bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Looking across diverse food system futures: Implications for climate change and the environment
Authors: Zurek Monika , Hebinck Aniek , Selomane Odirilwe
Published: November 2020

Agriculture and food systems are in urgent need of transformation. Various foresight reports unpack food systems’ challenges and propose diverse pathways of change towards sustainability. We interrogate the framings and proposed pathways of eleven selected reports from a food system perspective, with a focus on environmental and climate change implications. We synthesize key drivers of food systems and their impact on food system outcomes. We distil trends and strategies identified across the reports and their scenarios and discuss the diversity of ‘sustainability pathways’ and ‘solution spaces’. There is general agreement that resource protection and adaptation balanced with significant greenhouse gas emission reductions are vital to food system transformation. There is less consensus on the choice of change options and how to address potential trade-offs. While new technologies or consumption changes are described, more attention needs to be paid to overcoming blind spots like implications for equity or changes in governance mechanisms.
Risk of death among people with rare autoimmune diseases compared with the general population in England during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Peach Emily , Rutter Megan , Lanyon Peter , Grainge Matthew J , Hubbard Richard , Aston Jeanette , Bythell Mary , Stevens Sarah , Pearce Fiona
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To quantify the risk of death among people with rare autoimmune rheumatic diseases (RAIRD) during the UK 2020 COVID-19 pandemic compared with the general population, and compared with their pre-COVID risk.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study in Hospital Episode Statistics for England from 2003 onwards, and linked data from the NHS Personal Demographics Service. We used ONS published data for general population mortality rates.

Results

We included 168 691 people with a recorded diagnosis of RAIRD alive on 1 March 2020. Their median age was 61.7 (IQR 41.5–75.4) years, and 118 379 (70.2%) were female. Our case ascertainment methods had a positive predictive value of 85%. A total of 1815 (1.1%) participants died during March and April 2020. The age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) among people with RAIRD (3669.3; 95% CI: 3500.4, 3838.1 per 100 000 person-years) was 1.44 (95% CI: 1.42, 1.45) times higher than the average ASMR during the same months of the previous 5 years, whereas in the general population of England it was 1.38 times higher. Age-specific mortality rates in people with RAIRD compared with the pre-COVID rates were higher from the age of 35 upwards, whereas in the general population the increased risk began from age 55 upwards. Women had a greater increase in mortality rates during COVID-19 compared with men.

Conclusion

The risk of all-cause death is more prominently raised during COVID-19 among people with RAIRD than among the general population. We urgently need to quantify how much risk is due to COVID-19 infection and how much is due to disruption to health-care services.
The effects of synergistic blend of organic acid or antibiotic growth promoter on performance and antimicrobial resistance of bacteria in grow–finish pigs
Authors: Ngoc Tran Thi Bich , Oanh Duong Thi , Pineda Lane , Ayudhya Suparlark , de Groot Nienke , Han Yanming
Published: November 2020

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Selacid Green Growth (GG) or antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) on the performance and economics of grow–finish (GF) pigs. The Selacid GG is a blend of short-chain fatty acids (formic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, propionic acid, citric acid, and sorbic acid), buffered organic acid (ammonium formate), and a combination of medium-chain fatty acids (C8, C10, and C12). A total of 312 grower pigs (Yorkshire × Landrace × Duroc) with initial body weight (BW) of 26.5 ± 0.92 kg were used in a 90-d feeding trial. The pigs were allocated randomly to three treatments consisting of eight replicate pens with 13 pigs each. The treatments tested included a 1) negative control (control): basal diet without colistin and Selacid GG, 2) positive control (AGP): basal diet with colistin (20 g/ton), and 3) Feed additive (Selacid GG): basal diet with Selacid GG (2 kg/ton). The results showed that, over the entire period of the experiment, the dietary supplementation of Selacid GG elicited a similar effect as AGP on feed cost and on all growth parameters measured (P > 0.05). In relation to the control group, Selacid GG significantly improved the final BW (+3.4 kg or 3.6%), average daily gain (+39 g/pig or 5.3%), and gain:feed (+30 g or 8.1%) of pigs (P < 0.05). In addition, the feeding of Selacid GG reduced feed cost (−0.078 USD) per kilogram BW gain. The average daily feed intake was not affected by dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Escherichia coli was prevalent in 46 out of 48 fecal samples tested. All E. coli isolates were resistant to colistin, amox-colistin, ciprofloxacin, and enrofloxacin. The number of E. coli isolates resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic, cefotaxime, ceftiofur, and norfloxacin was significantly reduced, whereas the inhibitory zones of amocxillin/clavulanic acid were increased; and the susceptibility of E. coli to amoxcillin/clavulanic, cefotaxime, ceftiofur, ciprofloxacin, nofloxacin, and flumequin was increased when Selacid GG was added in the feeds (P < 0.05). The findings of the study suggest that Selacid GG is a cost-effective product with the same efficacy as AGP in promoting the growth and economic performance of GF pigs. The product is safe and can be added to the diet of GF pigs without developing resistance to selected antibiotics.
The challenges of recruitment in clinical trials in developing countries: the Mycetoma Research Centre experience
Authors: Omer Rowa Fathelrahman , Ahmed Eiman Siddig , Ali Buthyna Mamoun , Alhaj Hana E , Bakhiet Sahar Mubarak , Mohamed El Samani Wadaa , Strub-Wourgaft Nathalie , Fahal Ahmed Hassan
Published: November 2020

