bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CRISPR Knockdown ofKcnq3Attenuates the M-current in NPY/AgRP Neurons
Authors: Stincic Todd L. , Bosch Martha A. , Hunker Avery C. , Juarez Barbara , Connors Ashley M. , Zweifel Larry S. , Rønnekleiv Oline K. , Kelly Martin J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractArcuate nucleus Neuropeptide Y/Agouti-related peptide (NPY/AgRP) neurons drive ingestive behavior in response to the internal and external environment of an organism. NPY/AgRP neurons are adjacent to the median eminence, a circumventricular organ, and circulating metabolic factors and hormones communicate the energy state of the animal via these neurons by altering the excitability of NPY/AgRP neurons, which produces an appropriate change in behavior to maintain homeostasis. One example of this plasticity is seen in the M-current, a subthreshold, non-inactivating K+current that acts to modulate excitability. Fasting decreases while estradiol increases the M-current through regulation of subunit mRNA expression ofKcnq 2, 3, & 5. KCNQ2/3 heteromers are thought to mediate the majority of the M-current. Here we used a recently developed single adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector containing a recombinase-dependent Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 (SaCas9) and a single guide RNA againstKcnq3to selectively deleteKcnq3in NPY/AgRP neurons to produce a loss of function in the M-current. We found that this virus was effective at knocking downKcnq3but notKcnq2expression. With the reduced KCNQ3 channel expression NPY/AgRP neurons were more depolarized, exhibited a higher input resistance, and the rheobase current needed to induce firing was significantly reduced, indicative of increased excitability. Although the resulting decrease in the M-current did not overtly alter ingestive behavior, it did significantly reduce the locomotor activity as measured in open field testing. Therefore, the SaCas9-sgKcnq3 is efficient to knock downKcnq3expression thereby reducing the M-current and increasing the excitability of NPY/AgRP neurons.
Older age is associated with sustained detection of SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swab samples
Authors: Hattori Takeshi , Amishima Masaru , Morinaga Daisuke , Kamada Keisuke , Nakakubo Sho , Yamashita Yu , Shichinohe Yasuo , Fujisawa Shinichi , Nishida Mutsumi , Nasuhara Yasuyuki , Teshima Takanori , Konno Satoshi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPCR testing of nasopharyngeal swab samples is used for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and for determining timing of discharge. The viral load usually declines at convalescent phase, but sometimes remained positive for a long time even after relief of symptoms. In this study, we identified older age is associated with sustained detection of SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swab samples.
Retail Apocalypse? Maybe blame accounting. Investigating inventory valuation as a determinant of retail firm failure
Authors: Kaufinger Gregory G. , Neuenschwander Chris 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to evaluate whether the selection of accounting method used to value inventory increases or decreases the probability of a retail firm's ability to remain in existence.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a binary logistic regression model to predict group membership and the probability of failure. The study utilizes an unbalanced sample of US publicly traded failed and functioning retail firms over a ten-year period.FindingsThe results clearly support the conclusion that there is a difference in the probability of retail firm failure with respect to the accounting method used to value inventory. Merchants using a cost-based valuation method were 2.3 times more likely to fail than firms using a price-based method. The results also affirm existing bankruptcy literature by finding that profitability, liquidity, leverage, capital investment and cash flow are factors in retail failures.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that traditional merchants cannot simply blame e-commerce or shifts in demographics for the retail Apocalypse; good management and proper valuation of stock still matter.Originality/valueThis study is the first to look at firm failure in the retail sector after the great recession of 2008, in an era known as the “retail Apocalypse.” In addition, this study differs from other firm failure literature by incorporating cost- and price-based inventory valuation methods as a variable in firm failure.
Leakage reduction technique for nano-scaled devices
Authors: Birla Shilpi , Mahanti Sudip , Singh Neha 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a leakage reduction technique which will works for complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) and fin field effect transistor (FinFET). Power consumption will always remain one of the major concerns for the integrated circuit (IC) designers. Presently, leakage power dominates the total power consumption, which is a severe issue. It is undoubtedly clear that the scaling of CMOS revolutionizes the IC industry. Still, on the contrary, scaling of the size of the transistor has raised leakage power as one of the significant threats to the IC industry. Scaling of the devices leads to the scaling of other device parameters, which includes threshold voltage also. The scaling of threshold voltage leads to an exponential increase in the sub-threshold current. So, many leakage reduction techniques have been proposed by researchers for CMOS from time to time. Even the other nano-scaled devices such as FinFET, carbon nanotube field effect transistor and tunneling field effect transistor, have been introduced, and FinFET is the one which has evolved as the most favorable candidate for replacing CMOS technology.

