bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethmoid Sinus Mucosal and Lacrimal Sac Flap Anastomosing in Patients With Failed Dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Yu Bo , Xia Yu , Ji Yuanfei , Tu Yunhai , Wu Wencan 
Published: October 2020

Purpose:The aim of this work is to demonstrate the outcomes of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (En-DCR) with anterior ethmoid sinus mucosal and posterior lacrimal sac flap anastomosing in patients with previous failed DCR.Methods:The clinical data of patients who suffered from recurrent epiphora after failed DCR between September 2014 and March 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Among them, those who received the second En-DCR procedure were enrolled in this study. During the surgery, anterior ethmoidectomy was performed. Posterior lacrimal sac flap was apposed closely to the mucosal of anterior ethmoid sinus instead of nasal flap at end of the surgery. Patients were followed up more than 12 months were included, the success rate and complications were recorded.Results:Sixty-one eyes of 61 patients were enrolled in the study. The success rate of our modified En-DCR was 83.6% (51/61). Among 10 eyes with postoperative obstruction, 4 eyes caused by granuloma, 2 eyes caused by scar synechia, 2 eyes caused by membranous obstruction, and 2 eyes caused by common canalicular stenosis. No serious complications such as orbital fat prolapse, cerebrospinal fluid leak, sinusitis, or visual impairment were occurred in this study.Conclusion:Endoscopic approach with anterior ethmoid sinus mucosal and posterior lacrimal sac flap anastomosing is a good choice for patients with recurrent epiphora after previous failed DCR.
Mathematical Perspective of Covid-19 Pandemic: Disease Extinction Criteria in Deterministic and Stochastic Models
Authors: Adak Debadatta , Majumder Abhijit , Bairagi Nandadulal 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe world has been facing the biggest virological invasion in the form of Covid-19 pandemic since the beginning of the year 2020. In this paper, we consider a deterministic epidemic model of four compartments classified based on the health status of the populations of a given country to capture the disease progression. A stochastic extension of the deterministic model is further considered to capture the uncertainty or variation observed in the disease transmissibility. In the case of a deterministic system, the disease-free equilibrium will be globally asymptotically stable if the basic reproduction number is less than unity, otherwise, the disease persists. Using Lyapunov functional methods, we prove that the infected population of the stochastic system tends to zero exponentially almost surely if the basic reproduction number is less than unity. The stochastic system has no interior equilibrium, however, its asymptotic solution is shown to fluctuate around the endemic equilibrium of the deterministic system under some parametric restrictions, implying that the infection persists. A case study with the Covid-19 epidemic data of Spain is presented and various analytical results have been demonstrated. The epidemic curve in Spain clearly shows two waves of infection. The first wave was observed during March-April and the second wave started in the middle of July and not completed yet. A real-time basic reproduction number has been given to illustrate the epidemiological status of Spain throughout the study period. Estimated cumulative numbers of confirmed and death cases are 1,613,626 and 42,899, respectively, with case fatality rate 2.66 per cent till the deadly virus is eliminated from Spain.
Effects of long-term closed environment on human saliva microbiota and salivary cytokines
Authors: Zhu Yinzhen , Hao Zikai , Fu Yuming , Yang Jianlou , Dong Chen , Liu Hong 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCompared with the normal environment, the microbiota in controlled closed cabins such as space capsules, Lunar/Mars bases have changed. To ensure the health of crewmembers, it’s necessary to understand the effects of these changes on human symbiotic microorganisms and immunity. In this study, the experimental platform “Lunar Palace 1” with a similar closed and controlled environment was used to research the effects of changed microbial exposure on human saliva microbiota and salivary cytokines. This paper studied on four crewmembers who participated in the third phase of the “Lunar Palace 365” experiment, analyzing the dynamic changes of saliva microbiota and salivary cytokines, and further studying the correlation between salivary cytokines and highly abundant genera. According to our data, the crewmembers’ saliva microbiota and salivary cytokines fluctuated smoothly throughout the whole experiment. Although a part of microbes increased or decreased some times, they recovered quickly after leaving the controlled environment. The level of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α in crewmembers’ saliva decreased from normal environment to the controlled environment, showing reduced levels of oral inflammatory response in crewmembers. In addition, although there were significant individual differences in crewmembers’ saliva microbiota, sharing living space reduced the difference. Furthermore, the level of TNF-α showed a consistent positive correlation with the abundance ofActinomycesandRothiain the controlled environment, indicating healthy individuals’ oral mucosal barrier may be sensitive to changes in saliva microbiota. According to the result, semi-sterile environments in controlled closed cabins didn’t cause persistent changes in human saliva microbiota and oral immunity. Besides, it provides a new idea for future research on the impact of the controlled environment on crewmembers health, and provides guidance for studying the effect of semi-sterile environments on human immunity based on saliva microbiota.Key pointsSaliva microbes kept stable for individual but got convergent when sharing space;The level of salivary cytokines reduced after entering the controlled environment;There were complex correlations between salivary cytokines and saliva microbes;The crewmembers adapt well to the controlled environment.
