bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combination rituximab and intravenous immunoglobulin for treatment of refractory vasculitic neuropathy: a case series
Authors: Lima Kaitlin , Tavee Jinny , Dua Anisha 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objective
Limited evidence exists to guide treatment of refractory vasculitic neuropathy. While rituximab (RTX) and IVIG have both been proposed as individual treatment options for these patients, combination therapy has never been reported.

Methods
Written informed consent was obtained from three patients with refractory vasculitic neuropathy who were treated with combination RTX and IVIG. Their electronic medical records were reviewed and clinical and functional outcomes were reported.

Results
Two male patients with non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy and one male patient with granulomatosis with polyangiitis were treated with combination RTX and IVIG therapy. All three patients demonstrated clinical improvement with at least partial functional recovery and a reduction in corticosteroid dose. This combination was generally well tolerated.

Conclusions
Combination RTX and IVIG therapy may be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with refractory vasculitic neuropathy. Further studies are needed to better characterize the risks and benefits of this combination.
Vibrational resonance in a driven two-level quantum system, linear and nonlinear response
Authors: Paul Shibashis , Shankar Ray Deb 
Published: January 2021

We consider a two-level quantum system interacting with two classical time-periodic electromagnetic fields. The frequency of one of the fields far exceeds that of the other. The effect of the high-frequency field can be averaged out of the dynamics to realize an effective transition frequency of the field-dressed two-level system. We examine the linear response, second harmonic response and Stokes and anti-Stokes Raman response of the dressed two-level system, to the weak frequency field. The vibrational resonance enhancement in each case is demonstrated for optimal strength of the high-frequency field. Our theoretical scheme is corroborated by full numerical simulation of the two-level, two-field dynamics governed by loss-free Bloch equations. We suggest that quantum optics can offer an interesting arena for the study of the vibrational resonance.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Vibrational and stochastic resonance in driven nonlinear systems (part 1)’.
Delay-induced resonance suppresses damping-induced unpredictability
Authors: Coccolo M. , Cantisán J. , Seoane J. M. , Rajasekar S. , Sanjuán M. A. F. 
Published: January 2021

Combined effects of the damping and forcing in the underdamped time-delayed Duffing oscillator are considered in this paper. We analyse the generation of a certain damping-induced unpredictability due to the gradual suppression of interwell oscillations. We find the minimal amount of the forcing amplitude and the right forcing frequency to revert the effect of the dissipation, so that the interwell oscillations can be restored, for different time delay values. This is achieved by using the delay-induced resonance, in which the time delay replaces one of the two periodic forcings present in the vibrational resonance. A discussion in terms of the time delay of the critical values of the forcing for which the delay-induced resonance can tame the dissipation effect is finally carried out.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Vibrational and stochastic resonance in driven nonlinear systems (part 1)’.
Adaptive stochastic resonance in bistable system driven by noisy NLFM signal: phenomenon and application
Authors: Yang Chen , Yang Jianhua , Zhou Dengji , Zhang Shuai , Litak Grzegorz 
Published: January 2021