Mycetoma is a chronic disease caused either by fungi (eumycetoma) or bacteria (actinomycetoma). Treatment remains suboptimal and based on personal clinical experience. Recently, the Mycetoma Research Centre (MRC), a WHO Collaborating Centre on mycetoma, began the first-ever double-blind clinical trial. Here, we report the challenges and barriers faced in the recruitment and retention of patients in the MRC experience.

Patient recruitment and retention are critical determinants of clinical trial success and yet a substantial number of trials fail to reach their recruitment goals. Recruitment challenges are identified throughout the different stages of the clinical trial, starting from planning, participant screening and intervention, through to retaining participants for the entire study duration. The MRC made efforts to address these challenges to ensure the constant flow of patients. The recruitment committee at the MRC conducted training workshops for the medical staff in the endemic areas, along with regular meetings with health authorities and local leaders. Moreover, telemedicine technology was used to examine patients in endemic areas.

Challenges and barriers facing clinical trial conduct need to be examined thoroughly to ensure actionable, evidence-based recommendations for improving patient recruitment and retention. In conclusion, effective patient recruitment and retention are based on three pillars, which are proper clinical trial design and protocol development, realistic and feasible trial site selection, and objective communication with the trial stakeholders.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae clustering to reveal major European whole-genome-sequencing-based genogroups in association with antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Pinto Miguel , Borges Vítor , Isidro Joana , Rodrigues João Carlos , Vieira Luís , Borrego Maria José , Gomes João Paulo
Published: November 2020

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

, the bacterium responsible for the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhoea, has shown an extraordinary ability to develop antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to multiple classes of antimicrobials. With no available vaccine, managing

N. gonorrhoeae

infections demands effective preventive measures, antibiotic treatment and epidemiological surveillance. The latter two are progressively being supported by the generation of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data on behalf of national and international surveillance programmes. In this context, this study aims to perform

N. gonorrhoeae

clustering into genogroups based on WGS data, for enhanced prospective laboratory surveillance. Particularly, it aims to identify the major circulating WGS-genogroups in Europe and to establish a relationship between these and AMR. Ultimately, it enriches public databases by contributing with WGS data from Portuguese isolates spanning 15 years of surveillance. A total of 3791 carefully inspected

N. gonorrhoeae

genomes from isolates collected across Europe were analysed using a gene-by-gene approach (i.e. using cgMLST). Analysis of cluster composition and stability allowed the classification of isolates into a two-step hierarchical genogroup level determined by two allelic distance thresholds revealing cluster stability. Genogroup clustering in general agreed with available

N. gonorrhoeae

typing methods [i.e. MLST (multilocus sequence typing), NG-MAST (

N. gonorrhoeae

multi-antigen sequence typing) and PubMLST core-genome groups], highlighting the predominant genogroups circulating in Europe, and revealed that the vast majority of the genogroups present a dominant AMR profile. Additionally, a non-static gene-by-gene approach combined with a more discriminatory threshold for potential epidemiological linkage enabled us to match data with previous reports on outbreaks or transmission chains. In conclusion, this genogroup assignment allows a comprehensive analysis of

N. gonorrhoeae

genetic diversity and the identification of the WGS-based genogroups circulating in Europe, while facilitating the assessment (and continuous monitoring) of their frequency, geographical dispersion and potential association with specific AMR signatures. This strategy may benefit public-health actions through the prioritization of genogroups to be controlled, the identification of emerging resistance carriage, and the potential facilitation of data sharing and communication.
Highly Robust Prediction of Lung Nodule Malignancy by Deep Learning Model: A Multiracial, Multinational Study
Authors: Wu Hao , Tang Wen , Wu Chun , Deng Yufeng , Zhang Rongguo
Published: November 2020

The authors have withdrawn this manuscript because the authors have discovered errors in the methods and data analysis, which could alter the conclusions of the manuscript. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Processing the diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the PING dataset
Authors: Al-Sharif Noor B , St-Onge Etienne , Theaud Guillaume , Evans Alan C , Descoteaux Maxime
Published: November 2020

