bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optogenetics inSinorhizobium melilotienables spatial control of exopolysaccharide production and biofilm structure
Authors: Pirhanov Azady , Bridges Charles M. , Goodwin Reed A. , Guo Yi-Syuan , Furrer Jessica , Shor Leslie M. , Gage Daniel J. , Cho Yong Ku 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMicroorganisms play a vital role in shaping the soil environment and enhancing plant growth by interacting with plant root systems. Due to the vast diversity of cell types involved, combined with dynamic and spatial heterogeneity, identifying the causal contribution of a defined factor, such as a microbial exopolysaccharide (EPS), remains elusive. Synthetic approaches that enable orthogonal control of microbial pathways are a promising means to dissect such complexity. Here we report the implementation of a synthetic, light-activated, transcriptional control platform in the nitrogen fixing soil bacteriumSinorhizobium meliloti.By fine tuning the system, we successfully achieved optical control of an EPS production pathway without significant basal expression under non-inducing (dark) conditions. Optical control of EPS recapitulated important behaviors such as a mucoid plate phenotype and formation of structured biofilms, enabling spatial control of biofilm structures inS. meliloti.The successful implementation of optically controlled gene expression inS. melilotienables systematic investigation of how genotype and microenvironmental factors together shape phenotypein situ.SignificanceMicroorganisms are key players in sustaining the soil environment and plant growth. Symbiotic associations of soil microbes and plants provide a major source of nitrogen in agricultural systems, prevent water contamination from synthetic fertilizer application, and support crop growth in marginal soils. However, measuring the impact of microbial gene products on beneficial function remains a major challenge. This work provides a critical step toward addressing this challenge by implementing external gene regulation in a well characterized nitrogen fixing soil bacterium. We show that light exposure enables spatial and temporal control of the extracellular polysaccharide production functionality essential for symbiosis. Remote control of genes enables the benefits of candidate microorganisms to be systematically measured and enhanced within complex natural settings.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Adjusted Mortality Risk in Care Homes for Older Adults in Wales, United Kingdom: A retrospective population-based cohort study for mortality in 2016-2020
Authors: Hollinghurst Joe , Lyons Jane , Fry Richard , Akbari Ashley , Gravenor Mike , Watkins Alan , Verity Fiona , Lyons Ronan A 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundMortality in care homes has had a prominent focus during the COVID-19 outbreak. Multiple and interconnected challenges face the care home sector in the prevention and management of outbreaks of COVID-19, including adequate supply of personal protective equipment, staff shortages, and insufficient or lack of timely COVID-19 testing. Care homes are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases.AimTo analyse the mortality of older care home residents in Wales during COVID-19 lockdown and compare this across the population of Wales and the previous 4-years.Study Design and SettingWe used anonymised Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and administrative data from the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank to create a cross-sectional cohort study. We anonymously linked data for Welsh residents to mortality data up to the 14th June 2020.MethodsWe calculated survival curves and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for the risk of mortality. We adjusted hazard ratios for age, gender, social economic status and prior health conditions.ResultsSurvival curves show an increased proportion of deaths between 23rd March and 14th June 2020 in care homes for older people, with an adjusted HR of 1·72 (1·55, 1·90) compared to 2016. Compared to the general population in 2016-2019, adjusted care home mortality HRs for older adults rose from 2·15 (2·11,2·20) in 2016-2019 to 2·94 (2·81,3·08) in 2020.ConclusionsThe survival curves and increased HRs show a significantly increased risk of death in the 2020 study periods.
A mathematical model formulation to design a traditional Indian agri-fresh food supply chain: a case study problem
Authors: Patidar Rakesh , Agrawal Sunil 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study and develop supply chain structure of traditional Indian agri-fresh food supply chain (AFSC). This paper proposes a mathematical model to design a traditional Indian AFSC to minimize total distribution cost and post-harvest losses in the chain.Design/methodology/approachThis paper formulates two mathematical models to structure and represent the flow of products in the existing chain. First, a three-echelon, multi-period, multi-product, mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model is formulated to minimize the total distribution cost incurred in the chain. Further, the developed formulation is extended by considering the perishability of products in the second model.FindingsA real case study problem of Mandsaur district (India) is solved in LINGO 17.0 package to check the validity of the formulated models. The perishable (second) model of AFSC reports better results in terms of costs and post-harvest losses minimization. The results revealed that 92% of the total distribution cost incurred in the transportation of products from farmers to the hubs.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper includes implications for redesigning an existing supply chain network by incorporating an appropriate transportation strategy from farmers to hubs to minimize transportation inefficiency and enhance the profitability of farmers.Practical implicationsThe formulated AFSC model would help managers and policymakers to identify optimal locations for hubs where required infrastructure would be developed.Originality/valueAccording to the author's best knowledge, this paper is the first to design traditional Indian AFSC by considering the perishability of products.