The stochastic resonance (SR) in a bistable system driven by nonlinear frequency modulation (NLFM) signal and strong noise is studied. Combined with empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and piecewise idea, an adaptive piecewise re-scaled SR method based on the optimal intrinsic mode function (IMF), is proposed to enhance the weak NLFM signal. At first, considering the advantages of EMD for dealing with non-stationary signals, the segmented NLFM signal is processed by EMD. Meanwhile, the cross-correlation coefficient is used as the measure to select the optimal IMF that contains the NLFM signal feature. Then, the spectral amplification gain indicator is proposed to realize the adaptive SR of the optimal IMF of each sub-segment signal and reconstruct the enhanced NLFM signal. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is highlighted with the analysis of the short-time Fourier transform spectrum of the simulation results. As an application example, the proposed method is verified adaptability in bearing fault diagnosis under the speed-varying condition that represents a typical and complicated NLFM signal in mechanical engineering. The research provides a new way for the enhancement of weak non-stationary signals.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Vibrational and stochastic resonance in driven nonlinear systems (part 1)’.
Evolution of the cytochrome-bdtype oxygen reductase superfamily and the function of cydAA’ in Archaea
Authors: Murali Ranjani , Gennis Robert B. , Hemp James 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCytochromebd-type oxygen reductases (cytbd) belong to one of three enzyme superfamilies that catalyze oxygen reduction to water. They are widely distributed in Bacteria and Archaea, but the full extent of their biochemical diversity is unknown. Here we used phylogenomics to identify 3 families and several subfamilies within the cytbd superfamily. The core architecture shared by all members of the superfamily consists of four transmembrane helices that bind two active site hemes, which are responsible for oxygen reduction. While previously characterized cytochromebd-type oxygen reductases use quinol as an electron donor to reduce oxygen, sequence analysis shows that only one of the identified families has a conserved quinol binding site. The other families are missing this feature, suggesting that they use an alternative electron donor. Multiple gene duplication events were identified within the superfamily, resulting in significant evolutionary and structural diversity. The CydAA’ cytbd, found exclusively in Archaea, is formed by the co-association of two superfamily paralogs. We heterologously expressed CydAA’ fromCaldivirga maquilingensisand demonstrated that it performs oxygen reduction with quinol as an electron donor. Strikingly, CydAA’ is the first isoform of cytbd containing onlyb-type hemes shown to be active when isolated, demonstrating that oxygen reductase activity in this superfamily is not dependent on hemed.
Towards a mathematical understanding of colonization resistance in multispecies microbial communities
Authors: Gjini Erida , Madec Sten 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTMicrobial community composition and dynamics are key to health and disease. Explaining the forces generating and shaping diversity in the microbial consortia making up our body’s defenses is a major aim of current research in microbiology. For this, tractable models are needed, that bridge the gap between observations of patterns and underlying mechanisms. While most microbial dynamics models are based on the Lotka-Volterra framework, we still do not have an analytic quantity for colonization resistance, by which a microbial system’s fitness as a whole can be understood. Here, inspired by an epidemiological perspective, we propose a rather general modeling framework whereby colonization resistance can be clearly mathematically defined and studied. In our model,Nsimilar species interact with each other through a co-colonization interaction network encompassing pairwise competition and cooperation, abstractly mirroring how organisms effectively modify their micro-scale environment in relation to others. This formulation relies on a generic notion of shared resources between members of a consortium, yielding explicit frequency-dependent dynamics amongNspecies, in the form of a replicator equation, and offering a precise definition of colonization resistance. We demonstrate that colonization resistance arises and evolves naturally in a multispecies system as a collective quadratic term in a replicator equation, describing dynamic mean invasion fitness. Each pairwise invasion growth rate between two ecological partners,, is derived explicitly from species asymmetries and mean traits. This makes the systemic colonization resistancealso an emergent function of global mean-field parameters and trait variation architecture, weighted by the evolving relative abundances among species. In particular, if the underlying invasion fitness matrix Λ displaysspecies-specific‘invasiveness’ or ‘invasibility’ structure, colonization resistance will be insensitive to mean micro-scale cooperation or competition. However, in general, colonization resistance depends on and may undergo critical transitions with changes in mean ‘environment’, e.g. cooperation and growth level in a community. We illustrate several key links between our proposed measure of colonization resistance and invader success, including sensitivity to timing, and to the intrinsic pairwise invasion architecture of the resident community. Our simulations reveal thatsymmetricandinvader-drivenmutual invasion among resident species tend to maximize systemic colonization resistance to outsiders, when compared toresident-driven, anti-symmetric, almost anti-symmetricandrandomΛ structures. We contend this modeling approach is a powerful new avenue to study, test and validate interaction networks and invasion topologies in diverse microbial consortia, and quantify analytically their role in colonization resistance, system function, and invasibility.
Digital supply chain to unlock new agility: a TISM approach
Authors: Choudhury Akanksha , Behl Abhishek , Sheorey Pratima Amol , Pal Abhinav 
Published: January 2021

PurposeTraditional supply chain arrangements have failed to keep up with escalating customer demands and breakthrough innovations. The way forward is a flexible yet innovative network that leverages ecosystem partners and digital tools to unlock new agility. The paper aims at identifying and analyzing numerous critical success factors (CSFs) that may improve the efficiency of a digital supply chain.Design/methodology/approachTwelve CSFs are identified in this paper through an extensive literature survey. Expert opinion has been considered and the hierarchical structure built using total interpretative structural modeling (TISM) which highlights the interdependencies between these CSFs. Cross-impact matrix multiplication (MICMAC) is used to determine the driving and dependence power of each factor.FindingsThis study identified 12 CSFs through an extensive literature survey. The ISM model resulted in six different levels beginning from redesign organization at the bottom of the structure. The TISM model explained why redesigning the organization is pivotal to bringing about novel agility in the supply chain. MICMAC analysis confirmed that the following enhanced the success of a digital supply chain: Sales and Operation Planning Strategies, Strategic Sourcing Techniques, Smart Manufacturing Processes and Warehouse Management.Research limitations/implicationsVarious other components contributing to the 12 CSFs identified in this paper may be discovered and detailed in future research. Additionally, further research is required to expand the existing technology-based services structural model to a more empirical form.Practical implicationsThis study offers a comprehensive but not exhaustive list of CSFs essential to digital supply chain growth. It will enable market experts and leaders to concentrate on key factors leading to tactical decisions and maximum value for firms.Originality/valueThe paper seeks to add to the body of knowledge on real digitally-led supply chain transformation, which is still in its early stages. This study is one of the first, if not the first, to examine success factors critical to the improvement of the performance of the supply chain. It lays the foundation for further research in this field.
Family incivility, burnout and job satisfaction: examining the mediation effect
Authors: Paul V Maria Tresita , Aboobaker Nimitha , N Uma Devi 
Published: January 2021

