bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing the unique features of each individual’s muscle activation signatures
Authors: Aeles Jeroen , Horst Fabian , Lapuschkin Sebastian , Lacourpaille Lilian , Hug François
Published: July 2020

There is growing evidence that each individual has unique movement patterns, or signatures. The exact origin of these movement signatures however, remains unknown. We developed an approach that can identify individual muscle activation signatures during two locomotor tasks (walking and pedalling). A linear Support Vector Machine was used to classify 78 participants based on their electromyographic (EMG) patterns measured on eight lower limb muscles. To provide insight into decision making by the machine learning classification model, a Layer-wise Relevance Propagation (LRP) approach was implemented. This enabled the model predictions to be decomposed into relevance scores for each individual input value. In other words, it provided information regarding which features of the time-varying EMG profiles were unique to each individual. Through extensive testing, we have shown that the LRP results, and by extent the activation signatures, are highly consistent between conditions and across days. In addition, they are minimally influenced by the dataset used to train the model. Additionally, we proposed a method for visualising each individual’s muscle activation signature, which has several potential clinical and scientific applications. This is the first study to provide conclusive evidence of the existence of individual muscle activation signatures.
Single-cell transcriptome analysis of the immunosuppressive effect of differential expression of tumor PD-L1 on responding TCR-T cells
Authors: Ding Renpeng , Liu Shang , Wang Shanshan , Chen Huanyi , Wang Fei , Xu Qumiao , Zhu Linnan , Dong Xuan , Gu Ying , Chao Cheng-Chi , Gao Qianqian
Published: July 2020

PD-L1 expression levels in tumors do not consistently predict cancer patients’ response to PD-(L)1 inhibitors. We therefore evaluated how tumor PD-L1 levels affect the anti-PD-(L)1 efficacy and T cell function. We used MART-1-specific TCR-T cells (TCR-TMART-1) stimulated with MART-127-35peptide-loaded MEL-526 tumor cells with different proportions of them expressing PD-L1 to perform cellular assays and high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing. Compared to control T cells, TCR-TMART-1were more sensitive to exhaustion and secreted lower pro-inflammatory but higher anti-inflammatory cytokines with increasing proportions of PD-L1+tumor cells. The colocalization of T cells and tumor cells in gene clusters correlated negatively with the proportion of PD-L1+tumor cells and positively with immune cell cytotoxicity. Moreover, elevated proportion of PD-L1+tumor cells increased PD-L1 expression and decreased PD-1 expression on T cells and enhanced T cell death. The expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in T cells and macrophages also correlated positively with COVID-19 severity.
An in-silico study on SARS-CoV-2: Its compatibility with human tRNA pool, and the polymorphism arising in a single lineage over a month
Authors: Victor Manish Prakash , Das Rohit , Ghosh Tapash Chandra
Published: July 2020

SARS-CoV-2 has caused a global pandemic that has costed enormous human lives in the recent past. The present study is an investigation of the viral codon adaptation, ORFs’ stability and tRNA co-adaptation with humans. We observed that for the codon usage bias in viral ssRNA, ORFs have near values of folding free energies and codon adaptation index with mRNAs of the human housekeeping CDS. However, the correlation between the stability of the ORFs in ssRNA and CAI is stronger than the mRNA stability and CAI of HKG, suggesting a greater expression capacity of SARS-CoV-2. Mutational analysis reflects polymorphism in the virus for ORF1ab, surface glycoprotein and nucleocapsid phosphoprotein ORFs. Non-synonymous mutations have shown non-polar substitutions. Out of the twelve mutations nine are for a higher t-RNA copy number. Viruses in general have high mutation rates. To understand the chances of survival for the mutated SARS-CoV-2 we did simulation for synonymous mutations. It resulted in 50% ORFs with higher stability than their native equivalents. Thus, considering only the synonymous mutations the virus can exhibit a lot of polymorphism. Collectively our data provides new insights for SARS-CoV-2 mutations and the human t-RNA compatibility.