Understanding the relationship between general and middle-range theorizing
Authors: Swanson David , Goel Lakshmi , Francisco Kristoffer , Stock James 
Published: July 2020

PurposeGeneral theories have been criticized for their inability to explore the mechanics of more specific domain knowledge and understand how, when and where general theory applies to and extends domain knowledge in supply chain management (SCM). Middle-range theorizing (MRT) is a potential solution to this limitation. This paper aims to assist researchers in understanding the relationship between MRT and general theorizing (GT) and connecting MRT research findings to general theory.Design/methodology/approachThis research provides a structured literature review of 518 articles, from eight journals in logistics, SCM and operations management. Theoretically based articles are analyzed by primary domain and SCM context.FindingsThere are frameworks for conducting MRT; however, the literature does not sufficiently assist researchers in understanding how middle-range (MR) theory should relate to general theory. Findings include a better understanding of underserved areas in SCM, guideline frameworks for understanding when to apply MRT, when to apply GT and how MRT knowledge can be connected to SCM domain knowledge.Originality/valueThis study provides a timely and appropriate compilation of theory research in SCM, including significant implications for both theory and practice, by helping to articulate the evolving philosophy of science in SCM.
Performance indicators for measuring the effects of Smart Maintenance
Authors: Lundgren Camilla , Bokrantz Jon , Skoogh Anders 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to ensure productive, robust and sustainable production systems and realise digitalised manufacturing trough implementation of Smart Maintenance – “an organizational design for managing maintenance of manufacturing plants in environments with pervasive digital technologies”. This paper aims to support industry practitioners in selecting performance indicators (PIs) to measure the effects of Smart Maintenance, and thus facilitate its implementation.Design/methodology/approachIntercoder reliability and negotiated agreement were used to analyse 170 maintenance PIs. The PIs were structurally categorised according to the anticipated effects of Smart Maintenance.FindingsCompanies need to revise their set of PIs when changing manufacturing and/or maintenance strategy (e.g. reshape the maintenance organisation towards Smart Maintenance). This paper suggests 13 categories of PIs to facilitate the selection of PIs for Smart Maintenance. The categories are based on 170 PIs, which were analysed according to the anticipated effects of Smart Maintenance.Practical implicationsThe 13 suggested categories bring clarity to the measuring potential of the PIs and their relation to the Smart Maintenance concept. Thereby, this paper serves as a guide for industry practitioners to select PIs for measuring the effects of Smart Maintenance.Originality/valueThis is the first study evaluating how maintenance PIs measure the anticipated effects of maintenance in digitalised manufacturing. The methods intercoder reliability and negotiated agreement were used to ensure the trustworthiness of the categorisation of PIs. Such methods are rare in maintenance research.
Evaluation of risks in foodgrains supply chain using failure mode effect analysis and fuzzy VIKOR
Authors: Rathore Rishabh , Thakkar J. J. , Jha J. K. 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThis paper investigates the risks involved in the Indian foodgrain supply chain (FSC) and proposes risk mitigation taxonomy to enable decision making.Design/methodology/approachThis paper used failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) for risk estimation. In the traditional FMEA, risk priority number (RPN) is evaluated by multiplying the probability of occurrence, severity and detection. Because of some drawbacks of the traditional FMEA, instead of calculating RPN, this paper prioritizes the FSC risk factors using fuzzy VIKOR. VIKOR is a multiple attribute decision-making technique which aims to rank FSC risk factors with respect to criteria.FindingsThe findings indicate that “technological risk” has a higher impact on the FSC, followed by natural disaster, communication failure, non-availability of procurement centers, malfunctioning in PDS and inadequate storage facility. Sensitivity analysis is performed to check the robustness of the results.Practical implicationsThe outcomes of the study can help in deriving detailed risk mitigation strategy and risk mitigation taxonomy for the improved resilience of FSC.Originality/valueSpecifically, this research investigates the risks for foodgrains supply chain system for a developing country such as India, an area which has received limited attention in the present literature.
