bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The maturity in fetal pigs using a multi-fluid metabolomic approach
Authors: Lefort Gaëlle , Servien Rémi , Quesnel Hélène , Billon Yvon , Canario Laurianne , Iannuccelli Nathalie , Canlet Cécile , Paris Alain , Vialaneix Nathalie , Liaubet Laurence 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn mammalian species, the first days after birth are an important period for survival and the rates of mortality before weaning are high. In pigs, the perinatal deaths average 20% of the litter, with important economic and societal consequences. Among the factors influencing piglet survival at birth, the maturity is likely to be one of the most important. Maturity can be defined as the outcome of complex mechanisms of intra-uterine development and maturation occurring during the last month of gestation. Here, we provide new insights on maturity by studying the end of gestation at two different stages (three weeks before term and close to term) in two breeds of pigs that strongly differ in terms of neonatal survival. Since metabolomics is a promising approach for phenotype characterization or biomarker discovery, we provide a complete understanding of the metabolome of the fetuses in late gestation in three fluids (plasma, urine, and amniotic fluid). We found that biological processes related to amino acid and carbohy-drate metabolisms are critical for piglet maturity. We also confirmed some previously described metabolites associated with delayed growth (e.g., proline and myo-inositol). Altogether, our study proposes new routes for a better characterization of piglet maturity at birth.
Structural and functional conservation of the programmed −1 ribosomal frameshift signal of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Kelly Jamie A. , Olson Alexandra N. , Neupane Krishna , Munshi Sneha , Emeterio Josue San , Pollack Lois , Woodside Michael T. , Dinman Jonathan D. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract17 years after the SARS-CoV epidemic, the world is facing the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2. Given the most optimistic projections estimating that it will take over a year to develop a vaccine, the best short-term strategy may lie in identifying virus-specific targets for small molecule interventions. All coronaviruses utilize a molecular mechanism called −1 PRF to control the relative expression of their proteins. Prior analyses of SARS-CoV revealed that it employs a structurally unique three-stemmed mRNA pseudoknot to stimulate high rates of −1 PRF, and that it also harbors a −1 PRF attenuation element. Altering −1 PRF activity negatively impacts virus replication, suggesting that this molecular mechanism may be therapeutically targeted. Here we present a comparative analysis of the original SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 frameshift signals. Structural and functional analyses revealed that both elements promote similar rates of −1 PRF and that silent coding mutations in the slippery sites and in all three stems of the pseudoknot strongly ablated −1 PRF activity. The upstream attenuator hairpin activity has also been functionally retained. Small-angle x-ray scattering indicated that the pseudoknots in SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 had the same conformation. Finally, a small molecule previously shown to bind the SARS-CoV pseudoknot and inhibit −1 PRF was similarly effective against −1 PRF in SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that such frameshift inhibitors may provide promising lead compounds to counter the current pandemic.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of predictive symptoms and comorbidities for severe COVID-19 infection
Authors: Jain V , Yuan J-M 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackground/introductionCOVID-19, a novel coronavirus outbreak starting in China, is now a rapidly developing public health emergency of international concern. The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 disease is varied, and identifying factors associated with severe disease has been described as an urgent research priority. It has been noted that elderly patients with pre-existing comorbidities are more vulnerable to more severe disease. However, the specific symptoms and comorbidities that most strongly predict disease severity are unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the symptoms and comorbidities predictive of COVID-19 severity.MethodThis study was prospectively registered on PROSPERO. A literature search was performed in three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and Global Health) for studies indexed up to 5thMarch 2020. Two reviewers independently screened the literature and both also completed data extraction. Quality appraisal of studies was performed using the STROBE checklist. Random effects meta-analysis was performed for selected symptoms and comorbidities to identify those most associated with severe COVID-19 infection or ICU admission.ResultsOf the 2259 studies identified, 42 were selected after title and abstract analysis, and 7 studies (including 1813 COVID-19 patients) were chosen for inclusion. The ICU group were older (62.4 years) compared to the non-ICU group (46 years), with a significantly higher proportion of males (67.2% vs. 57.1%, p=0.04). Dyspnoea was the only significant symptom predictive for both severe disease (pOR 3.70, 95% CI 1.83 – 7.46) and ICU admission (pOR 6.55, 95% CI 4.28– 10.0). Notwithstanding the low prevalence of COPD in severe disease and ICU-admitted groups (4.5% and 9.7%, respectively), COPD was the most strongly predictive comorbidity for both severe disease (pOR 6.42, 95% CI 2.44 – 16.9) and ICU admission (pOR 17.8, 95% CI 6.56 – 48.2). Cardiovascular disease and hypertension were also strongly predictive for both severe disease and ICU admission. Those with CVD and hypertension were 4.4 (95% CI 2.64 – 7.47) and 3.7 (95% CI 2.22 – 5.99) times more likely to have an ICU admission respectively, compared to patients without the comorbidity.ConclusionsDyspnoea was the only symptom strongly predictive for both severe disease and ICU admission, and could be useful in guiding clinical management decisions early in the course of illness. When looking at ICU-admitted patients, who represent the more severe end of the spectrum of clinical severity, COPD patients are particularly vulnerable, and those with cardiovascular disease and hypertension are also at a high-risk of severe illness. To aid clinical assessment, risk stratification, efficient resource allocation, and targeted public health interventions, future research must aim to further define those at high-risk of severe illness with COVID-19.