Significance

Survivability of SARS-CoV-2 in humans is essential for its spread. It has overlapping genes exhibiting a high codon optimization with humans even after a higher codon usage bias. They seem to possess cognizance for high copy number t-RNA (cognate or near-cognate) in humans, while mutating. Even though, it has been well established that native transcripts posses the highest stability, our in-silico studies show that SARS-CoV-2 under mutations give rise to ORFs with higher stability. These results significantly present the virus’s ability and the credibility of survival for the mutants. Despite its focus on a geographical location it explains the ongoing behavior of SARS-CoV-2 for a steady existence in humans as all the different lineages have a common origin. Wuhan, China.
Limits and Convergence properties of the Sequentially Markovian Coalescent
Authors: Sellinger Thibaut , Awad Diala Abu , Tellier Aurélien
Published: July 2020

Many methods based on the Sequentially Markovian Coalescent (SMC) have been and are being developed. These methods make use of genome sequence data to uncover population demographic history. More recently, new methods have extended the original theoretical framework, allowing the simultaneous estimation of the demographic history and other biological variables. These methods can be applied to many different species, under different model assumptions, in hopes of unlocking the population/species evolutionary history. Although convergence proofs in particular cases have been given using simulated data, a clear outline of the performance limits of these methods is lacking. We here explore the limits of this methodology, as well as present a tool that can be used to help users quantify what information can be confidently retrieved from given datasets. In addition, we study the consequences for inference accuracy violating the hypotheses and the assumptions of SMC approaches, such as the presence of transposable elements, variable recombination and mutation rates along the sequence and SNP call errors. We also provide a new interpretation of the SMC through the use of the estimated transition matrix and offer recommendations for the most efficient use of these methods under budget constraints, notably through the building of data sets that would be better adapted for the biological question at hand.
An integrate-and-fire spiking neural network model simulating artificially induced cortical plasticity
Authors: Shupe Larry , Fetz Eberhard E.
Published: July 2020

We describe an integrate-and-fire (IF) spiking neural network that incorporates spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) and simulates the experimental outcomes of four different conditioning protocols that produce cortical plasticity. The original conditioning experiments were performed in freely moving non-human primates with an autonomous head-fixed bidirectional brain-computer interface. Three protocols involved closed-loop stimulation triggered from (a) spike activity of single cortical neurons, (b) EMG activity from forearm muscles, and (c) cycles of spontaneous cortical beta activity. A fourth protocol involved open-loop delivery of pairs of stimuli at neighboring cortical sites. The IF network that replicates the experimental results consists of 360 units with simulated membrane potentials produced by synaptic inputs and triggering a spike when reaching threshold. The 240 cortical units produce either excitatory or inhibitory post-synaptic potentials in their target units. In addition to the experimentally observed conditioning effects, the model also allows computation of underlying network behavior not originally documented. Furthermore, the model makes predictions about outcomes from protocols not yet investigated, including spike-triggered inhibition, gamma-triggered stimulation and disynaptic conditioning. The success of the simulations suggests that a simple voltage-based IF model incorporating STDP can capture the essential mechanisms mediating targeted plasticity with closed-loop stimulation.
Prevalence of underweight and it’s associated factors among children aged 6-59 months in Angolalla Tera district, Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Mengiste Leweyehu Alemaw , worku Yoseph , Abebe Endeshaw Degie , shiferaw Wondimeneh Shibabaw
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Undernutrition is a major public health problem all over the world. In Ethiopia, the child malnutrition rate is one of the most serious public health problems and the highest in the world. High malnutrition rates in the country pose a significant obstacle to achieving better child health outcomes.

Objectives

This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of underweight and its associated factors among 6-59months of age children in Angolela Tera district, northeast Ethiopia.

Methods

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted by a simple random sampling technique with a sample size of 414 enrolled mothers with 6-59months of children. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data. The data was entered using EPI DATA version 3.1and analysis was done by SPSS version 24 and WHO Anthro software was used for anthropometry calculation. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used.

Result

Among 414 mothers with child pairs the result of the current study indicated that 15.9% (95% CI: 12.6-19.6)were underweight. Being male (AOR=1.8;95%CI;1.04-3.16), birth interval below 24 months (AOR3.2=95%CI;1.59-6.71), average monthly family income less than 1596ETB (AOR4.9=95%: CI;2.53-9.76), Children having diarrhea in the past two weeks before the data collection (AOR =9.06; 95% CI: 3.14-26.12), and children having diarrhea within two weeks (AOR=2.06;95%: CI;1.07-3.96) were significantly associated with underweight.

