bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymmetry Map of Human Brain in Young Adults
Authors: Malekzadeh Maryam , Kashani Alireza
Published: December 2020

Although, asymmetry is a central organizational aspect of human brain, it has not been clearly described yet. Here, we have studied structural brain asymmetry in 1113 young adults using data obtained from Human Connectome Project. A significant rightward asymmetry in mean global cerebral cortical thickness, surface area and gray matter volume as well as volumes of cerebral white matter, cerebellar cortex and white matter, hippocampus, putamen, caudate nucleus, nucleus accumbens and amygdala was observed. Thalamus showed a leftward asymmetry. Regionally, most cerebral cortical regions show a significant rightward asymmetry in thickness. However, cortical surface area and gray matter volume are more evenly distributed between two hemispheres with almost half of the regions showing a leftward asymmetry. In addition, a strong correlation between cortical surface area and gray matter volume as well as their asymmetry indices was noted which results in concordant asymmetry patterns between cortical surface area and gray matter volume in most cortical regions.
Remembering immunity: Neuronal ensembles in the insular cortex encode and retrieve specific immune responses
Authors: Koren Tamar , Krot Maria , Boshnak Nadia T. , Amer Mariam , Ben-Shaanan Tamar , Azulay-Debby Hilla , Hajjo Haitham , Avishai Eden , Schiller Maya , Haykin Hedva , Korin Ben , Cohen-Farfara Dorit , Hakim Fahed , Rosenblum Kobi , Rolls Asya
Published: December 2020

Increasing evidence indicates that the brain regulates peripheral immunity. Yet, it remains unclear whether and how the brain represents the state of the immune system. Here, we show that immune-related information is stored in the brain’s insular cortex (InsCtx). Using activity-dependent cell labeling in mice (FosTRAP), we captured neuronal ensembles in the InsCtx that were active under two different inflammatory conditions (DSS-induced colitis and Zymosan-induced peritonitis). Chemogenetic reactivation of these neuronal ensembles was sufficient to broadly retrieve the inflammatory state under which these neurons were captured. Thus, we show that the brain can encode and initiate specific immune responses, extending the classical concept of immunological memory to neuronal representations of immunity.
Differences in the metabolite profiles of tender leaves of wheat, barley, rye andTriticalebased on LC-MS
Authors: Xing Piyi , Song Zhenqiao , Li Xingfeng
Published: December 2020

Wheatgrass has emerged as a functional food source in recent years, but the detailed metabolomics basis for its health benefits remains poorly understood. In this study, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis were used to study the metabolic profiling of seedlings from wheat, barley, rye and triticale, which revealed 1800 features in positive mode and 4303 features in negative mode. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed clear differences between species, and 164 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were detected, including amino acids, organic acids, lipids, fatty acids, nucleic acids, flavonoids, amines, polyamines, vitamins, sugar derivatives and others. Unique metabolites in each species were identified. This study provides a glimpse into the metabolomics profiles of wheat and its wild relatives, which may form an important basis for nutrition, health and other parameters.

Practical Application

This manuscript present liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) results of young sprouts of common wheat and its relatives. Our results may help to better understand the natural variation due to the genotype before metabolomics data are considered for application to wheatgrass and can provide a basis (assessment) for its potential pharmaceutical and nutritional value.
Phylogenetic Novelty Scores: a New Approach for Weighting Genetic Sequences
Authors: De Maio Nicola , Alekseyenko Alexander V. , Coleman-Smith William J. , Pardi Fabio , Suchard Marc A. , Tamuri Asif U. , Truszkowski Jakub , Goldman Nick
Published: December 2020

Background

Many important applications in bioinformatics, including sequence alignment and protein family profiling, employ sequence weighting schemes to mitigate the effects of non-independence of homologous sequences and under- or over-representation of certain taxa in a dataset. These schemes aim to assign high weights to sequences that are ‘novel’ compared to the others in the same dataset, and low weights to sequences that are over-represented.

Results

We formalise this principle by rigorously defining the evolutionary ‘novelty’ of a sequence within an alignment. This results in new sequence weights that we call ‘phylogenetic novelty scores’. These scores have various desirable properties, and we showcase their use by considering, as an example application, the inference of character frequencies at an alignment column — important, for example, in protein family profiling. We give computationally efficient algorithms for calculating our scores and, using simulations, show that they improve the accuracy of character frequency estimation compared to existing sequence weighting schemes.