AAV Capsid Chimeras with Enhanced Infectivity reveal a core element in the AAV Genome critical for both Cell Transduction and Capsid Assembly
Authors: Viney Lydia , Bürckstümmer Tilmann , Mietzsch Mario , Choudhry Modassir , Henley Tom , Agbandje-McKenna Mavis 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTAdeno-associated viruses (AAV) have attracted significant attention in the field of gene and cell therapy due to highly effective delivery of therapeutic genes into human cells. The ability to generate recombinant AAV vectors compromised of unique or substituted protein sequences has led to the development of capsid variants with improved therapeutic properties. Seeking a novel AAV capable of enhanced transduction of human T cells for applications in immunotherapy, we have developed a unique capsid variant termed AAVX-Vivo(AAV-XV) that is a chimera of AAV12 VP1/2 sequences and the VP3 sequence of AAV6. This AAV chimera showed enhanced infection of human primary T cells and hematopoietic stem cells, and superiority over wildtype AAV6 for the genomic integration of DNA sequences either by AAV alone or in combination with CRISPR gene editing. AAV-XV demonstrated transduction efficiency equivalent to AAV6 at multiplicities of infection 2 logs lower, enabling T cell engineering at low AAV doses. Analyzing the protein coding sequence of AAV-XV revealed disruptions within the assembly-activating protein (AAP) which likely accounted for observed lower virus yield. A series of genome alterations reverting the AAP sequence back to wildtype had a negative impact on the enhanced transduction seen with AAV-VX, indicating overlapping functions within this sequence for both viral assembly and effective T cell transduction. Our findings show that AAV-XV is highly efficient at T cell engineering at low AAV dose and demonstrates the importance of AAP coding region in both viral particle assembly and cell infection.IMPORTANCEA major hurdle to the therapeutic potential of AAV in gene therapy lies in achieving clinically meaningful AAV doses, and secondarily, ability to manufacture commercially viable titers of AAV to support this. By virtue of neutralizing antibodies against AAV that impede patient repeat-dosing, the dose of AAV forin vivogene delivery has been high, which has resulted in unfortunate recent safety concerns and deaths in patients given higher-dose AAV gene therapy. We have generated a new AAV variant possessing a unique combination of capsid proteins for ex-vivo application termed AAV-XV, which delivers high levels of cell transduction and gene delivery at a lower MOI. Furthermore, we demonstrate a novel finding, and an important consideration for recombinant AAV design, that a region of the AAV genome encoding the capsid protein and AAP gene is critical for both virus yield and the enhancement of infection/transduction.
PIP2promotes conformation-specific dimerization of the EphA2 membrane region
Authors: Stefanski Katherine M. , Russell Charles M. , Westerfield Justin M. , Lamichhane Rajan , Barrera Francisco N. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe impact of the EphA2 receptor on cancer malignancy hinges on the two different ways it can be activated. EphA2 induces anti-oncogenic signaling after ligand binding, but ligand-independent activation of EphA2 is pro-oncogenic. It is believed that the transmembrane (TM) domain of EphA2 adopts two alternate conformations in the ligand-dependent and the ligand-independent states. However, it is poorly understood how the difference in TM helical crossing angles found in the two conformations impacts the activity and regulation of EphA2. We devised a method that uses hydrophobic matching to stabilize two conformations of a peptide comprising the EphA2 TM domain and a portion of the intracellular juxtamembrane (JM) segment. The two conformations exhibit different TM crossing angles, resembling the ligand-dependent and ligand-independent states. We developed a single-molecule technique using SMALPs to measure dimerization in membranes. We observed that the signaling lipid PIP2promotes TM dimerization, but only in the small crossing angle state, which we propose corresponds to the ligand-independent conformation. In this state the two TM are almost parallel, and the positively charged JM segments are expected to be close to each other, causing electrostatic repulsion. The mechanism PIP2uses to promote dimerization might involve alleviating this repulsion due to its high density of negative charges. Our data reveal a conformational coupling between the TM and JM regions, and suggest that PIP2might directly exert a regulatory effect on EphA2 activation in cells that is specific to the ligand-independent conformation of the receptor.
Adaptive fuzzy Jacobian control of spacecraft combined attitude and Sun tracking system
Authors: Chak Yew-Chung , Varatharajoo Renuganth , Assadian Nima 
Published: October 2020

Purpose
The paper aims to address the combined attitude control and Sun tracking problem in a flexible spacecraft in the presence of external and internal disturbances. The attitude stabilization of a flexible satellite is generally a challenging control problem, because of the facts that satellite kinematic and dynamic equations are inherently nonlinear, the rigid–flexible coupling dynamical effect, as well as the uncertainty that arises from the effect of actuator anomalies.