Conclusion

This study revealed a high prevalence of underweight among children aged 6-59 months in the study area. All the concerned bodies should be strengthening the health extension program to improve and provide the necessary education for the community on nutritional programs, environmental sanitation, and diarrhea prevention.
Evaluating the Number of Different Genomes in a Metagenome by Means of the Compositional Spectra Approach
Authors: Kirzhner Valery , Toledano-Kitai Dvora , Volkovich Zeev
Published: July 2020

Determination of metagenome composition is still one of the most interesting problems of bioinformatics. It involves a wide range of mathematical methods, from probabilistic models of combinatorics to cluster analysis and pattern recognition techniques. The successful advance of rapid sequencing methods and fast and precise metagenome analysis will increase the diagnostic value of healthy or pathological human metagenomes. The article presents the theoretical foundations of the algorithm for calculating the number of different genomes in the medium under study. The approach is based on analysis of the compositional spectra of subsequently sequenced samples of the medium. Its essential feature is using random fluctuations in the bacteria number in different samples of the same metagenome. The possibility of effective implementation of the algorithm in the presence of data errors is also discussed. In the work, the algorithm of a metagenome evaluation is described, including the estimation of the genome number and the identification of the genomes with known compositional spectra. It should be emphasized that evaluating the genome number in a metagenome can be always helpful, regardless of the metagenome separation techniques, such as clustering the sequencing results or marker analysis.
The new silicone N99 half-piece respirator, VJR-NMU N99: A novel and effective tool to prevent COVID-19
Authors: Manomaipiboon Anan , Pupipatpab Sujaree , Chomdee Pongsathorn , Boonyapatkul Pathiporn , Trakarnvanich Thananda
Published: July 2020

Filter facepiece respirators (FFRs) are critical for preventing the transmission of respiratory tract infection disease, especially the dreadful coronavirus 2 (SARs-CoV-2). The N95 mask is a prototype, high-efficiency protective device that can effectively protect against airborne pathogens of less than 0.3 μm. The N95 mask is tightly fitting and has high filtration capacity. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to a greater requirement for FFR. This rising demand greatly exceeds current production capabilities and stockpiles, resulting in shortages. To address this, our team has invented a new type of half-piece respirator made from silicone and assembled with HEPA or elastostatic filter. A variety of methods have been used to evaluate this new device, including a qualitative fit test with the Bitrex® test kit and filtration test. The preliminary results showed that the new N99 respirators pass the fit test. The filtration tests also confirmed the superiority of N99 over traditional N95 masks, with a mean performance of protection greater than 95%. For the filters, we used two types: SafeStar, which is a kind of HEPA filter; and CareStar, which is considered an elastostatic filler. CareStar was developed to filter virus and bacteria in the operating room, with a limit duration of use up to 24 h, while the safe star was designed for 72 h use and has the quality equivalent to a HEPA filter. Our study demonstrated superior filtration efficacy of both filters, more than 98% even after 24 h of use. CareStar has significantly more filtration efficacy than a safe star (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the development of our new N99 half-piece respirator should ultimately be applicable to healthcare workers with at least non-inferiority to the previously used N 95 respirators.. Currently, the adequate supply of such equipment is not feasible. The advent of the new protective device will help protect healthcare workers and replenish the shortage of N95 respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Non-random segregation of sister chromosomes byEscherichia coliMukBEF axial cores
Authors: Mäkelä Jarno , Uphoff Stephan , Sherratt David J.
Published: July 2020

TheEscherichia colistructural maintenance of chromosomes complex, MukBEF, forms axial cores to chromosomes that determine their spatio-temporal organization. Here, we show that axial cores direct chromosome arms to opposite poles and generate the translational symmetry between newly replicated sister chromosomes. MatP, a replication terminus (ter) binding protein prevents chromosome rotation around the longitudinal cell axis by displacing MukBEF fromter, thereby maintaining the linear shape of axial cores. During DNA replication, MukBEF action directs lagging strands towards the cell center, marked by accumulation of DNA-bound β2-clamps in the wake of replisomes, in a process necessary for the translational symmetry of sister chromosomes. Finally, the ancestral (‘immortal’) template DNA strand, propagated from previous generations, is preferentially inherited by the cell forming at the old pole, dependent on MukBEF-MatP. The work demonstrates how chromosome organization-segregation can foster non-random inheritance of genetic material and provides a framework for understanding how chromosome conformation and dynamics shape subcellular organization.
MGIDI: towards an effective multivariate selection in biological experiments
Authors: Olivoto Tiago , Nardino Maicon
Published: July 2020