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) allows for the in-vivo assessment of anatomical white matter in the brain, thus allowing the depiction of structural connectivity. Using structural processing techniques and related methods, a growing body of literature has illustrated that connectomics is a crucial aspect to assessing the brain in health and disease. The Pediatric Imaging Neurocognition and Genetics (PING) dataset was collected and released openly to contribute to the assessment of typical brain development in a pediatric sample. This current work details the processing of diffusion-weighted images from the PING dataset, including rigorous quality assessment and fine-tuning of parameters at every step, to increase the accessibility of these data for connectomic analysis. This processing provides state-of-the-art diffusion measures, both classical diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and more advanced HARDI-based metrics, enabling the evaluation not only of structural white matter but also of integrated multimodal analyses, i.e. combining structural information from dMRI with functional or gray matter analyses.
Healing of Primary and Recurrent Mouse Ocular Herpetic Disease Following Topical Ocular Treatment with an Engineered Fibroblast Growth Factor-1 (FGF-1) is Associated with Increased Frequency and Function of Corneal Anti-Inflammatory M2 Macrophages
Authors: Dhanushkodi Nisha R , Srivastava Ruchi , Coulon Pierre-Gregoire A. , Prakash Swayam , Roy Soumyabrata , Bagnol Didier , Eveleth D. David , BenMohamed Lbachir
Published: November 2020

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infects the cornea and caused blinding ocular disease. In the present study, we evaluated whether and how a novel engineered version of fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1), designated as TTHX1114, would reduce the severity of HSV-1-induced primary and recurrent ocular herpes in the mouse model. The efficacy of TTHX1114 against corneal keratopathy was assessed in B6 mice following corneal infection with HSV-1, strain McKrae. Starting day one post infection (PI), mice received TTHX1114 for 14 days. The severity of primary stromal keratitis and blepharitis were monitored up to 28 days PI. Inflammatory cell infiltrating infected corneas were characterized up to day 21 PI. The severity of recurrent herpetic disease was quantified in latently infected B6 mice up to 30 days post-UVB corneal exposure. The effect of TTHX1114 on M1 and M2 macrophage polarization was determined in vivo in mice and in vitro on primary human monocytes-derived macrophages. Compared to HSV-1 infected non-treated mice, the infected and TTHX1114 treated mice exhibited a significant reduction of primary and recurrent stromal keratitis and blepharitis, without affecting virus corneal replication. The therapeutic effect of TTHX1114 was associated with a significant decrease in the frequency of M1 macrophages infiltrating the cornea, which expressed significantly lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. This polarization toward M2 phenotype was confirmed in vitro on human primary macrophages. This pre-clinical finding suggests use of this engineered FGF-1 as a novel immunotherapeutic regimen to reduce primary and recurrent HSV-1-induced corneal disease in the clinic.

IMPORTANCE

Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a prevalent human pathogen that infects the cornea causing potentially blinding herpetic disease. The present study is the first to demonstrate a reduction of primary and recurrent corneal herpetic disease in mice following engineered FGF-1 (TTHX1114) treatment. This was associated with a decrease of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and an increase of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages infiltrating the corneas of HSV-1 infected mice. The finding in mice were confirmed in humans by showing that in vitro FGF-1 treatment skewed the polarization of primary monocyte-derived macrophages into the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Moreover, FGF-1 treatment appeared to reduce production of anti-inflammatory mediators. This pre-clinical finding support this engineered FGF-1 as a novel immunotherapeutic regimen to reduce primary and recurrent corneal herpetic disease in the clinic.
In-depth proteomic analysis of Plasmodium berghei sporozoites using trapped ion mobility spectrometry with parallel accumulation-serial fragmentation
Authors: Hamada Soumia , Pionneau Cédric , Parizot Christophe , Silvie Olivier , Chardonnet Solenne , Marinach Carine
Published: November 2020