Conclusions

Our phylogenetic novelty scores can be useful when an evolutionarily meaningful system for adjusting for uneven taxon sampling is desired. They have numerous possible applications, including estimation of evolutionary conservation scores and sequence logos, identification of targets in conservation biology, and improving and measuring sequence alignment accuracy.
Colourfulness as a possible measure of object proximity in the larval zebrafish brain
Authors: Bartel Philipp , Janiak Filip K , Osorio Daniel , Baden Tom
Published: December 2020

The encoding of light increments and decrements by separate On- and Off- systems is a fundamental ingredient of vision, which supports the detection of edges in space and time and makes efficient use of limited dynamic range of visual neurons [1]. Theory predicts that the neural representation of On- and Off-signals should be approximately balanced, including across an animals’ full visible spectrum. Here we find that larval zebrafish violate this textbook expectation: in the fish brain, UV-stimulation near exclusively gives On-responses, blue/green-stimulation mostly Off- responses, and red-light alone elicits approximately balanced On- and Off-responses (see also [2–4]). We link these findings to zebrafish visual ecology, and suggest that the observed spectral tuning boosts the encoding of object “colourfulness”, which correlates with object proximity in their underwater world [5].
Age-related decline in cortical inhibitory tone strengthens motor memory
Authors: Petitet Pierre , Spitz Gershon , Emir Uzay E. , Johansen-Berg Heidi , O’Shea Jacinta
Published: December 2020

Ageing disrupts the finely tuned excitation/inhibition balance (E:I) across cortex, driven by a natural decline in inhibitory tone (γ-amino butyric acid, GABA). This causes functional decrements. However, in young adults, experimentally lowering GABA in sensorimotor cortex enhances adaptation memory. Therefore, using a cross-sectional design, here we tested the hypothesis that as sensorimotor cortical GABA declines naturally with age, adaptation memory would increase, and the former would explain the latter. Results confirmed this prediction. To probe causality, we used brain stimulation to further lower sensorimotor cortical GABA during adaptation. Across individuals, how stimulation changed memory depended on sensorimotor cortical E:I. In those with low E:I, stimulation increased memory; in those with high E:I stimulation reduced memory. Thus, we identify a form of motor memory that improves naturally with age, depends causally on sensorimotor cortex neurochemistry, and may be a potent target for motor skill preservation strategies in healthy ageing and neurore-habilitation.
An opponent process for alcohol addiction based on changes in endocrine gland mass
Authors: Karin Omer , Raz Moriya , Alon Uri
Published: December 2020

Consuming addictive drugs is often initially pleasurable, but escalating drug intake eventually recruits physiological “anti-reward” systems called opponent processes that cause tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Opponent processes are fundamental for the addiction process, but their physiological basis is not fully characterized. Here, we propose an opponent processes mechanism centered on the endocrine stress-response, the HPA axis. We focus on alcohol addiction, where the HPA axis is activated and secretes β-endorphin, causing euphoria and analgesia. Using a mathematical model, we show that slow changes in HPA glands act as an opponent process for β-endorphin secretion. The model explains hormone dynamics in alcohol addiction, and experiments on alcohol preference in rodents. The opponent process is based on fold-change detection (FCD) where β-endorphin responses are relative rather than absolute; FCD confers vulnerability to addiction but has adaptive roles for learning. Our model suggests gland-mass changes as potential targets for intervention in addiction.
Role of periodic forcing on the stochastic dynamics of a biomolecular clock
Authors: Zhang Zhanhao , Dey Supravat , Singh Abhyudai
Published: December 2020

Biomolecular clocks produce sustained oscillations in mRNA/protein copy numbers that are subject to inherent copy-number fluctuations with important implications for proper cellular timekeeping. These random fluctuations embedded within periodic variations in copy numbers make the quantification of noise particularly challenging in stochastic gene oscillatory systems, unlike other non-oscillatory circuits. Motivated by diurnal cycles driving circadian clocks, we investigate the noise properties in the well-known Goodwin oscillator in the presence and absence of a periodic driving signal. We use two approaches to compute the noise as a function of time: (i) solving the moment dynamics derived from the linear noise approximation (LNA) assuming fluctuations are small relative to the mean and (ii) analyzing trajectories obtained from exact stochastic simulations of the Goodwin oscillator. Our results demonstrate that the LNA can predict the noise behavior quite accurately when the system shows damped oscillations or in the presence of external periodic forcing. However, the LNA could be misleading in the case of sustained oscillations without an external signal due to the propagation of large noise. Finally, we study the effect of random bursting of gene products on the clock stochastic dynamics. Our analysis reveals that the burst of mRNAs enhances the noise in the copy number regardless of the presence of external forcing, although the extent of fluctuations becomes less due to the forcing.
Predictability of cortico-cortical connections in the mammalian brain
Authors: Molnár Ferenc , Horvát Szabolcs , Ribeiro Gomes Ana R. , Ercsey-Ravasz Mária , Knoblauch Kenneth , Kennedy Henry , Toroczkai Zoltan
Published: December 2020