Summary

Multivariate data are common in biological experiments and using the information on multiple traits is crucial to make better decisions for treatment recommendations or genotype selection. However, identifying genotypes/treatments that combine high performance across many traits has been a challenger task. Classical linear multi-trait selection indexes are available, but the presence of multicollinearity and the arbitrary choosing of weighting coefficients may erode the genetic gains. We propose a novel approach for genotype selection and treatment recommendation based on multiple traits that overcome the fragility of classical linear indexes. Here, we use the distance between the genotypes/treatment with an ideotype defineda priorias a multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) to provide a selection process that is unique, easy-to-interpret, free from weighting coefficients and multicollinearity issues. The performance of the MGIDI index is assessed through a Monte Carlo simulation study where the percentage of success in selecting traits with desired gains is compared with classical and modern indexes under different scenarios. Two real plant datasets are used to illustrate the application of the index from breeders and agronomists’ points of view. Our experimental results indicate that MGIDI can effectively select superior treatments/genotypes based on multi-trait data, outperforming state-of-the-art methods, and helping practitioners to make better strategic decisions towards an effective multivariate selection in biological experiments.
Enhancing patient flow in emergency department (ED) using lean strategies–an integrated voice of customer and voice of process perspective
Authors: Alowad Ali , Samaranayake Premaratne , Ahsan Kazi , Alidrisi Hisham , Karim Azharul
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically investigate the patient flow and waiting time problems in hospital emergency departments (EDs) from an integrated voice of customer (VOC) and voice of process (VOP) perspective and to propose a new lean framework for ED process.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted to better understand patients' perceptions of ED services, lean tools such as process mapping and A3 problem-solving sheets were used to identify hidden process wastes and root-cause analysis was performed to determine the reasons of long waiting time in ED.

Findings

The results indicate that long waiting times in ED are major concerns for patients and affect the quality of ED services. It was revealed that limited bed capacity, unavailability of necessary staff, layout of ED, lack of understanding among patients about the nature of emergency services are main causes of delay. Addressing these issues using lean tools, integrated with the VOC and VOP perspectives can lead to improved patient flow, higher patient satisfaction and improvement in ED capacity. A future value stream map is proposed to streamline the ED activities and minimize waiting times.

Research limitations/implications

The research involves a relatively small sample from a single case study. The proposed approach will enable the ED administrators to avoid the ED overcrowding and streamline the entire ED process.

Originality/value

This research identified ED quality issues from the integration of VOC and VOP perspective and suggested appropriate lean tools to overcome these problems. This process improvement approach will enable the ED administrators to improve productivity and performance of hospitals.
Chartered status and public relations' struggle for legitimacy
Authors: Gregory Anne
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To appraise progress towards “the professional project” for the public relations profession in the UK using the Royal Charter application as a pivotal assessment point in the journey.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary and secondary, qualitative research, with participant observation and chronological and thematic analysis of archival documents at the time of the Charter process: 2003 to 2005. Two expert interviews were also conducted for a view on progress. The study is contextualised within the professions literature and the 2019 State of the Profession study undertaken by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

Findings

The Institute faced significant challenges during the Charter application raised by Institutions such as the Government Department for Education and Skills, including the diversity of the profession, standards of education and training, practitioner standards, including ethical, as indicated by their levels of membership and commitment to ongoing professional development. These challenges remain.

Research limitations/implications

Diversity, social acceptance, qualifications and professional progress provide an important, ongoing research agenda.

Practical implications

Social acceptance, qualifications and professional progress remain elusive for the practice and more radical action is required to achieve progress.

Social implications

The profession is making limited progress towards legitimacy. Continued press ambivalence, recent scandals, such as the Bell Pottinger affair in South Africa and jurisdictional infringement by other professions continue to threaten its attempts to move towards social closure.

Originality/value

This is the first academic article to chronicle the charter journey using the original documentation as source materials and the first to review progress towards the goals that chartered status signified for public relations.
Application of new algorithms on asymmetric cascaded multilevel inverter
Authors: Yahya Ashraf , Ali Syed M. Usman , Khan Muhammad Farhan
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Multilevel inverter (MLI) is an established design approach for inverter applications in medium-voltage and high-voltage range of applications. An asymmetric design synthesizes multiple DC input voltage sources of unequal magnitudes to generate a high-quality staircase sinewave comprising a large number of steps or levels. However, the implications of using sources of unequal magnitudes results in the requirements of a large variety of inverter switches and higher magnitudes of the total blocking voltage (TBV) rating of the inverter, which increase the cost. The purpose of this study is to present a solution based on algorithms for establishing DC source magnitudes and other design parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used in this study is to develop algorithms that bring an asymmetric cascaded MLI (ACMLI) design close to symmetric design. This approach then reduces the variety of switch ratings and minimizes the TBV of the inverter. Thus, the benefits of both asymmetric design (generation of a large number of voltage levels in the output waveform) and symmetric design (modularity) are achieved. The proposed algorithms can be applied to a number of ACMLI topologies, including classical cascaded H-bridge (CHB). The effectiveness of the proposed algorithms is validated by simulation in Matlab-Simulink and experimental setup.