Structural transformation in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Amadou Akilou , Aronda Tchamsé 
Published: March 2020

PurposeRecent works on the structural transformation of developing countries usually include only a few countries because of the availability of data. Beyond the resulting lack of representativeness, these works also hit a strong disparity between the labour reallocation patterns of sub-regions. This paper devoted to sub-Saharan Africa, evaluates the performance of sub-Saharan Africa, as a whole, in structural transformation using a more exhaustive database and highlights key disparities that exist between the performances of sub-Saharan African sub-regions.Design/methodology/approachWith a database covering 43 sub-Saharan African countries classified into 4 sub-regions, the paper uses the shift-share method over the period 1991–2012 with sub-periods of 1991–2000 and 2000–2012.FindingsResults show that labour reallocation in sub-Saharan Africa occurred, though weakly, towards more productive activities over the period 1991–2012. Results also show a significant disparity between sub-regions' labour reallocation pattern. While East Africa has experienced a labour reallocation towards more productive activities, West Africa has seen a labour reallocation towards activities experiencing an increase in productivity. Central Africa and Southern Africa experienced a labour reallocation towards less productive activities, and these activities know, moreover, a decrease of productivity.Practical implicationsFindings suggest that any political strategy purposing to coordinate structural transformation in sub-Saharan Africa will result in a failure if countries' peculiarities are not taken into account.Originality/valueThis paper offers a representative picture of sub-Saharan Africa's structural transformation and illustrates disparities between its sub-regions' performances.
The public value of child-friendly space
Authors: Pitsikali Alkistis , Parnell Rosie , McIntyre Lesley 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThe playground is a commonly advised means to integrate children into the public realm of “child-friendly cities”, yet research has tended not to examine it in relation to adjacent public space. This paper aims to understand the extent to which the playground – a socio-spatial phenomenon – facilitates children's integration into the public realm, enabling critical examination of the “child-friendly space” concept.Design/methodology/approachAn ethnographic study was carried out across three sites in Athens, Greece, where typical neighbourhood playgrounds replicate features common across the global north. Methods combined observation (167 h; morning, afternoon, evening), visual-mapping and 61 semi-structured interviews with 112 playground users (including adults and children from the playgrounds and surroundings). Rigorous qualitative thematic analysis, involving an iterative post-coding process, allowed identification of spatial patterns and emergent themes.FindingsFindings reveal perceptions surrounding the protective and age-specific aspects of child-friendly design, limit the playgrounds' public value. However, a paradox emerges whereby the playgrounds' adjacency to public spaces designed without child-friendly principles affords children's engagement with the public realm.Research limitations/implicationsReconceptualisation of the “child-friendly playground” is proposed, embracing interdependence with the public realm – highly significant for child-friendly urban design theory and practice globally. Researchers are encouraged to compare findings in other geographical contexts.Originality/valueThis original finding is enabled by the novel approach to studying the playground in relation to adjacent public realm. The study also offers the first empirical examination of child-friendly city principles – participation in social life and urban play – in a Greek context, addressing a geographical gap in literature on children's everyday spaces.
