bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Software entrepreneurs’ competencies based on business growth
Authors: Sudirman Iman , Siswanto Joko , Aisha Atya Nur 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
This study aims to identify the competencies of small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) entrepreneurs in the software sector and the perceived level of attainment in each competency. It also examines whether these competencies and their levels affect business turnover and growth (in terms of business scale and duration).

Design/methodology/approach
To accomplish this purpose, the study took a quantitative approach, involving a survey of 33 SME entrepreneurs, which was then processed using statistical tests, including chi-square test, Kruskal–Wallis test and ordinal regression.

Findings
There were four findings of the study. Firstly, software SME entrepreneurs need 17 competencies, with high levels of soft competencies being required and average levels of technical competencies. Secondly, there are significant differences in perceived levels of customer service orientation (p = 0.089) depending on the scale of the business and in perceived levels of project management (p = 0.087) depending on the duration of the business. Thirdly, customer service orientation (p = 0.031) and project management (p = 0.01) both have a significant influence on business revenues. Fourthly, there were significant gaps in perceived levels of competency (p < 0.05) in achievement orientation, customer service orientation and project management.

Originality/value
There is existing research that conducts competency mappings at the managerial level in large-scale organizations; however, this sort of research in relation to SME entrepreneurs is still lacking. The present study seeks to fill this gap. It also maps integrated entrepreneurial competencies, including soft and technical competencies; a focus that is lacking in previous studies.
Experimental investigation on influence of electrode vibrations on hardness and microstructure of 1018 mild steel weldments
Authors: Bade Venkata Suresh , P. Srinivasa Rao , P. Govinda Rao 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the importance of vibrations during welding process. In recent years, welding has gained its supremacy in the field of production. The main set back of the welding process is induced residual stresses, which is a major cause for many welding defects. These defects can be minimized by post-weld heat treatment methods, which is a time consuming and laborious process. In the recent past, a technique of exciting the weld-pool by vibrating the work-pieces was also adopted to minimize the above-mentioned stresses. A novel technique of electrode vibration is another effective way of transferring the vibrations to the weld-pool to influence the induced residual stress.Design/methodology/approachIn this research, the electrode is vibrated with the help of an electric motor. The specimens were prepared as per American Society for Testing and Materials standards and welded with varying frequencies and voltages. The weldments are tested for hardness along the weld bead and heat affected zone, also the microstructure of the fusion zone is analyzed.FindingsIt is observed that there is an improvement in the hardness because of the grain refinement, which is a result of proper excitation of the weld-pool. It is observed that there is an improvement in hardness test up to 28.69% when compared with the conventional welding process. The peak value of hardness is observed at a frequency of 4,450 Hz. This is because of fine grain structure at this frequency, which is observed through the microstructure analysis.Originality/valueA novel technique is introduced to refine the weld-pool through electrode vibrations. To improve the hardness of the welded joints, vibrations play a major role by refining the grain structure. The vibrations are imparted with the help of a special equipment attached to the electrode.
Modelling how resource competition among snail hosts affects the mollusciciding frequency and intensity needed to control human schistosomes
Authors: Malishev Matthew , Civitello David J. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Ecological interactions among intermediate hosts or vectors of human pathogens can enhance or hinder control efforts. However, we currently lack quantitative frameworks to predict how interactions among host physiology, ecology and control effort shape human disease risk.

We explore this approach for human schistosomiasis, a major, historically neglected tropical disease. A recent re‐emphasis on snail host control using molluscicides highlights the need to re‐evaluate the ecological mechanisms driving emergence of schistosome cercariae, the life stage that directly infects humans.

We integrate physiology, resource competition and control using individual‐based models based on general metabolic theory, Dynamic Energy Budget theory, to simulate human infectious schistosome density under molluscicide scenarios varying in frequency and intensity throughout a 150‐day transmission season. Without molluscicide control, our model predicts intense resource competition among hosts and large and early parasite peaks under algae and detritus resources. Consistent monthly control, as recommended by the WHO, can work if intense, that is, >90% host mortality. In contrast, one‐off, intense and early mollusciciding induces large delayed rebounds in parasites by releasing the few remaining snails from resource competition.

Our simulations confirm the WHO recommendation that frequent mollusciciding can disrupt transmission, but contradict recent suggestions for infrequent mollusciciding, for example, annually, which can backfire because relaxed resource competition among hosts stimulates parasite production. Our results identify resource competition as a key ecological mechanism driving parasite population intensity for schistosome habitats across ecosystems.