Findings

Two new algorithms are proposed that reduce the number of variety of switches to just three. The variety can further be reduced to two under a specified condition. The algorithms are compared with the existing ones, and the results are promising in minimizing the TBV rating of the inverter, which results in cost reduction as well. For a specific case of four CHBs, the proposed Algorithm-1 produced 27% and Algorithm-2 produced 53% higher levels. Moreover, the presented algorithms produced minimum values of the TBV and resulted in minimum cost of inverter.

Originality/value

The proposed algorithms are novel in structure and have achieved the targeted values of minimized switch variety and reduced TBV ratings. Due to less variety, the inverter achieves a near symmetric design, which enables to attain the added advantages of modularity and reduced difference of power sharing among the DC sources.
A study of the grey relational model of interval numbers for panel data
Authors: Yin Kedong , Xu Tongtong , Li Xuemei , Cao Yun
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to deal with the grey relational problem of panel data with an attribute value of interval numbers. The grey relational model of interval number for panel data is constructed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

First, three kinds of interval grey relational operators for the behavior sequence of a dimensionless system are proposed. At the same time, the positive treatment method of interval numbers for cost-type and moderate-type indicators is put forward. On this basis, the correlation between the three-dimensional interval numbers of panel data is converted into the correlation between the two-dimensional interval numbers in time series and cross-sectional dimensions. The grey correlation coefficients of each scheme and the ideal scheme matrix are calculated in the two dimensions, respectively. Finally, the correlation degree of panel interval number and scheme ordering are obtained by arithmetic mean.

Findings

This paper proves that the grey relational model of the panel interval number still has the properties of normalization, uniqueness and proximity. It also avoids the problem that the results are not unique due to the different orders of objects in the panel data.

Practical implications

The effectiveness and practicability of the model is verified by taking supplier selection as an example. In fact, this model can also be widely used in agriculture, industry, society and other fields.

Originality/value

The accuracy of the relational results is higher and more accurate compared with the previous studies.
Developing innovation capabilities for upgrading in global value chains: evidence from China
Authors: Su Jingqin , Ma Huanhuan , Zhang Shuai
Published: July 2020

Purpose

In the face of fierce international competition for those participating in global value chains (GVCs), upgrading has been a central concern of emerging market firms (EMFs) that are trying to occupy higher value-added positions. However, although the innovation capabilities (ICs) have been generally considered critical to upgrading in GVCs, few studies have examined how IC is built up and then applied to the EMF upgrading process over time. To this end, the purpose of this paper is to investigate why and how EMFs can upgrade in GVCs through the development of their IC.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a multiple-case study of three supplier firms in China and their IC development processes, with a special focus on the nature of the firm-level upgrading in GVCs.

Findings

The results generate a process model of EMFs upgrading with respect to the development of IC. The model reveals how IC is built up through the firms' underlying systematic innovation activities, which enable firms to successfully upgrade within GVCs. In particular, the role played by contextual vulnerability in guiding firms to develop the appropriate IC, and the corresponding upgrading, is highlighted.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the micro-foundation in GVCs literature, especially the traditional static upgrading research of EMFs. The authors also contribute to existing IC development research. Meanwhile, the study focuses on the upgrading of three Chinese firms in the phone and LED industries. The generalizability to other emerging markets and industries may therefore be limited.

Practical implications

The study results show that EMFs could initially develop endogenous IC that focuses on process innovation as a means to establish a foundation for further upgrading. In addition, firms need to improve their ability to accurately sense contextual changes. As such, it would be valuable to understand their positions and characteristics within GVCs.

Originality/value

This paper investigates a process model of upgrading in GVCs through IC development in EMFs. This study also adds a dynamic micro-foundation to existing, rather macro and static GVCs studies.
Continuance adoption of mobile-based payments in Covid-19 context: an integrated framework of health belief model and expectation confirmation model
Authors: C.C. Sreelakshmi , Prathap Sangeetha K.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Shifting to mobile-based banking transactions from physical banking transactions can be considered as a social distancing mechanism, which helps to prevent the spread of Covid-19 virus. As the spread of Covid-19 is expected to continue for long, the continued usage of mobile-based payment services as a strategy to maintain social distancing has to prevail. Hence, this study aims to propose an integrated framework of mobile payments adoption and its continuance intention by integrating health belief model (HBM) and expectation confirmation model (ECM) of information system continuance.