Design/methodology/approach
Because of its minimum leakage and without having limitation of the short channel effects, it gradually started replacing the CMOS. In this paper, the authors have proposed a technique for leakage reduction for circuits using nano-scaled devices such as CMOS and FinFET. They have compared the proposed PMOS FOOTER SLEEP with the existing leakage reduction techniques such as LECTOR technique, LECTOR FOOTER SLEEP technique. The proposed technique has been implemented using CMOS and FinFET devices. This study found that the proposed method reduces the average power, as well as leakage power reduction, for both CMOS and FinFET devices.

Findings
This study found that the proposed method reduces the average power as well as leakage power reduction for both CMOS and FinFET devices. The delay has been calculated for the proposed technique and the existing techniques, which verifies that the proposed technique is suitable for high-speed circuit applications. The authors have implemented higher order gates to verify the performance of the proposed circuit. The proposed method is suitable for deep-submicron CMOS technology and FinFET technology.

Originality/value
All the existing techniques were proposed for either CMOS device or FinFET device, but the authors have implemented all the techniques with both the devices and verified with the proposed technique for CMOS as well as FinFET devices.
Flow structure and heat transfer analysis of the floatation nozzle with a moving wall
Authors: Huang Tianlun , Yang Zhiming , Diao Simian , Huang Zhigao , Zhang Yun , Zhou Huamin 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the effects of different surface-to-jet velocity ratios (Rsj) on the flow structure and the heat transfer of the floatation nozzle under different ratios (h/w) of the separation distance (h) to the slot width (w) and the differences of the flow structure and the heat transfer between the floatation nozzle and the slot nozzle.

Design/methodology/approach
The Nusselt number (Nu) and the pressure distribution of the floatation nozzle with a stationary wall are measured. Then the experimental results are used to validate the numerical model. Finally, a series of numerical simulations is carried out to achieve the purpose of this study.

Findings
The flow structure and heat transfer differences between the floatation nozzle and the slot nozzle are clarified. The floatation nozzle has more than 18 times the floatation ability of the unconfined slot nozzle. The Nu and pressure distributions of the floatation nozzle are experimentally measured. The effects of wall motion on the Nu and pressure distributions are identified.

Originality/value
The effects of the wall motion on the flow structure and the heat transfer of the floatation nozzle, and the differences between the floatation nozzle and the slot nozzle are first obtained. Therefore, it is valuable for engineers in engineering design of the floatation nozzle.
Development of semi-implicit midpoint and Romberg stress integration algorithms for single hardening soil constitutive models
Authors: Lal Divyanshu Kumar , Das Arghya 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
Semi-implicit type cutting plane method (CPM) and fully implicit type closest point projection method (CPPM) are the two most widely used frameworks for numerical stress integration. CPM is simple, easy to implement and accurate up to first order. CPPM is unconditionally stable and accurate up to second order though the formulation is complex. Therefore, this study aims to develop a less complex and accurate stress integration method for complex constitutive models.

Design/methodology/approach
Two integration techniques are formulated using the midpoint and Romberg method by modifying CPM. The algorithms are implemented for three different classes of soil constitutive model. The efficiency of the algorithms is judged via stress point analysis and solving a boundary value problem.

Findings
Stress point analysis indicates that the proposed algorithms are stable even with a large step size. In addition, numerical analysis for solving boundary value problem demonstrates a significant reduction in central processing unit (CPU) time with the use of the semi-implicit-type midpoint algorithm.

Originality/value
Traditionally, midpoint and Romberg algorithms are formulated from explicit integration techniques, whereas the present study uses a semi-implicit approach to enhance stability. In addition, the proposed stress integration algorithms provide an efficient means to solve boundary value problems pertaining to geotechnical engineering.
Robustness-based multi-objective optimization for repetitive projects under work continuity uncertainty
Authors: Zhang Lihui , Dai Guyu , Zou Xin , Qi Jianxun 
Published: May 2020