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium spp. protozoan parasites, which are transmitted by female anopheline mosquitoes in the form of sporozoites. Once deposited in the dermis during the blood meal of the mosquito, sporozoites rapidly migrate to the liver for an initial and obligatory round of replication inside hepatocytes, before exponential multiplication of the parasite in the blood and onset of the malaria disease. Sporozoites and liver stages provide attractive targets for the development of a malaria vaccine. Until now, a single antigen from Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest species infecting humans, has been considered for subunit vaccine clinical development, with limited success so far. This emphazises the need to identify novel targets. In this context, defining the parasite proteome is important not only to guide the down-selection of potential candidate antigens, but also to allow a better understanding of the parasite biology. Previous studies have determined the total proteome of sporozoite stages from the two main human malaria parasites, P. falciparum and P. vivax, as well as P. yoelii, a parasite that infects rodents. Another murine malaria parasite, P. berghei, has been widely used to investigate the biology of Plasmodium pre-erythrocytic stages. However, a deep view of the proteome of P. berghei sporozoites is still missing. To fill this gap, we took advantage of a novel highly sensitive timsTOF PRO mass spectrometer, based on trapped ion mobility spectrometry with parallel accumulation-serial fragmentation. Combined with three alternative methods for sporozoite purification, this approach allowed us to identify the deep proteome of P. berghei sporozoites using low numbers of parasites. This study provides a reference proteome for P. berghei sporozoites, identifying a core set of proteins expressed accross species, and illustrates how the unprecedented sensitivity of the timsTOF PRO system enables deep proteomic analysis from limited sample amounts.
Adaptive divergence and the evolution of hybrid trait mismatch in threespine stickleback
Authors: Chhina Avneet K. , Thompson Ken A. , Schluter Dolph
Published: November 2020

Hybrid fitness can be negatively impacted by trait mismatch, whereby hybrids resemble one parent population for some phenotypic traits and the other parent population for other traits. In this study, we used threespine stickleback fish (Gasterosteus aculeatusL.) to test whether trait mismatch in hybrids increases with the magnitude of phenotypic divergence between parent populations. We measured morphological traits in parents and hybrids in crosses between a marine population representing the ancestral form and twelve freshwater populations that have diverged from this ancestral state to varying degrees according to their environments. We found that trait mismatch was greater in more divergent crosses for both F1and F2hybrids. In the F1, the divergence–mismatch relationship was caused by traits having dominance in different directions whereas it was caused by segregating phenotypic variation in the F2. Selection against mismatched traits is an ecological analogue to selection against intrinsic hybrid incompatibilities, and our results imply that extrinsic hybrid incompatibilities accumulate predictably as phenotypic divergence proceeds.
Redefining the accountant’s personality: success or stagnancy?
Authors: Wetmiller Rebecca J. , Barkhi Reza
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The traditional image of an accountant as a boring, number cruncher may affect the likelihood that students with certain personality traits pursue the profession. This paper aims to identify differences in the traditional personality traits and cognitive styles associated with an accountant and identify the personality traits and cognitive styles of students currently entering the profession using empirical data.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey including a previously validated scale based on the Myers–Briggs type indicator and the Rational-Experiential Inventory-10 short scale was administered to 182 students enrolled in upper-level accounting courses.

Findings

Agreeing with the traditional image of an accountant, this study finds an uneven split for sensing/intuition and judgment/perception. Interestingly, this study finds a near even split in extraversion/introversion, thinking/feeling and cognition/intuition, which may affect interactions within the workplace. These near-even splits may indicate a positive shift in those pursuing a career in accounting toward individuals more capable of thinking outside the “box.”

Practical implications

This study informs firms of changes in the characteristics of accounting graduates entering the profession. Many firms have promoted the need for skills such as critical thinking, teamwork and communication recently, and it is expected that potential employees would exhibit these skills and behaviors. Determining the characteristics of new staff auditors, using empirical data, is critical given the increased analytical and interpersonal skills expected of those currently entering the profession.

Originality/value

Assessing the current composition of students pursuing careers in accounting is important because individuals’ personality differences can account for a large portion of differences in their behaviors. Shifting away from the stereotypical boring, nerdy, number cruncher accountant to a more colorful individual who thinks outside the “box” could have both positive and negative implications on the quality of work performed.
Neural control of robot manipulators considering motor voltage saturation: performance evaluation and experimental validation
Authors: Izadbakhsh Alireza , Khorashadizadeh Saeed
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to design a neural controller based on radial basis function networks (RBFN) for electrically driven robots subjected to constrained inputs.

Design/methodology/approach

It is assumed that the electrical motors have limitations on the applied voltages from the controller. Due to the universal approximation property of RBFN, uncertainties including un-modeled dynamics and external disturbances are represented with this powerful neural network. Then, the lumped uncertainty including the nonlinearities imposed by actuator saturation is introduced and a mathematical model suitable for model-free control is presented. Based on the closed-loop equation, a Lyapunove function is defined and the stability analysis is performed. It is assumed that the electrical motors have limitations on the applied voltages from the controller.