Design/methodology/approach
To deal with these issues in the combined attitude and Sun tracking system, a novel control scheme is proposed based on the adaptive fuzzy Jacobian approach. The augmented spacecraft model is then analyzed and the Lyapunov-based backstepping method is applied to develop a nonlinear three-axis attitude pointing control law and the adaptation law.

Findings
Numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive control scheme in simultaneously tracking the desired attitude and the Sun.

Practical implications
Reaction wheels are commonly used in many spacecraft systems for the three-axis attitude control by delivering precise torques. If a reaction wheel suffers from an irreversible mechanical breakdown, then it is likely going to interrupt the mission, or even leading to a catastrophic loss. The pitch-axis mounted solar array drive assemblies (SADAs) can be exploited to anticipate such situation to generate a differential torque. As the solar panels are rotated by the SADAs to be orientated relative to the Sun, the pitch-axis wheel control torque demand can be compensated by the differential torque.

Originality/value
The proposed Jacobian control scheme is inspired by the knowledge of Jacobian matrix in the trajectory tracking of robotic manipulators.
Trust research in public relations: an assessment of its conceptual, theoretical and methodological foundations
Authors: Valentini Chiara 
Published: October 2020

PurposeDuring the past few years, public trust in organisations, institutions and systems has decreased. Trust is an important antecedent not only for relationship-building but also for image and reputation management. This study aims to systematically review scientific publications on public relations and trust to explore the current status of trust research, including its conceptual definition, measurement and theorisation.Design/methodology/approachOnly English-language scientific papers published in key public relations journals were analysed. Titles, abstracts and keywords were searched with the terms “public relations” and/or “strategic communication” and/or “communication management” and “trust”, returning 254 discrete articles. Quantitative content analysis and thematic analysis were used to extract information.FindingsTrust research has limited methodological and intellectual diversity. Most studies have been published by North American scholars using surveys and interviews as the primary methods, and most are positioned within the public relations literature. One-third of papers do not use any specific theory to define trust, and about 13% of those in which trust is a central element do not refer to any conceptual foundation. The majority of papers are centred on professional and managerial problems, with limited discussion of publics/stakeholders' or societal problems.Originality/valueThis study offers important information about the development of trust research in public relations and sheds light on current knowledge gaps that can inform future research.
Two 3D virtual worlds as domain-oriented design environments: closing the educational gap with the action-breakdown-repair model
Authors: Mørch Anders I. 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThe present study proposes action-breakdown-repair (ABR) as a pedagogical model and 3D virtual worlds as technology, to bridge the gap between curricular goals and students out of school technology experiences, referred to as the educational gap.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative study combining design-based research (DBR) and a case study was used with video observation as a data collection method. ABR is demonstrated by an empirical analysis of learning activities with ©Minecraft (hereafter MC) and ©Second LifeTM (hereafter SL) used in two teacher education programs.FindingsTeachers and students could use the technology with some initial training. Experience in gameplay, collaboration and problem solving eased the transitioning into curricular activities. The teachers integrated domain knowledge by giving students tasks that involved the creation of domain-specific artifacts and role-play scenarios. In total, two dilemmas of educational gap closing were found and discussed: learning domain knowledge vs learning technology and breakdown in action vs breakdown in understanding.Research limitations/implicationsAutomated feedback (critiquing) adapted to students' individual needs while building and role-playing in MC or SL to off-load some of the teachers’ work in scaffolding design activities in the classroom is a direction for further work.Practical implicationsThe model can provide guidance for teachers and other stakeholders who are in the process of integrating creative technologies like visual programming, design environments and collaboration tools in K-12 education.Originality/valueA novelty of the present research is treating ABR as a pedagogical model and closing the educational gap.
Teacher professional learning through lesson study: teachers' reflections
Authors: Fox Alison , Poultney Val 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThis study examines the experiences of five teachers working in two English secondary school subject departments after being given the opportunity to engage with Lesson Study (LS) to increase student performance in their subject areas. This study aimed to reveal the drivers for the teachers' engagement in LS, and how this experience of Joint Professional Development (JPD) might be contributing to their learning as teachers.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies an analytic approach to evidencing teacher learning, based on the work of Knud Illeris, offering this as a methodological contribution to the field of professional development literature.FindingsFindings reveal that, despite all the teachers developing a passion for learning through LS, there are constraints on its sustainability and impact which can be attributed to the teachers' broader contexts and which affected them differently. The constraints centre on tensions between priorities and agendas within and beyond the school, related largely to budgets and visions of staff development.Research limitations/implicationsThis focused study on two subject departments engaging in LS limits its generalisability in terms of findings. However, the study offers a practical research application of a model of learning for analysis of teacher reflections on collaborative learning experiences.Originality/valueUnderstanding individual teacher reflections on LS experiences is under-represented in the literature, in particular studies providing insights into conditions conducive and constraining to JPD.
Sustainability key performance indicators and the global reporting initiative: usage and challenges in a developing country context
Authors: Dissanayake Dinithi 
Published: October 2020