PurposeInterrupting work continuity provides a way to improve some project performance, but unexpected and harmful interruptions may impede the implementation. This paper aims to mitigate the negative impact caused by work continuity uncertainty based on the notion of robustness.Design/methodology/approachThis paper develops a float-based robustness measurement method for the work continuity uncertainty in repetitive projects. A multi-objective optimization model is formulated to generate a schedule that achieves a balance between crew numbers and robustness. This model is solved using two modules: optimization module and decision-making module. The Monte Carlo simulation is designed to validate the effectiveness of the generated schedule.FindingsThe results confirmed that it is necessary to consider the robustness as an essential factor when scheduling a repetitive project with uncertainty. Project managers may develop a schedule that is subject to delays if they only make decisions according to the results of the deadline satisfaction problem. The Monte Carlo simulation validated that an appropriate way to measure robustness is conducive to generating a schedule that can avoid unnecessary delay, compared to the schedule generated by the traditional model.Originality/valueAvailable studies assume that the work continuity is constant, but it cannot always be maintained when affected by uncertainty. This paper regards the work continuity as a new type of uncertainty factor and investigates how to mitigate its negative effects. The proposed float-based robustness measurement can measure the ability of a schedule to absorb unpredictable and harmful interruptions, and the proposed multi-objective scheduling model provides a way to incorporate the uncertainty into a schedule.
Investigation of micropolar hybrid ferrofluid flow over a vertical plate by considering various base fluid and nanoparticle shape factor
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Kh. , Roghani So , Asadi A. , Mogharrebi Amirreza , Ganji D.D. 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate micropolar magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) fluid flow passing over a vertical plate. Three different base fluids have been used that include water, ethylene glycol and ethylene glycol/water (50%–50%). Also, a nanoparticle was used in all of the base fluids. The effects of natural convection heat transfer and magnetic field have been taken into account.

Design/methodology/approach
The main purpose of solving the governing equations is to scrutinize the effects of the magnetic parameter, the nanoparticle volume fraction, micropolar parameter and nanoparticles shape factor on velocity, temperature and microrotation profiles, the skin friction coefficient and the Nusselt number. These surveys have been considered for three base fluids simultaneously.

Findings
The results indicate that for water-based fluids, the temperature profile of lamina-shaped nanoparticles is 38.09% higher than brick-shaped nanoparticles.

Originality/value
This paper provides micropolar MHD fluid flow analysis considering natural convection heat transfer and magnetic field in three different base fluids. The aim of assessments is the diagnosis of some parameter effects, such as magnetic parameter and nanoparticle volume fraction, on velocity, temperature and microrotation profiles and components. Also, the use of mixed base fluids presented as a novelty in this paper.
A new approach to determine the weights of project activities using data envelopment analysis: a case of Mobarakeh steel company
Authors: Berjis Negin , Shirouyehzad Hadi , Jouzdani Javid 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to propose a new approach to determine the project activities weight factors using data envelopment analysis. Afterward, the model is applied in Mobarkeh Steel Company as a case study. Accordingly, the project schedule and plans can be written on the basis of the gained weight factors.Design/methodology/approachThis study proposed an approach to determine the weights of activities using Data Envelopment Analysis. This approach consists of four phases. In the first phase, project activities are extracted based on the work breakdown structure. In the second phase, the parameters affecting the importance of activities are determined through a review of the related literature and based on the experts' opinions. In the third phase, the proper data envelopment analysis model is chosen and the inputs and outputs are signified. Then, the activities' weights are determined based on the efficiency numbers. Finally, the model is solved for the case of Isfahan Mobarakeh Steel Company.FindingsThe proposed method aimed to calculate the project activities weight factor. Thus, influential parameters on project activities importance include activity duration, activity cost, activity importance which includes successors and predecessors, activity difficulty which includes skill related (education and experience), safety, communication rate, intellectual effort, physical effort, unfavorable work conditions and work related hazards, have been recognized. Then, Projects' data were extracted from the organizational expert's opinions and recorded data in documents. Thereupon, applying DEA, the activities weight factor were calculated based on the efficiency numbers. The results show that the model is applicable and has promising benefits in real-world problems.Originality/valuePlanning is one the most fundamental steps of project management. The ever-growing business environment demands for more complex projects with larger number of activities wants more efficient project managers. Organizational resources are limited; therefore, activities planning is a critical from the perspectives of both managers and researchers. Knowing the importance of the activities can help to manage activities more efficient and to allocate time, budget, cost and other resources more accurate. Different elements such as cost, time, complexity, and difficulty can affect the activity weight factor. In this study, the proposed approach aims to determine the weights of activities using Data Envelopment Analysis.
A new fatigue damage accumulation rating life model of ball bearings under vibration load
Authors: Cui Li 
Published: May 2020

