bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unsupervised weights selection for optimal transport based dataset integration
Authors: Fouché Aziz , Zinovyev Andrei 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA formulation of the dataset integration problem describes the task of aligning two or more empirical distributions sampled from sources of the same kind, so that records of similar object end up close to one another. We propose a variant of the optimal transport (OT)- and Gromov-Wasserstein (GW)-based dataset integration algorithm introduced in SCOT [Demetci et al., 2020]. We formulate a constrained quadratic program to adjust sample weights before OT or GW so that weighted point density is close to be uniform over the point cloud, for a given kernel. We test this method with one synthetic and two real-life datasets from single-cell biology. Weights adjustment allows distributions with similar effective supports but different local densities to be reliably integrated, which is not always the case with the original method. This approach is entirely unsupervised, scales well to thousands of samples and does not depend on dimensionality of the ambient space, which makes it efficient for the analysis of single-cell datasets in biology. We provide an open-source implementation of this method in a Python package, woti.
Neutralization potential of Covishield vaccinated individuals sera against B.1.617.1
Authors: Yadav Pragya D. , Sapkal Gajanan N. , Abraham Priya , Deshpande Gururaj , Nyayanit Dimpal A , Patil Deepak Y. , Gupta Nivedita , Sahay Rima R. , Shete Anita M. , Kumar Sanjay , Panda Samiran , Bhargava Balram 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCovishield comprises the larger proportion in the vaccination program in India. Hence, it is of utmost importance to understand neutralizing capability of vaccine against the B.1.617.1 variant which is considered to responsible for surge of the cases in India. The neutralizing-antibody (NAb) titer against B.1.167.1 and prototype B.1 variant (D614G) was determined of the vaccine sera (4 weeks after second dose) of COVID-19 naïve subjects (n=43) and COVID-19 recovered subjects (n=18). The results demonstrated that sera of COVID-19 recovered subjects (n=18) who received two doses of Covishield have higher NAb response compared to the COVID-19 naive with a significant difference (p<0.0001) in NAb titer against B.1 and B.1.617.1 In-spite of reduction in the neutralizing titer against B.1.617.1 variant; Covishield vaccine-induced antibodies are likely to be protective to limit the severity and mortality of the disease in the vaccinated individuals.
The Drosophila gene smoke alarm regulates nociceptor-epidermis interactions and thermal nociception behavior
Authors: Mauthner Stephanie E. , Fisher Katherine H. , Tracey W. Daniel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe detection and processing of noxious sensory input depends on the proper growth and function of nociceptor sensory neurons in the peripheral nervous system. In Drosophila melanogaster, the class IV (cIV) multidendritic dendritic arborization (md-da) neurons detect noxious stimuli through their highly branched dendrites that innervate the epidermis of the larval body wall. Here, we describe requirements of a previously uncharacterized gene named smoke alarm (smal), a discoidin domain receptor, in cIV md-da dendrite morphogenesis and nociception behavior. We find that smal mutant larvae exhibit thermal hyperalgesia that is fully rescued with a BAC transgene containing smal. Consistent with this phenotype, a smal reporter gene was expressed in nociceptors and other peripheral sensory neurons. Smal::GFP protein localized to punctate structures throughout the cIV md-da neurons. We further show that smal loss-of-function results in reduced nociceptor dendrite branching. Interestingly, mammalian homologues of smal act as collagen receptors, and we find that smal mutant dendrites showed an increase in epidermal cell ensheathment relative to animals that are wild type for smal. Based on this phenotype we propose that Smal protein function is required for attachment of dendrites to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the loss of this activity results in thermal hyperalgesia.
Perception of soft materials relies on physics-based object representations: Behavioral and computational evidence
Authors: Bi Wenyan , Shah Aalap D. , Wong Kimberly W. , Scholl Brian , Yildirim Ilker 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWhen encountering objects, we readily perceive not only low-level properties (e.g., color and orientation), but also seemingly higher-level ones – including aspects of physics (e.g., mass). Perhaps nowhere is this contrast more salient than in the perception of soft materials such as cloths: the dynamics of these objects (including how their three-dimensional forms vary) are determined by their physical properties such as stiffness, elasticity, and mass. Here we hypothesize that the perception of cloths and their physical properties must involve not only image statistics, but also abstract object representations that incorporate ”intuitive physics”. We provide behavioral and computational evidence for this hypothesis. We find that humans can visually match the stiffness of cloths with unfamiliar textures from the way they undergo natural transformations (e.g. flapping in the wind) across different scenarios. A computational model that casts cloth perception as mental physics simulation explains important aspects of this behavior.
The transformative leadership compass: six competencies for digital transformation entrepreneurship
Authors: Schiuma Giovanni , Schettini Eva , Santarsiero Francesco , Carlucci Daniela 
Published: May 2021