Despite a five-order magnitude range in size, the mammalian brain exhibits many shared anatomical and functional characteristics that should translate into cortical network commonalities. Here we develop a framework employing machine learning to quantify the degree of predictability of the weighted interareal cortical matrix. Data were obtained with retrograde tract-tracing experiments supplemented by projection length measurements. Using this framework with consistent and edge-complete empirical datasets in the macaque and mouse cortex, we show that there is significant amount of predictability embedded in the interareal cortical networks of both species. At the binary level, links are predictable with an Area Under the ROC curve of at least 0.8 for the macaque. At the weighted level, strengths of the medium and strong links are predictable with at least 85-90% accuracy in mouse and 70-80% in macaque, whereas weak links are not predictable in either species. These observations suggest that the formation and evolution of the cortical network at the mesoscale is to a large extent, rule-based, motivating further research on the architectural invariants of the cortical connectome.
Conformational polymorphs of 3-cyclopropyl-5-(3-methyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridin-7-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole
Authors: Shishkina Svitlana V. , Konovalova Irina S. , Kovalenko Svitlana S. , Nikolaeva Lyudmila L. , Bunyatyan Natalya D. , Kovalenko Sergiy M.
Published: December 2020

The dipharmacophore compound 3-cyclopropyl-5-(3-methyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridin-7-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole, C12H11N5O, was studied on the assumption of its potential biological activity. Two polymorphic forms differ in both their molecular and crystal structures. The monoclinic polymorphic form was crystallized from more volatile solvents and contains a conformer with a higher relative energy. The basic molecule forms an abundance of interactions with relatively close energies. The orthorhombic polymorph was crystallized very slowly from isoamyl alcohol and contains a conformer with a much lower energy. The basic molecule forms two strong interactions and a large number of weak interactions. Stacking interactions of the `head-to-head' type in the monoclinic structure and of the `head-to-tail' type in the orthorhombic structure proved to be the strongest and form stacked columns in the two polymorphs. The main structural motif of the monoclinic structure is a double column where two stacked columns interact through weak C—H...N hydrogen bonds and dispersive interactions. In the orthorhombic structure, a single stacked column is the main structural motif. Periodic calculations confirmed that the orthorhombic structure obtained by slow evaporation has a lower lattice energy (0.97 kcal mol−1) compared to the monoclinic structure.
Effect of intellectual capital disclosure on cost of equity capital: a study on Indian companies
Authors: Mondal Amitava , Ghosh Chiranjit
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The impact of the intellectual capital disclosure (ICD) on the cost of equity capital (COEC) is not well established in the aspect of the Indian scenario. So the objective of this paper is to examine not only the overall effect of ICD but also the individual effect of human capital disclosure (HCD), relational capital disclosure (RCD) and structural capital disclosure (SCD) on COEC.

Design/methodology/approach

This research work is conducted by regressing COEC, firm size, leverage, industry type and disclosure index. The disclosure index is prepared based on content analysis of disclosure made in the annual reports of a sample of 50 companies listed in the Nifty 50 index for the year 2018–2019. But in this paper 20 companies are eliminated due to their negative COEC and rest 30 companies are used as the sample companies for this study.

Findings

The outcome of this study indicates a negative association between the disclosure of intellectual capital (IC) as a whole and the COEC. But a negative association only for two components (human capital and structural capital) with the COEC is found only when the association of COEC with the categories of ICD is considered.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines the nexus between the level of ICD and its impact on the COEC in India context.
Adani Power Limited (C): Renegotiating Long-Term Electricity Contracts
Authors: Pandey Ajay
Published: December 2020

Case C describes the process followed by the committee and its financial assessment of the extent of problems faced by Adani Power due to under-recovery of costs. The case describes the findings of the committee and its recommendations to the regulator.
Investigations of water-cooled tubes with protrusions for flow and heat transfer characteristics
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhang Xiaobing
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to present a numerical study on the flow and heat transfer performance of a water-cooled tube with protrusions in different geometrical parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

A new type of enhanced heat exchanger tube is designed. Protrusions are formed on the inner surface of the tube by mechanical expansion, compression and other processing methods. A three-dimensional numerical symmetry model is established by ANSYS for studying the influence of protrusion distance, protrusion radius and protrusion arrangement on flow and heat transfer characteristics in turbulent flow.

Findings

The results show that the protrusions increase the heat transfer area and improve the heat transfer effect but also increase the flow resistance. Performance evaluation criteria (PEC) is applied to evaluate the flow and heat transfer characteristics of convex tubes. When adopting the aligned protrusions arrangement, the radius of 2 mm and distance of twice the protrusion radius is most heat transfer effect. The PEC of protrusion tubes with a staggered arrangement are higher than those in aligned arrangement, and the maximum value is 2.36 when Reynolds number is 12,000.