Findings

A comparison with a similar controller shows the superiority of the proposed controller in reducing the tracking error. Experimental results on a SCARA manipulator actuated by permanent magnet DC motors have been presented to guarantee its successful practical implementation.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper in comparison with previous related works is improving the stability analysis by involving the actuator saturation in the design procedure. It is assumed that the electrical motors have limitations on the applied voltages from the controller. Thus, a comprehensive approach is adopted to include the saturated and unsaturated areas, while in previous related works these areas are considered separately. Moreover, a performance evaluation has been carried out to verify satisfactory performance of transient response of the controller.
Forming a driving index for implementing public-private partnership projects in emerging economy: Ethiopian perception
Authors: Gebremeskel Miliete Negash , Kim Soo Yong , Thuc Le Dinh , Nguyen Minh V.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify driving factors and a quantitative model for implementing public-private partnership (PPP) projects in Ethiopia as a case study in emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature and semi-structured interviews were carried out to identify driving factors affecting the implementation of PPP projects in the Ethiopian context. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey within three months, with 59 validated responses; mean score technique and factor analysis were conducted. The fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) method was applied to develop a driving index (DI) for implementing infrastructure PPP projects. Finally, a comparative analysis of top-five drivers was conducted between four emerging economies.

Findings

Mean values show that all driving variables are important. Through factor analysis, 22 identified driving variables were grouped into six factors, namely, benefit for public and private sectors, attention of private sector, social development, cost reduction, management ability of public sector and ability of private sector. The FSE method constructs a DI and shows that benefit for public and private sectors is the most crucial factor for PPP implementation in the context of Ethiopia. Apart from this, most driving forces for adopting PPP projects in these countries related to financial problems.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first integrate driving factors for PPP implementation. The index provides the decision-makers with a comprehensive tool to assess the needs of PPP implementation.
Universal Ad Agency – vendor selection
Authors: Shaikh Abdul Rehman , Qazi Asad Ali
Published: November 2020

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes are as follows: to understand the process of procurement and describe the process of supplier selection; to understand the importance of vendor selection criteria and develop the same; and to develop the framework for steps involved in vendor selection.

Case overview/synopsis

Jelani was working in his office over weekends to select the supplier and finalize the contract for installation of SMD LED screen. It was going to be one of its kind in town, and the first ever project for the organization. He was working as procurement manager at Universal Ad Agency and based in their office at Hyderabad. Jelani had already missed the deadline of installation, and he knew that he was not going to get any extension in deadline for the second time. He had visited the markets of Lahore and Hyderabad to source out the best supplier. He had to prepare a strong case and present to CEO. With all the data available, would Jelani be able to select the best evaluated supplier from among the recently sourced out suppliers?

Complexity academic level

MBA elective courses of Purchase & Supply Management, and Operations Management.

Subject code

CSS 9: Operations and Logistics

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.
Scaling Girls’ Technical Education (GTE): bringing coding skills to women in Tanzania
Authors: Alexander Kelly
Published: November 2020

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes are as follows. Students can assess effective business strategies, determine the role of business in shaping informal institutions, understand managing issues in social enterprises, from talent management to expansion to mission drift, and develop deeper understanding of the African context.

Case overview/synopsis

The case presents the challenges facing the award-winning CEO/Founder of Tanzanian social enterprise Girls’ Technical Education (GTE). GTE provides technology and coding skills in Tanzania, focussing on educating women and girls. GTE has experienced significant success – expanding into neighbouring Malawi. GTE has a strong vision and mission, clearly articulated and prioritised by the Founder and his Board. Hybrid organisations, blending a social and financial mission, are expected to experience management tensions or mission drift, yet GTE seems to have avoided this. As an emerging organisational form, social enterprises – like GTE – often face hurdles regarding legitimacy and acceptance in the markets in which they operate. GTE is working to understand the Tanzanian and regional contexts and challenges in these ecosystems, seeking to influence norms and bring about positive impact.

Complexity academic level

Postgraduate courses including MBA, Executive Education and courses focussing on Organisation Studies, Management and Strategy.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS: 7 Management Science.
Participation in decision-making and work outcomes: evidence from a developing economy
Authors: Behravesh Elaheh , Abubakar A. Mohammed , Tanova Cem
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Although there is general agreement that employee participation in decision-making (PDM) has individual and organizational benefits, an important question remains about the possibility that it may also have certain individual and organizational costs as well. This article presents an “episodic process model” that accounts for both the bright and possible dark sides of participation. The model explains how PDM might boost employee hope and self-efficacy, which in turn may lead to two distinct work outcomes–job satisfaction and behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to test the model, data (n = 269) were collected from bank employees in two waves. A variance-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to analyze the data.

Findings

Results from variance-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) show that employee PDM indeed exerts a positive impact on positive psychological resource capacities: hope, self-efficacy and job satisfaction. Hope, in turn, has a positive influence on job satisfaction and a negative influence on job-search behavior. Bias-corrected bootstrapping analysis demonstrated that the relationship between employee PDM and job satisfaction is mediated by hope.