PurposeIn the digital age, companies require leaders to foster digital transformation entrepreneurship, i.e. the organisational attitude and orientation of the creation of a new business or the development of an existing business by having at the core or embracing digital transformation as the continuous development and application of digital knowledge for companies' value creation. This paper identifies six critical competencies distinguishing the transformative leadership profile supporting enterprises' digital transformation development.Design/methodology/approachThe paper, through a critical literature review focussing on three research streams, i.e. wise, transformative and digital leadership, addresses the following research question: What competencies characterise a digital transformative leader promoting and encouraging digital transformation entrepreneurship? Methodologically, first, explorative analysis of the literature has been carried out exploring the role and relevance of leadership in driving companies' digital transformation. Second, focussing on the three leadership perspectives, wise, transformative and digital, the critical features distinguishing each view have been identified. A set of hypotheses has been formulated to develop a framework to profile a digital transformative leader. In the third stage, the framework of the digital transformative leadership compass has been developed.FindingsThe paper profiles the digital transformative leader, a critical figure in companies competing in the digital age to nurture digital transformation entrepreneurship. Six specific competencies are synthesised and proposed throughout the transformative leadership compass. It is presented as an interpretative framework helpful to understand what affects the organisational culture and behaviours driving digital transformation. The proposed model defines theoretical foundations to operationalise an assessment framework and developing empirical research about leadership characteristics hampering and enabling successful companies' digital transformation.Originality/valueThe study proposes a novel framework based upon a critical analysis of the leadership literature. Combining insights gathered from the literature review on transformative, wise and digital leadership, the need for nurturing a transformative digital leadership allowing enterprises to stay competitive and able to change and adapt to the scenario's evolution emerged. Accordingly, the paper defines the digital transformative leader as a leadership profile sustaining organisational and digital transformation. The transformative leadership compass is proposed as a model to outline the critical competencies distinguishing a digital transformative leader capable of driving continuous company innovation and specifically digital transformation entrepreneurship.
The influential factors and consequences of knowledge sharing for expatriates
Authors: Wu Wann-Yih , Lee Li-Yueh , Quynh Phan Nhu Vo , Qomariyah Alfiyatul , Nguyen Phuoc-Thien 
Published: May 2021

PurposeAs the dynamic competition in the global marketplace becomes increasingly severe, multinational firms have no choice but to improve their competitive advantages and enhance productivity through innovation, learning and leadership. One essential issue is the capability of expatriates to support knowledge sharing and transfer from organizations headquarter to their subsidiaries through expatriates; however, there are few studies on this issue. This study attempts to identify the antecedents, consequences and moderators of knowledge sharing.Design/methodology/approachUsing a questionnaire survey approach, data were obtained from 234 expatriates working for Taiwanese multinational enterprises. The hypotheses were tested by SmartPLS 3.0.FindingsThe empirical results indicate that opportunity and ability have a significant impact on expatriates' knowledge sharing. Trust, commitment and social capital also have significant influences on expatriates' collecting and donating of knowledge. The level of tacitness, specificity and complexity of knowledge have a negatively impact on knowledge sharing. Knowledge collecting can positively promote the outcome of knowledge sharing, including learning and growth, internal process, customer satisfaction, and financial performance. Furthermore, organizational support and the richness of transmission channels served as two of the moderators that can amplify the influences of the antecedents on knowledge sharing and the influences of knowledge sharing on outcomes.Originality/valueThe results of this study can provide valuable references for academicians and professionals when deciding how to facilitate knowledge transfer from the company headquarters to subsidiaries through expatriates.
Business process management and risk-adjusted performance in SMEs
Authors: Gošnik Dušan , Stubelj Igor 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the relationship between business process management (BPM) and company performance. The research focuses on the instrumental aspect of core business processes and its controlling activities in small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) to identify the relationship to company performance.Design/methodology/approachThe results presented in this paper are based on a survey of Slovene SMEs. A questionnaire was distributed to 3007 SMEs via e-mail and a response rate of 5.42% was achieved. The financial data of companies over a six year period as derived from the publicly available financial reports of SMEs along with an industry-specific financial risk measure and other financial data were used for the company risk-adjusted performance measures of relative residual income (ROE-r) and risk-adjusted ROE (ROE-a) calculation.FindingsThe results show that instrumental aspects of core business process controlling activities are related to risk-adjusted company performance measures ROE-rand ROE-a. Companies with lower ROE-rand ROE-a have been perceived to be more focused on the instrumental aspect of BPM. Presumably due to the small sample, the results of a non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test did not statistically confirm the developed hypothesis: “the instrumental aspect of controlling as a core process management activity has a statistically significant impact on company risk-adjusted performance measures such as ROE-rand ROE-a.” Despite this, the results show a possible negative correlation between risk-adjusted performance measures and BPM, which opens possibilities for further research.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of the purposed study model is that the paper have studied only control activities of core business processes and relate it to company risk-adjusted performance measures. The study has been limited by the SME sample and the use of a survey as a research instrument. An additional limitation of the research is the degree of reliability implied by the assumptions of the models used to estimate the required return on equity and risk. Results concern investors, managers and practitioners to start BPM improvement initiatives, to set BPM priority measures and to set priority management decisions and further actions.Originality/valueThis paper presents the unique findings from an investigation of the instrumental aspects of BPM practices and their relationship to company risk-adjusted performance measures in SMEs. This paper developed a measurement instrument for measuring the instrumental aspects of BPM use. An additional original contribution is the use of company risk-adjusted performance measures such as ROE-rand ROE-a, which take into account the required profitability of companies in different industries according to the risk and allows comparable results of companies from different industries. The approach is innovative and interesting as regards researching the factors that affect the profitability of companies that operate in different industries.
Designing successful business strategies for private public partnerships: an ontological approach
Authors: Papagiannis Fragkoulis , Gazzola Patrizia , Slavata David , Grechi Daniele 
Published: May 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present an innovative approach for the strategic design of public–private partnerships (PPP) and private finance initiatives (PFI) based on ontology.