Design/methodology/approach

The subject of the study constitutes new adopters of mobile payments. A total of 654 respondents participated in the survey. The conceptual model was empirically validated using structural equation modeling and serial mediation analysis.

Findings

The study found that the HBM constructs, namely, perceived severity, perceived susceptibility and self-efficacy significantly influenced adoption/confirmation of mobile-based payment services. The continuance intention was significantly predicted by perceived usefulness and perceived satisfaction. Furthermore, the perceived health threat (comprising perceived severity and perceived susceptibility) indirectly affects continuance intention through confirmation, perceived usefulness and satisfaction.

Practical implications

There are short-term and long-term implications for the study. Short-term implications include triggering the HBM at policy levels, to adopt mobile payments/banking as a means of social distancing in the wake of the increasing threat of Covid-19 in India. Long-term implication for service providers is to convert adopters into loyal consumers by enhancing usefulness and satisfaction.

Originality/value

The study proposes a novel attempt to explain the adoption and continuance of mobile-based payment as a preventive health behavior to contain the spread of Covid-19 outbreak. The study proposes an integrated framework of HBM and ECM to explain pre-adoption and post-adoption behavior of consumers with respect to mobile-based payment services during Covid-19 context.
Metallurgical and tribological aspects for squat formation in the aluminothermic weld HAZ edges of rails welded using aluminothermy
Authors: Alves Luiz Henrique Dias , Tepedino Tiago Carvalho , Masoumi Mohammad , Tressia Gustavo , Goldenstein Helio
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a metallurgical, mechanical and tribological characterization of the weld and heat-affected zone (HAZ) of aluminothermic welding of premium rails used in heavy haul, looking into the origins of the squat defects associated with rail wear.

Design/methodology/approach

A full factorial design of experiment was carried out for 24 welds of premium and super premium rails. The factors studied were chemical composition, welding gap and preheating time. The welds were inspected visually and by ultrasound to detect superficial and internal defects and characterized by macrographic analysis, hardness profile, tensile tests and microstructural characterization in scanning electronic microscopy. Pin-on-disk test were carried out to compare the tribological behavior of the different regions of the weld rail.

Findings

Squat formation was shown to be associated with spheroidized pearlite regions formed on the HAZ of the welds, presenting near half the hardness of the weld metal. Thermal analysis showed that spheroidized pearlite is a result of partial austenitization at these positions. Tribological tests showed that low hardness regions presented smaller wear resistance than both the weld metal and the parent rail. Tensile test of the whole region resulted in brittle fracture along the weld metal.

Originality/value

The results showed that it is essential to reduce the dimensions of the HAZ and the width of the hardness drop area to mitigate squat formation in the HAZ edges.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-01-2020-0020/
Managing change: role of leadership and diversity management
Authors: Vito Rosemary , Sethi Bharati
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The lived paid work experiences of two women (a European Canadian-born and a South Asian immigrant) demonstrate how low-quality leader–member exchanges and poor diversity management negatively influence employees' health, job satisfaction and retention during a period of major organizational change.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper combined a narrative case study with auto ethnography to examine the lived paid work experiences of the two female authors and identify common patterns of meaning within the data.

Findings

The analysis of personalized accounts demonstrate the damaging results of a failed change management initiative when leaders did not follow an organizational change model and used an authoritarian leadership style. Further, the low-quality leader–member exchanges and poor diversity management reduced authors' feelings of inclusion and negatively impacted their emotional and physical health, job satisfaction, and retention.

Research limitations/implications

New knowledge gained about leader–member exchange and diversity management has implications not only for leaders, but also human service managers. The data represents the authors' two perspectives, constraining generalizability. Larger samples of employees' narratives from diverse cultural/work backgrounds would be valuable to inform organizational change.

Practical implications

The paper provides practical reasons for leadership training and skill development in change management models.

Social implications

Given global demographic diversity, the findings are relevant to organizations, highlighting the importance of creating a climate of inclusion for workers' job satisfaction and retention and organizational success.