Originality/value

Insights for practitioners in a developing economy and possible areas of future research are highlighted.
Collaboration network, technology network and technological development: a patent analysis in the Chinese green technological field of energy saving
Authors: Cao Xia , Xing Zeyu , Sun Keke
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to forecast the future development of UIC technology according to the changes of IPC in different time periods. The findings also provide a theoretical basis for the UIC policymakers of energy-saving environmental protection industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study will take energy-saving technology as an example, through using a two-mode network analysis method to build the four-stage IPC code UIC innovation-technology network, researching UIC innovation network applicant heterogeneity, UIC technology network and technology relevance.

Findings

Through the establishment of UIC innovation-technology two-mode network, namely, applicant node CN and IPC node TN, this paper analyzes the important applicants, focal technologies, correlation of focal technologies and the development trends of energy saving technology in the future by using the related theories and methods of two-mode network.

Originality/value

At present, only about 11% of energy-saving enterprises in China have R&D activities. The government needs to implement top-level design, improve industrial policies, strengthen investment in technology R&D and build a platform for technological innovation in energy-saving industries to support the R&D of common and key technologies in energy-saving industries.
Impacts of variable magnetic field on a ferrofluid flow inside a cavity including a helix using ISPH method
Authors: Aly Abdelraheem M. , Ahmed Sameh Elsayed , Raizah Zehba
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the unsteady ferrofluid flow with a hot source helix inside a cavity under the impacts of a variable magnetic field by using the incompressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics method.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing equations are formulated by considering the basics of the magnetohydrodynamic and ferrohydrodynamics. Different locations of a variable magnetic source outside the geometry are investigated. The helical coils are extensively applied in the cooling and heating of air conditioners and heat pumps. Computations were carried out for different lengths of the heated helix (0.2 ≤ Lh ≤ 0.8), different locations of the magnetic source, (a = 0.5, b = −0.01), (a = 0.5, b = 1.01), (a = 1.01, b = 0.5), (a = −0.01, b = 0.5), different numbers of the inner helix (one helix, two helixes and three helixes) and different values of the nanoparticles volume fraction (0% ≤ ϕ ≤ 10%).

Findings

The outcomes of the investigations revealed that an increase in the lengths of a helix by 0.4 results in a reduction of the stream function by 25.60%. In addition, when the magnetic wire is located near the center of the right wall, the maximum values of the average Nusselt number are obtained while the smallest values of the average Nusselt number are given when the magnetic source is located near center of the top wall.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper is investigating the natural convection flow from two different models of an inner hot helix inside a cavity with considering different locations of variable magnetic sources.
Effect of R&D intensity on the innovative performance of manufacturing companies. Evidence from Ecuador, Peru and Chile
Authors: Carvache-Franco Orly , Gutiérrez-Candela Glenda , Guim-Bustos Paola , Carvache-Franco Mauricio , Carvache-Franco Wilmer
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between research and development (R&D) intensity and innovative performance and R&D intensity as a moderating variable in the relationship between sources of information and innovative performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a quantitative, nonexperimental, cross-sectional study of the data collected from national surveys of innovation activities from Ecuador, Peru and Chile where the investigation was carried out. A bivariate probit regression was applied.

Findings

The results of the investigation pinpoint that R&D intensity is positively related to the innovation of products and processes in Ecuador and Peru. However, no relationship was found in Chile. As a moderating variable of the information sources (customers, suppliers and competitors), and the innovation of products and processes, it shows different results in the three countries examined.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the literature with evidence in countries with low rates of investment in R&D in the countries examined, this relationship does not always exist; this relationship is considered to be dependent on the complexity of the knowledge and internal capabilities of the company required to achieve innovation, and this complexity could vary according to the type of manufacturing and technology level of the companies. Thus, in manufacturing companies of less complexity to achieve the necessary knowledge for innovation, low rates of investment in R&D are sufficient for the relationship to exist.

Practical implications

By increasing their R&D intensity, companies acquire technology and develop internal skills and capabilities that boost their innovative potential. Nevertheless, it is not enough to increase R&D intensity to take advantage of external sources of information, it is also necessary to boost the absorptive capacity to assimilate and take advantage of external knowledge.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the scarce evidence that exists, on the literature in developing countries, on the effect of R&D intensity on innovative performance and provides evidence of R&D intensity as a moderating variable of the relationship between sources of information and innovative performance.
Organisational resilience: a qualitative study about how organisations handle trends and their effects on business models from experts’ views
Authors: Granig Peter , Hilgarter Kathrin
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Organisations need to tackle emerging trends that affect business models (BM) by modifying, changing or re‐designing their models. Attending this complex environment by understanding trends and the strategies actors use to handle these competing demands is strategically important for innovation management and sustaining organisations.. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how organisations assess and deal with these complex and relevant challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 18 higher management experts between the ages of 27 and 59 years participated in this four-month qualitative interview-based study. The interviews were analysed by using systematic, qualitative content analysis.

