framework for evaluation of efficiency and implementation of best practices
Authors: Kruger Johanita , Taylor John R. N. , Ferruzzi Mario G. , Debelo Hawi
Published: November 2020

Food‐to‐food fortification (FtFF) is an emerging food‐based strategy that can complement current strategies in the ongoing fight against micronutrient deficiencies, but it has not been defined or characterized. This review has proposed a working definition of FtFF. Comparison with other main food‐based strategies clearly differentiates FtFF as an emerging strategy with the potential to address multiple micronutrient deficiencies simultaneously, with little dietary change required by consumers. A review of literature revealed that despite the limited number of studies (in vitro and in vivo), the diversity of food‐based fortificants investigated and some contradictory data, there are promising fortificants, which have the potential to improve the amount of bioavailable iron, zinc, and provitamin A from starchy staple foods. These fortificants are typically fruits and vegetables, with high mineral as well as ascorbic acid and β‐carotene contents. However, as the observed improvements in micronutrient bioavailability and status are relatively small, measuring the positive outcomes is more likely to be impactful only if the FtFF products are consumed as regular staples. Considering best practices in implementation of FtFF, raw material authentication and ingredient documentation are critical, especially as the contents of target micronutrients and bioavailability modulators as well as the microbiological quality of the plant‐based fortificants can vary substantially. Also, as there are only few developed supply chains for plant‐based fortificants, procurement of consistent materials may be problematic. This, however, provides the opportunity for value chain development, which can contribute towards the economic growth of communities, or hybrid approaches that leverage traditional premixes to standardize product micronutrient content.
Rapid point‐of‐care testing methods/devices for meat species identification: A review
Authors: Kumar Yogesh , Narsaiah Kairam
Published: November 2020

The authentication of animal species is an important issue due to an increasing trend of adulteration and mislabeling of animal species in processed meat products. Polymerase chain reaction is the most sensitive and specific technique for nucleic acid‐based animal species detection. However, it is a time‐consuming technique that requires costly thermocyclers and sophisticated labs. In recent times, there is a need of on‐site detection by point‐of‐care (POC) testing methods and devices under low‐resource settings. These POC devices must be affordable, sensitive, specific, user‐friendly, rapid and robust, equipment free, and delivered to the end users. POC devices should also confirm the concept of micro total analysis system. This review discusses POC testing methods and devices that have been developed for meat species identification. Recent developments in lateral flow assay‐based devices for the identification of animal species in meat products are also reviewed. Advancements in increasing the efficiency of lateral flow detection are also discussed.
Controlling management to deliver diversity and inclusion: Prospects and limits
Authors: Noon Mike , Ogbonna Emmanuel
Published: November 2020

This study explores the attempts by executives in an organisation with a strategic business case for diversity and inclusion to close the equality implementation gap—between what is espoused and what is achieved—through greater control over managers in order to direct their actions towards pro‐diversity objectives, with a specific focus on gender and ethnicity in the internal human resource development processes. Drawing on agency theory and exploring data from interviews with executives and senior managers in an exemplar case study (the UK division of a multinational professional services organisation), the study shows how increased control through mandatory diversity training, diversity targets and diversity monitoring can push managers towards making progressive steps but is ultimately constrained by the need for management discretion. The actions and counter narratives by managers reveal the limits of control and expose tensions in an approach that combines attitudinal change with behavioural control. The agency of managers means the equality implementation gap can be reduced but never completely closed.
Risk factors for progression and prognosis of primary Sjögren’s syndrome‐associated interstitial lung disease in a Chinese population
Authors: Xu Yuetong , Zhou Junfei , Dong Xin , Guo Xiaojuan , Lu Yuewu , Zheng Yi
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study explored differences between primary Sjögren's syndrome‐associated interstitial lung disease (pSS‐ILD) patients with and without ILD progression, and analyzed the factors affecting the progression and prognosis of pSS‐ILD.

Methods

This study is a retrospective cohort study which enrolled 113 pSS‐ILD patients hospitalized between 2011 and 2017.