Originality/value

While the sample size (n = 2) is very small, using a combination of personal experience methods offered insights into the complexity of leader–member exchange and diversity management from workers' perspectives, and went beyond successful cases, adding value to organizational change research.
Examining differences in perceptions of trust, privacy and risk in home and public Wi-Fi internet channels
Authors: Kaleta Jeffrey P. , Mahadevan Lakshman
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Research of people’s perceptions of trust, privacy and risk on the internet has generally neglected the impact of the variety of channels used to access the internet. People primarily access the internet using internet channels at home, work, public Wi-Fi (hotspots) or through their mobile data network. The technology infrastructure of each of these channels combined with the vulnerabilities of the environment may form different perceptions, as it relates to trust, privacy and risk. The purpose of this study is to understand how people perceive the home and public Wi-Fi channel from a trust, privacy and risk perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Adapting existing trust, privacy and risk scales, the authors conducted a survey of people’s perceptions, as it relates to home and public Wi-Fi internet channels.

Findings

The results of this study suggest significant differences in people’s perception of trust and risk depending on an internet channel. However, with regard to privacy, the results of this study provide non-conclusive, yet intriguing, outcomes motivating the need for future studies.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that parses out people’s perceptions of trust, privacy and risk, as it pertains to specific internet channels. The authors expect future research to benefit from their findings of how different channel perceptions influence people’s online activities.
The provision of patron services in Chinese academic libraries responding to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Guo Yajun , Yang Zinan , Yang Zhishun , Liu Yan Quan , Bielefield Arlene , Tharp Gregory
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the measures employed in the provision of patron services in Chinese academic libraries responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the challenges and issues inherent in providing substantial services while undergoing a public health emergency.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses an analytical survey study of 137 Chinese academic libraries using data collected through a combination of website investigation, social media access and direct correspondences.

Findings

Over 94% of Chinese academic libraries released COVID-19-related information through their websites; the majority switched their service focus to partly or solely remotely online, including remote access, free electronic resources, virtual references reachable 24/7 and research support services deliverable online; services of print materials were altered to e-books for conveniences.

Research limitations/implications

It should be noted that the survey was conducted from February 12 to April 5, 2020; because of the rapid updates to the library's website and social media channels, the status of their patron services are in the process of dynamic changes and that there should be many libraries that have adopted some patron service methods, but this study is difficult to cover comprehensively. In addition, patron services carried out offline by the surveyed libraries but not disclosed on the online platform could not be analyzed in a way that would be consistent with the data provided by the survey.

Originality/value

By providing evidence of the current status of patron services in Chinese academic libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study helps fulfill the scant empirical attention given to the impact of nationwide public health crises on academic libraries and offers new data of the best practices that help library administrators enhance the impact, efficiency and value of library services to their target community users.
Exploring the effect of intellectual capital on financial performance: a study of Indian banks
Authors: Weqar Faizi , Khan Ahmed Musa , Haque Syed Mohammed Imamul
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to inspect the effect of intellectual capital (IC) on the financial performance (FP) of Indian banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the data of 58 Indian banks, namely, 20 nationalised banks, 17 private Indian banks and 21 private foreign banks, for the period between 2009 and 2018. A modified value-added intellectual coefficient methodology was used for measuring the efficiency of the IC.

Findings

The efficiency of IC significantly enhances the profitability and productivity of the Indian banks. Overall, human capital is the most substantial component of IC in augmenting the profitability and productivity of the Indian banking industry. Structural capital and physical capital are vital only for improving profitability while the contribution of relational capital towards the banks’ FP is nominal. The result also shows that amongst the three categories of Indian banks, private foreign banks are most efficient in leveraging their IC.

Research limitations/implications

The study results are only restricted to Indian banks and the data of only 58 banks are used for drawing the inferences.

Originality/value

The paper fills the void in the existing literature of IC and corporate FP by using the data set of Indian banks divided into the public sector, private Indian and private foreign banks.
Bioconvective peristaltic flow of a third-grade nanofluid embodying gyrotactic microorganisms in the presence of Cu-blood nanoparticles with permeable walls
Authors: Kotnurkar Asha Shivappa , Katagi Deepa C.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The current paper investigates the bioconvective third-grade nanofluid flow containing gyrotactic organisms with Copper-blood nanoparticles in permeable walls.

Design/methodology/approach

The equations governing the flow are solved by adopting the Adomian decomposition method.

Findings

The results show that the biconvection Peclet number decreases the density of motile microorganisms, and the Rayleigh number also decreases the velocity profile.

