bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split 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

AbstractAgriculture 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

Abstract

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

Abstract
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 &gt; 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 &lt; 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 &gt; 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 &lt; 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

Abstract
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.
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

AbstractDiffusion-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

ABSTRACTHerpes 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.IMPORTANCEHerpes 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

AbstractMalaria 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.
Redefining the accountant’s personality: success or stagnancy?
Authors: Wetmiller Rebecca J. , Barkhi Reza 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe 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/approachA 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.FindingsAgreeing 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 implicationsThis 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/valueAssessing 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

PurposeThe 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/approachA 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.FindingsMean 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/valueThis 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.