Originality/value

At present, most of the protrusion technology applications are based on the cold plate heat dissipation of electronic devices, and the flow path is rectangular. Convex tube heat exchanger is a high-efficiency heat exchanger, which uses convex tubes instead of smooth tubes in tubular heat exchangers to enhance heat transfer and widely used in petroleum, chemical, textile, oil refining and other industries.
Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health among children in China with specific reference to emotional and behavioral disorders
Authors: Agarwal Varsha , L. Ganesh , B.K. Sunitha
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate impact of coronavirus COVID-19 on children’s mental health specifically emotional and behavioral disorders. It aims at identifying the main disorders faced by children during epidemics and suggests recommendations to nurture resilience among children and involving them in various positive activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on review of literature focused on COVID-19. Recent articles related to coronavirus or COVID-19 and psychological distress among children were included to draw conclusion and impact of COVID-19 on mental health of children. Due to the limited availability of studies on CONID-19 impact on mental health of children, studies focused on recent pandemic were focused.

Findings

The identified literature reports a negative impact of COVID-19 on individual’s mental health. Relatives’ health, poor appetite, fear of asking questions about epidemics, agitation, clinginess, physical discomfort, nightmares and poor sleep, inattention and separation issues were among the major psychological conditions analyzed. Personal attributes such as resilience, should be nurtured so that children will be empowered to manage difficult situations such as traumas and disappointments. Several measures were suggested by pediatricians in China to family members and parents such as playing games with children to reduce feeling of loneliness, increased communication to address their concerns and fears, promoting and encouraging physical activities and involving in musical activities to reduce fear, worry and stress among children.

Originality/value

Coronavirus is new pandemic and growing rapidly. most of the research studies are focused on physical health of individuals, but mental health concept has bene overlooked. This study helps to broaden the scope of research on children's mental health by examining the impact of COVID-19.
Are job seekers predisposed to job search strategies?
Authors: Islam Zia Ul , Weng Qingxiong (Derek) , Ali Zulqurnain , Ghani Usman , Kiani Ataullah , Naeem Rana Muhammad
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study examines the associations among specific personality traits, job search strategies (JSSs) and job search outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Time-lagged data (three-waves) were collected from 528 Chinese graduating students. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results revealed a positive association between conscientiousness and both a focused job search strategy (FJSS) and an exploratory job search strategy (EJSS). Neuroticism was positively related to a haphazard job search strategy (HJSS), but negatively associated with both a FJSS and an EJSS. Moreover, FJSS and EJSS were positively related to both the number of job offers (NJOs) and the number of satisfied job offers (NSJOs). However, compared with FJSS, EJSS explained more variance in NJOs but less in NSJOs. Additional analysis showed a significant positive association between conscientiousness and job search intensity (JSI), but no significant relationship between neuroticism and JSI. JSI had significant associations with both NJOs and NSJOs. Further, FJSS and EJSS mediated the association between focal personality traits and both NJOs and NSJOs. Additionally, JSI also mediated the association between conscientiousness and both NJOs and NSJOs.

Originality/value

Previous research has confirmed that JSSs (Stevens and Turban, 2001) are consequential for important job search outcomes. However, whether fresh job seekers are predisposed to the use of JSSs is yet to be explored. This study adds to the job search literature by filling this void.
Entrepreneurial intentions in the context of a natural disaster
Authors: Bustamante Carla , Poblete Carlos , Amorós José Ernesto
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This research aims to explore the moderating effect of a natural disaster on the well-studied relationship between entrepreneurship-oriented beliefs (behavioral, normative, and control beliefs) and entrepreneurial intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study relies on data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor before and after the earthquake that took place in Chile on February 27, 2010. The study was performed by applying a multilevel hierarchical logit regression over a sample of 14,724 individuals from the six more affected regions.

Findings

The results indicate that a natural disasters shape the relationship between entrepreneurial intentions and all its three motivational antecedents, however in opposing directions. The results also suggest that a natural disaster strengthens the relationship between entrepreneurial attitudes and entrepreneurial intentions; nevertheless the effect of subjective norms becomes less relevant in shaping entrepreneurial intentions. Furthermore, the authors found that the earthquake had a positive effect on the relationship between perceived behavioral control and entrepreneurial intentions.

Originality/value

This study advances the emerging stream of research on the micro-level consequences of exogenous shocks and how they shape individual functioning. A key implication for policymakers wishing to facilitate the recovery phase after a natural disaster is that it is important to focus on fostering entrepreneurship by developing individuals' personal attitude and perceived control over the firm-creation behavior, rather than relying on the perceived social pressure to become an entrepreneur.
Improving the weight of Technical Attributes in Quality Function Deployment by the Integration of Techniques for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution method
Authors: Singh Ajit Kumar , Rawani A.M.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to integrate the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method with quality function deployment (QFD) which helps to improve the weight of technical attributes by calculating the closeness of particular attributes with the best attributes and farthest from the worst technical attributes simultaneously.

Design/methodology/approach

For the fulfilment of the aim of the study, detailed literature is reviewed and a suitable tool for score calculation has been selected. Further, the proposed methodology is applied in a literature-based case study, and a new weight is calculated and compared with the previous weight.