Purpose
First, this paper aims to explore the extent of the global reporting initiative (GRI) sustainability key performance indicator (KPI) usage in sustainability reporting by businesses operating in Sri Lanka. Second, using a contingency theory approach, this research examines the factors which promote or inhibit the use of the GRI framework to adopt sustainability KPIs in a developing country context, Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach
Content analysis and semi-structured interviews are used in this study to explore the key factors which affect the usage of the GRI framework by Sri Lankan companies in adopting sustainability KPIs and reporting on sustainability.

Findings
The findings indicate that the GRI framework is increasingly used for sustainability reporting by Sri Lankan companies because of its flexibility, consistency, legitimacy and its focus on continuous improvement. However, company managers also shed light on the extensive number of KPIs in the GRI framework making selections challenging and the consequent difficulties associated with adapting these KPIs for companies operating in a developing country context.

Research limitations/implications
This study contributes to extending the broader literature on sustainability reporting in developing countries and specifically on sustainability KPIs. Second, this paper adds to the current empirical research on sustainability reporting in Sri Lanka where the literature is still sparse. Third, this study highlights the key factors that support or hinder the usage of the GRI framework in a developing country context.

Practical implications
Important insights for GRI, other standard-setting agencies and businesses can be drawn from the findings of this study. By capitalising further on the training and the educational courses provided by GRI, GRI can be involved in mitigating some of the pressing issues faced by the reporting companies.

Originality/value
This study adds to the limited research on sustainability reporting and sustainability KPIs in developing country contexts. It shows how companies in Sri Lanka are engaging with sustainability KPIs and sustainability reporting, but are also constrained by the GRI framework as its standards are not tailored to issues in developing countries.
Measuring the financial effects of mitigating commodity price volatility in supply chains
Authors: Gaudenzi Barbara , Zsidisin George A. , Pellegrino Roberta 
Published: October 2020

Purpose
Firms can choose from an array of approaches for reducing the detrimental financial effects caused by unfavorable fluctuations in commodity prices. The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance for effectively estimating the financial effects of mitigating commodity price risk volatility (CPV) in supply chain management decisions.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper adopts two prominent and complementary methodologies, namely, total cost of ownership (TCO and real options valuation (ROV), to illustrate how commodity price risk mitigation strategies can be analyzed with respect to their effect on costs and performance. The paper provides insights through a case study to demonstrate the application of these methods together and establish the benefits and challenges associated with their implementation.

Findings
The paper illustrates advantages and disadvantages of TCO and ROV and how these approaches can be adopted together to contribute to effective purchasing decisions. Supply chain flexibility is a key capability but requires investments. Holistically measuring the financial effects of flexibility investments is imperative for gaining executive management support in mitigating commodity price volatility.

Research limitations/implications
This study can provide supply chain professionals with useful guidance for measuring the costs and benefits related to developing strategies for mitigating commodity price volatility. TCO provides a focus on the costs associated with the commodity purchasing process, and ROV enables the aggregation of all the costs and benefits associated with the use of the strategy and synthesizes them into the net value estimate.

Originality/value
The paper provides a comparison of different but complementary approaches, specifically TCO and ROV, for analyzing the effectiveness of CPV risk mitigation decisions. In addition, these two methods allow supply chain professionals to evaluate and control the financial effects of CPV risk, particularly the impact of mitigation on firm’s cash flows.
Designing employee experiences to create customer experience value
Authors: Pine II B. Joseph 
Published: October 2020

Purpose
The author’s thesis is that today we have transitioned from a Service Economy to an Experience Economy, . What customers increasingly want are experiences – memorable events that engage each individual in an inherently personal way. And if companies want to create and consistently offer engagement experience value, then they need to give their employees the wherewithal to design, create and stage such offerings through an employee experience that is equally personal, memorable and of course engaging. 10;

Design/methodology/approach
The author suggests that we think of the customer/employee relationship as the experience profit chain, one that interacts in multiple and complex ways to yield a connected human experience.

Findings
Better employee experience leads to the creation of a better experience for customers, which feeds back to enabling a more engaging employee experience. Separate employee experiences from customer experiences and it will become increasingly hard to create the economic value desired by customers today.

Practical implications
The employee experience depends on how well companies design the time employees spend that creates value for customers.

Originality/value
Seminal article that analyzes and offers guidance on how to formulate the relationship between customer experience and employee experience.