Design/methodology/approach
Adopting a historic approach, it introduces a posteriori knowledge, deriving from the scheme’s stakeholders at the construction and implementation phase of PPPs. Continuous failures of these collaboration schemes and initiatives underline the necessity for a novel project structure. The conceptual argument is based both on empirical and epistemological approaches. It integrates the value-added (VA) of the ontological theory in the PPP/PFI business strategy.

Findings
The research emphasises contemporary design gaps of their current structure and proposes an ontological redesign. The proposed redesign produces a conceptually innovative scheme, which enhances the VA business strategies and their objectives to the structure of these collaborating schemes.

Practical implications
The ontological design of this paper is useful for academics and business consultants around the world and especially in Europe for the successful growth and development of such dynamic collaborations.

Originality/value
Enterprise ontology bridges conceptual and structural gaps of strategic objectives, which are primarily responsible for the failures of PPP collaboration.
Reciprocal plant‐mediated antagonism between a legume plant virus and soil rhizobia
Authors: Basu Saumik , Clark Robert E. , Blundell Robert , Casteel Clare L. , Charlton Akaisha M. , Crowder David W. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Beneficial plant‐associated soil microbes can promote plant tolerance to stress and promote nutrient uptake. Yet, the benefits of microbes for plant health can be altered by above‐ground stressors like herbivores and pathogens. However, few studies have assessed reciprocal plant‐mediated interactions between beneficial soil microbes and multiple above‐ground stressors.

We assessed if soil rhizobia influenced complex interactions among pea host plants, a vector herbivore (aphids) and a plant virus (Pea enation mosaic virus, PEMV). We also examined how aphids and PEMV affected the function of soil rhizobia.

We show that plants attacked by PEMV produced fewer root nodules and had lower fresh root nodule biomass per g of fresh plant root biomass, and decreased expression of genes associated with nodulation, suggesting PEMV inhibited nitrogen fixation by rhizobia. However, soil rhizobia decreased aphid abundance and PEMV titre on host plants, such that rhizobia decreased the susceptibility of plants to herbivores and pathogens.

Assays of amino acids, and gene expression related to hormone signalling, show interactions among rhizobia, plants, aphids and PEMV were mediated by plant defence and nutrients. Viruliferous aphids induced salicylic acid in plants, and salicylic acid suppressed the function of rhizobia. Aphids feeding on plants grown in rhizobia‐inoculated soil also obtained fewer essential amino acids than those feeding on plants grown in un‐inoculated sterilized soil.