Findings

The finding of the study suggests that higher weightage is assigned to those technical attributes which is very close to the best technical attribute, and lower weightage is assigned to the technical attributes which are very close to worst technical attributes. Therefore, the weight calculated with the help of the proposed methodology will suggest to optimally invest the resources on technical attributes so that the maximum customer satisfaction is achieved.

Practical implications

The proposed method will help in better score calculation of QFD. Therefore, the use of the proposed method will help in better product and service design for maximum customer satisfaction.

Social implications

Proposed methodology aims to help managers, administrators, QFD practitioners and product/service designers to design a new product/service or mange the quality of existing product/services in an effective way.

Originality/value

This is the first kind of study, in which modification in score calculation has been proposed. This modification will help in the better assignment of resources for maximum customer satisfaction.
Reducing the waitlist of referred patients in a medical specialist outpatient clinic: an observational study
Authors: Lewis Annie K. , Taylor Nicholas F. , Carney Patrick W. , Harding Katherine E.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Long waitlists in outpatient clinics are a widely recognised problem. The purpose of this paper is to describe and report the impact of a waitlist reduction strategy for an epilepsy clinic.

Design/methodology/approach

This observational study described the local impact of a methodical approach to tackling a long waiting list, using targeted strategies supported by a modest additional budget. The interventions were described using the template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR).

Findings

Over an eight-month period, the waitlist for the epilepsy clinic was reduced from 599 to 24 patients without increasing the number of days until the next available appointment. Most referrals were removed from the waitlist without an appointment. Auditing revealed a high proportion of patients no longer required the service or referrals remained on the waitlist due to administration error. A short-term increase in clinic capacity of 51 extra appointments met the needs of the remaining waiting patients. The additional project funding invested in this process was AUD $10,500 and a time-limited amount of extra work was absorbed by using existing clinic resources.

Practical implications

This waitlist reduction strategy resulted in a very small waitlist for the epilepsy clinic, which is now well placed to trial further interventions with the aim of sustaining the service with minimal waiting times. Not every referral on the waitlist, particularly the very long waiters, required an appointment. Other outpatient clinics may be able to apply this process to reduce their waitlists using a modest budget.

Originality/value

Although there are reports of successful waitlist reduction, few report the intervention in detail. Use of the TIDieR in reporting enables the intervention to be appraised or adapted to other settings where long waitlists are problematic. Considerations related to implementation of policy are discussed and in this case, a locally led and executed change management strategy was a key to achieving the result.
The dynamics of SME growth processes and the role of enabling constraints: an evidence-based theoretical framework
Authors: Gancarczyk Marta , Freiling Joerg , Gancarczyk Jacek
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explain the dynamics of entrepreneurial decisions and actions (D&As) in the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) growth process. The study focuses on the changing portfolio and relationship governance and captures these dynamics by using the concept of “enabling constraints” (ECs).

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth, long-term and multiple-case study method was adopted based on six high-growth SMEs. Pattern-matching and alternative template approach formed a basis for developing a research framework, further corroborated and advanced in the empirical study.

Findings

The research provides empirical evidence of ECs as entrepreneurial perceptions that both limit (constrain) the range of accessible options and facilitate (enable) new opportunities. This study’s results point to how owner-managers' judgments about growth motives and rationales constrain their choices and how they enable new directions, acknowledging the changing context.

Originality/value

This work contributes to the research on SME growth processes by specifying their dynamics in terms of a creative mutual causality. Here, D&As stem from entrepreneurs' perceptions that are affected by the context, with the latter also shaped by prior decisions and actions. This theoretical contribution has been synthesized in the form of a framework of ECs in the SME growth process with related propositions.
The short-run dynamics of Australian real estate investment trusts and direct real estate at the subsector level
Authors: Giannarelli James , Tiwari Piyush
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper examines the extent of the short-run relationship between Australian real estate investment trusts (A-REITs) and direct real estate returns on both a commercial property sector and a prime and secondary grade basis, i.e. a subsector basis.

Design/methodology/approach

Two-step methodology is used. First, we identify the dynamic interdependencies between A-REITs and each commercial property subsector to determine whether the returns of A-REITs lead each subsector or vice versa. Second, short-run deviations between these asset returns are estimated by measuring their individual response behaviours to changes in key economic and financial market factors that are expected to influence these returns.

Findings

Results suggest that each subsector shares a unique relationship to A-REITs, given each prime and secondary grade commercial property return series varies in behaviour. Some property subsector returns can be predicted by movements in A-REIT returns, whereas returns for others move independent to changes in A-REITs. Similarly, some subsectors commove with A-REITs in response to changes in certain market factors, whereas others diverge. As such, these findings have practical significance to fund managers and portfolio selection, as each commercial subsector embodies its own exposure to A-REITs and vulnerabilities to market forces. Subsectors that commove with A-REITs in response to certain market forces may be used as substitutes in a portfolio. Alternatively, subsectors that diverge from A-REITs in response to market forces may offer diversification benefits when combined.