PurposeDrawing from the work-home resources model and the conservation of resources theory, this study examines the potential of family incivility in instigating burnout and reduced job satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed structured questionnaires to collect data from a sample of 290 doctors working in tertiary care hospitals across India. Measurement modeling was done using IBM AMOS 23.0 and PROCESS macro was employed for hypothesis testing.FindingsThe study revealed that family incivility has a positive spillover effect on burnout, subsequently leading to lowered levels of job satisfaction. Furthermore, burnout mediated the aforementioned relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is cross-sectional, and a longitudinal study will help test more rigorously; the causal relationships between the focal variables are recommended. Self-report data pose limitations concerning common method bias. Data collected from different occupations and cultures would help with further generalizability of the results.Practical implicationsThis study establishes that incivility within the family can negatively affect various vital work outcomes. Accordingly, it is recommended for organizations to support employees to achieve improved work-family integration. Further research should explore various coping strategies that will help with mitigating these spillover effects.Social implicationsThis study offers a new perspective on the negative effect of family interactions on work-domain outcomes.Originality/valueThe paper extends the scholarly literature on stress and work-family interface by demonstrating that family incivility has spillover effects. This is the pioneering study that examines family incivility as a home demand causing long-term severe damages at work.
Facing a global crisis - how sustainable business models helped firms overcome COVID
Authors: Mattera Marina , Soto Gonzalez Federico , Alba Ruiz-Morales Carmen , Gava Luana 
Published: January 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to analyse how implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies following United Nations’ Global Compact (UNGC) guidelines can contribute to firm’s performance during a global crisis, such as the case of COVID-19. Based on the triple bottom line theoretical framework, this work explores the relation between the creation of value and sustainable business models with long-term strategies and strong policy commitments, and their performance in the stock market years later during a crisis. By doing so, new insights on strategic management to create value and consolidate sustainable business models are provided.

Design/methodology/approach
The present study analyses firms within the context of the European Union, considering the involvement of the region in achieving sustainable development. In particular, the long-term impact in the usage of the UNGC management model and the firm's sustainability performance based on the results during COVID-19 crisis. To achieve this goal, energy firms operating in Spain and subscribing to UNGC were evaluated, specifically those publicly listed in the IBEX35, benchmark index of Spain's Stock Market Interconnection System. In addition, firms were also considered regarding the strong impact within their industries not only nationally but also worldwide.

Findings
Findings show long-term CSR strategies and a strong commitment to sustainable development contribute to firm’s overcoming periods of economic crisis. In addition, considering the environmental impact of the firms’ actions, transition to sustainable business and widening portfolio in the case of energy firms proved to have a positive impact in overcoming a hard context such as COVID-19. The virtuous cycle can be created by honouring the social contract, yet the tools and management models shall be further tailored to ensure an effective win-win situation.

Originality/value
This study evaluates a company's strategic involvement in sustainability, considering the UNGC 10 principles and SDG and the effects of these strategies in the long-term. Specifically, the role of UNGC management model is evaluated in designing effective policies that can help firms better overcome a context of crisis such as COVID-19. Consequently, researchers studying business strategy can incorporate the findings in strategic planning. Practitioners can learn the implications of CSR strategic planning in the long-term. Moreover, work illustrates corporate results in sustainability matters after the first decade of the UNGC management model and the impact of a crisis context.
Does board gender enhance Palestinian firm performance? The moderating role of corporate social responsibility
Authors: Saleh Mohammed W.A. , Zaid Mohammad A.A. , Shurafa Rabee , Maigoshi Zaharaddeen Salisu , Mansour Marwan , Zaid Ahmed 
Published: January 2021

Purpose
This study aims to examine how the salient board gender diversity among board directors affects firm performance both directly and indirectly, through the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in listed firms on the Palestine Stock Exchange over the period 2010–2017.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on panel data of 384 observations from all firms listed on the Palestine Security Exchange during the period from 2010 to 2017, this study uses panel data regression to examine the effect of the predictors on firm performance. In addition, to mitigate the endogeneity issue, the analysis was repeated by using one-step generalized method of moments.