Innovation and entrepreneurship as drivers of economic development
Authors: Medeiros Vitor , Marques Carla , Galvão Anderson Rei , Braga Vitor 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThe aim of this study is to explore which factors of entrepreneurship and innovation influence economic development under the quadruple helix model, contrasting Southern and Northern Europe.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, secondary data are collected from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor databases, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and Global Competitiveness Index, for four countries in the North and four Southern European countries, for the period from 2007 to 2015. Data was analyzed with SPSS 22.0 software and subjected to several multivariate statistical tests.FindingsThe results show a statistically significant difference in the variables of the four quadruple helix model dimensions. This means that Northern European countries (Finland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden) display better results on innovation and entrepreneurship than Southern European countries (Spain, Greece, Italy and Portugal). The results also showed that per capita gross domestic expenditure on R&D is positively related to government and university dimensions, with significant differences between Southern and Northern European countries.Originality/valueIt is hoped that this study will contribute to new evidence on the factors of innovation and entrepreneurship that are decisive for economic development. To the traditional quadruple helix model, control variables were added to meet the endogenous characteristics of the countries.
Does facility management affect perception of building quality?
Authors: Zalejska-Jonsson Agnieszka 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the strategy, selection and perception of facility management (FM) services and the effect it may have on perceived building quality.Design/methodology/approachData was collected through a survey distributed to board members of cooperatives for newly constructed buildings in Sweden. Responses from 394 cooperative boards were included in the data set and analysed. The difference in cooperative choice of FM strategy and satisfaction with FM services was examined with non-parametrical Kruskal–Wallis tests and the effect of FM strategy and satisfaction with FM services on perceived building quality was examined with a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.FindingsThe results suggest information asymmetry and indicate urgent need for an objective accreditation system for FM services, which will inform and assist housing owners in the FM selection process. The study validates the hypothesis that facilities management strategies applied by housing cooperatives have a significant effect on perception of building quality.Practical implicationsThe findings will assist developers, facility and property managers to understand the needs and services valued by the housing cooperative. The findings highlight the information asymmetry, restricted techniques and weak signalling methods among FM services, and advocates promoting an objective accreditation system for FM services.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the discussion on the concept of building quality and the results presented provide a better understanding of facilities management strategy on perception of building quality.
Lean facilities management: preliminary findings from Singapore’s international schools
Authors: Gao Shang , Sui Pheng Low , Tay Wanying 
Published: March 2020

Purpose
Lean has been adopted in various industries (i.e. construction, health care and service) over the years; the level of lean adoption in facility management is relatively unknown. The purpose of this study is to analyze the 14 lean management principles (LMPs) and seek to develop an understanding as to whether LMPs, which are most commonly used by the manufacturing companies, are relevant to the facility personnel’s scope of work. The research scope focuses on international schools located in Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach
For the purpose of this study, a conceptual framework that focuses on connecting the 14 lean production principles to facility management has been developed. Questionnaire survey and interviews were used. A total of 30 facilities professionals from eight international schools participated in the survey. Six interviews were followed up to gain deeper insights into the extent of lean importance and implementation in the work of facility personnel in a school environment.

Findings
The survey findings revealed that P8 “use of reliable technology”, P9 and P10 relating to leadership and people development, P12 “go and see for yourself” and P14 “continuous improvement” are generally perceived more important than the other LMPs and are also well implemented. On the contrary, P3 “use the ‘pull’ system” is considered the least important principle. The interview findings also offer insights into modifications of some LMPs for the facilities management (FM) sector.

Research limitations/implications
There are several limitations affecting this study. First, the research sample size was small. Only 30 respondents participated in this study. Second, as this study is one of the first to explore the applicability of lean in FM, there is no consensus on how to define lean, which means that the LMPs could be interpreted in many ways.

Originality/value
The adoption of lean in FM can potentially optimize the value of the school organization. It is recommended that more research be conducted, resulting in a more holistic and representative study of the applicability of lean FM.
Evaluation of the adaptive reuse potential of historic buildings and proposition of preventive-protective measures
Authors: Sharifi Ali Asghar , Farahinia Amir Hossein 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThis study aims to render a pattern for heritage restoration in the context of reusing historic buildings, to assist the authorities with decision-making process on the most appropriate time during the building’s life cycle. Here, the adaptive reuse potential (ARP) model is used to find the most appropriate time for adaptive reuse and calculating the useful life as well as the potentiality of the Amir Nezam House so a viable solution can be put forward.Design/methodology/approachIn this research, a quantitative and qualitative method is adopted to evaluate the useful life and potentiality of the Amir Nezam House of Tabriz to determine the most appropriate time for next intervention.FindingsResults show that the potential (ARP score) of the Amir Nezam House is increasing, the value of which will be greater than 50 percent by the next few years. Evaluations show that the most appropriate time for further intervention is the year 2035.Originality/valueThe significance of this research lies within the objective of proposing a preventive and protective schedule for historic buildings before they reach their life expectancy with an emphasis on environmental, economic, social and functional sustainability as well as environmental impacts. ARP model has been applied to implement this concept in the Amir Nezam House, Tabriz, Iran.