Practical implications

These findings extend beyond existing research to offer critical decision-making guidance at the acquisition level, as fund managers may more closely consider the impact that prime or secondary grade properties within a given commercial sector may have on a portfolio that consists of public and private Australian real estate. Ultimately, a more informed acquisition may be carried out as consideration of a property's asset grade allows for a deeper insight into the property's risk profile and its anticipated short-run impact on a portfolio.

Originality/value

This paper extends previous studies that focus mostly on aggregate or sector-level returns by measuring REIT and real estate dynamics at the subsector level, allowing for practical significance at not only the portfolio level but crucially at the acquisition level, a pivotal decision-making stage for fund managers. This is also the first paper to study REIT and real estate causality and response patterns to changes in market factors at the Australian sector level.
Robotizing shared service centres: key challenges and outcomes
Authors: Figueiredo Alcidio Silva , Pinto Luisa Helena
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The introduction of robotic process automation (RPA) in shared service centres (SSCs) can hardly be overlooked. This article, therefore, draws on the institutional theory to widen the understanding of its implementation and outcomes regarding people management. Drawing on the lens of the institutional theory and the literature on SSCs and RPA, this study addresses the key challenges and outcomes of robotization.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a qualitative approach and a purposeful sampling design that collected data from six major SSCs) introducing robotization. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with service representatives, including RPA project managers. A thematic content analysis was used.

Findings

The introduction of robotics follows mechanisms of coercive, normative and mimetic isomorphism and is effectively replacing workers. So far, this process has been managed through a few reactive people management practices, such as earlier retirements, internal mobility and outsourcing reduction, which warns of future tensions. The findings also show the emergence of new jobs, such as robot developers and robot managers.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the limited empirical body of research in RPA in SSCs. The study is novel as it is one of the first offering an implementation roadmap for other SSCs and illustrates the positive impact on processes redesign. It also provides empirical evidence on the debate about the potential for service workers' replacement versus tasks augmentation. In the longer term, this study opens new research avenues related to the tensions and contradictions from the progressive institutionalization of robotization in service organizations.
Artificial intelligence and social responsibility: the case of the artificial intelligence strategies in the United States, Russia, and China
Authors: Saveliev Anton , Zhurenkov Denis
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and analyze how the development and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for social responsibility are defined in the national AI strategies of the USA, Russia and China.

Design/methodology/approach

The notion of responsibility concerning AI is currently not legally defined by any country in the world. The authors of this research are going to use the methodology, based on Luciano Floridi’s Unified framework of five principles for AI in society, to determine how social responsibility is implemented in the AI strategies of the USA, Russia and China.

Findings

All three strategies for the development of AI in the USA, Russia and China, as evaluated in the paper, contain some or other components aimed at achieving public responsibility and responsible use of AI. The Unified framework of five principles for AI in society, developed by L. Floridi, can be used as a viable assessment tool to determine at least in general terms how social responsibility is implied and implemented in national strategic documents in the field of AI. However, authors of the paper call for further development in the field of mutually recognizable ethical models for socially beneficial AI.

Practical implications

This study allows us to better understand the linkages, overlaps and differences between modern philosophy of information, AI-ethics, social responsibility and government regulation. The analysis provided in this paper can serve as a basic blueprint for future attempts to define how social responsibility is understood and implied by government decision-makers.

Originality/value

The analysis provided in the paper, however general and empirical it may be, is a first-time example of how the Unified framework of five principles for AI in society can be applied as an assessment tool to determine social responsibility in AI-related official documents.
Digital divide in ASEAN member states: analyzing the critical factors for successful e-government programs
Authors: Apriliyanti Indri Dwi , Kusumasari Bevaola , Pramusinto Agus , Setianto Widodo Agus
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study addresses the critical factors that contribute to the success of e-government programs in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states (AMS). We investigate the factors that play key roles in e-government adoption and implementation in AMS that stem from multiple dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

Our qualitative study on eight ASEAN countries with different political situations and economic developments suggests that in general, institutions (formal and informal institutions), resources, leadership, organizational design and culture values determine the success of e-government.

Findings

The provision of adequate information and communication technology infrastructure alone is insufficient to ensure the success of e-government.

Research limitations/implications

Our findings lead to a conceptual framework of factors that drive the success of e-government projects that advances the literature on e-government, particularly the research about e-government in the context of developing countries.