Findings
The results show that board gender diversity has a positive and insignificant influence on firm performance. However, under the moderating effect of CSR, the finding turns from positive insignificant to positive significant.

Originality/value
The study is timely given that gender diversity plays pivotal roles in determining the performance in terms of monitoring and controlling and further willing to engage in social responsibility. The prior research in Palestine has never investigated the effect of board gender diversity. As such, Palestine has not established a legal quota of minimum female representation on boards, and because of it, the country has weak women’s representation among firms. It, therefore, becomes a necessity to examine the influence of board gender diversity on the financial performance of listed firms in Palestine. Besides, the mixed result in previous literature on the board gender diversity and firm performance indicates that there is an indirect effect that needs alternative explanations.
Should spokes-characters be dynamic? The interaction effects of spokes-character dynamism and brand personality on consumers’ evaluation
Authors: Zhang Ning , Yu Liqin , Tsang Alex S.L. , Zhou Nan 
Published: January 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the interaction effects of spokes-character dynamism (high vs low) and brand personality (sincere vs competent) on consumers’ evaluation and the mediating role of processing fluency.

Design/methodology/approach
Two experiments were conducted to test the hypotheses. Study 1 establishes the interaction effect between evoked spokes-character dynamism and brand personality on brand trust and examines the mediating role of processing fluency. By introducing a control group and using purchase intention as the dependent variable, Study 2 further extends the results of Study 1.

Findings
The results of Studies 1 and 2 show that for sincere brands, spokes-characters with high dynamic imagery contribute to significantly higher consumer evaluation than the control group and the group of spokes-characters with low dynamic imagery. However, for competent brands, spokes-characters with low dynamic imagery contribute to significantly higher consumer evaluation than the control group and the group of spokes-characters with high dynamic imagery. In addition, processing fluency mediates the interaction effect between evoked spokes-character dynamism and brand personality on consumers’ evaluation.

Research limitations/implications
The studies considered only one method, “frozen motion,” to evoke perceived movement. Further studies using other methods are needed to allow for generalization.

Practical implications
The discerning use of dynamic imagery in spokes-character design involving advertisements may aid marketers in maximizing spokes-characters’ effect on consumers’ evaluation.

Originality/value
The perceived movement of spokes-characters is integrated into the cognition of brand personality. Marketers should take into account how the match between spokes-character dynamism and brand personality may influence consumers’ evaluation of the brand.
Analysis of human behavior in case of fire inside a high-rise building: effect of risk perception and Individual's location
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Yaser , Kariminia Shahab 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThe main purpose of this research is to achieve the evacuation strategy of people in high-rise office buildings. This purpose is achieved by identifying the individuals' behaviors during a fire accident and the relationship between these behaviors and their risk perception.Design/methodology/approachThe method of this study is mixed-methods type. The first stage was carried out using the qualitative method and descriptive phenomenology and the analyses were done using the Colaizzi method, and the second stage was carried out using the quantitative method of field descriptive survey type whose analyses were conducted through SPSS software.FindingsThe results reveal that the individuals attempting evacuation from the upper floors above the fire level were mostly injured and the ones who remained in the building and got help from fire fighters were rescued. At the end, the study goes on to suggest the stay-in-place approach with regards to the behaviors formed in individuals, closed plan of architectural design, lack of suitable fire extinguishers as well as inappropriate individual trainings.Research limitations/implicationsLack of similar research in the field of fire in Iran caused bottlenecks such as lack of cooperation of relevant organizations in the path of the research. Another factor that limited the present research was the determination of people trapped in fire. In this case, those who were present in the incident had to be chosen and the questionnaire was completed based on their opinions. This limited the research for reasons such as the relocation of some people from buildings or their death.Practical implicationsThe practical results of this research can be used in reviewing the rules and regulations of high-rise building fire code. By properly compiling the regulations of high-rise building codes based on this research, human injuries in fire hazards can be greatly prevented. Due to the collapse of the Plasco building in Iran and the creation of inappropriate memories in the minds of people of high-rise buildings, with the construction of buildings based on the rules and regulations in accordance with the fire code, the construction market as well as the sale and purchase of such buildings will flourish and numerous financial and job turnovers are created in the field of this type of buildings.Originality/valueThis study is innovative in determining appropriate evacuation strategy that are related to the individuals' risk perception in high-rise buildings, as well as achieving results to review the rules and regulations of high-rise office buildings based on the high-rise building fire code.