Six Sigma Project Procurement application in public procurement
Authors: Ottou Jemima Antwiwaa , Baiden Bernard Kofi , Nani Gabriel 
Published: July 2020

PurposeProject management tools and techniques have been widely adopted in the construction industry; however, its combination with Six Sigma and application in construction procurement has not been widely researched. This paper explores the use of Six Sigma Project Procurement (SSPP) and its potential applications in public sector construction procurement.Design/methodology/approachThe role of Six Sigma and project management in construction is critically evaluated using three case studies to demonstrate their application in public procurement.FindingsThe use of SSPP by public sector organisations creates efficient and effective construction procurement processes by addressing delays. The proposed timelines for competitive tendering in the Ghanaian Public Procurement Manual are not realistic.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper contributes to and broadens the limited body of evidence and knowledge of applying SSPP to public procurement processes and identifies areas for further research.Practical implicationsProject management will continue to expand in the global construction industry. However, what will eventually determine if SSPP is embraced by public sector construction depends on the leadership and success of its execution. The application of SSPP to public construction procurement will address delays and lead to significant time reduction of the process. This will eliminate the major issue (delay) accounting for deficiencies in the process.Originality/valueThe paper yields immense value to construction project management researchers and practitioners, especially in the public sector. It recommends the inclusion of Six Sigma to promote focus on actual instead of perceived problems and advocates for decisions-making based on facts which will ensure continuous improvement.
Disruptive Maintenance Engineering 4.0
Authors: Navas Miguel Angel , Sancho Carlos , Carpio Jose 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a new disruptive maintenance model based on new technologies.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is carrying out through the impact of the Industry 4.0, Internet of things, big data, virtual reality and additive manufacturing on maintenance.FindingsThe findings are that new technologies are an evolutionary challenge that is immediately affecting maintenance engineering. It presents a unique opportunity to make a disruptive evolution of maintenance.Research limitations/implicationsThe correct development of Maintenance 4.0 relates to the correct implementation of Industry 4.0.Practical implicationsMaintenance 4.0 will greatly improve the main operating indicators: safety, reliability, availability and cost.Social implicationsMaintenance 4.0 will contribute to a circular and sustainable economy.Originality/valueFor the first time, a complete new Maintenance Engineering 4.0 model is proposed. The application of the new technologies appears in each specific maintenance process of the product life cycle.
Sustainable manufacturing and industry 4.0: what we know and what we don't
Authors: Sharma Rohit , Jabbour Charbel José Chiappetta , Lopes de Sousa Jabbour Ana Beatriz 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe emergence the fourth industrial revolution, known as well as industry 4.0, and its applications in the manufacturing sector ushered a new era for the business entities. It not only promises enhancement in operational efficiency but also magnify sustainable operations practices. This current paper provides a thorough bibliometric and network analysis of more than 600 articles highlighting the benefits in favor of the sustainability dimension in the industry 4.0 paradigm.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis begins by identifying over 1,000 published articles in Scopus, which were then refined to works of proven influence and those authored by influential researchers. Using rigorous bibliometric software, established and emergent research clusters were identified for intellectual network analysis, identification of key research topics, interrelations and collaboration patterns.FindingsThis bibliometric analysis of the field helps graphically to illustrate the publications evolution over time and identify areas of current research interests and potential directions for future research. The findings provide a robust roadmap for mapping the research territory in the field of industry 4.0 and sustainability.Originality/valueAs the literature on sustainability and industry 4.0 expands, reviews capable of systematizing the main trends and topics of this research field are relevant.
Effects of comparability of promotions on inaction inertia
Authors: Liu Hsin-Hsien , Chou Hsuan-Yi 
Published: July 2020

PurposeBased on mental accounting theory, this study explored whether the comparability of missed and subsequent promotional formats/frames affects inaction inertia.Design/methodology/approachFour experiments with imaginary and incentive-compatible designs were conducted to test the hypotheses.FindingsConsumers are more likely to express inaction inertia after having missed a comparable promotion than after having missed a noncomparable promotion. Devaluation of the promoted target mediates the impact of comparability on inaction inertia, while referent others' actions do not moderate the comparability effect. Finally, when consumers accept a subsequent inferior promotion, they prefer using a different payment format because it reduces comparability of the two promotions.Practical implicationsCompanies should use different promotional formats/frames to reduce comparability and inaction inertia when a new promotion is relatively inferior to a recent previous one. Companies should offer different payment options to help customers actively avoid comparing a current promotion with a missed promotion.Originality/valueThis study provides a more comprehensive conceptual structure for understanding the relationship between psychological comparability and inaction inertia. It provides insights into what actions companies should take to reduce inaction inertia. Furthermore, this study empirically tests the influence of multiple comparison referents, which provides a reference point for future studies on the factors affecting inaction inertia. A new method to examine whether consumers actively avoid comparisons is used, which clarifies the internal mechanism of inaction inertia.