Originality/value

An empirical evidence and in-depth understanding suggest that different factors are associated with detrimental impacts on e-government implementation.
Implied Terms in Undisclosed Agency
Authors: Tan Cheng‐Han
Published: December 2020

Undisclosed agency is considered anomalous by many and often explained on the basis of commercial convenience. Although some aspects are similar to disclosed agency, the significant differences between them have given rise to rules peculiar to undisclosed agency. The content and basis of some of these rules are uncertain even if they appear reasonable. This paper suggests that the rules relating to the principal‐third party relationship that are peculiar to undisclosed agency can be placed on a stronger doctrinal basis if such rules are understood as contractual terms that are implied in law (mainly). Such analysis is consistent with and supports the broadly accepted rules that govern the relationship between the undisclosed principal and third party, and can provide a useful framework within which to resolve those aspects of the relationship that are uncertain or controversial.
The use of lateral flow immunoassays for the detection of fentanyl in seized drug samples and postmortem urine
Authors: Angelini Daniel J. , Biggs Tracey D. , Prugh Amber M. , Smith Jessica A. , Hanburger Jennifer A. , Llano Bob , Avelar Raquel , Ellis Angela , Lusk Brady , Malik Naanaa Abdallah , Sisco Edward , Sekowski Jennifer W.
Published: December 2020

The opioid crisis has continued to progress in the United States and the rest of the world. As this crisis continues, there is a pressing need for a rapid and cost‐effective method for detecting fentanyl. Recent studies have suggested that lateral flow immunoassays (LFIs) could fill this technology gap. These qualitative paper‐based assays contain antibodies designed to react with fentanyl and provide positive or negative results within a matter of minutes. In this study, two different LFI configurations for the detection of fentanyl were examined (dipsticks and cassettes) for effectiveness of detection using seized drug samples and postmortem urine samples. In the current study, 44 seized drug samples (32 fentanyl‐positive, 12 fentanyl‐negative) and 14 postmortem urine samples (10 fentanyl‐positive, 4 fentanyl‐negative) were analyzed. All 32 fentanyl‐containing seized drug samples and 10 postmortem fentanyl‐positive urine samples displayed positive LFI results with both LFI configurations. The fentanyl dipsticks displayed a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 75%, and an efficiency of 93.2% for seized drug samples and a sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency of 100% for postmortem urine. Analysis of the fentanyl cassettes displayed a sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency of 100% for seized drug samples and a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 75%, and an efficiency of 92.9% for postmortem urine samples. These data point to the utility of LFIs as a quick and low resource‐dependent option for presumptive detection of fentanyl in real‐world situations.
The relationship between plasma clozapine concentration and clinical outcome: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yada Yuji , Kitagawa Kohei , Sakamoto Shinji , Ozawa Atsushi , Nakada Akihiro , Kashiwagi Hiroko , Okahisa Yuko , Takao Soshi , Takaki Manabu , Kishi Yoshiki , Yamada Norihito
Published: December 2020

Objective

There is no report that statistically evaluates the therapeutic reference (350–600 ng/ml) and adverse drug reaction (ADR) range (>1000 ng/ml) of clozapine (CLZ) recommended by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Neuropsychopharmakologie und Pharmakopsychiatrie (AGNP) consensus guidelines in an isolated and large sampling study.

Methods

We administered CLZ to 131 Japanese patients with treatment‐resistant schizophrenia in a multicenter cross‐sectional study. Plasma CLZ concentrations were assayed by high‐performance liquid chromatography using trough sampling. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and severe dose‐dependent ADR (sedation, myoclonus, and seizures) were analyzed statistically after adjusting for possible confounders.

Results

The daily CLZ dosage showed a moderately positive relationship with the plasma concentration (r = 0.49, p < 0.001). Every 100 ng/ml increase in plasma CLZ concentration improved the total BPRS score 1.95% (95% CI: 0.89–3.01, p < 0.001) and the odds ratio (OR) 1.38 (95% CI: 1.14–1.66, p = 0.001) for BPRS response. Compared with concentrations below 350 ng/ml CLZ, 350–600 ng/ml (11.12%; 95% CI: 2.52–19.72, p = 0.012) and 600–1000 ng/ml (11.05%; 95% CI: 2.40–19.71, p = 0.013) showed significant improvement in the total BPRS score. Dosages above 1000 ng/ml showed greater improvement (25.36%; 95% CI: 13.08–37.64, p < 0.001) of the total BPRS score but more severe ADRs than dosages below 1000 ng/ml (OR: 31.72; 95% CI: 1.04–968.81, p = 0.048).

Conclusion

The AGNP therapeutic reference range (350–600 ng/ml) is useful, and a dose above 1000 ng/ml is potentially more effective but carries the risk of severe ADRs in the central nervous system.
Peanut‐induced anaphylaxis in children and adolescents: Data from the European Anaphylaxis Registry
Authors: Maris Ioana , Dölle‐Bierke Sabine , Renaudin Jean‐Marie , Lange Lars , Koehli Alice , Spindler Thomas , Hourihane Jonathan , Scherer Kathrin , Nemat Katja , Kemen C. , Neustädter Irena , Vogelberg Christian , Reese Thomas , Yildiz Ismail , Szepfalusi Zsolt , Ott Hagen , Straube Helen , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Hämmerling Susanne , Staden Ute , Polz Michael , Mustakov Tihomir , Cichocka‐Jarosz Ewa , Cocco Renata , Fiocchi Alessandro Giovanni , Fernandez‐Rivas Montserrat , Worm Margitta ,   Network for Online Registration of Anaphylaxis (NORA)
Published: December 2020

Background

Peanut allergy has a rising prevalence in high‐income countries, affecting 0.5%–1.4% of children. This study aimed to better understand peanut anaphylaxis in comparison to anaphylaxis to other food triggers in European children and adolescents.