Our results show resource ecology models can identify peaks in parasite density. More generally, resource competition among hosts may complicate efforts to control infected snail host densities in the field and thus disease risk through culling or mortality‐based interventions. Connecting individuals to community and disease dynamics with resource ecology can inform better field control strategies and help managers avoid unintended consequences for human health.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Applications of weighted association networks applied to compositional data in biology
Authors: Espinoza Josh L. , Shah Naisha , Singh Suren , Nelson Karen E. , Dupont Chris L. 
Published: May 2020

SummaryNext‐generation sequencing technologies have generated, and continue to produce, an increasingly large corpus of biological data. The data generated are inherently compositional as they convey only relative information dependent upon the capacity of the instrument, experimental design and technical bias. There is considerable information to be gained through network analysis by studying the interactions between components within a system. Network theory methods using compositional data are powerful approaches for quantifying relationships between biological components and their relevance to phenotype, environmental conditions or other external variables. However, many of the statistical assumptions used for network analysis are not designed for compositional data and can bias downstream results. In this mini‐review, we illustrate the utility of network theory in biological systems and investigate modern techniques while introducing researchers to frameworks for implementation. We overview (1) compositional data analysis, (2) data transformations and (3) network theory along with insight on a battery of network types including static‐, temporal‐, sample‐specific‐ and differential‐networks. The intention of this mini‐review is not to provide a comprehensive overview of network methods, rather to introduce microbiology researchers to (semi)‐unsupervised data‐driven approaches for inferring latent structures that may give insight into biological phenomena or abstract mechanics of complex systems.
A retrospective stenting study on superior vena cava syndrome caused by lung cancer
Authors: Wei Sen , Liu Jinghao , Li Xin , Song Zuoqing , Dong Ming , Zhao Honglin , Zhao Qingchun , Chen Gang , Chen Jun 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundSuperior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a common condition predominantly caused by lung cancer. The presence of symptoms of SVCS, such as elevated intracranial pressure and laryngeal edema, indicates an unfavorable prognosis for lung cancer patients. Superior vena cava (SVC) stenting is the first‐line treatment for SVCS. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed SVCS cases treated with stenting in our center to explore the safety and effectiveness of stenting in the treatment of SVCS.MethodsWe reviewed 16 patients with SVCS caused by lung cancer who were treated at our center with endovascular stenting between 2016 and 2018. Patient information such as age, sex, type of lung cancer, obstruction condition, complications, survival time, and postoperative treatments are summarized.ResultsThere were no treatment‐related complications in the perioperative period in any of the patients. Examination at postoperative day 2 indicated that the accompanying SVCS symptoms had improved in all patients. The median survival of patients treated along with combined postoperative chemotherapy and antivascular targeted therapy reached seven months (1–18 months).ConclusionsSVC stenting is effective as a first‐line treatment modality for patients with SVCS caused by lung cancer. In combination with other treatment modalities, it can significantly alleviate symptoms and reduce complications, and thus it plays an important role in the treatment of patients with SVCS caused by lung cancer.
Weed control in natural grasslands: A case study using a perennial native forb from the South American Campos
Authors: Quiñones Dellepiane Amparo , Lattanzi Fernando A. , Saldain Néstor E. , Lezama Felipe 
Published: May 2020