Findings

Results showed that all elements of a BM are influenced by emerged trends, and how organisations deal with them can decide whether the impact poses as risk or offers opportunities. Trends trigger two different strategies – reactive and proactive resilience strategies – which are closely related to the change sensitivity of the attributional resilience model, thereby presenting a crucial factor for enhancing resilience. Nevertheless, the proactive resilience strategy seems to be more promising for enhancing organisational resilience regarding the influence of trends on their BM. Moreover, this study found that the usage of foresight methods might be suitable as an important tool for proactive resilience strategy to modification, change or re-design of BM and consequently anticipate trends.

Originality/value

Overall, this study is one of the first that explains how BMs are influenced by trends and how organisations handle them by using organisational resilience strategies.
Enhanced sourcing strategy for centralized multitier multiple suppliers network with failure risks
Authors: Bagul Avinash , Mukherjee Indrajit
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper attempts to address three key objectives. The primary aim is to enhance sourcing strategy for a centralized and coordinated multitier multiple suppliers networks with uncertain demand and supplier failure risks. The second objective is to enumerate all possible practical supplier(s) failure scenarios and quantify expected loss of demand cost. Finally, the work illustrates statistical experimentation to identify “influential” variables that can significantly impact the expected supply network and loss costs.

Design/methodology/approach

A seven-step solution framework is proposed to derive an optimal sourcing strategy for the specific network configuration with varied supplier failure scenarios. Five distinct models are formulated to address all possible scenarios of supplier failure events. Mixed-integer nonlinear programming technique is used to derive expected supply network cost and loss cost. The solution framework is verified using a real-life case.

Findings

A cross-case analysis indicates that an increase in suppliers' failure risk (SFR) probabilities or customer demand rate increases the expected loss of demand costs for a multitier supply network. Besides, an increase in unit component prices increases the expected supply network cost.

Research limitations/implications

A two-tier automotive supply network for a single product is considered for all case studies.

Practical implications

The enhanced strategy can facilitate practitioners enumerate different supply network failure scenarios and implement the best solution.

Originality/value

There is no evidence of earlier research to derive optimal sourcing strategy for a centralized, coordinated multitier multiple supplier's network, considering demand uncertainties and SFR.
Battle for the boot: trademarks and competitiveness in the global UGG boot industry, 1979-2019
Authors: Budde-Sung Amanda
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Despite its Australian birthplace, the ugg boot industry is now fully dominated by one American company, and the Australian ugg boot industry has been frozen out of global trade. This study aims to consider the impact on the competitive advantage of culturally distinctive but not new, intellectual property (IP) through the historic lens of the Australia–USA battle over the UGG boot trademark.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses trademark applications, court documents, annual reports and brand reports to trace the history of the change and growth of the ugg boot industry from a small cottage industry in Australia to a billion-dollar monopoly controlled by an American company.

Findings

Court documents and trademark applications from 1979 to 2019 indicate that Australian firms underestimated the cultural differences between the USA and Australia and thus failed to adequately protect the generic word “ugg” in foreign markets where it was considered to be distinctive, rather than generic.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the importance of the first-mover advantage that can be conferred upon a firm by IP that is not new. Trademarks must be distinctive, rather than new, but properly used, they can offer substantial global competitive advantages to firms.

Originality/value

The in-depth analysis of the development of the UGG brand highlights the importance of intangible barriers in global business. The impact on the competitive advantage these intangible barriers gave US firms over Australian firms in the worldwide sheepskin boot market is discussed.
Medical students perceptions of the influence of undergraduate experiences on making a career choice in psychiatry
Authors: El-Sayeh Hany George , Cashman Elizabeth , Zenhari Rozita , Jones Sarah , Pocklington Claire , Pell Godfrey , Budd Simon
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Psychiatric recruitment and retention are at an unprecedented low within the UK. The reasons for this shortfall may include public and professional stigma, recent NHS service developments and changes in undergraduate training. The purpose of this study is to explore medical student’s perceptions of the nature and magnitude of these factors on influencing whether or not they would choose a career in psychiatry.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study was conducted with year four medical students at a single UK University with low levels of recruitment into psychiatry. Two focus groups were asked about their undergraduate experience within the speciality. Thematic analysis of the resulting transcripts enabled the identification of codes and over-arching themes, which formed the focus of this study.