Alpha‐lipoic acid: A possible pharmacological agent for treating dry eye disease and retinopathy in diabetes
Authors: Ajith Thekkuttuparambil A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAlpha‐lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring dithiol micronutrient which acts as a cofactor for mitochondrial enzyme activity. Due to its potential antioxidant activity, it is considered as “universal antioxidant”. Previous studies reported the pharmacological benefits of ALA such as glycaemic control, improved insulin sensitivity and alleviation of diabetic complications such as neuropathy and cardiovascular diseases. Dry eye disease and retinopathy are prevalent in diabetic patients. Experimental studies demonstrated the beneficial effects of ALA in dry eye and diabetic retinopathy. ALA can prevent the dry eye by down regulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in the corneal epithelial cells and activating the antioxidant status of the ocular surface. Furthermore, its direct antioxidant effect can also prevent oxidative stress‐induced corneal surface erosion and lachrymal gland damage. ALA prevents diabetic retinopathy through inhibition of O‐linked β‐N‐acetylglucosamine transferase and nuclear factor‐kappa B activity and alleviation of oxidative stress. It can activate the nuclear factor erythroid‐2‐related factor 2 and AMP‐activated protein kinase in retinal ganglion cells. Clinical trials conducted in pre‐retinopathic diabetic patients showed ALA with genistein and vitamins could protect the retinal cells and decline the inflammatory effect in diabetic patients. However, studies are scant to explore its beneficial effects in dry eye disease and diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, this review article discusses an update on the role of ALA in dry eye disease and diabetic retinopathy, two ocular diseases prevalent in diabetic patients.
Serum uric acid and incident atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Jiayong , Zheng Ruiping , Li Hejun , Guo Jin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe exposure‐effect association between serum uric acid and atrial fibrillationis not well known. We conduct a meta‐analysis to quantitatively examine the exposure‐effect relationship between serum uric acid and atrial fibrillation. Prospective studies (including cohort or nested case‐control) that reported the serum uric acid and atrial fibrillation were identified through electronic searches using EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library database. The exposure‐effect analysis was performed using a stage robust error meta‐regression. Eleven studies were included, with a total of 6831 cases of atrial fibrillation among 527 908 individuals. Both the highest (risk ratio (RR), 1.9; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.64–2.23;I2 = 0%) and intermediate (RR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.16–1.59;I2 = 36%) level of serum uric acid were associated with increased risks of atrial fibrillation compared to the patients with the lowest level of serum uric acid. In the exposure‐effect analysis, for each 1 mg/dL increase in serum uric acid level, the incidence of atrial fibrillation increased by 21% (RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.12–1.32;I2 = 78%). Furthermore, a significant positive linear relationship between serum uric acid and the risk of atrial fibrillation, Pnonlinearity = 0.47 was found. The exposure‐effect analysis demonstrated that serum uric acid over 5.0 mg/dL significantly increased the risk of atrial fibrillation. There was a positive linear association between serum uric acid and risk of atrial fibrillation, both in subjects with noruricaemia and hyperuricaemia. More studies are needed to explore the impact of serum uric acid reduction on the incidence of atrial fibrillation.
Vocabulary accessibility and acquisition: do you get more from a financestor or a sociophite?
Authors: Binder Katherine S. , Tremblay Kathryn A. , Joseph Alison 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundThe purpose of the current study was to examine how the morphological structure of a real word or novel word affected the incidental vocabulary learning of participants and to examine how these target items are processed as they are read. In addition, we examined the roles of vocabulary depth and breadth in the process of incidental vocabulary learning.MethodsWe had participants read short passages that contained real words or novel words that differed on their morphological accessibility as we collected eye movement data. Participants also completed several vocabulary depth and breadth measures.ResultsAccessible real words and novel words were learned better than inaccessible and less accessible items, but there was a processing cost associated with accessible real words compared with inaccessible real words. In contrast, participants spent more time on the less accessible novel words compared with accessible novel words, but that extra processing time did not translate into better acquisition scores. Finally, both vocabulary breadth and depth explained variance in incidental vocabulary acquisition, while breadth explained variance in gaze duration and depth explained variance in regressive eye movements.ConclusionsAccessibility of the targets affected both acquisition and reading time, and depth and breadth are both individual differences that explain variance in incidental acquisition and the processing of those words.