PurposeBearings in electric machines often work in high speed, light load and vibration load conditions. The purpose of this paper is to find a new fatigue damage accumulation rating life model of ball bearings, which is expected for calculating fatigue life of ball bearings more accurately under vibration load, especially in high speed and light load conditions.Design/methodology/approachA new fatigue damage accumulation rating life model of ball bearings considering time-varying vibration load is proposed. Vibration equations of rotor-bearing system are constructed and solved by Runge–Kutta method. The modified rating life and modified reference rating life model under vibration load is also proposed. Contrast of the three fatigue life models and the influence of dynamic balance level, rotating speed, preload of ball bearings on bearing’s fatigue life are analyzed.FindingsTo calculate fatigue rating life of ball bearings more accurately under vibration load, especially in high speed and light load conditions, the fatigue damage accumulation rating life model should be considered. The optimum preload has an obvious influence on fatigue rating life.Originality/valueThis paper used analytical method and model that is helpful for design of steel ball bearing in high speed, light load and vibration load conditions.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at:https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2019-0180/
Using FEM to study the frictional instability induced by third-body particles confined in frictional interface
Authors: Yan Xiaoyu , Wang Wei , Liu Xiaojun , Xu Jimin , Zhu Lihong , Yang Bingxun 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
A finite element method (FEM) model of the frictional behavior of two rough surfaces with a group of third-body particles confined by the surface asperities is established. By monitoring the stress distribution, friction force and the displacement of the surfaces, how the frictional instability is induced by these particles is studied. This modeling job aims to explore the relation between the meso-scale behavior and the macro-scale frictional behavior of these particles.

Design/methodology/approach
By using FEM, a 2D model of two frictional rough surfaces with a group of elastic or elasto-plastic particles confined by surface asperities is established. The Mises stress, macro friction force and displacements of elements are monitored during compressing and shearing steps.

Findings
The macro friction coefficient is more stable under higher pressure and smaller under higher shearing speed. The dilatancy of the interface is caused by the elevation effect of the particles sheared on the peak of the lower surface, particles collision and third body supporting. The combined effect of particles motion and surface–surface contact will induce high-frequency displacements of surface units in restricted direction.

Originality/value
Previous studies about third-body tribology are mainly concentrated on the frictional behavior with large number of particles distributed homogeneously across the interface, but this paper focuses on the behavior of third-body particles confined by surface asperities.

Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-12-2019-0544/
Determining corporate direction in sustainable development: a multi-dimensional framework in B2B
Authors: Rodríguez Rocío , Svensson Göran , Wood Greg 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
This study aims to assess the determinants of corporate direction in sustainable development through time in a B2B setting.

Design/methodology/approach
This study has been conducted in one industry, and overcoming contextual bias as a judgmental sampling was used to select the organizations studied in a Business to Business (B2B) setting.

Findings
The determinants of sustainable development in this study indicate the existence of different corporate directions in a B2B setting taken through time in the healthcare organizations studied. The determinants found are change in organizational leadership, financial assets of the organization, religious orientation of the organization, organizational connection to the healthcare system, internal values of the organization and top-staff orientation in the organization.

Research limitations/implications
The empirical findings reported in a B2B setting have disclosed key determinants of corporate direction in sustainable development.

Practical implications
The determinants provide managerial guidance to assess the corporate direction in a B2B setting taken in the continuing development of sustainable practices in these organizations.

Originality/value
This study contributes to a multidimensional framework of determinants in a B2B setting to assess the corporate direction taken in sustainable development through time in a B2B setting. The organizational gap between past and present sustainable development provides guidance to assess the corporate direction in B2B taken by an organization into the future.
Reengineering as a strategic stance for e-governance success - mediating role of core competencies
Authors: Hooda Apeksha , Singla M.L. 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how to strategically reengineer the government processes in e-governance to ensure the implementation of future-oriented and sustainable e-governance across developing countries.Design/methodology/approachThis study has used learning from the theory of strategic intent. The present study has been conducted using exploratory sequential mixed method research. The findings of exploratory study, supported by extant literature on reengineering, core competencies and e-governance success, forms the basis for proposed research framework, which is empirically tested with 359 respondents from the two government departments in India using partial least square technique.FindingsThe findings of this study suggested that it is needed to reengineer the government processes with a view to develop the core competencies to ensure the long-term success of e-governance implementation in terms of future-orientation and sustainability. The reengineering transformations are found to have significant positive effect on the core competencies development that, in turn, has a positive effect on the success of e-governance.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of this study is the small sample size of qualitative and quantitative study owing to the missing willingness of government officials to respond to the research instruments.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study would help e-governance practitioners to focus on the key strategic areas which will ensure the long-term success of e-governance and make the same valuable for the current and upcoming generations.Originality/valueThis study made an original contribution to e-governance literature by developing and validating a theoretical model for empirically assessing the strategic effect of business process reengineering changes on e-governance success (in terms of future orientation and sustainability) through mediating variable, core competencies.