Results

The 3‐year survival rate of the pSS‐ILD patients was 91.15%, and the 5‐year survival rate was 84.07%. Univariate analysis showed that Raynaud's syndrome, hypoproteinemia, extensive lung involvement, possible usual interstitial pneumonia pattern were risk factors for the progression of ILD in patients with pSS‐ILD, and cyclophosphamide was a protective factor for the progression of ILD in patients with pSS‐ILD. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that extensive lung involvement (odds ratio 4.143, 95% CI: 1.203‐14.267, P < .05) was an independent risk factor for the progression of pSS‐ILD. Cox hazard analysis showed that pSS‐ILD with hypoproteinemia (hazard ratio [HR] 17.758, 95% CI: 4.753‐66.340, P <‐ .05) and extensive lung involvement (HR 3.450, 95% CI: 1.419‐8.390, P < .05) were associated with worse survival of patients.

Conclusion

Extensive lung involvement is an independent risk factor for the progression of ILD in patients with pSS‐ILD. Hypoproteinemia and extensive lung involvement are independent risk factors for mortality in patients with pSS‐ILD, after controlling for potentially influential variables.
Oxytocin at elective caesarean delivery: a dose‐finding study in women with obesity
Authors: Peska E. , Balki M. , Maxwell C. , Ye X. Y. , Downey K. , Carvalho J. C. A.
Published: November 2020

Prophylactic oxytocin administration at the third stage of labour reduces blood loss and the need for additional uterotonic drugs. Obesity is known to be associated with an increased risk of uterine atony and postpartum haemorrhage. It is unknown whether women with obesity require higher doses of oxytocin in order to achieve adequate uterine tone after delivery. The purpose of this study was to establish the bolus dose of oxytocin required to initiate effective uterine contraction in 90% of women with obesity (the ED90) at elective caesarean delivery. We conducted a double‐blind dose‐finding study using the biased coin up‐down design method. Term pregnant women with a BMI ≥ 40 kg.m−2 undergoing elective caesarean delivery under regional anaesthesia were included. Those with conditions predisposing to postpartum haemorrhage were not included. Oxytocin was administered as an intravenous bolus over 1 minute upon delivery of the fetus. With the first woman receiving 0.5 IU, oxytocin doses were administered according to a sequential allocation scheme. The primary outcome measure was satisfactory uterine tone, as assessed by the operating obstetrician 2 minutes after administration of the oxytocin bolus. Secondary outcomes included the need for rescue uterotonic drugs, adverse effects and estimated blood loss. We studied 30 women with a mean (SD) BMI of 52.3 (7.6) kg.m‐2. The ED90 for oxytocin was 0.75 IU (95%CI 0.5–0.93 IU) by isotonic regression and 0.78 IU (95%CI 0.68–0.88 IU) by the Dixon and Mood method. Our results suggest that women with a BMI ≥ 40 kg.m‐2 require approximately twice as much oxytocin as those with a BMI < 40 kg.m‐2, in whom an ED90 of 0.35 IU (95%CI 0.15–0.52 IU) has previously been demonstrated.
X‐rays had little value in diagnosing children’s abnormal skull shapes, and primary care clinicians should refer concerns to specialist teams
Authors: O’Sullivan Hugh , Bracken Shirley , Doyle Jodie , Twomey Eilish , Murray Dylan J. , Kyne Louise
Published: November 2020

Aim

This study examined the consensus between the primary care radiological diagnosis and specialist clinical diagnosis of abnormal skull shapes in children.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of children treated at the National Paediatric Craniofacial Centre at Children's Health Ireland, Dublin, Ireland. Group 1 were referred by primary care colleagues concerned about suspected abnormal skull shapes from 1 January 2015 to 30 May 2017. These included cases where they sought specialist confirmation that the skull shape was normal. Group 2 underwent surgery for craniosynostosis from 1 January 2011 to 25 October 2017. The primary care skull X‐ray reports were examined for both groups to see whether they matched the specialist diagnosis.