AbstractManagement of native weeds in natural grasslands is a challenging task. Often, recommendations are based on short‐term studies of the response of weed cover and density to different control methods. However, perennial species well adapted to disturbances typically recover from commonly used control techniques. In this long‐term study, we focused on a rosette native to the South American Campos: Eryngium horridum Malme (Apiaceae). This plant is strongly avoided by cattle due to its spiny leaves and tends to form dense patches, reducing the available grazing area. We aimed at understanding how key demographic processes, such as size‐related plant survival and seedling establishment, are affected by different control treatments. For this, E. horridum cover, density and size structure were assessed over three years in response to mechanical, chemical and integrated (mechanical + chemical) control methods. In a field experiment, we used a weighted rim and a wiper applicator with 2,4‐D + picloram for the mechanical and chemical control, respectively. Cover was reduced by control treatments (‘control phase’), but this was not sustained in the long term (‘recovery phase’). Regardless of the method used, control success was closely related to effects on population size structure. Mortality was high and rapid in large rosettes, which effectively led to a rapid and widespread cover reduction in all control treatments. However, only herbicide reduced rosette density delaying the recovery phase. Seedling density was low during the experimental period and scarcely affected by treatments. We conclude that cover reduction depends on removing all large rosettes, but recovery is related both to the size of the remaining pool of small rosettes and to the ability of buried rhizomes to resprout. Finally, we highlight the importance of finding a balance between productive goals and biodiversity conservation. In that context, integrated control successfully reduced cover, delayed recovery and minimised the amount of herbicide used.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Genotype concordance and polygenic risk score estimation across consumer genetic testing data
Authors: Batra Prag , Huang Kuan‐lin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe consumer genomics industry is steadily growing and delivering genetic information to over 10 million individuals. Yet, the implications of using data from different services remain unclear. We investigated the genotyped sites, concordance, and genetic risk estimation using data from three consumer services—two single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐array based and one sequencing based. In an N‐of‐one setting, we found the three services genotyped predominantly distinct sets of sites. While there was a high concordance between overlapping sites of the two SNP‐array services (99.6%), there was a lower concordance between these services and a low‐pass whole‐genome service (73.0%). The discrepancy between the three sets of data resulted in different APOE genotypes and genetic risk scores of Alzheimer's disease. Our results demonstrate genotype results across consumer genomics platforms may lead to different genetic risk estimates, highlighting the need for careful quality control and interpretation.
Cervical length surveillance for predicting spontaneous preterm birth in women with uterine anomalies: A cohort study
Authors: Hughes Kelly M. , Kane Stefan C. , Haines Terrence P. , Sheehan Penelope M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionUterine anomalies occur in an estimated 5% of women and have been shown to confer a higher risk of spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB). A sonographically short cervix (<25 mm) is a risk indicator for SPTB, although its predictive utility has been little studied in this specific high‐risk population. We aimed to assess the pregnancy outcomes and predictive ability of short cervix in a cohort of women with uterine anomalies attending a high‐risk antenatal clinic.Material and methodsThis historical cohort study assessed all pregnancies in women with congenital uterine anomalies referred to the Preterm labor Clinic at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, between 2004 and 2013. Logistic and linear regressions and receiver‐operator curves were used to examine associations between cervical length and preterm birth.ResultsSPTB (<37 weeks’ gestation) occurred in 23% of the 86 pregnancies (n = 20); rates by subgroup were: unicornuate uterus 60% (n = 3/5), uterus didelphys 40% (n = 6/15), bicornuate uterus 18% (n = 9/51), septate uterus 13% (n = 2/15). Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes occurred in 55% of spontaneous preterm births and was not independently associated with the presence of cervical cerclage or ureaplasma urealyticum. Short cervical length was associated with SPTB in women with septate uterus. Short cervix at 24 weeks (not at 16 or 20 weeks) was moderately predictive of SPTB < 34 weeks.ConclusionsWomen with uterine anomalies are at increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth, particularly those with unicornuate uterus or uterus didelphys, but cervical surveillance did not identify these cases. Short cervix may be associated with SPTB in women with septate uterus. Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes occurred in 55% of SPTB. More research is required into etiology to help determine appropriate monitoring and treatment.
More positive group memberships are associated with greater resilience in Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel
Authors: White Craig A. , Slater Matthew J. , Turner Martin J. , Barker Jamie B. 
Published: May 2020

In the current project, we examined how perceived group memberships (number, and characteristics, of), social and relational identification, and social identity leadership are associated with resilience in Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel. Based on social identity theorizing, we hypothesized positive associations between the number of groups, perceptions of their characteristics (e.g., positivity), and how they relate to each other (i.e., compatibility) and resilience (H1). We also hypothesized positive associations between both social identity leadership (H2) and resilience, and social and relational identification (H3) and resilience. Two hundred and forty‐three personnel from 18 RAF bases completed an identity mapping exercise and measures of leadership, social and relational identification, and resilience. Our findings highlighted the importance of the association between positive group memberships and resilience, and social identification and resilience. Counter to our hypothesis, belonging to more groups was negatively associated with resilience, and there were non‐significant relationships between three principles of social identity leadership and resilience, with embedding identity being significantly negatively associated with resilience. In support of social identity theorizing, the number of positive groups was positively associated with resilience, as was social identification. These findings indicate that, for RAF personnel, it is belonging to positive groups, both within and outside work, along with social identification, that is positively associated with resilience.
Patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome show T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 self‐reactive immune responses specific to prostate and seminal antigens and diminished semen quality
Authors: Motrich Ruben D. , Breser María L. , Molina Rosa I. , Tissera Andrea , Olmedo José J. , Rivero Virginia E. 
Published: May 2020

ObjectivesTo assess the presence of self‐reactive immune responses to seminal and prostate antigens (PAg), biomarkers of inflammation of the male genital tract, and semen quality parameters in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).Patients, Subjects and MethodsPeripheral blood and semen samples were collected from patients with CP/CPPS and age‐matched healthy control volunteers. We analysed the lymphoproliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to different seminal plasma (SP)‐derived and purified PAg, serum autoantibodies specific to PAg, leucocyte subpopulations, and inflammatory cytokines in semen, sperm apoptosis/necrosis, and semen quality parameters.ResultsSignificantly greater PBMC proliferative responses specific to PAg, with elevated secretion of interferon (IFN)γ and interleukin (IL)‐17, were detected in the patients with CP/CPPS vs the controls. Moreover, the patients with CP/CPPS had significantly greater serum immunoglobulin G immune reactivity to SP proteins, such as prostate‐specific antigen and prostatic acid phosphatase, than the controls. Inflammation of the male genital tract was exemplified by high levels of IFNγ, IL‐17, IL‐1β and IL‐8, as well as higher counts of leukocytes, mainly CD4 T lymphocytes and macrophages, in the semen. In addition, this local inflammation was associated with an overall diminished semen quality, i.e., reduced sperm concentration, motility and viability; and higher levels of sperm apoptosis/necrosis in patients with CP/CPPS vs controls.ConclusionPatients with CP/CPPS show T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 immune responses specific to PAg associated with chronic inflammation of the male genital tract and reduced semen quality. These immune responses may underlie the induction and development of chronic pelvic pain and inflammation of the male genital tract, which in turn could alter normal prostate functioning and impair semen quality.
N‐benzhydryl quinuclidine compounds are a potent and Src kinase‐independent inhibitor of NALCN channels
Authors: Hahn Suyun , Kim So Woon , Um Ki Bum , Kim Hyun Jin , Park Myoung Kyu 
Published: May 2020