Practical implications

The present study can be applied to design the higher generation microsystems.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no such investigation has been carried out in the literature.
Sentiment analysis of consumer reviews – a comparison of organic and regular food products usage
Authors: Rajeswari B. , Madhavan S. , Venkatesakumar Ramakrishnan , Riasudeen S.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to compare online review characteristics, review length and review sentiment score between “organic” and “regular” food products. In addition, variations in the consumer sentiment scores across the review lengths are studied.

Design/methodology/approach

This study fits into the descriptive research design. From Amazon’s website, the consumer product reviews are scrapped. Using the text analytical package “sentiment” in R-Studio, we computed the sentiment scores and counted the number of words in each review. The mean sentiment scores and mean review length are compared for regular and organic products using one-way ANOVA. Sentiment score variation across review length and product class is studied through factorial ANOVA. Sample reviews of ghee and honey are used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The review length shows a significant difference between the regular and organic products. The mean number of words in the regular products reviews is significantly lower than the mean number of words in the organic product reviews. The regular products’ mean sentiment score is significantly lower than the mean sentiment score of organic products. The mean sentiment scores are not consistent between ghee and honey. Sentiment scores are better for organic honey and regular ghee products. For regular ghee products, longer reviews result in lower sentiment scores. For regular and organic versions of honey, longer reviews are associated with better sentiment scores.

Research limitations/implications

This study did not include the helpfulness of a review and the demographic data of the reviewers.

Practical implications

Sentiment scores’ variations across the regular and organic and product categories such as ghee and honey give a comprehensive feedback to the firms. It also indirectly communicates a brand’s evaluation by the consumers and the performance feedback for an upward extension like the organic category.

Social implications

Studies on organic category give feedback for environment-friendly products and consumer attitude shift towards safer products.

Originality/value

Very limited studies have reported the upward line extensions. The authors study the upward line extension organic and associated sentiment scores variation. The role of review length and its systematic influence on the sentiment scores, variations in the review due to the product nature (organic/regular) are unique contributions of this study.
What will make my child’s school safer? Parent perceptions of active shooter preparedness
Authors: Wallace Lacey Nicole
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine parent perceptions of school active shooter preparedness and prevention efforts, as well as parent perceptions of the risk of an active shooter event.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained in 2019 through an online survey of 182 Pennsylvania residents who were the parents or step-parents of children enrolled in pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten-12th or college/ university. Respondents were a subset of a state-representative sample of 668 individuals.

Findings

Actions taken by schools were largely unrelated to parent perceptions. Parents who reported that their child’s school had provided information about active shooters to students had better attitudes toward preventive efforts overall. Parents who reported that their child’s school had changed firearms policy perceived a higher level of risk. Parents were also asked to share what they felt their child’s school could do that would help them feel more prepared for an active shooter event. The most common response was for schools to install metal detectors or perform random metal detector checks.

Originality/value

While there is extensive research on the views of students about school safety and security and, to a lesser degree, the views of school administrators and teachers, parents have largely been neglected in school safety research.
Phasin interactome reveals the interplay ofPhaFwith the polyhydroxyalkanoate transcriptional regulatory proteinPhaDinPseudomonas putida
Authors: Tarazona Natalia A. , Hernández‐Arriaga Ana M. , Kniewel Ryan , Prieto M. Auxiliadora
Published: July 2020

Phasin PhaF, a multifunctional protein associated with the surface of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) granules that also interacts with the nucleoid, contributes significantly to PHA biogenesis in pseudomonads. As a protein present on the surface of PHA granules, PhaF participates in granule stabilization and segregation, whereas its deletion has a notable impact on overall transcriptome, PHA accumulation and cell physiology, suggesting more extensive functions besides solely being a granule structural protein. Here, we followed a systematic approach to detect potential interactions of PhaF with other components of the cell, which could pinpoint unexplored functions of PhaF in the regulation of PHA production. We determined the PhaF interactome inPseudomonas putidaKT2440 via pull‐down‐mass spectrometry (PD‐MS) experiments. PhaF complexed with PHA‐related proteins, phasin PhaI and the transcriptional regulator PhaD, interactions that were verified to be direct usingin vivotwo‐hybrid analysis. The determination of the PHA granule proteome showed that PhaI and three other potential PhaF interacting partners, but not PhaD, were granule‐associated proteins. Analysis of the interaction of PhaF and PhaD with thephaIpromoter by EMSA suggested a new role for PhaF in interacting with PhaD and raises new questions on the regulatory system controllingphagene expression.