Results

Group 1 comprised 300 children, and 59 (20%) had pre‐referral skull X‐rays. The primary care X‐ray reports and specialist diagnoses agreed in 44 (75%) cases, including 19 (43%) who had a normal skull shape. Group 2 comprised 274 children, and 63 (23%) had pre‐referral skull X‐rays. In this group, there was agreement in 41 (65%) diagnoses; however, the primary care X‐ray reports did not diagnose craniosynostosis for the remaining 22 (35%) children.

Conclusion

X‐rays were of little value in diagnosing abnormal skull shapes, especially craniosynostosis, and primary care clinicians should refer concerns to specialist teams.
The use of echocardiography as a health assessment tool in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas)
Authors: March DT , Marshall K , Swan G , Gerlach T , Smith H , Blyde D , Ariel E , Christidis L , Kelaher BP
Published: November 2020

There are limited techniques available to assess the health of sea turtles as physical examination has little correlation to clinical findings, and blood reference intervals are broad and provide limited prognostic significance. Advances in the portability of ultrasound machines allow echocardiography to be increasingly used in the health assessments of wild animals. This study performed blood analysis and echocardiograms on 11 green sea turtles upon admission to a rehabilitation clinic and six animals before release. Significant differences were seen between groups, with admission animals having significantly smaller diameters of the cavum arteriosum at systole and diastole, smaller E‐waves and an increased fractional shortening. Pre‐release animals displayed significant increases in the maximum blood velocities of both the pulmonary artery and the left aorta. Significant negative correlations were seen between fractional shortening and uric acid and between the velocity time integral of the pulmonary artery and urea. The pulmonary artery velocity time integral was also significantly correlated to the E wave. Furthermore, there was asynchrony between the cavum arteriosum and the cavum pulmonale and the detection of a parasitic granuloma in the ventricular outflow tract of one animal. Overall, the results suggest that cardiac function in stranded green sea turtles is significantly impaired and that echocardiography has applications in the health assessments of green sea turtles.
Fracture Patterns Design for Anisotropic Models with the Material Point Method
Authors: Cao Wei , Lyu Luan , Ren Xiaohua , Zhang Bob , Yang Zhixin , Wu Enhua
Published: November 2020

Physically plausible fracture animation is a challenging topic in computer graphics. Most of the existing approaches focus on the fracture of isotropic materials. We proposed a frame‐field method for the design of anisotropic brittle fracture patterns. In this case, the material anisotropy is determined by two parts: anisotropic elastic deformation and anisotropic damage mechanics. For the elastic deformation, we reformulate the constitutive model of hyperelastic materials to achieve anisotropy by adding additional energy density functions in particular directions. For the damage evolution, we propose an improved phase‐field fracture method to simulate the anisotropy by designing a deformation‐aware second‐order structural tensor. These two parts can present elastic anisotropy and fractured anisotropy independently, or they can be well coupled together to exhibit rich crack effects. To ensure the flexibility of simulation, we further introduce a frame‐field concept to assist in setting local anisotropy, similar to the fiber orientation of textiles. For the discretization of the deformable object, we adopt a novel Material Point Method(MPM) according to its fracture‐friendly nature. We also give some design criteria for anisotropic models through comparative analysis. Experiments show that our anisotropic method is able to be well integrated with the MPM scheme for simulating the dynamic fracture behavior of anisotropic materials.
Simulation of Arbitrarily‐shaped Magnetic Objects
Authors: Kim Seung‐wook , Han JungHyun
Published: November 2020

We propose a novel method for simulating rigid magnets in a stable way. It is based on analytic solutions of the magnetic vector potential and flux density, which make the magnetic forces and torques calculated using them seldom diverge. Therefore, our magnet simulations remain stable even though magnets are in close proximity or penetrate each other. Thanks to the stability, our method can simulate magnets of any shapes. Another strength of our method is that the time complexities for computing the magnetic forces and torques are significantly reduced, compared to the previous methods. Our method is easily integrated with classic rigid‐body simulators. The experiment results presented in this paper prove the stability and efficiency of our method.