Background and PurposeNALCN is a Na+ leak, GPCR‐activated channel that regulates the resting membrane potential and neuronal excitability. Despite numerous possible roles for NALCN in both normal physiology and disease processes, lack of specific blockers hampers further investigation.Experimental ApproachThe effect of N‐benzhydryl quinuclidine compounds on NALCN channels was demonstrated using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings in HEK293T cells overexpressing NALCN and acutely isolated nigral dopaminergic neurons that express NALCN endogenously. Src kinase activity was measured using a Src kinase assay kit, and voltage and current‐clamp recordings from nigral dopaminergic neurons were used to measure NALCN currents and membrane potentials.Key ResultsN‐benzhydryl quinuclidine compounds inhibited NALCN channels without affecting TRPC channels, another important route for Na+ leak. In HEK293T cells overexpressing NALCN, N‐benzhydryl quinuclidine compounds potently suppressed muscarinic M3 receptor‐activated NALCN currents. Structure–function relationship studies suggest that the quinuclidine ring with a benzhydryl group imparts the ability to inhibit NALCN currents regardless of Src family kinases. Moreover, N‐benzhydryl quinuclidine compounds inhibited not only GPCR‐activated NALCN currents but also background Na+ leak currents and hyperpolarized the membrane potential in native midbrain dopaminergic neurons that express NALCN endogenously.Conclusion and ImplicationsThese findings suggest that N‐benzhydryl quinuclidine compounds have a pharmacological potential to directly inhibit NALCN channels and could be a useful tool to investigate functions of NALCN channels.
Open‐channel blocking action of volatile anaesthetics desflurane and sevoflurane on human voltage‐gated Kv1.5 channel
Authors: Fukushima Yutaka , Kojima Akiko , Mi Xinya , Ding Wei‐Guang , Kitagawa Hirotoshi , Matsuura Hiroshi 
Published: May 2020

Background and PurposeVolatile anaesthetics have been shown to differentially modulate mammalian Shaker‐related voltage‐gated potassium (Kv1.x) channels. This study was designed to investigate molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the modulatory effects of desflurane or sevoflurane on human Kv1.5 (hKv1.5) channels.Experimental ApproachThirteen single‐point mutations were constructed within pore domain of hKv1.5 channel using site‐directed mutagenesis. The effects of desflurane or sevoflurane on heterologously expressed wild‐type and mutant hKv1.5 channels were examined by whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique. A computer simulation was conducted to predict the docking pose of desflurane or sevoflurane within hKv1.5 channel.Key ResultsBoth desflurane and sevoflurane increased hKv1.5 current at mild depolarizations but decreased it at strong depolarizations, indicating that these anaesthetics produce both stimulatory and inhibitory actions on hKv1.5 channels. The inhibitory effect of desflurane or sevoflurane on hKv1.5 channels arose primarily from its open‐channel blocking action. The inhibitory action of desflurane or sevoflurane on hKv1.5 channels was significantly attenuated in T480A, V505A, and I508A mutant channels, compared with wild‐type channel. Computational docking simulation predicted that desflurane or sevoflurane resides within the inner cavity of channel pore and has contact with Thr479, Thr480, Val505, and Ile508.Conclusion and ImplicationsDesflurane and sevoflurane exert an open‐channel blocking action on hKv1.5 channels by functionally interacting with specific amino acids located within the channel pore. This study thus identifies a novel molecular basis mediating inhibitory modulation of hKv1.5 channels by desflurane and sevoflurane.
Q&A
Authors: Lovelady Brett , Schwartz Bob 
Published: May 2020

Creating innovative design for products and brands that have come to define popular culture, Brett Lovelady is internationally renowned for his inspired approach to design.In a career that has encompassed work with non‐profit organizations, advocacy groups, and for‐profit companies, Bob Schwartz has been a design leader who has brought innovation, design thinking, and a focus on human factors to decades of industrial design success.