Methods

Data was sourced from the European Anaphylaxis Registry via an online questionnaire, after in‐depth review of food‐induced anaphylaxis cases in a tertiary paediatric allergy centre.

Results

3514 cases of food anaphylaxis were reported between July 2007 ‐ March 2018, 56% in patients younger than 18 years. Peanut anaphylaxis was recorded in 459 children and adolescents (85% of all peanut anaphylaxis cases). Previous reactions (42% vs. 38%; p = .001), asthma comorbidity (47% vs. 35%; p < .001), relevant cofactors (29% vs. 22%; p = .004) and biphasic reactions (10% vs. 4%; p = .001) were more commonly reported in peanut anaphylaxis. Most cases were labelled as severe anaphylaxis (Ring&Messmer grade III 65% vs. 56% and grade IV 1.1% vs. 0.9%; p = .001). Self‐administration of intramuscular adrenaline was low (17% vs. 15%), professional adrenaline administration was higher in non‐peanut food anaphylaxis (34% vs. 26%; p = .003). Hospitalization was higher for peanut anaphylaxis (67% vs. 54%; p = .004).

Conclusions

The European Anaphylaxis Registry data confirmed peanut as one of the major causes of severe, potentially life‐threatening allergic reactions in European children, with some characteristic features e.g., presence of asthma comorbidity and increased rate of biphasic reactions. Usage of intramuscular adrenaline as first‐line treatment is low and needs to be improved. The Registry, designed as the largest database on anaphylaxis, allows continuous assessment of this condition.
Review article: pathophysiology and management of primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Leung Kristel K. , Deeb Maya , Hirschfield Gideon M.
Published: December 2020

Background

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an immune‐mediated disease characterised by destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts, results in progressive damage to the biliary tree, cholestasis and ultimately advanced liver disease. In the last decade, advances in practice have improved clinical care, driven novel therapeutic options and improved risk stratification tools.

Aims

To provide an overview of the disease characteristics of PBC and review a patient‐centred management approach for the clinical team caring for those with PBC.

Methods

We reviewed the current literature and guidelines on PBC with a focus on management and therapies.

Results

A confident diagnosis of PBC is usually made based on serum liver tests and immune serology. Management of PBC should focus on three main ‘process’ pillars: (a) treat and risk‐stratify through use of biochemical and prognostic criteria; (b) manage concurrent symptoms and other associated diseases; and (c) stage disease, monitor progression and prevent complications. With ongoing complexities in management, including a newly licensed therapy (obeticholic acid) and alternative non‐licensed treatments and ongoing clinical trials, discussion with PBC expert centres is encouraged.

Conclusions

PBC is a dynamic disease wherein current treatment goals have become appropriately ambitious. Goals of care should prioritise prevention of end‐stage liver disease and amelioration of patient symptom burden for all.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: the efficacy and safety of direct‐acting antivirals in children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Indolfi Giuseppe , Giometto Sabrina , Serranti Daniele , Bettiol Alessandra , Bigagli Elisabetta , De Masi Salvatore , Lucenteforte Ersilia
Published: December 2020

Background

The effect of direct‐acting anti‐virals (DAAs) in children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is difficult to determine, since few, aged between 3 and 18 years, have been enrolled in clinical trials, and some data come from observational studies.

Aim

To summarise the evidence on efficacy and safety of DAAs in children and adolescents with chronic HCV infection.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of prospective studies on the efficacy and safety of DAAs in subjects <18 years of age. We considered the sustained virological response at post‐treatment week 12 as efficacy outcome and adverse events as safety outcome. We considered intervention effect for each study arm by calculating the proportion of sustained virologic response at post‐treatment week 12 in subjects receiving all doses of treatment and proportion of adverse events in subjects receiving at least one dose of treatment. Pooled proportions were calculated using the Freeman‐Tukey double arcsine transformation. Random effects model was used for all analyses.

Results

Among 39 included studies (1796 subjects), the pooled proportion among those receiving all doses of treatment and reaching sustained virologic response at post‐treatment week 12 was 100% (95% confidence interval: 100‐100). Considering subjects receiving at least one dose of treatment, lowest estimates were reported among children with cirrhosis (83%). Headache and fatigue were the most common adverse events. Serious adverse events were uncommon.

Conclusions

Children and adolescents with chronic HCV infection can be safely treated with DAAs with similar efficacy as reported in adults.