Findings

Four key themes were identified during analysis and these included: the core subject matter (of psychiatry) viewed as being different; curriculum or course variables; interpersonal factors and; career factors. Placement enjoyment, positive role-modelling and enthusiasm were all important when considering psychiatry as a career. Therapeutic success, career flexibility and pay-banding were also powerful determinants.

Practical implications

These findings led to the initiation of an apprentice programme for undergraduates on psychiatric placement, designed to enhance the student experience of psychiatry and the perception of the speciality as a career.

Originality/value

While there are a number of possible solutions to current adverse national trends in psychiatric recruitment, increasing efforts to increase both the variety and quality of undergraduate placements and establishing a clearer sense of team identity is of vital importance if these patterns are to be reversed.
Capable environments
Authors: McGill Peter , Bradshaw Jill , Smyth Genevieve , Hurman Maria , Roy Ashok
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the role played by different aspects of the social, physical and organisational environments in preventing behaviour described as challenging in people with learning disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual elaboration drawing on research and practice literature.

Findings

Community placements for people with learning disabilities should develop the characteristics of capable environments. Such characteristics are associated with prevention of challenging behaviour and improved quality of life outcomes.

Originality/value

The notion of the capable environment may help to shift the focus from the individual who displays behaviour described as challenging to the characteristics of the social, physical and organisational supports that they receive.
Outlines of the Japanese guidelines for the management of primary cutaneous lymphomas 2020
Authors: Ohtsuka Mikio , Hamada Toshihisa , Miyagaki Tomomitsu , Shimauchi Takatoshi , Yonekura Kentaro , Kiyohara Eiji , Fujita Hideki , Izutsu Koji , Okuma Kae , Kawai Kazuhiro , Koga Hiroshi , Sugaya Makoto
Published: November 2020

Since the publication of the Japanese “Guidelines for the management of cutaneous lymphomas” in 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of hematolymphoid neoplasms and the WHO–European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer classification for primary cutaneous lymphomas were updated and a number of novel systemic drugs for cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma had been approved in Japan. In 2020, we revised the Japanese guidelines for the management of cutaneous lymphomas with consideration of the recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology and classification of cutaneous lymphomas together with the update of treatment strategies reflecting the advent of novel drugs. In addition to a brief explanation of epidemiology, diagnosis, staging system, prognosis and management of each subtype of cutaneous lymphomas, the recommendations for nine clinical questions regarding treatment options that can vary even among experts are also described. A systematic review process and determination of recommendations in answer to each clinical question have been performed in accordance with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation scheme by a multidisciplinary expert panel consisting of dermatologists, a hematologist and a radiation oncologist. In this article, we present the outlines of the revised Japanese “Guidelines for the management of cutaneous lymphomas”.
Spatial homogenization of understorey plant communities under eCO2 in a mature Eucalyptus woodland
Authors: Ochoa‐Hueso Raúl , Piñeiro Juan , Hasegawa Shun , Illanas Sonia , Miranda Héctor , Reverter Margarita , Power Sally A.
Published: November 2020

Understorey plant communities comprise a large portion of biodiversity of forests and woodlands globally, where they contribute to tree species dynamics, biogeochemical cycling and carbon sequestration.

Here we evaluated the effects of elevated CO2 (400 vs. 550 ppm) on the spatial distribution of understorey plant communities from a mature eucalypt woodland in Eastern Australia (EucFACE experiment).

Three years of elevated CO2 resulted in a loss of the characteristic aggregated and segregated spatial pattern of species richness at both short and long distances (20 cm–227 cm), respectively. Changes in spatial patterns emerged over time, indicating that these results are due to a relatively slow reordering of the understorey plant community. In contrast, when analysed from a multivariate perspective, changes in terms of community composition were not as clear as changes in the spatial rearrangement of plant communities.

Synthesis. Given that the spatial patterns of communities are likely a reflection of the way in which multiple species interact and how energy and matter flow throw ecosystems, community reordering due to global change may have far‐reaching implications in terms of ecosystem functioning. Moreover, subtle early changes in the spatial pattern of understorey plant communities may represent an early‐warning indicator of global change impacts in forest ecosystems.
A dynamic decision support model for the seasonal transportation of raw milk
Authors: O’Callaghan Sean , O’Connor Declan , Goulding David
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a seasonal transportation of raw milk (SToRM) model. Irish raw milk collection is estimated to annually cost in excess of €80 million. Employing a capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP) methodology and incorporating geographic information system (GIS) data, SToRM simulates a two‐day collection schedule using the Irish road network. Differences of over 60% in total route distance required between January (trough) and May (peak) were observed. However, varied seasonal patterns did not dramatically affect overall transport needs. Results highlight the need for dynamic scheduling. SToRM provides practitioners access to a powerful model for use in milk collection scheduling.