Mutually antagonistic plant‐mediated interactions between soil microbes and above‐ground stressors affected plant susceptibility and herbivore nutrient uptake. This suggests ecological effects of soil microbes and above‐ground stressors for plant health will likely vary based on multi‐trophic plant‐mediated interactions among herbivores, pathogens and soil microbes.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Do baseline AMH levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome predict ovulation rate and time to ovulation: a secondary analysis of PCOSAct trial?
Authors: Wu Q , Li J , Ng EHY , Liu J‐P , Mol BWJ , Wu X‐K , Wang CC ,   PCOSAct Study Group
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveTo assess the association of baseline anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels with ovulation, time to ovulation and fertility outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) receiving clomiphene citrate (CC) and compare this with placebo.DesignSecondary analysis of the PCOSAct trial (NCT01573858).Setting27 trial centres in mainland China.Population or sample1000 infertile women with PCOS receiving either CC or placebo.MethodsBaseline serum AMH was measured and analysed as a continuous and as a categorical variable. Interaction between AMH and CC was tested. Predictive values of AMH for ovulation, time to ovulation and fertility outcomes were assessed.Main outcome measuresOvulation and time to ovulation.Results900 baseline AMH data were available for analysis. There were no significant interactions with ovulation or conception for AMH and CC treatment (P = 0.782 and 0.419, respectively). Women in the upper quartile of AMH >15.88 ng/ml had significant lower ovulation (odds ratio [OR] 0.34, 95% CI 0.20–0.58) and conception rates (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.42–1.00) compared with women in the lower quartile. Associations of AMH with clinical pregnancy (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.95–1.01) and live birth (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96–1.01) were not significant. Ovulation rate increased until baseline AMH levels ≥7.0 ng/ml in women treated with CC but decreased when AMH increased in women with placebo. When AMH <7.0 ng/ml, an AMH threshold at 4.11 ng/ml predicted ovulation in women receiving CC (area under the curve [AUC] 0.64, 95% CI 0.42–0.86), with a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 62%, whereas prediction was poor for AMH ≥7.0 ng/ml (AUC 0.38, 95% CI 0.28–0.47). Median time to ovulation was 35 days in the lower quartile for women with placebo but this was significantly prolonged up to 98 days in the upper quartile. CC significantly shortened the time to ovulation up to 56 days.ConclusionsAmong women with PCOS, high baseline AMH levels were associated with a 20.1% lower chance of ovulation with a 63‐day longer time to ovulation. AMH can predict ovulation only when the baseline AMH level was <7.0 ng/ml in women with PCOS undergoing ovulation induction with CC.Tweetable abstractOvulation rate increased until baseline AMH levels ≥7.0 ng/ml in women treated with CC; a successful ovulation and time to ovulation was highly associated with baseline AMH level in these women.
Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children following prenatal exposure to antidepressants: results from the Norwegian mother, father and child cohort study
Authors: Lupattelli A , Mahic M , Handal M , Ystrom E , Reichborn‐Kjennerud T , Nordeng H 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveTo determine the association between child attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and prenatal exposure to selective serotonin (SSRI) and serotonin‐norepinephrine (SNRI) reuptake inhibitor antidepressants, by timing and duration, with quantification of bias due to exposure misclassification.DesignNorwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study and national health registries.SettingNationwide, Norway.PopulationA total of 6395 children born to women who reported depression/anxiety in pregnancy and were either medicated with SSRI/SNRI in pregnancy (n = 818) or non‐medicated (n = 5228), or did not report depression/anxiety but used antidepressants 6 months before pregnancy (discontinuers, n = 349).Main outcome measureDiagnosis of ADHD or filled prescription for ADHD medication in children, and mother‐reported symptoms of ADHD by child age 5 years.ResultsWhen the hazard was averaged over the duration of the study follow up, there was no difference in ADHD risk between ever in utero SSRI/SNRI‐exposed children and comparators (weighted hazard ratio [wHR] 1.07, 95% CI 0.76–1.51 versus non‐medicated; wHR 1.53, 95% CI 0.77–3.07 versus discontinuers). Underestimation of effects due to exposure misclassification was modest. In early childhood, the risk for ADHD was lower with prenatal SSRI/SNRI exposure compared with no exposure, and so were ADHD symptoms (weighted β −0.23, 95% CI −0.39 to −0.08); this risk became elevated at child age 7–9 years (wHR 1.93, 95% CI 1.22–3.05). Maternal depression/anxiety before pregnancy was independently associated with child ADHD.ConclusionPrenatal SSRI/SNRI exposure is unlikely to considerably increase the risk of child ADHD beyond that posed by maternal depression/anxiety. The elevated risk at child age 7–9 years needs to be elucidated.Tweetable abstractWomen with depression who use antidepressants in pregnancy do not have greater risk of having children with ADHD. Findings in school‐age children needs follow up.
Limiting the distortionary effects of transaction taxes: Scottish stamp duty after the Mirrlees Review
Authors: Borbely Daniel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe investigate the distortionary effects of transaction taxes through a case study of the Scottish residential property market. We make use of four sources of variation in transaction tax rates present in recent Scottish tax systems: (1) jumps in tax liabilities at tax thresholds; (2) jumps in marginal tax rates at thresholds; (3) a tax announcement that created temporary tax saving opportunities; and (4) a shift to a more progressive transaction tax regime. Our results indicate that market participants are highly responsive to tax changes and are willing to change the price and timing of transactions when tax savings opportunities are present. We also find that progressive reform had a significant positive effect on transaction activity in the market segment where tax rates were reduced. However, the higher end of the market, where tax rates increased, was mostly unaffected by progressive reform, with the exception of the market for very expensive properties, where a negative effect is identified. Implications of our findings are that if governments want to make transaction tax regimes more efficient, progressive taxation might be a good way to limit distortionary effects, whilst also encouraging transaction activity in the lower end of the market.