Fabric defect detection method based on cascaded low-rank decomposition
Authors: Li Chunlei , Liu Chaodie , Liu Zhoufeng , Yang Ruimin , Huang Yun 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on the design of automated fabric defect detection based on cascaded low-rank decomposition and to maintain high quality control in textile manufacturing.Design/methodology/approachThis paper proposed a fabric defect detection algorithm based on cascaded low-rank decomposition. First, the constructed Gabor feature matrix is divided into a low-rank matrix and sparse matrix using low-rank decomposition technique, and the sparse matrix is used as priori matrix where higher values indicate a higher probability of abnormality. Second, we conducted the second low-rank decomposition for the constructed texton feature matrix under the guidance of the priori matrix. Finally, an improved adaptive threshold segmentation algorithm was adopted to segment the saliency map generated by the final sparse matrix to locate the defect regions.FindingsThe proposed method was evaluated on the public fabric image databases. By comparing with the ground-truth, the average detection rate of 98.26% was obtained and is superior to the state-of-the-art.Originality/valueThe cascaded low-rank decomposition was first proposed and applied into the fabric defect detection. The quantitative value shows the effectiveness of the detection method. Hence, the proposed method can be used for accurate defect detection and automated analysis system.
Interactive Network Branding: demonstrating the importance of firm representatives for small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging markets
Authors: Koporcic Nikolina 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore Interactive Network Branding (INB) in an emerging market (EM) context while focusing on the importance of firm representatives for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The INB corresponds to the process of interpersonal interaction which results in corporate identity and reputation creation that SMEs ultimately use to influence their network positions.Design/methodology/approachThis single case study presents four Croatian SMEs embedded in a business network. A research model of INB serves as an analytical tool for analyzing the phenomenon in its context. The key unit of analysis is an SME represented by its manager(s).FindingsContrary to large multinational firms that have financial capabilities for branding departments and recruitment of brand managers, SMEs in EMs tend to focus more on creating long-term relationships with their fundamental business partners. Through INB and interactions between firm representatives, corporate branding becomes an inherent part of networking. Thus, the study acknowledges the importance of INB, being implemented through firm representatives, as it plays a crucial role in the survival and success of SMEs in the EM context.Research limitations/implicationsBased on the chosen research approach and the focus on the Croatian EM, the findings might lack generalizability. Hence, further research is necessary to examine the applicability of INB in different empirical contexts.Practical implicationsThis paper provides implications for practitioners coping with networking and branding processes of SMEs that are operating in fast-changing EMs.Originality/valueThis study provides a deeper understanding of INB while focusing on the importance of firm representatives and their interactions that have an influence on the networking and branding processes of all the parties involved.
“Don't ever change”? Cultural heritage and social development in “timeless” Luang Prabang
Authors: Wilcox Phill 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThis paper considers discourses of preservation in a UNESCO World Heritage Site in a context of a country that pursues an ambitious agenda of development. It argues for a lived contradiction between Luang Prabang, marketed as a timeless, beautiful city of heritage and the rest of Laos, a desperately poor country in dire need of urgent development. It argues that this paradox is enacted by locals and visitors in Luang Prabang.Design/methodology/approachResearched through fifteen months ethnography in and around the heritage zone of central Luang Prabang, data collection included participant observation and around a dozen interviews with local residents (both domestic and international).FindingsThis research demonstrates that because the heritage centre of Luang Prabang cannot develop in the same way as the rest of Laos in view of the focus on preservation, its heritage zone will further become an island of idealised past as the country develops fast around it.Research limitations/implicationsThis raises important questions about agendas of preservation and development, how these intersect and conflict. This is particularly relevant in countries that are subject to fast track development, including from China.Originality/valueThe paper is an updated attempt to consider heritage in Luang Prabang, particularly in an emergent context.